13 Pennsylvania Restaurants Locals Love For Seafood That’s Worth The Trip
Pennsylvania may not hug the ocean, but it knows how to deliver exceptional seafood that keeps locals coming back.
From perfectly prepared crab cakes and buttery lobster rolls to fresh fish dishes that taste like a coastal getaway, these restaurants prove you don’t need to be seaside to enjoy incredible seafood.
Exploring these spots is a journey of flavor, where every bite is worth the drive and every meal leaves a lasting impression.
1. Oyster House (Philadelphia)
Slurping oysters at Philly’s oldest seafood restaurant feels like stepping back in time.
Since 1976, this Sansom Street institution has been shucking bivalves for hungry locals who crowd around the marble bar.
Their New England clam chowder deserves its legendary status, creamy but not too thick.
What really keeps me coming back? The snapper soup topped with sherry that regulars insist you must try at least once.
2. Vernick Fish (Philadelphia)
James Beard Award-winner Greg Vernick transformed the ground floor of the Comcast Technology Center into seafood heaven.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with light while you feast on globally-inspired fish dishes. Locals rave about the crudo selection that changes daily based on the freshest catch.
The charcoal-grilled whole fish might be pricey, but the tableside service and perfect preparation justify every penny spent on this oceanic masterpiece.
3. Pearl & Mary Oyster Bar (Philadelphia)
Tucked away in Midtown Village, this stylish newcomer quickly became the favorite happy hour spot for Philly’s seafood aficionados.
The pearl-colored tiles and nautical decor create the perfect backdrop for shellfish indulgence.
Their dollar oyster special draws crowds, but smart visitors save room for the lobster roll served two ways, warm with butter or chilled with mayo.
Pair either with their signature seaweed martini for a taste combination that’ll haunt your dreams.
4. Little Fish (Philadelphia)
Blink and you might miss this tiny BYOB spot in Queen Village where just 22 lucky diners fit each night.
The chalkboard menu changes daily, reflecting whatever looked best at the market that morning. Reservations are notoriously tough to snag, but persistence pays off.
Chef Alex Yoon works magic in the minuscule kitchen, turning out dishes like black bass with miso butter that make you forget you’re miles from any ocean.
5. Estia (Philadelphia)
Stepping into Estia feels like being transported to a Greek island taverna, complete with whitewashed walls and Mediterranean blue accents.
The restaurant’s pride is their fish display where whole catches are presented on ice for your selection.
Their signature preparation, grilled with olive oil, lemon, and oregano, showcases the fish’s natural flavors.
Pro tip: Ask about the lavraki, a Mediterranean sea bass that’s flown in daily and prepared with such respect you’ll want to book a flight to Athens immediately.
6. Ocean Prime (Philadelphia)
When Philly power brokers need to impress clients, they book tables at this Center City hotspot.
The dramatic circular bar serves as the restaurant’s beating heart, surrounded by plush booths where deals are sealed over seafood towers.
While technically a chain, locals forgive this fact because the blackened snapper with jalapeño corn tartar is just that good.
Save room for their signature ten-layer carrot cake, a sweet finale that somehow pairs perfectly with seafood.
7. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto (Pittsburgh)
Perched atop Mount Washington, this Pittsburgh institution offers panoramic views that rival the seafood for attention.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the famous three rivers confluence while diners crack into Alaskan king crab legs.
Despite being hundreds of miles from the ocean, their fish arrives daily, often swimming just 24 hours before landing on your plate.
The sesame-crusted ahi tuna consistently wins local awards, though regulars know the real star is their signature shrimp saganaki appetizer.
8. Penn Avenue Fish Company (Pittsburgh)
Half fish market, half restaurant, this Strip District gem lets you point to your lunch swimming in the case before they prepare it.
The no-frills setting, metal chairs and paper plates, signals that they’re serious about seafood, not ambiance.
Their fish tacos have a cult following among Pittsburghers who line up regardless of weather.
Owner Henry Dewey often works the counter himself, offering cooking tips while wrapping up extra fillets for customers to recreate the magic at home.
9. Roland’s Seafood Grill (Pittsburgh)
Pittsburgh’s Strip District wouldn’t be complete without Roland’s, a local landmark since 1957 where generations of families have celebrated special occasions over platters of fried shrimp.
The nautical-themed interior hasn’t changed much in decades, and regulars wouldn’t have it any other way. Their crab cakes contain barely enough filler to hold the sweet lump meat together.
Weekends bring out their famous bloody mary bar where you can garnish your drink with everything from celery to cocktail shrimp.
10. Grand Concourse (Pittsburgh)
Housed in Pittsburgh’s former P&LE Railroad Station, dining here feels like eating seafood in a cathedral. The 1901 building retains its stained glass, marble columns, and ornate ceiling that rivals European palaces.
Sunday brunch draws crowds for the endless seafood stations featuring everything from oysters to crab legs.
For dinner, locals recommend the seafood jambalaya that combines Southern comfort with Pittsburgh portions, meaning you’ll definitely need a doggie bag.
11. Off The Hook (Warrendale)
Don’t let the suburban strip mall location fool you—this North Hills spot serves seafood that would make coastal chefs jealous.
The modest exterior hides a cozy dining room where regulars greet owner Ovi Manolache by name.
Their seafood boil comes in a bag bursting with crab, shrimp, sausage, and corn swimming in your choice of sauce.
Locals drive from hours away for the lobster mac and cheese topped with buttery breadcrumbs and enough shellfish to justify the splurge.
12. The Original Oyster House (Pittsburgh)
As Pittsburgh’s oldest bar and restaurant, this Market Square institution has been serving fried fish since 1870.
The wood-paneled walls display decades of memorabilia, creating a museum-like atmosphere where you can taste history. Nothing on the menu costs more than $15, making it a rare affordable downtown option.
Their fish sandwich extends well beyond the bun, a Pittsburgh tradition that locals defend fiercely against outsiders who suggest using a smaller piece of fish or a larger bun.
13. Cooper’s Seafood House (Scranton)
Famous for its appearance on “The Office,” this Scranton landmark shaped like a lighthouse and pirate ship delivers more than just TV nostalgia.
The sprawling restaurant contains multiple themed rooms where families celebrate special occasions surrounded by nautical kitsch.
Their lobster bisque recipe hasn’t changed in 75 years for good reason.
The beer selection features over 300 options that pair perfectly with their Maryland-style crab cakes. Dunder Mifflin fans, remember to grab a souvenir T-shirt on your way out!