Where to Find the Best Seafood in Atlanta: Top Spots Locals Actually Love

Atlanta may be landlocked, but the city takes seafood seriously. Thanks to daily shipments from the Gulf, East Coast, and beyond, you can find everything from classic fried catfish to oysters on the half shell and refined tasting menus.

Below is a practical guide to some of the top seafood restaurants in Atlanta, along with what each does best, what kind of experience to expect, and tips for choosing the right spot for your budget, neighborhood, and occasion.

Quick Snapshot: Notable Seafood Spots Around Atlanta

The Optimist (West Midtown)

Location: Commonly listed along Howell Mill Road in West Midtown
Best for: Date night, special occasions, out-of-town guests

The Optimist focuses on coastal-inspired plates with a modern twist. You’ll typically find:

• A strong raw bar with a rotating selection of oysters
• Wood-fired fish with simple, clean flavors
• Well-executed sides like roasted vegetables and hushpuppies

The atmosphere tends to be buzzy but polished, making it a go-to for celebrations and client dinners. Reservations are usually a good idea, especially on weekends.

Good to know:

• Expect higher-end pricing, especially if you lean into oysters and cocktails.
• Parking in West Midtown can be tight; plan a few extra minutes if you’re driving.

Atlanta Fish Market (Buckhead)

Location: Buckhead, near the heart of Peachtree Road’s commercial stretch
Best for: Big groups, traditional seafood lovers, wide variety

Atlanta Fish Market is known for its huge menu and classic preparations. It’s often one of the first places locals mention when someone asks for “seafood in Buckhead.”

You’ll commonly see:

• Extensive fresh fish list, usually with several preparation options
• Raw bar with oysters, shrimp cocktail, and crab
• Familiar items like grilled salmon, crab cakes, fried platters, and sushi

The space is large and can handle big family dinners or business groups, which is helpful around holidays or convention season.

Good to know:

• Dress ranges from business casual to dressy.
• Because of its size and popularity, calling ahead for a reservation is usually smart.

BeetleCat (Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward)

Location: Near the Eastside BeltLine, off North Highland Avenue
Best for: Trendy night out, small plates, cocktails

BeetleCat leans into a playful, retro-nautical theme with a menu that’s both seafood-focused and creative. Many Atlantans like it for:

• Oysters and crudo-style dishes
• Small plates like fish sliders, calamari, and inventive ceviche
• Weekend brunch with seafood twists

The upstairs and downstairs spaces have different vibes but both skew lively and social, especially later in the evening.

Good to know:

• It’s a popular stop before or after a BeltLine stroll.
• Can be louder during peak times; great for groups of friends, less ideal if you want a quiet conversation.

Steamhouse Lounge (Midtown)

Location: Midtown, often associated with the 11th–Peachtree area
Best for: Casual meetups, game days, simple seafood favorites

Steamhouse Lounge is an Atlanta standby for relaxed seafood and cold drinks. Expect:

• Their well-known lobster bisque
• Oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and casual baskets
• A patio area that draws crowds in good weather

The vibe is unfussy and comfortable, making it a good pick before shows, concerts, or nights out in Midtown.

Good to know:

• During major events and festivals, this area gets very busy.
• It’s a solid choice if you want seafood without an upscale atmosphere.

Six Feet Under (Grant Park & Westside)

Locations: Commonly found across from Oakland Cemetery (Grant Park) and near the Westside area
Best for: Rooftop views (Westside), casual fried seafood, fish tacos

Six Feet Under is famous for:

• Fish tacos, po’boys, and fried baskets
• Southern-style sides like hushpuppies and slaw
• A rooftop patio at the Westside location with city views

It’s casual, often crowded, and feels very “Atlanta” in the best way.

Good to know:

• Great for groups and out-of-town friends who want something laid-back.
• Expect a wait at peak times; the rooftop especially fills up fast when the weather is nice.

Bon Ton (Midtown)

Location: Midtown, not far from Ponce de Leon Avenue
Best for: Bold flavors, New Orleans vibes, seafood boils

Bon Ton blends Cajun, Creole, and Vietnamese influences, with a menu that often includes:

• Seafood boils with shrimp, crab, and crawfish (when in season)
• Dishes like blackened fish, gumbo, and spicy seafood plates
• A lively bar scene with colorful cocktails

The space is small and energetic, with a casual but hip feel.

Good to know:

• Portions can be hearty, but spice levels vary by dish; ask if you’re heat-sensitive.
• Street parking in this part of Midtown can be limited; rideshares are common.

W. H. Stiles Fish Camp (Ponce City Market)

Location: Inside Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall
Best for: Quick but quality seafood, lunch near the BeltLine

Often referred to as “Fish Camp,” this spot offers counter-service seafood with a focus on freshness. Popular options typically include:

• Shrimp & grits, fish plates, and daily catch specials
• Lighter options like seafood salads
• Access to all the shopping and food stalls at Ponce City Market

It’s a convenient choice if you’re already at PCM or walking the Eastside BeltLine and want seafood without a full sit-down dinner.

Good to know:

• Seating is mostly open communal food hall style.
• Great for families or mixed groups where everyone wants something different.

