14 Little Known Pennsylvania Restaurants Where The Seafood Is Worth The Trip
Pennsylvania might not scream seafood at first thought, but that assumption melts away fast once you know where to look.
Tucked along quiet streets and coastal style kitchens far from the ocean, these spots prove that great seafood does not need a shoreline.
Think road trip worthy plates, hidden gem vibes, and flavors that make you check the map twice.
Locals guard these places closely for good reason.
Fresh catches, bold preparations, and menus that punch far above expectations turn casual meals into memorable detours.
In Pennsylvania, the best seafood sometimes waits where you least expect it.
1. Oyster House — Philadelphia
Walking into this Sansom Street institution feels like stepping aboard a vintage ship, with dark wood paneling and nautical memorabilia covering every inch of the walls.
Located at 1516 Sansom Street in Center City Philadelphia, this spot has been shucking oysters since 1976, making it one of the city’s oldest continuously operating seafood houses.
Their raw bar is legendary, featuring over a dozen oyster varieties flown in daily from both coasts.
The snapper soup is thick, spicy, and so beloved that locals order it by the quart to take home.
Fun fact: the restaurant still uses the original marble-topped oyster bar from its opening day.
The space is cozy and dimly lit, perfect for intimate dinners or solo meals at the bar.
Their broiled seafood platter could feed a small army and showcases perfectly seasoned fish that tastes like it jumped straight from the ocean onto your plate.
2. Vernick Fish — Philadelphia
Sleek and modern, this Walnut Street gem at 1 North 19th Street brings West Coast vibes to the heart of Philadelphia with floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist decor.
Chef Greg Vernick transformed seafood dining by focusing on simple preparations that let the fish shine without unnecessary fuss.
Their crudo changes daily based on what’s freshest, and the whole roasted fish for two has become the stuff of local legend.
The space features blonde wood, white tiles, and an open kitchen where you can watch chefs work their magic.
Here’s something cool: Vernick Fish was actually born from the success of Vernick Food & Drink next door, but quickly became the more popular sibling.
The drink menu is equally impressive, with options designed specifically to complement seafood.
Their tuna tartare with crispy rice has spawned countless imitations across the city, but none quite capture the original’s perfection.
3. Pearl & Mary Oyster Bar — Philadelphia
Tucked into a narrow rowhouse at 114 S 13th Street, this charming spot feels more like a friend’s stylish apartment than a restaurant.
The exposed brick walls and vintage light fixtures create an atmosphere that’s both romantic and relaxed, perfect for date night or catching up with old friends.
Owners bring New England sensibilities to Philly, serving impeccable lobster rolls that transport you straight to Maine.
Their oyster selection rotates weekly, with knowledgeable servers who actually know the difference between a Kumamoto and a Blue Point.
The kitchen is tiny but mighty, somehow producing dishes that taste like they came from a much larger operation.
Their clam chowder arrives steaming hot in a warm bowl, creamy without being heavy.
A quirky detail: the bathroom decor nods to old seafood advertisements and classic coastal charm.
The bar seats only eight people, so reservations are essential unless you enjoy waiting on the sidewalk.
4. REEF Restaurant & Lounge — Philadelphia
Bright aqua accents and white leather booths give this South Street restaurant at 605 S 3rd Street a distinctly Miami Beach vibe that stands out among Philadelphia’s traditional seafood spots.
The two-level space features a lively dining room and a lounge area that works well for lingering conversation.
REEF specializes in globally inspired seafood dishes, from Thai-style whole fish to Caribbean-seasoned salmon that packs serious heat.
Their sushi program is a strong draw, with creative rolls that balance traditional technique with playful innovation.
The main dining room buzzes with energy during weekend dinner service, while the lounge offers a quieter escape.
Their coconut shrimp comes with a mango dipping sauce so good you’ll want to savor every drop.
Here’s a fun tidbit: the restaurant’s name nods to ocean inspiration and tropical-water daydreams.
The crab cakes are jumbo lump only, no filler, bound together with just enough aioli to hold their shape during cooking.
5. The Original Oyster House — Pittsburgh
Since 1870, this Market Square landmark at 20 Market Square has been serving Pittsburgh’s freshest seafood in a building that predates the modern era.
The brick exterior and vintage signage look virtually unchanged from century-old photographs, giving the place serious historical credibility.
Inside, red checkered tablecloths and wooden booths create a classic American seafood house atmosphere that feels authentically old-school.
Their fried oysters are legendary, crispy on the outside while remaining plump and juicy inside.
