Best Seafood Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia: Our Top 10 Picks Ranked

Atlanta’s food scene is full of surprises, and when it comes to seafood, the options are far more impressive than its distance from the coast might suggest. From upscale oyster lounges to casual spots serving low-country boils and buttery lobster rolls, the city delivers a full range of seafood experiences.

Here are our top picks for best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia—places known for freshness, consistency, and flavor. Whether you’re after a laid-back fish house or a refined raw bar, these ten restaurants offer some of the city’s most reliable and rewarding seafood dining.

‎

How We Chose the Best 10

To identify the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, we looked beyond menus and Michelin mentions. This list is built on consistency, guest satisfaction, and overall experience—both in the kitchen and at the table.

Our criteria included:

• Seafood Quality – Freshness, sourcing, and how well ingredients are treated.
• Service and Hospitality – Attentive, knowledgeable staff who enhance the dining experience.
• Atmosphere – A setting that complements the food—whether casual or refined.
• Guest Feedback – Ratings and reviews across platforms like Tripadvisor, Google, and OpenTable.
• Standout Dishes – Signature items or preparation styles that elevate the experience beyond the ordinary.

These restaurants weren’t chosen just because they’re popular. They earned their spot by consistently delivering seafood that Atlantans—and visitors—trust and return to.

‎

#10. Eight Sushi Lounge

Opening our list of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, Eight Sushi Lounge brings a thoughtful approach to modern Japanese cuisine. While not a traditional seafood house, it earns its place for the precision and clarity of its seafood offerings—from pristine sashimi to seasonal omakase presentations. The menu is anchored by quality and restraint, with each dish showcasing balance rather than flash.

Located in the Westside area, the space is sleek and quiet, with dim lighting, smooth pacing, and a staff that knows when to step in and when to pull back. For those seeking seafood with structure and creativity, Eight delivers with consistency.

What Guests Say

Guests highlight the freshness of the fish, the elegance of the plating, and the level of detail in the chef’s omakase. Many describe the experience as composed and well-paced, ideal for quiet evenings or return visits with seafood-focused intentions.

‎

#9. Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House

Coming in at number nine on our list of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, Six Feet Under blends casual Southern charm with a wide-ranging seafood menu that covers both comfort and variety. With locations in Grant Park and West Midtown, it’s known for rooftop views, cold beer, and dishes that lean more toward approachable than polished—but never careless.

From fried catfish and peel-and-eat shrimp to raw oysters and fish tacos, the menu is built for those who want relaxed atmosphere without sacrificing flavor. It’s busy, a little loud, and always dependable.

What Guests Say

Patrons love the informal vibe and the generous portions. The rooftop seating draws consistent praise, especially at sunset. Favorites include the alligator bites, spicy seafood gumbo, and the catfish po’boy. Service is fast-paced and friendly, even when the place is packed.

‎

#8. Copeland’s of New Orleans Atlanta

Earning the eighth spot among the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, Copeland’s brings New Orleans-style seafood to the heart of the city. Known for its bold flavors, deep-fried comfort, and Southern-Creole fusion, it’s a go-to for those who want something rich, familiar, and satisfying.

The menu covers everything from crawfish étouffée to blackened catfish and signature seafood pastas, all served in a lively, high-energy dining room. Portions are generous, the spices are unapologetic, and the atmosphere leans more festive than formal.

What Guests Say

Guests consistently call out the strong seasoning, large plates, and standout brunch. Many highlight the friendly service and upbeat vibe, especially during weekends. Favorites include the seafood platter, shrimp and grits, and the crawfish bread.

‎

#7. Atlanta Fish Market

At number seven on our list of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, Atlanta Fish Market is a longtime Buckhead staple with one of the largest selections of fresh seafood in the city. With its soaring interior, open raw bar, and iconic giant fish sculpture out front, it blends traditional dining room polish with a seafood-forward menu that spans coasts and continents.

The offerings are extensive—think Maine lobster, Gulf shrimp, Hawaiian tuna, and wild salmon flown in daily. For those seeking variety, consistency, and an old-school sense of occasion, this is one of Atlanta’s most reliable seafood institutions.

What Guests Say

Reviewers praise the quality of the fish, the range of options, and the ability to accommodate large groups. Many return for the horseradish-crusted grouper, the raw bar towers, and the attentive, professional service that rarely misses a beat.

‎

#6. Chops & Lobster Bar

Holding the sixth spot on our list of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, Chops & Lobster Bar is where high-end steakhouse tradition meets elevated seafood execution. While it's best known for prime cuts, the adjoining Lobster Bar is a destination in its own right—serving refined seafood in a luxurious, club-like setting beneath vaulted brick ceilings.

Expect impeccably sourced shellfish, raw bar selections, and seafood entrées with precise presentation. From the chilled shellfish tower to the South African lobster tail, every plate is built for guests who value classic luxury with modern consistency.

