11 Chicago, Illinois’s Best Seafood Restaurants Everyone Is Talking About
Chicago’s seafood scene is making waves across the culinary world, and foodies everywhere are buzzing about the incredible ocean-to-table experiences available throughout the city.
From classic crab houses serving timeless favorites to innovative spots reimagining what seafood can be, the Windy City offers something spectacular for every palate and occasion.
Whether you’re craving buttery lobster rolls, perfectly grilled fish, or smoky seafood straight from the source, these restaurants deliver unforgettable flavors that’ll have you hooked from the first bite.
Get ready to explore the freshest catches and most talked-about seafood destinations that are putting Chicago on the map as a premier seafood city.
1. Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago
Classic elegance meets ocean-fresh flavors at this iconic Chicago institution that’s been reeling in seafood lovers since 1984.
Shaw’s Crab House stands as a timeless tribute to traditional American seafood dining, where the atmosphere whispers sophistication without shouting pretension.
The restaurant sources premium catches from both coasts daily, ensuring every plate sparkles with freshness.
Their famous oyster bar showcases an impressive rotating selection that changes with the seasons and availability.
Stone crab claws arrive at your table crackling cold and perfectly sweet, requiring nothing more than a squeeze of lemon to shine.
The crab cakes here are legendary—golden-crusted outside, tender and lump-filled inside, with barely any filler to distract from the star ingredient.
Service flows smoothly like a well-rehearsed dance, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide you through the extensive menu.
Located at 21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611, this River North gem continues earning its reputation as a seafood sanctuary.
Whether celebrating special occasions or simply treating yourself to exceptional seafood, Shaw’s delivers an experience worth every moment.
2. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab – Chicago
Born from the legendary Miami institution Joe’s Stone Crab, this Chicago outpost brings South Beach sophistication to the Magnificent Mile with jaw-dropping results.
The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a world where seafood royalty reigns supreme and every dish tells a delicious story.
Their signature stone crab claws are flown in fresh, cracked to order, and served with that famous mustard sauce that’s kept folks coming back for generations.
But don’t sleep on the other offerings—the jumbo lump crab cakes are packed so full of sweet crabmeat they practically fall apart with richness.
Grilled fish options arrive perfectly cooked, with crispy skin and moist, flaky interiors that melt on your tongue.
The Key lime pie provides the perfect sweet-tart finale, staying true to its Florida roots with every creamy, tangy bite.
Situated at 60 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, Joe’s occupies prime real estate in the heart of downtown’s dining district.
The bustling energy and impeccable service create an atmosphere that’s both celebratory and comfortable.
This is where Chicago comes to experience seafood excellence with a side of timeless tradition.
3. Lure Fishbar – Chicago
Sleek, stylish, and seriously committed to fresh fish, Lure Fishbar brings a downtown New York vibe to Chicago’s River North neighborhood with spectacular flair.
The contemporary space feels like an underwater dream, with shimmering design elements that evoke the ocean without going overboard on nautical clichés.
Their raw bar glistens with pristine oysters, clams, and shrimp that taste like they just jumped out of the sea and onto your plate.
Sushi rolls here showcase creativity and quality, blending traditional techniques with playful modern twists that surprise and delight.
The crispy whole fish arrives tableside looking like edible art, with golden skin that shatters at the touch of your fork.
Crab fried rice transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary, each grain perfectly separated and infused with sweet crabmeat throughout.
Located at 616 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611, Lure sits perfectly positioned for pre-theater dinners or sophisticated date nights.
The energetic atmosphere buzzes with conversation and clinking glasses, creating a scene that’s as entertaining as the food is delicious.
This is seafood dining for the modern age, where tradition meets innovation in the most delicious ways possible.
4. mfk. – Chicago
Located in the Lakeview/East Lakeview area, mfk. proves that outstanding seafood doesn’t require fancy addresses or stuffy atmospheres, just passion and impeccable sourcing.
The name actually pays tribute to legendary food writer M.F.K. Fisher and that connection to culinary heritage deeply influences the restaurant’s spirit.
The restaurant is operated by husband-and-wife owners Scott and Sari Worsham, who have carefully shaped mfk. into one of Chicago’s most beloved small seafood restaurants.
Spanish and Mediterranean influences dance through the dishes, bringing bold flavors and creative preparations to familiar seafood favorites.
The grilled octopus arrives impossibly tender, with charred edges that add smoky depth to the naturally sweet meat.