The menu hasn’t changed much in decades because, frankly, it doesn’t need to.
Their clam strips come piled high on oval platters, golden brown and greaseless.
A cool fact: long ago, the restaurant used a hidden basement room that still exists today.
The waitstaff includes servers who’ve worked there for thirty-plus years, treating regulars like family.
Their seafood gumbo is thick with shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage, spicy enough to clear your sinuses.
6. Penn Avenue Fish Company — Pittsburgh
Originally a wholesale fish market, this Strip District spot at 2208 Penn Avenue transformed into a full-service restaurant while keeping its market roots intact.
The industrial space features exposed ductwork, concrete floors, and a massive seafood counter where you can buy fresh fish to take home.
Chefs prepare your meal in full view of diners, working at a speed that reflects their wholesale background.
The grilled salmon is perfectly cooked, with crispy skin that shatters under your fork.
Their lobster bisque is rich and velvety, loaded with actual lobster meat rather than just flavoring.
The casual atmosphere means you can show up in jeans and a t-shirt without feeling underdressed.
Here’s something neat: the restaurant sources fish from the same suppliers they used during their market-only days, ensuring restaurant-quality freshness.
The crab cake sandwich comes on a soft roll with lettuce, tomato, and their secret remoulade sauce.
Weekend brunch features smoked salmon Benedict that locals line up for.
7. Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille — Pittsburgh
Massive windows overlooking the Allegheny River make this restaurant at 2106 Penn Avenue feel almost like dining on a boat, with water views from nearly every table.
The Wholey family has been in Pittsburgh’s seafood business since 1912, bringing four generations of expertise to this modern operation.
The decor mixes rustic Alaskan lodge elements with contemporary touches, featuring wooden beams and stone accents throughout.
Their wild Alaskan salmon is flown in multiple times weekly, never farmed, always sustainably caught.
The patio seating in warm months offers unbeatable riverside dining that makes you forget you’re inland in Pennsylvania.
Their fish tacos use crispy-battered cod that stays crispy even under generous toppings.
A fun detail: the restaurant connects to the famous Wholey’s fish market next door, where you can watch workers fillet massive tuna.
The seafood tower arrives on ice, piled with oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab legs.
Their New England clam chowder won a local competition three years running.
8. Roland’s Seafood Grill — Pittsburgh
Hidden in a Strip District warehouse at 1904 Penn Avenue, this unassuming spot serves some of Pittsburgh’s most creative seafood preparations without any pretension.
The brick walls and simple wooden tables let the food take center stage, which is exactly how it should be.
Chef Roland himself often works the line, calling out orders and tasting everything before it leaves the kitchen.
Their blackened catfish has a spice crust that delivers heat without overwhelming the delicate fish underneath.
The lunch crowd consists mostly of locals who discovered this place years ago and guard the secret jealously.
Their crab bisque arrives bubbling hot, topped with a puff pastry dome that you break through with your spoon.
Interesting tidbit: Roland started as a line cook at a hotel restaurant before opening this place with his retirement savings.
The fried calamari is tender, not rubbery, served with both marinara and aioli for dipping.
Weekend specials often feature whole fish preparations that change based on market availability and Roland’s mood.
9. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto — Pittsburgh
Perched atop Mount Washington at 1411 Grandview Avenue, this restaurant offers stunning skyline views that rival San Francisco’s famous vistas.
The multilevel dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring every seat gets a piece of the spectacular Pittsburgh panorama.
The nautical theme includes porthole windows, ship wheels, and enough maritime decor to outfit a small marina.
Their cioppino is loaded with mussels, clams, shrimp, and fish in a tomato-based broth that begs for crusty bread.
The outdoor patio in summer months provides the ultimate date night setting, with the city lights twinkling below.
Their stuffed flounder comes filled with crabmeat and topped with a lemon butter sauce that’s dangerously addictive.
Fun fact: the building originally housed a completely different restaurant before the Monterey Bay concept took over in the 1980s.
The crab-stuffed mushrooms make an excellent appetizer, perfectly sized for sharing.
Their key lime pie is tart and creamy, the ideal finish after a heavy seafood meal.
10. Cooper’s Seafood House — Scranton
Built to look like a ship run aground, this utterly unique restaurant at 701 North Washington Avenue features a full-size tugboat facade that makes it impossible to miss.
The interior continues the maritime theme with portholes, nautical flags, and enough seafaring memorabilia to fill a maritime museum.
