Seafood in Atlanta: Where to Find the Best Catches, Markets, and Meals

Atlanta may be hundreds of miles from the coast, but its seafood scene is serious. From classic Lowcountry boils and Cajun crab shacks to sleek sushi bars and neighborhood fish markets, you can eat seafood in almost any style across the metro area.

This guide breaks down how seafood works in Atlanta—where it comes from, the types of places you’ll find it, how to buy and store it safely, and how locals enjoy seafood at restaurants, markets, and festivals.

How Seafood Works in a Landlocked City Like Atlanta

Even without a coastline, Atlanta functions as a major distribution hub for seafood in the Southeast. Most seafood here comes in via:

• Gulf Coast ports (Louisiana, Alabama, Florida)
• Atlantic ports (Savannah, Charleston, North Carolina)
• International imports shipped by air into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

From there, it’s distributed to:

• Grocery chains and local fish markets
• Restaurants (from fine dining to fast casual)
• Wholesale suppliers serving hotels, caterers, and institutions

For you as a consumer, this means:

• You can find fresh, never-frozen seafood in many places, especially common species like shrimp, salmon, catfish, and oysters in season.
• More delicate or specialty items may arrive frozen or previously frozen, which is standard practice and often maintains good quality when handled properly.

Popular Types of Seafood in Atlanta

You’ll see a few patterns almost everywhere in the city:

Common menu and market staples:

• Shrimp – Gulf shrimp are especially common in boils, shrimp and grits, and po’boys.
• Catfish – Fried catfish is a staple in soul food and Southern restaurants.
• Salmon – Widely available grilled, blackened, or in sushi.
• Tilapia, cod, and flounder – Often used in fried fish plates and tacos.
• Crab – Snow crab, Dungeness, and blue crab in boils and crab-leg platters.
• Oysters – Raw, grilled, and fried, especially at oyster bars and coastal-style spots.
• Lobster – Lobster tails, rolls, and surf-and-turf in higher-end or New England–style places.
• Sushi-grade fish – Tuna, yellowtail, salmon, and eel in sushi bars.

Regional favorites with a Southern or local twist:

• Lowcountry and Cajun boils with shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and potatoes.
• Fried whiting or croaker in fish-and-chicken carryout spots.
• Trout and other freshwater fish in some Southern and Appalachian-influenced menus.

Where to Eat Seafood in Atlanta

Atlanta’s seafood restaurants cluster in a few main styles. You’ll find them in intown neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, East Atlanta, and along major corridors in the suburbs.

1. Seafood Boil and Cajun-Style Spots

These are often casual, sometimes messy-on-purpose places where you order seafood by the pound, tossed in sauces like garlic butter, Cajun, or “house special,” with customizable spice levels.

Typical features:

• Build-your-own bags: choose shrimp, crab, clams, mussels, or lobster plus sides.
• Plastic gloves and bibs on the table.
• Loud, social atmosphere—good for groups.

You’ll see these all over Gwinnett, DeKalb, Cobb, South Fulton, and Clayton, often in shopping centers and along busy roads.

What to know when ordering:

• Ask whether shrimp are head-on or head-off and peeled or shell-on.
• Clarify spice level—what’s called “medium” in some boil houses can be very spicy.
• For value, combo platters with shrimp + crab + sausage are often more economical than mixing several individual items.

2. Oyster Bars and Coastal-Style Restaurants

These places focus on raw and cooked oysters, often with a broader menu of fish, shrimp, and coastal dishes.

Common offerings:

• Raw oysters on the half shell (Gulf, East Coast, or specialty varieties)
• Chargrilled or roasted oysters
• Fish sandwiches, shrimp baskets, and seafood platters
• Clam chowder, gumbo, or bisque

You’ll find these in intown neighborhoods and some mixed-use developments around the metro area.

Tips for oyster lovers:

• Ask where the oysters are from and how recently they were delivered.
• Many spots offer happy hour oyster specials on weekdays.
• If you’re new to raw oysters, start with chargrilled or fried versions and work your way up.

3. Sushi and Japanese Seafood

Atlanta has a strong sushi and Japanese dining scene, especially in:

• Buckhead
• Midtown and Inman Park/Old Fourth Ward area
• Doraville and broader Buford Highway corridor
• Sandy Springs and Dunwoody

Look for:

• Nigiri and sashimi (raw fish over rice or sliced plain)
• Specialty rolls featuring tuna, salmon, eel, and tempura shrimp
• Omakase (chef’s choice tasting) at higher-end bars
• Japanese-style grilled fish, tempura, and seafood ramen

Smart ordering moves:

• Try the chef’s specials or seasonal fish, which often represent what’s freshest.
• For takeout, rolls and cooked items generally travel better than delicate nigiri.