Whole roasted fish presentations are stunning yet approachable, encouraging diners to dig in with their hands and savor every morsel.
Small plates encourage sharing and exploration, making it easy to sample multiple ocean treasures in one sitting.
You’ll find this gem at 432 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, where the neighborhood vibe keeps things relaxed and genuine.
The intimate space fills quickly with locals who’ve discovered this special spot and guard the secret like treasure.
This is seafood dining that feels like visiting a talented friend who just happens to be an incredible chef.
5. Half Shell – Chicago
Big Easy vibes meet Lake Michigan shores at this lively Lincoln Park spot where good times and great seafood flow as freely as the conversation.
While Half Shell has fun Cajun touches, it is best described as a classic, long-running Chicago crab house, giving it a uniquely local character alongside its festive seafood spirit.
The oyster selection rotates constantly, showcasing varieties from both coasts with helpful descriptions that make choosing an adventure rather than a chore.
Po’ boys arrive overflowing with crispy fried shrimp or oysters, tucked into crusty bread with all the traditional fixings that make these sandwiches legendary.
Their gumbo is the real deal, dark, rich, and packed with seafood swimming in a perfectly spiced broth that warms you from the inside out.
Crab boils turn dinner into an event, with newspaper-covered tables, bibs, and mountains of shellfish seasoned with just the right amount of Cajun kick.
Located at 676 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, this spot has become a neighborhood gathering place where regulars and newcomers mix easily.
The casual atmosphere encourages lingering, laughing, and getting a little messy—exactly how seafood dining should feel.
This is where Chicago comes to let loose and celebrate the joy of cracking shells and sharing plates.
6. Calumet Fisheries – Chicago
Calumet Fisheries has been smoking fish on-site since 1928, with the current family taking ownership in 1948, preserving a tradition that has lasted nearly a century.
Calumet Fisheries isn’t trying to be trendy or Instagram-worthy—it’s simply doing what it does best with unwavering dedication to quality and tradition.
The tiny shack sits right on the banks of the Calumet River, where you order through a window and wait for your freshly smoked treasure.
Their smoked salmon is legendary, with a perfect balance of smoke, salt, and natural fish oils that create an almost butter-like texture.
Fried shrimp emerges from the fryer golden and greaseless, with a light crispy coating that lets the sweet shrimp flavor shine through.
Smoked eel might sound adventurous, but one bite of the rich, tender meat will make you a believer in this underappreciated delicacy.
You’ll find this Chicago landmark at 3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617, where it’s been serving generations of families and fish lovers.
There’s no seating—you eat standing up or in your car—but that’s all part of the authentic, no-frills charm.
This is Chicago seafood history you can taste, smell, and experience in the most delicious way possible.
7. Brown Bag Seafood Co. – Chicago
Fast-casual meets high-quality seafood at this game-changing concept that proves you don’t need white tablecloths to serve exceptional fish.
Brown Bag Seafood Co. reimagines the seafood experience for busy Chicagoans who want premium ingredients without the premium wait times or prices.
The counter-service format keeps things moving quickly, but the kitchen never sacrifices quality for speed—every dish receives the attention it deserves.
Their lobster rolls are stuffed generously with sweet, tender meat dressed simply in butter or mayo, letting the lobster be the undeniable star.
Fish tacos arrive fresh and vibrant, with perfectly seasoned grilled or fried fish tucked into warm tortillas with crisp slaw and zesty sauces.
The New England clam chowder is creamy, chunky, and comforting—exactly what you want when that Chicago wind starts howling.
Bowls and salads offer lighter options that still deliver big seafood flavor, with creative toppings and dressings that keep things interesting.
Located at 340 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, this Loop location is perfect for lunch breaks or quick dinners before heading home.
The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make quality seafood accessible to everyone, which is exactly how it should be.
8. Kayao – Chicago
Kayao is rooted in Peruvian cuisine with strong Nikkei influences, blending Peruvian tradition with Japanese and Chinese techniques in a beautifully modern way.
While the dining experience is elevated and thoughtful, Kayao is not built around a formal omakase program; instead, it focuses on refined Peruvian seafood dishes, vibrant ceviches, creative rolls inspired by Nikkei cuisine, and meticulously crafted hot plates.
Sashimi slices are cut with surgical precision, their surfaces glistening with freshness and practically melting across your palate.
Creative rolls balance traditional techniques with modern flavor combinations that surprise without overwhelming the delicate fish.
