An Inside Scoop On the Best Seafood Restaurants in Chicago

Chicago might be landlocked, but it’s still home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the country. While Chicago is renowned for its most expensive restaurants, offering luxurious dining experiences, the city also caters to seafood lovers with exceptional, yet varied, price points. From the famous Calumet Fisheries with its award-winning smoked fish you can enjoy right in your car, to international flavors like the Grecian sea bream at Andros Taverna and the tangy Peruvian ceviche at Kayao, these eateries offer an array of ocean-inspired delights. Whether it’s a quick bite or an upscale dinner, the best seafood restaurants in Chicago bring a taste of the coast to the city, creating a dining experience that seafood lovers can’t miss.

Top Seafood Restaurants in Chicago: Where to Savor Fresh, Delicious Seafood

1. Mariscos San Pedro

• Location: 1227 W 18th St Chicago, Illinois 60608
• Hours of operation: Mon-Thu, Sun 5 -10 pm, Fri-Sat 5 – 11 pm, Wed: closed
• Price per person: $50–$100

Tucked inside Pilsen’s Thalia Hall, Mariscos San Pedro brings Mexican seafood straight from the chefs behind Obelix and Taqueria Chingon, two top spots in Chicago. And here’s the best part—you really can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. Just pick something; maybe try a dish from the wood-fired oven. It could be a savory tostada, a smoky bacon-wrapped octopus Sonoran dog, or perhaps tacos with crispy, beer-battered cod or the unique, squid-ink dyed soft shell crab on fresh tortillas. It’s a popular spot, so snag a reservation before heading over—this place gets packed.

2. Boston Fish Market

• Location: 1225 Forest Ave, Des Plaines 60018
• Hours of operation: Mon-Thu 8am-8pm, Fri-Sat 8am-9pm
• Price per person: $30-$50

Surprisingly, some of the freshest and best seafood in Chicago isn’t available in downtown—it’s out in the suburbs of Des Plaines and Wheeling at Boston Fish Market. Not just any marketplace, Boston Fish Market is one of the Midwest’s largest processors of whitefish and salmon, plus it serves as a popular restaurant too. The kitchen’s menu? Packed with options: mahi-mahi, Chilean sea bass, swordfish, and even Alaskan king crab legs. Many dishes come in Cajun-style too. And if the weather’s nice, be sure to grab a spot outside on their lively patio for the full experience.

3. Brown Bag Seafood Co.

• Location: 340 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
• Hours of operation: Mon-Sun 11am-9pm
• Price per person: $20-$30

If you’re after a healthy lunch or a quick, no-fuss dinner, Brown Bag Seafood Co. hits the mark. Known for fresh, satisfying fish dishes, it’s become a go-to spot with seven locations across Chicago. You get to choose your own meal style too—whether it’s grilled salmon, seared tuna, or curry-spiced fish cakes, served in tacos, over grains, or as a salad. Fried options? There’re some crispy goodness here too for a little treat.

4. Kayao

• Location: 1252 N Wells St Chicago, Illinois 60610
• Hours of operation: Mon-Thu 4 pm-9:30 pm, Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 11am-2:30 pm and 4pm-11pm, Sun 11am-2:30 pm and 4pm-9pm
• Price per person: $31 – $50

Kayao isn’t just about seafood, but the Peruvian seafood they offer might be among the best you’ll taste around Chicago. Their ceviches? Sharp and lively, soaking in tangy leche de tigre that’s so delicious you’ll be tempted to sip every last drop. Then there’s the tiradito, where the tuna melts on your tongue, somehow rich yet almost weightless, with a sprinkle of crisp quinoa that surprises with each bite. And if you’re lucky enough to try the pulpo parriellero, tender and smoky alongside zesty pickled potatoes, you may never look at a grilled octopus the same way again.

After enjoying Kayao’s vibrant Peruvian seafood, consider exploring more of Chicago’s cultural diversity with a visit to the city’s historic Chinatown. There is a lot to do in Chinatown, from shopping to dining on authentic Chinese cuisine.

5. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

• Location: River North (Chicago)
• Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday, Sun11:30 am–9:30 pm Fri, Sat11:30 am–10:00 pm
• Price: $50 and over

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is the result of a special partnership between Lettuce Entertain You and the renowned Joe’s Stone Crab located in Miami Beach. This place serves up a rich selection of seafood flown in fresh each day, including the iconic Florida Stone Crab claws. And it doesn’t stop there—prime steaks, like the 24 oz. Bone-In RibEye, are carved by skilled butchers. Pair it all with Joe’s classic sides, and maybe finish off with some key lime pie for the full experience.

6. Shaw’s Crab House

• Location: 21 E Hubbard St, Chicago 60611
• Hours of operation: Main Dining Room: Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2pm, Sat noon-4pm; Dinner Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10 pm; Fri, Sat 5 pm-11pm; Sun 5 pm-10 pm; Brunch Sun 10am-1:30pm
• Price per person: Average main course: $30

Shaw’s Crab House stands out as a busy seafood spot that offers both classic dishes and sushi. The menu features a great selection, including fresh salmon, sweet crab, and tender Alaskan crab legs. If you’re there for brunch, you’ll love the five buffet stations. Choices include chilled seafood salads, hearty breakfast options, a waffle and omelet bar, and even a carving station. Conveniently located on the Chicago shoreline by Lake Michigan, it’s a must-visit for seafood fans.

Check out more options: Best Sushi (すし) Restaurants

7. RPM Seafood

• Location: 317 N Clark St, Chicago 60654
• Hours of operation: Mon-Wed 4 – 9:30 pm, Thu and Sun 12 – 9:30, Fri- Sat 12 – 10pm
• Price per person: $100 and over

While dining at Lettuce Entertain You’s RPM Seafood, you can soak in the stunning views of the Chicago River. Imagine enjoying dishes like miso black cod or the flavorful charcoal-grilled black bass right beside those floor-to-ceiling windows. For starters, why not treat yourself to a seafood tower? It comes piled high with prawns, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs, and a mix of East and West Coast oysters. And don’t forget to save some space for the delicious banana cream Napoleon, drizzled with warm caramel and topped with sliced bananas. If you’re feeling festive, the drink menu features a great selection of tequila and mezcal cocktails, alongside bubbly options available by the glass.

8. Calumet Fisheries

• Location: 3259 E 95th St, Chicago 60617
• Hours of operation: Sun-Wed 10am-9:45pm; Thu 9am-9:30pm; Fri, Sat 9am-9:45pm
• Price per person: Average main course: $13

Calumet Fisheries has been serving up seafood since 1948 and is a small, cash-only smokehouse located right on the 95th Street Bridge. You got to try their smoked salmon and fried shrimp; they’re pretty awesome. Don’t forget about the sturgeon, trout, whitefish, and even herring—you’ll want to get a little bit of everything. While fried fish is good, it kind of plays second fiddle to the smoked options. If it’s nice out, you might sit at the outdoor tables since the trend caught on after pandemic, but usually, you’ll end up eating in your car.

9. Half Shell Chicago

• Location: 676 W Diversey Pkwy Chicago, IL 60614
• Hours of operation: Mon-Thu 4 – 10pm, Fri 4 – 10:30pm, Sat 12 – 10:30pm, Sun 12 – 10pm
• Price per person: $50 – $100

Forget those upscale seafood joints with white tablecloths and crazy prices on lobster tails. Instead, why not check out Half Shell? This cozy basement bar has a vibe that feels like a mix of Bad Santa and Christmas Vacation, no matter the season. You might be shocked by how good their seafood is, especially the crab legs, which are some of the best in Chicago—both cold and steamed. Grab a seat at the bar, decked out with colorful string lights, and enjoy a cold beer alongside oysters, shrimp, or even fried frog legs. Just remember to bring cash!

Thinking of Heading to Chicago for a Seafood Adventure?

For anyone traveling to savor the city’s seafood scene, it’s wise to look into staying at one of its numerous hotels. Fancy something upscale? You might want to peek at Chicago’s pricier hotels for that extra dose of luxury—totally worth it if you ask me. But, if you’re watching the wallet a bit closer, don’t worry. Affordable places are sprinkled all over town, making sure everyone gets a bite of Chicago’s seafood delights without breaking the bank.