4. Southern, Soul, and Fish Fry Restaurants

In many Atlanta neighborhoods, especially in South Atlanta, the Westside, and parts of DeKalb and Clayton, you’ll see fish-and-chicken carryout and soul food spots featuring:

• Fried catfish, whiting, or tilapia
• Hushpuppies, coleslaw, and fries
• Shrimp and grits
• Fish sandwiches on soft white bread

These are often counter-service with strong local followings.

Ordering tips:

• Ask whether the fish is fillet or whole (bone-in).
• Check if they cook to order or if items are held under heat lamps (made-to-order usually tastes fresher).

5. Upscale and Chef-Driven Seafood

Higher-end restaurants around Buckhead, Midtown, and West Midtown frequently center menus on seafood or include standout seafood dishes.

Common features:

• Whole roasted fish, scallops, and premium oysters
• Crudo, tartare, or ceviche
• Surf-and-turf combinations
• Wine pairings and more formal service

These are good choices for special occasions and business dinners where you want refined seafood preparations and a polished atmosphere.

Buying Fresh Seafood in Atlanta

If you want to cook seafood at home, you’ll likely shop at one of three types of places:

1. Dedicated fish markets
2. Large supermarkets with full-service seafood counters
3. International and farmers markets

Dedicated Seafood and Fish Markets

Atlanta and its suburbs host multiple independent fish markets and wholesale/retail outlets that specialize in seafood. These are often found:

• Along Buford Highway (Doraville, Chamblee)
• In parts of Norcross, Duluth, and Lawrenceville
• In certain intown and Southside areas

At these markets, you’ll typically find:

• Whole fish (snapper, mullet, croaker, whiting, etc.)
• Fillets and steaks (salmon, catfish, swai, tilapia)
• Shellfish (shrimp, crab, clams, oysters, mussels)
• Live or fresh blue crab and sometimes live shellfish in tanks
• Frozen bulk items for stocking up

Questions worth asking:

• “Was this previously frozen or never frozen?”
• “When did this shipment arrive?”
• “What’s the best-looking fish today?” (staff often steer you to the freshest options)

Supermarkets and Grocery Chains

Most major grocery chains in Atlanta have seafood counters, especially in larger or higher-traffic stores. Expect:

• Farmed salmon, tilapia, catfish, and shrimp
• Pre-seasoned or ready-to-cook options
• Some fresh, some thawed from frozen (legally, labels should indicate if an item was “previously frozen”)

Tips:

• Go earlier in the day for the best selection.
• Look for clear, icy displays rather than fish sitting in standing water.
• Ask staff to pack fish on extra ice if you have a long drive, especially in summer.

International and Farmers Markets

Large international markets around metro Atlanta often have extensive seafood sections, sometimes with live tanks and a wide variety of whole fish.

At these markets you’ll see:

• Fish common in Asian, African, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisines
• Live crab, clams, mussels, and sometimes live fish
• Affordable prices on whole fish and shell-on shrimp

Some farmers markets and food halls may host seafood vendors with:

• Local or regional fish when available
• Smoked fish and specialty items

How to Judge Seafood Freshness

Whether you’re at a restaurant or market in Atlanta, you can do a quick freshness check.

For whole fish:

• Eyes: Clear and bright, not cloudy or sunken.
• Smell: Clean and mild, not “fishy,” sour, or ammonia-like.
• Gills: Bright red or pink, not brown or gray.
• Flesh: Firm to the touch; it should spring back when pressed.

For fillets and steaks:

• Color: Vibrant and consistent, with no browning or dull dryness.
• Texture: Moist but not slimy.
• Smell: Again, clean and ocean-like rather than strong and fishy.

For shellfish (shrimp, crab, clams, mussels):

• Shrimp should be firm with a clean smell.
• Live clams and mussels should have closed shells or close when tapped.
• Any cracked, broken, or wide-open shells that don’t close when tapped should be discarded.

Safe Handling and Storage at Home in Atlanta’s Heat

Atlanta’s climate—especially spring through fall—makes food safety extra important for seafood.

