While Philadelphia has had a relatively tumultuous relationship with seafood over the years, the city isn’t short on delicious seafood restaurants that are sure to fulfill your appetite, write Jason Sheehan and Kae Lani Palmisano for Philadelphia Magazine.
At Alice in Bella Vista, you can start off with Barnegat Bay Oysters with cucumber aguachile, grilled spicy prawns with saffron, lemon, and purslane, and the Bluefin toro tartare. Or maybe a grilled branzino.
Enjoy a salmon burger or a fried jumbo shrimp for launch at Pearl’s Oyster Bar on Market East.
Little Fish in Bella Vista is known for its signature scallop toast, a proven commodity within its menu.
For fresh seafood with seasonal, regional, and sustainably sourced ingredients, head to River Twice on East Passyunk.
Little Water in Rittenhouse Square offers dishes like fried oyster BLT with pickled green tomatoes, hashbrowns topped with crab and Maine uni, and shrimp cocktails with smoked catsup and shaved horseradish.
While lobster rolls aren’t aplenty throughout the city, Luke’s Lobster in Rittenhouse serves among the best.
For a variety that includes jumbo shrimp cocktails, fish and chips, and fried catfish sandwiches, shrimp tacos, and more, Seafood Unlimited has you covered.
Read more about the best places throughout the Philly to get seafood at Philadelphia Magazine.
_____
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on PHILADELPHIA Today in March 2025.