Cooper’s has been a Scranton institution since 1948, serving generations of families who return for the consistent quality and quirky atmosphere.
Their seafood sampler platter is enormous, featuring fried shrimp, scallops, clams, and fish with all the traditional sides.
The bar area resembles a ship’s cabin, complete with wooden barrels and fishing nets draped from the ceiling.
Their clam chowder is thick and creamy, served in bread bowls that soak up every last drop.
Here’s a weird fact: the restaurant once got in legal trouble for using a lighthouse logo without permission, sparking a famous local court case.
The kids’ menu comes on a treasure map, making this spot surprisingly family-friendly.
Their crab cakes are Maryland-style, mostly crab with minimal filler.
11. Smugglers’ Wharf — Erie
Actually situated on the waterfront at 3 State Street, this Erie gem offers genuine lakeside dining with Presque Isle Bay views that change with every season.
The weathered wood exterior and rope railings give the place an authentic dockside feel that isn’t manufactured or fake.
Inside, the casual atmosphere encourages you to relax and take your time, with windows framing the water like living paintings.
Their Lake Erie perch is the star attraction, lightly breaded and fried until golden, showcasing the local catch.
The outdoor deck in summer becomes one of Erie’s hottest dining destinations, with boats docking nearby and seagulls circling overhead.
Their fish sandwich is simple but perfect, served on a soft bun with just tartar sauce and lettuce.
Interesting note: the restaurant’s name nods to old lakefront tales and the city’s colorful past.
The lobster bisque is surprisingly good for an inland spot, creamy and rich.
Their hush puppies arrive hot and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
12. Henry’s Salt of the Sea — Allentown
Surprisingly sophisticated for its suburban location at 1926 West Allen Street, this restaurant brings big-city seafood quality to the Lehigh Valley.
The elegant interior features white tablecloths, soft lighting, and contemporary artwork that creates a refined dining atmosphere without stuffiness.
Chef Henry trained at coastal restaurants before returning to his Pennsylvania hometown to open this passion project.
Their Chilean sea bass is butter-soft, served over risotto that’s been cooked to creamy perfection.
The menu is extensive, with knowledgeable staff who can suggest smart pairings for any seafood selection.
Their lobster tail comes split and broiled, brushed with garlic butter that pools in every crevice.
Cool fact: Henry personally visits the Philadelphia fish markets twice weekly to hand-select his seafood rather than relying on deliveries.
The oyster Rockefeller appetizer features spinach, bacon, and seasoning in the classic preparation.
Their chocolate lava cake provides a decadent ending, though you might be too full to finish it after the generous seafood portions.
13. 3rd & Ferry Fish Market — Easton
Combining a working fish market with a casual restaurant at 56 South 3rd Street, this Easton spot lets you shop for dinner ingredients while enjoying lunch.
The industrial-chic space features stainless steel counters, white subway tiles, and an open layout that connects the market and dining areas.
Their approach is refreshingly straightforward: pick your fish, choose your preparation, and they’ll cook it perfectly while you wait.
The grilled swordfish steak is thick and meaty, with beautiful char marks and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
The market side offers everything from whole fish to prepared seafood salads, making this a one-stop shop for seafood lovers.
Their fish tacos use whatever’s freshest that day, served on warm corn tortillas with cabbage slaw.
Fun tidbit: the owners previously operated a successful food truck before opening this permanent location.
The New England clam roll is served cold with mayo, celery, and herbs, perfect for summer lunches.
Their seafood specials on busy nights can require advance ordering and feed four people easily.
14. Dockside Willies — Lemoyne
Right on the Susquehanna River at 449 S Front Street, this casual spot offers waterfront dining without the waterfront prices.
The covered patio extends over the water, giving diners the sensation of floating while they eat.
The laid-back atmosphere attracts everyone from families with kids to retirees enjoying afternoon views.
Their crab pretzel is a local favorite, combining two Pennsylvania loves into one delicious appetizer.
The main dining room features large windows and nautical touches that remind you of the river’s importance to the region.
Their fish and chips uses fresh cod in a light crisp batter, served with hand-cut fries that are crispy outside and fluffy inside.
Here’s something fun: the restaurant hosts live music on summer weekends, with local bands playing while boats cruise past.
The blackened mahi-mahi sandwich comes with a spicy remoulade that adds just the right kick.
Their crab soup is tomato-based and chunky, filled with vegetables and generous crab meat.
Sunset dining here is particularly magical when the sky turns orange over the water.