Transport:

• Use an insulated bag or small cooler with ice if you’re more than 30–45 minutes from home.
• Don’t leave seafood sitting in a hot car; do your seafood stop last before heading home.

At home:

• Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator (back of the bottom shelf or meat drawer).
• Ideally, cook fish and shrimp within 1–2 days of purchase.
• For longer storage, freeze in airtight packaging, removing as much air as possible.

Thawing:

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or
• Use a cold-water bath (sealed bag submerged, changing water every 30 minutes).
• Avoid thawing at room temperature on the counter.

Local and Regional Seafood: What’s “Nearby” to Atlanta

While Atlanta doesn’t have its own commercial ocean fishery, it benefits from regional seafood sources:

• Georgia coast (Savannah, Brunswick, St. Simons area)
  Seasonal wild shrimp and some finfish.
• Gulf Coast (Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Louisiana)
  A major source of shrimp, oysters, crab, and finfish.
• Carolina coasts
  Oysters and certain specialty fish show up in Atlanta from here.

When you see menus or markets mention:

• “Gulf shrimp”: typically from the Gulf of Mexico.
• “East Coast oysters”: often from the Atlantic seaboard, sometimes specifically labeled by state.
• “Georgia shrimp”: usually seasonal and marketed by some restaurants and specialty vendors.

For those who care about regional sourcing, it’s reasonable to ask where the seafood is coming from. Many Atlanta chefs are open about their suppliers.

Seafood Festivals and Events in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta and nearby communities host seafood-focused festivals and cookouts, typically in spring and fall. You may find:

• Oyster roasts
• Shrimp and crab boils
• Food and music festivals with strong seafood representation

These events change from year to year, but they are often held in:

• City parks
• Downtown districts in surrounding cities (Marietta, Norcross, Duluth, etc.)
• Large event venues around the metro

For current listings, residents and visitors usually check:

• City and county event calendars
• Local tourism or visitor bureau listings
• Neighborhood social media and event boards

Atlanta Agencies and Resources Connected to Seafood

If you’re interested in regulations, safety, or fishing-related information, a few official bodies are relevant:

Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – Coastal Resources & Wildlife Resources

While their field offices are on the coast or around the state, Atlanta residents often rely on them for:

• Recreational fishing licenses
• Saltwater fishing regulations (if you’re planning a trip to the Georgia coast or Gulf)
• Consumption advisories for fish from Georgia lakes and rivers

You can reach DNR’s main offices via:

• Georgia DNR Headquarters
  2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
  Atlanta, GA 30334
  Main phone (central office line): (404) 656-3500

From Atlanta, you can handle most license and regulation needs online or by phone.

Georgia Department of Agriculture – Food Safety Division

This department oversees food safety for many retail food businesses, including some that handle seafood.

• Georgia Department of Agriculture
  19 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW
  Atlanta, GA 30334
  Main phone: (404) 656-3600

If you have concerns about seafood handling in a grocery store or market, this is a key point of contact.

Fulton County Board of Health and Other County Health Departments

Restaurant health inspections, including seafood restaurants, are usually handled at the county level.

For example, in Fulton County:

• Fulton County Board of Health – Environmental Health Services
  10 Park Place South SE, Suite 418
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone: (404) 613-1303

Similar departments exist in DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, and other metro counties. Many post restaurant inspection scores online, which can be helpful when you’re evaluating seafood-heavy restaurants.

Quick Reference: Enjoying Seafood in Atlanta

Below is a simple overview to help you decide how and where to get seafood in Atlanta:

Practical Tips for Seafood Lovers in Atlanta

A few final, locally relevant pointers:

• Plan around traffic and heat: If you’re buying fresh seafood, avoid leaving it in the car during rush-hour backups, especially in summer.
• Weekday shopping often wins: Markets and grocery seafood counters frequently receive shipments midweek; mornings can have the best selection.
• Ask questions confidently: Atlanta’s seafood sellers and restaurant staff are used to customers asking about freshness, sourcing, and preparation. You don’t need to be an expert—simple questions go a long way.
• Try regional styles: From Lowcountry boils to fried catfish and Gulf shrimp dishes, Atlanta is a good place to explore Southern and coastal seafood traditions without leaving the city.

With a little local know-how, you can enjoy excellent seafood across Atlanta—whether you’re dining out in Buckhead, grabbing a fried fish plate on the Southside, or picking up fresh shrimp and whole fish to cook at home.