15 Ohio Restaurants You Have To Visit In 2026 If You Are A True Seafood Lover

Ohio may be landlocked on paper, but my appetite keeps insisting it has coastline privileges. Lake Erie shows up with perch and walleye, and the rest of the state keeps proving that fresh seafood can thrive far from the surf.

If your 2026 plans include eating your way across Ohio, consider this your delicious game plan. I’ve chased fish baskets, oyster plates, and riverfront dinners from Cleveland to Cincinnati, and I keep finding meals that make the distance feel irrelevant.

These 15 seafood spots are the ones I’d text to a friend with zero hesitation, the kind that turn “let’s grab dinner” into “we need another napkin and a second opinion.” Bring curiosity, bring an extra appetite, and let Ohio serve you a seafood tour worth bragging about.

1. Pier W, Lakewood

There are meals you remember and then there are meals where the view, the service, and the seafood all team up and refuse to leave your memory, and Pier W has done that to me more than once.

The dining room leans right over Lake Erie, so while you are working on scallops or salmon, the Cleveland skyline glows in the distance and the water sits almost underneath your table.

One evening I timed my reservation for sunset and watched the light slide across the lake while a platter of Lake Erie walleye and a cup of rich chowder arrived in perfect rhythm. There is a calm, polished energy here that still feels relaxed enough for a lingering Sunday brunch.

I always tell people that Pier W is where you take someone when you want Ohio to show off a little, because the menu focuses hard on fresh seafood, and the staff clearly understands that the view sets high expectations.

The portions feel generous without being overwhelming, and the sauces tend to stay in that sweet spot where they support the fish instead of hiding it.

Address: Pier W, 12700 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107.

2. Blue Point Grille, Cleveland

Some nights in downtown Cleveland call for a bit of sparkle, and Blue Point Grille is where I go when I want that with serious seafood. Tucked into the Historic Warehouse District, this place feels confident from the moment you step in, with polished service and a menu that treats seafood as the main event rather than a side project.

I still remember the first time I ordered their seafood tower and realized half the table had quietly gone silent, focused on oysters, shrimp, and crab as if they were studying for an exam.

The fish selections change with availability, which always reassures me that someone is paying attention to what is actually fresh instead of just printing a static menu and hoping for the best.

Blue Point sits close to the heart of downtown, so it is perfect before a show or after a long day wandering the city, and the staff handles both special occasions and casual date nights with the same careful attention.

If you like your seafood with a bit of old-school big-city energy, this room delivers that mood without ever feeling stiff.

Address: Blue Point Grille, 700 W St Clair Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113.

3. Alley Cat Oyster Bar, Cleveland

Whenever I crave oysters in Ohio, my mind jumps straight to the Flats and lands at Alley Cat Oyster Bar on the Cuyahoga River. The building sits right on Old River Road, so once you settle into your seat you get those riverfront views that remind you Cleveland is a waterfront city in its own way.

One evening I met a friend here just for a light snack, and we ended up working through oysters, chilled shrimp, and a shared entrée because the menu kept tempting us.

The kitchen leans into New England and coastal comforts, with things like chowders, lobster, and daily fish specials that reward anyone who likes to explore beyond the usual fried basket.

I love that Alley Cat feels casual enough for a relaxed afternoon but still special when the sun drops and the river lights up. If you want to combine a walk along the Flats with a seafood-heavy meal in 2026, this spot should absolutely be on your list.

Address: Alley Cat Oyster Bar, 1056 Old River Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113.

4. Pickle Bill’s Lobster House, Grand River

Every time I pull into Grand River, Pickle Bill’s Lobster House feels a little bit like a festival built entirely around seafood and river views. The building sits right on the Grand River near the Route 84 bridge, and the quirky décor gives you plenty to look at while you wait for your lobster or Lake Erie fish.

I once watched a table of first timers tackle whole lobsters here, and the mix of determination and joy was oddly inspiring. The menu leans into both lobster and regional favorites, so you can chase a platter of crustaceans with fried perch or walleye and never feel like you made a wrong choice.

Pickle Bill’s has the kind of easygoing energy that makes families, date nights, and big group dinners all work in the same room. If your 2026 plans include a Lake County road trip, this is the seafood stop that turns the drive into a full story.

Address: Pickle Bill’s Lobster House, 101 River St, Grand River, OH 44045.

5. Jolly Roger Seafood House, Port Clinton

Few places say Lake Erie seafood as clearly as Jolly Roger Seafood House in Port Clinton, and my first visit there turned me into someone who suddenly had strong opinions about perch.

The building sits along East Perry Street near the water, and the casual setup keeps the focus where it belongs, which is on what comes out of the fryer and off the grill.

I still remember opening my box of Lake Erie perch and walleye and seeing how crisp and golden everything looked, with onion rings and hush puppies filling any remaining space. This is not a place that tries to be fancy; it aims for hot, fresh seafood done well, and the long lines during peak season prove that strategy works.