Hot dishes like miso black cod arrive flaky and sweet, with caramelized edges that add depth to the buttery fish.
The intimate space at 1252 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 creates a dining experience that feels special yet comfortable, sophisticated but never stuffy.
Attention to detail extends beyond the food to the plating, service, and overall atmosphere that makes every visit memorable.
This is where Chicago’s seafood lovers come when they want to experience fish prepared with reverence, skill, and genuine passion.
9. Azul – Chicago
Mexican coastal cuisine crashes onto Chicago’s dining scene with brilliant colors, bold flavors, and seafood preparations that transport you straight to Baja’s sun-soaked shores.
Azul celebrates the ocean with the vibrant spirit of Mexican cooking, where citrus, chilies, and fresh fish create magic on every plate.
Their ceviche is a revelation—impeccably fresh fish cured in lime juice with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro creating a bright, refreshing explosion of flavor.
Fish tacos arrive on handmade tortillas with perfectly seasoned catches, whether grilled or fried, topped with crunchy cabbage and creamy sauces that tie everything together beautifully.
Aguachile showcases raw shrimp swimming in spicy, tangy green sauce that wakes up your taste buds and keeps you reaching for more.
Whole fried fish presentations are dramatic and delicious, arriving crispy-skinned and tender inside, begging to be shared family-style.
The casual, colorful atmosphere at 1177 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 matches the food’s vibrant personality perfectly.
This Goose Island spot has become a neighborhood favorite for those seeking lively waterside views to match its vibrant coastal-Mexican seafood menu.
Fresh ingredients, skilled preparation, and genuine hospitality combine to create an experience that’s both exciting and comforting in the best possible ways.
10. Alegrias Seafood Restaurant – Chicago
Authentic Mexican mariscos traditions come alive at this family-owned treasure where recipes passed through generations create seafood magic that tastes like home.
Alegrias brings the flavors of Mexico’s coastal regions to Chicago’s West Town neighborhood with warmth, authenticity, and serious commitment to quality.
The seafood soup is a meal unto itself—brimming with shrimp, fish, octopus, and mussels swimming in a deeply flavorful broth that’s both comforting and exciting.
Shrimp preparations range from garlic-butter bathed to devilishly spicy, each version showcasing different facets of this versatile shellfish.
Fish fillets arrive perfectly cooked, whether you choose them breaded and fried or grilled with simple seasonings that let the natural flavors shine.
Tostadas piled high with ceviche, shrimp, or octopus offer crunchy, refreshing bites that perfectly balance textures and temperatures.
The generous portions and reasonable prices at 1024 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 make this spot a favorite for families and anyone seeking authentic Mexican seafood.
Friendly service makes you feel like you’re dining at a relative’s house, where everyone’s welcome and seconds are encouraged.
This is seafood prepared with love, tradition, and the kind of care that only family-run restaurants can truly deliver.
11. Yooyee – Chicago
Asian culinary craftsmanship meets bold, modern flavor at this Uptown standout, where Chinese and Sichuan cuisine take center stage with confidence and creativity.
Instead of relying on gimmicks or fusion trends, Yooyee focuses on authenticity, powerful seasoning, and impeccably prepared dishes that showcase the full personality of regional Chinese cooking.
Hand-pulled noodles provide the foundation for many of their most celebrated bowls, arriving silky, chewy, and deeply comforting, whether swimming in rich broth or tossed in fragrant sauces.
Sichuan-inspired plates bring the heat in the best way possible, layering spice, aromatics, and numbing peppercorn warmth into dishes that feel vibrant, exciting, and deeply satisfying.
Seafood has a welcome presence on the menu, think beautifully prepared fish dishes and shrimp worked into soups and entrées, but it shares the spotlight with equally impressive beef, chicken, and noodle creations.
This balance makes Yooyee as appealing to general Chinese food lovers as it is to diners seeking thoughtfully prepared seafood options.
Located at 4925 N Broadway Unit E, Chicago, IL 60640, the restaurant’s modern, welcoming space matches its lively flavors, drawing in adventurous eaters and comfort-food seekers alike.
With reasonable prices, generous portions, and food that feels both soulful and skillfully executed, Yooyee has quickly earned a loyal following in Uptown.
This is where Chicago’s love for Chinese cuisine gets bold, spicy, and joyfully expressive, proof that unforgettable seafood dishes can thrive beautifully within a wider world of inspired Asian cooking.