What Guests Say

Diners frequently mention the polished service, moody ambiance, and consistency of both the seafood and steak menus. The lobster bisque and grilled branzino earn repeat praise, while the overall tone is described as upscale without being inaccessible.

‎

#5. Lure

Midway through our list of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, Lure stands out for its balance of modern design, seasonal seafood, and a relaxed Midtown location. It’s polished but not pretentious—combining Southern coastal flavors with global influences in a space that feels both urban and approachable.

The menu shifts regularly but often features dishes like Georgia white shrimp, grilled octopus, and oysters from both coasts. With indoor and patio seating, it's well-suited for weekday dinners, date nights, or brunches that lean seafood-heavy.

What Guests Say

Guests appreciate the balance between creativity and comfort. The octopus and scallops come up often in reviews, along with positive notes on service and pacing. The cocktails are well-curated, and many note that it feels “fresh without being fussy.”

‎

#4. Ray’s in the City

Taking the fourth spot on our list of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, Ray’s in the City offers a more formal downtown seafood experience that’s consistent, crowd-pleasing, and well-located. Part of the Ray’s Restaurants group, it brings white-tablecloth service and a broad seafood menu to the heart of the city—popular with both locals and business travelers.

The menu includes staples like crab cakes, blackened salmon, and miso-glazed sea bass, along with sushi rolls, raw oysters, and steaks for non-seafood diners. It’s a polished but familiar setup, focused on reliable execution and a touch of Southern hospitality.

What Guests Say

Reviewers often mention the warm, attentive service and the quality of the seafood across a variety of preparations. The crab bisque and pecan-crusted trout are frequent favorites. Many appreciate the balance between upscale ambiance and comfortable pacing.

‎

#3. C&S Seafood & Oyster Bar

Earning the third spot on our list of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, C&S Seafood & Oyster Bar delivers a classic brasserie-style experience with East Coast and Gulf influences. With locations in Vinings and Sandy Springs, it offers a more intimate, detail-oriented approach to seafood—focused on technique, consistency, and clean presentation.

The raw bar is a centerpiece, backed by a menu that includes favorites like trout almondine, lobster Thermidor, and seafood pasta. The setting is elegant without being stiff, with leather banquettes, white linens, and a calm, grown-up energy.

What Guests Say

Guests frequently mention the professional service, thoughtful wine list, and depth of the menu. Highlights include the chargrilled oysters, crab-stuffed lobster tail, and the creamed spinach side that many call “a must.” It’s a popular spot for special occasions that don’t need to shout.

‎

#2. The Optimist

Securing the second spot among the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, The Optimist has become a cornerstone of the city’s modern seafood scene. Located in West Midtown and backed by Ford Fry’s restaurant group, it combines polished coastal cuisine with a lively, open atmosphere that feels just upscale enough.

The menu focuses on wood-fired fish, seasonal vegetables, and an outstanding raw bar. Highlights include the whole roasted snapper, she-crab soup, and oysters prepared multiple ways. With a breezy interior and an attached outdoor patio known as the “beach,” it’s a space that manages to be both stylish and welcoming.

What Guests Say

Reviewers praise the quality of the seafood, the creativity of the sides, and the staff’s knowledge of pairings. Dishes like the lobster roll and swordfish are often singled out, while the space itself earns high marks for energy, layout, and consistency.

‎

#1. Steamhouse Lounge

Topping our list of the best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, Steamhouse Lounge is a Midtown favorite known for its laid-back charm, legendary lobster bisque, and no-frills approach to great seafood. It’s not fine dining—but it doesn’t need to be. What it offers instead is character, consistency, and a strong local following that spans decades.

The menu leans heavily into Gulf-style classics: oysters on the half shell, shrimp po’boys, snow crab legs, and steamed buckets built for sharing. With indoor and outdoor seating, cold beer on tap, and a famously busy weekend brunch, it’s a place that captures the spirit of casual coastal dining right in the city.

What Guests Say

Guests rave about the bisque—often calling it the best in Atlanta—and the always-fresh oysters. Many return regularly for the relaxed energy, solid service, and generous portions. It’s a seafood spot that doesn’t try too hard, and that’s exactly the point.

‎

‎

Final Thoughts

Atlanta may not sit on the coast, but its seafood scene more than holds its own. The best seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia offer a range of experiences—from polished omakase counters and East Coast-style oyster bars to Cajun-inspired comfort food and casual neighborhood staples.

Whether you're looking for a refined evening out, a low-key po’boy and beer, or a plate of oysters served with a view, this list gives you reliable options backed by consistent guest feedback and editorial care. Each one brings something different to the table—but all of them deliver on quality, character, and the kind of seafood that makes a city worth eating in.