When I think about 2026 summer road trips around the islands and the Marblehead Peninsula, Jolly Roger automatically becomes the built-in lunch stop. If you want to taste the kind of no-nonsense seafood that locals keep recommending, this Port Clinton landmark is a must.

Address: Jolly Roger Seafood House, 1715 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH 43452.

6. Real Seafood Company, Toledo

The Docks in Toledo already feel like a little culinary neighborhood, and Real Seafood Company sits right in the middle of it with a menu that stretches from New England to the Gulf. I remember walking in on a chilly evening and immediately deciding that a bowl of lobster bisque followed by fresh fish sounded like the best possible plan.

The dining room overlooks the Maumee River, which gives your meal that extra sense of place while you work on oysters, shrimp, or a seasonal special. Portion sizes land in that sweet zone where you leave satisfied but still feel good about ordering dessert if you are easily tempted.

In 2026, this is exactly the kind of spot I would choose for a relaxed evening that still feels a little polished, especially if I wanted to show someone that Toledo has serious waterfront dining. The menu is broad enough for seafood lovers and cautious friends, but the stars here really are the fish and shellfish.

Address: Real Seafood Company, 22 Main St, Toledo, OH 43605.

7. Mancy’s Bluewater Grille, Maumee

Whenever I catch myself daydreaming about big seafood platters near Toledo, my brain quietly slides over to Mancy’s Bluewater Grille in Maumee. The restaurant is part of the long-running Mancy family group, and it specializes in seafood brought in from both coasts, which shows in the variety on the menu.

One visit turned into an unofficial taste test when the table decided to share crab cakes, a seafood pasta, and a grilled fish special, and not a single dish felt like the weak link. The room balances modern touches with a warm atmosphere, so it works just as well for a casual date as it does for a small celebration.

I am especially fond of how much attention they give to preparation styles, from simple grilled fish to richer, sauced options, which means you can tailor the meal to your mood that day. If you are staying near Maumee or passing through on I 475 in 2026, this is the seafood stop worth planning around.

Address: Mancy’s Bluewater Grille, 461 W Dussel Dr, Maumee, OH 43537.

8. DeMore’s Offshore Bar & Grill, Sandusky

Sandusky has no shortage of places to eat, but DeMore’s Offshore Bar & Grill has a very specific charm that keeps pulling me back. The building on West Perkins Avenue looks straightforward from the outside, yet inside you find a friendly, slightly nautical space where seafood baskets, platters, and sandwiches rule the menu.

I once stopped in after a day near the lake, still slightly sun-tired, and the combination of fried fish, hush puppies, and a relaxed crowd felt like exactly what I needed. The menu mixes seafood with comfort favorites, but there are enough shrimp, fish, and specials to keep a seafood fan busy for several return trips.

This is one of those places where you quickly notice a lot of regulars who clearly know the staff, and that always reassures me about consistency. If your 2026 plans include Cedar Point, Sandusky Bay, or the nearby islands, DeMore’s makes a very satisfying stop before or after the water.

Address: DeMore’s Offshore Bar & Grill, 302 W Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870.

9. Bay Harbor, Sandusky (Cedar Point)

There is something very memorable about eating seafood while looking straight out at boats on Sandusky Bay, and Bay Harbor inside the Cedar Point complex nails that feeling. The restaurant sits at the marina with big windows facing the water, and the whole place feels like a softer, more peaceful side of the roller-coaster capital.

I booked dinner here after a long day at the park, and the contrast between screaming coasters and a calm plate of fresh fish was almost comical in the best way. The menu focuses on seafood with options such as fish, scallops, and other fresh selections, plus a few non-seafood dishes for anyone still warming up to the idea.

Service tends to be friendly and efficient, which I appreciate when I am happily tired and still covered in a thin layer of theme-park adrenaline. If you want 2026 Cedar Point memories that include more than just rides, Bay Harbor is where the day winds down with a view and a very solid seafood dinner.

Address: Bay Harbor, 1 Cedar Point Dr, Ste 104, Sandusky, OH 44870.

10. Shore House Tavern, Sandusky

Downtown Sandusky has picked up real energy in recent years, and Shore House Tavern fits right into that, with a menu that somehow makes both lobster mac and Lake Erie fish feel equally tempting. The building sits along West Water Street, close enough to the water that you can easily pair dinner with a stroll by the bay.

The first time I walked in, I told myself I would be sensible and order something light, then immediately caved when I saw fish and chips cruising past on a tray. They also serve perch and walleye, and the seafood side of the menu feels cared for rather than tacked on, which always matters to me.

There is a neighborhood-tavern warmth here that meshes well with the coastal touches, making it an easy pick whether you are staying in Sandusky or just driving through. For 2026, I would absolutely pencil this in as the we earned a proper dinner stop after a packed lake day.

