Seafood seems to be either loved or hated, with very little ground in between. I for one, do enjoy seafood and as we know quality seafood can be difficult to get depending where you are. Sure you can get tuna flanks out in Nebraska, however having tuna that was caught the day you are eating it is much different (sorry Nebraska). Quality seafood can be found at a variety of different locations, but it is really special when the restaurants happened to be located very close to the ocean. The diversity of food that the ocean can provide is another thing that makes seafood so special; there are just so many types of fish. We are going to look at some truly amazing seafood restaurants that are out there in the United States. These restaurants are in no particular order, however these are some that stood out more than others and are some of our favorites.
3030 Ocean – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Conveniently located at 3030 Holiday Drive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is 3030 Ocean. The restaurant is extremely good and is located right on the ocean so you know that the food here is a fresh as it gets. As soon as you step inside this restaurant you will immediately recognize how upscale it is. From the furnishings, to the bar, to what the entrees actually look like, you already know what you are about to eat will be something quite special. The restaurant is led by head chef Paula DaSilva who is accompanied by sous chef Adrienne Grenier. Together these two women cook up some amazing seafood dishes. Some of the standout dishes are the Florida stone crab claws ($20-$28 per claw), the Ahi Tuna Ceviche ($15), the grilled octopus salad, the grilled local swordfish ($33), and the $110 dollar per person five course meal with paired wine. The restaurant is very popular and worth checking out if you are in the area.
Farallon – San Francisco, California
Outside of New York City, San Francisco is probably the next most expensive city to live in. Given that fact and its location right on a bay, San Francisco has some pretty spectacular seafood restaurants. If you want some amazing seafood in a luxurious and unique restaurant then head on over to Farallon in Union Square. The interior of the restaurant is very unique yet classy and resembles an underwater fantasy land. The restaurant is owned by head chef Mark Franz and restaurant designer Pat Kuleto who wanted to provide guests with “sophisticated costal cuisine”. They have everything from $130 dollar shellfish platers, to smoked sturgeon, to seared Rhode Island black bass. The ingredients are fresh, the service is great, and the food tastes amazing. Each dish looks like a work of art.
Neptune Oyster – Boston, Massachusetts
Located in Boston is the popular seafood destination among many that is known as Neptune Oyster. The restaurant is more casual than the others on our list, however that does not mean it doesn’t serve up some amazing food. Since they get the freshest ingredients daily, the menu is every changing. They have a large variety of raw oysters, cocktail fish, and shellfish in addition to classic seafood. The food is pretty spectacular and affordable with appetizers ranging between $11-$15 dollars and entrees right at about $30 dollars.
Providence – Los Angeles, California
Sitting on the famous Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles is the upscale restaurant known as Providence. Providence offers some of the best seafood in Los Angeles and it is certainly fine dining. The restaurant is led by Michael Cimarusti who also owns the place in addition to being head chef. They serve up many amazing dishes here and the menu is always changing as the experiment with new food and ingredients. You can get dishes such as Sashimi, Sea Urchin, Nantucket scallops, Squid carbonara, A5 Wagyu steak and more. The restaurant is expensive and you will easily drop $200-$300 dollars per person here. If you want the best L.A. has to offer then come to Providence.
Le Bernardin – New York, New York
Located at 155 West 51st street in midtown Manhattan is the French fine seafood restaurant known as Le Bernardin. Le Bernardin serves up some amazing seafood and it was Zagats top pick for restaurants in 2012. Ever since the restaurant opened up in 1986, it aimed to establish itself as one of the most premium seafood restaurants in Manhattan. They serve dishes such as Golden Imperial Caviar, oysters, lightly cooked Fluke, octopus, and a variety of other dishes. The way it works is that you pay $135 dollars per person for a four course meal of your choosing. Considering the location and how premium the restaurant is, that is honestly not the worse. Yes it’s expensive, however you can beat Le Bernardin’s. The wine and desert menu are pretty amazing as well. Theres also a lounge for those looking to spend less and maybe have a cocktail accompanied with an appetizer.
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