Top 20 Seafood Restaurants In Chicago

2 min read 22-12-2024

Chicago, a city renowned for its culinary diversity, boasts a surprising abundance of exceptional seafood restaurants. From classic oyster bars to innovative fusion kitchens, the Windy City offers a delectable array of options for seafood lovers. This list compiles twenty of the best, categorized for easier navigation, ensuring your next seafood adventure is a memorable one.

Fine Dining Delights:

RPM Seafood: Known for its upscale ambiance and expertly prepared dishes, RPM Seafood offers a sophisticated seafood experience. Their menu features a wide variety of fresh catches, creatively presented and flawlessly executed.
Sunda: This stylish restaurant blends Asian-inspired cuisine with a modern twist. Their innovative seafood dishes are a highlight, often incorporating unexpected flavors and textures.
Shaw's Crab House: A Chicago institution, Shaw's Crab House offers a classic, upscale seafood experience with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Expect generous portions and a lively atmosphere.

Casual Coastal Vibes:

Pacific Standard Time: This laid-back spot offers delicious California-inspired seafood dishes in a relaxed, yet stylish setting. Their fish tacos are a must-try.
The Purple Pig: While not strictly a seafood restaurant, The Purple Pig offers a fantastic selection of seafood tapas and small plates, perfect for sharing.
DMK Burger Bar: While known for their burgers, DMK also features some surprisingly excellent seafood options, making it a versatile choice.

Oyster Bars and Raw Bars:

Rosebud on Rush: This classic Chicago restaurant boasts an impressive raw bar featuring a wide variety of fresh oysters and other shellfish.
Andros Taverna: This Greek restaurant offers a delightful selection of fresh seafood, including grilled octopus and whole fish, prepared with traditional Greek flavors.

Hidden Gems and Neighborhood Favorites:

Osteria Langhe: This charming Italian restaurant features seasonal seafood dishes prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a focus on authentic Italian techniques.
Monteverde: Another Italian gem, Monteverde features a constantly evolving menu with creative seafood dishes reflecting the season's best ingredients.
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: Although primarily known for its steak, Bavette's offers a sophisticated selection of seafood dishes that are equally impressive.

Ethnic Influences:

Beatrix: This chic restaurant features a globally-inspired menu with creative seafood options.
North Pond: Known for its elegant setting and seasonal menus, North Pond often features remarkable seafood dishes crafted with locally-sourced ingredients.
Aba: This Mediterranean restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and flavorful seafood dishes reflecting diverse regional cuisines.

Seafood Focused Experiences:

Catch Chicago: This modern seafood restaurant offers a stylish setting and an extensive seafood menu.
Acanto: Featuring a refined menu influenced by northern Italian culinary traditions, Acanto offers a refined experience that includes some exquisite seafood options.

Budget-Friendly Bites:

Portillo's Hot Dogs: Believe it or not, Portillo's, renowned for its Chicago-style hot dogs, offers a surprisingly good fish sandwich.

Upscale with a View:

NoMI Kitchen: Located in the Park Hyatt Chicago, NoMI Kitchen provides stunning views of the city skyline alongside its refined seafood dishes.

For the Adventurous Palate:

The Dearborn: This sophisticated restaurant regularly features creative seafood dishes that push boundaries and showcase the chef's culinary artistry.

Classic Chicago Seafood:

Gene & Georgetti: A Chicago institution since 1941, Gene & Georgetti offers a classic Chicago dining experience, including some time-honored seafood preparations.

Disclaimer: This list is subjective and based on reviews, reputation, and overall culinary excellence. Restaurant menus and availability may change. It's recommended to confirm details and make reservations in advance, especially for popular establishments.