Address: Shore House Tavern, 306 W Water St, Sandusky, OH 44870.

11. Columbus Fish Market, Columbus

Columbus might be landlocked, but Columbus Fish Market has been quietly proving for years that the city can still take seafood seriously. Located on Olentangy River Road, this restaurant is part of the Mitchell’s Fish Market brand and focuses almost entirely on seafood, from fresh fish to shellfish and chowders.

I remember sitting by the big windows during one visit, watching the traffic glide by while working through a perfectly cooked piece of fish with a side that actually tasted as thoughtful as the main.

The menu lists daily fresh catches, which always draws my eye, and there is enough variety that I never feel trapped in the usual salmon or shrimp decision loop.

What I like most is that the room feels polished without tipping into stiff formality, so it works as easily for a quick seafood fix as for a more dressed-up dinner. In 2026, if I am craving serious seafood in central Ohio, this spot stays near the top of my list.

Address: Columbus Fish Market, 1245 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43212.

12. Windward Passage, Columbus

If classic nautical restaurants make you happy, Windward Passage on Reed Road feels like opening a time capsule in the best possible way.

The exterior in the Arlington Square Shopping Center looks modest, but once you step inside you find a cozy, old-school room dedicated to seafood and steaks, with a loyal crowd that clearly knows what it likes.

On my first visit, I ordered a broiled fish dinner and realized almost immediately why people keep calling this place one of Columbus’s under-the-radar treasures. There is nothing trendy about the menu, which is exactly the charm; instead you get straightforward plates where the fish comes out hot, well seasoned, and generously portioned.

I find Windward Passage perfect for those evenings when I want comfort more than novelty, especially in cooler months when a hearty seafood dinner sounds right.

For 2026, it remains one of the central Ohio spots I recommend to anyone who appreciates a slightly nostalgic, detail-focused seafood experience.

Address: Windward Passage Restaurant, 4739 Reed Rd, Columbus, OH 43220.

13. Kai’s Crab Boil, Columbus

Some meals are calm and refined, and others involve a bib, plastic gloves, and a pile of crab legs that looks delightfully excessive, which is where Kai’s Crab Boil comes in. Tucked along Bethel Road in Columbus, this locally owned spot specializes in Cajun-style seafood boils where you pick your seafood, sauce, and spice level, then dig in.

I still laugh thinking about the evening a friend ordered their heat level a bit higher than planned and refused to admit it while steadily reaching for more potatoes to cool things off.

The seafood itself tastes fresh and sweet, and the sauces walk that line between bold and overwhelming, so you can dial in exactly how intense you want the experience to be.

This is not a first-date-with-white-clothes kind of restaurant, but it is absolutely the place where a group of friends or family can turn dinner into a fun, slightly messy event. In 2026, if you want seafood that you physically interact with rather than just politely slice, Kai’s should be on your Columbus list.

Address: Kai’s Crab Boil, 839 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43214.

14. Pelican’s Reef, Cincinnati

East Cincinnati hides a tropical-feeling surprise in the form of Pelican’s Reef on Beechmont Avenue, and it has quietly become one of my favorite seafood hangouts in the city. The room is decorated with a playful coastal vibe, and the menu reads like a love letter to seafood, from grilled fish to baskets and specials.

I once grabbed a late dinner here after a long drive and watched plate after plate of seafood pass by, each one making my decision harder. The kitchen leans heavily into fish and shellfish, with enough variety that you can switch things up every visit without losing that core seafood first identity.

What I enjoy most is how Pelican’s Reef manages to feel both relaxed and focused, which is exactly what I want when I am chasing good seafood rather than trying to navigate a stiff atmosphere. For 2026, this remains a prime candidate when someone asks me where to find a true seafood-forward menu in Cincinnati.

Address: Pelican’s Reef, 7261 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230.

15. Swampwater Grill, Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s Swampwater Grill on Kellogg Avenue brings Gulf flavors to the banks of the Ohio River, and my first visit there felt like stumbling into a little slice of Louisiana. The interior leans into bayou energy, and the menu mixes smoked meats with a strong lineup of Cajun and Creole seafood dishes.

I still think about the day I ordered blackened catfish with jambalaya and realized I had accidentally created the perfect two-plate combo. The seafood here comes with bold seasoning, so if you enjoy dishes like shrimp po’boys, gumbo, or seafood pasta with a kick, this kitchen delivers without holding back on flavor.

Swampwater Grill works especially well when I want a meal that feels relaxed but still special, the kind of dinner that makes you linger at the table a little longer than planned. In 2026, when the craving hits for seafood with a Southern twist in Cincinnati, this is absolutely where I plan to steer the car.

Address: Swampwater Grill, 3742 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226.