Fontaine’s Oyster House (Virginia-Highland)

Location: Virginia-Highland neighborhood commercial strip
Best for: Neighborhood oyster spot, casual dates, happy hour

Fontaine’s feels like a local hangout with a focus on:

• Oysters, often available raw, grilled, or baked
• Seafood pasta, shrimp dishes, and classic bar fare
• A patio that’s especially popular in nice weather

If you’re in or near Va-Hi and craving seafood in a laid-back setting, this is a reliable option.

Good to know:

• The bar area can get busy during big games and weekend nights.
• It’s walkable from many Virginia-Highland homes and nearby side streets.

Kyma (Buckhead)

Location: Buckhead, in a cluster of established restaurants off Piedmont Road
Best for: Upscale Greek seafood, special occasions

Kyma emphasizes Mediterranean and Greek-style seafood, featuring:

• Whole grilled fish with olive oil, lemon, and herbs
• Meze (small plates) like grilled octopus and spreads
• A refined dining room suited for anniversaries and business dinners

The menu often leans lighter and fresher than traditional fried platters, which some Atlantans appreciate for celebratory meals that don’t feel too heavy.

Good to know:

• Expect a dressier crowd and higher prices.
• Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.

Lure (Midtown)

Location: Midtown, a short walk from many offices and hotels
Best for: Date night, business dinners, cocktails with seafood

Lure blends seasonal seafood with a polished Midtown atmosphere. Common highlights include:

• Crudo, ceviche, or tartare starters
• A changing selection of market fish, often grilled or roasted
• Creative cocktails and a comfortable bar area

It’s popular with both locals and visitors staying in Midtown hotels.

Good to know:

• Often used for client dinners or pre-theater meals.
• If you care about quieter seating, mentioning that when you reserve can help.

How to Choose the Right Seafood Restaurant in Atlanta

With so many options, it helps to narrow things down based on what matters most to you:

1. Neighborhood & Convenience

Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, so location is practical to consider.

• Intown / BeltLine: BeetleCat, W. H. Stiles Fish Camp
• Midtown: Steamhouse Lounge, Bon Ton, Lure
• Buckhead: Atlanta Fish Market, Kyma
• Grant Park / Westside: Six Feet Under locations

If you’re visiting, you may want a place close to your hotel, MARTA station, or main destination (like Ponce City Market or a Midtown venue).

2. Style of Seafood

Think about whether you want classic, upscale, or casual:

• Upscale coastal: The Optimist, Lure
• Large classic menus: Atlanta Fish Market
• Casual and fried: Steamhouse Lounge, Six Feet Under
• Oysters & raw bar focus: BeetleCat, Fontaine’s, The Optimist

3. Atmosphere

• Romantic/date night: The Optimist, Lure, Kyma
• Lively and trendy: BeetleCat, Bon Ton
• Neighborhood hangout: Fontaine’s, Steamhouse Lounge
• Family-friendly: Atlanta Fish Market, Six Feet Under, Fish Camp at PCM

4. Budget

Prices vary widely across the city:

• Higher-end: The Optimist, Kyma, Lure, Atlanta Fish Market
• Mid-range: BeetleCat, Bon Ton, Fontaine’s
• More budget-conscious: Six Feet Under, Steamhouse Lounge, W. H. Stiles Fish Camp (especially for lunch)

If you’re watching costs, consider:

• Sharing appetizers and sides instead of full entrees
• Going for lunch instead of dinner when available
• Focusing on sandwiches, tacos, or baskets instead of whole fish or premium shellfish

Practical Tips for Eating Seafood in Atlanta

• Check daily specials: Many Atlanta seafood spots highlight the freshest catch of the day or seasonal items; servers can often steer you toward what’s best that night.
• Ask about sourcing: If sustainability matters to you, staff at higher-end and chef-driven restaurants often share where their fish and oysters come from.
• Mind peak times: Friday and Saturday nights in Midtown, Buckhead, and the BeltLine corridor often mean long waits without reservations.
• Parking and transit: Some Buckhead and Midtown restaurants provide valet, while intown spots near the BeltLine are often easier with rideshare or MARTA plus a short walk.
• Outdoor seating: If you want to sit outside, places like Six Feet Under (Westside rooftop), Fontaine’s, and Steamhouse Lounge are popular when the weather is good.

If You Have Dietary Preferences or Restrictions

Many Atlanta seafood restaurants are used to handling special requests:

• Shellfish allergies: Ask clearly about cross-contact, especially at places with raw bars or shared fryers.
• Gluten sensitivity: Grilled or roasted fish with vegetables is often easier to adapt than battered and fried options; ask about sauces and marinades.
• Lighter options: Mediterranean-leaning spots (like Kyma) and chef-driven menus (like The Optimist or Lure) usually offer simply prepared fish and salads.

Calling ahead during quieter hours can help you gauge how comfortably a particular restaurant can accommodate your needs.

Atlanta’s seafood scene is broader and better than many people expect from a landlocked city. Whether you live here and want a new go-to spot or you’re visiting and craving oysters, there’s likely a restaurant in your part of town that fits the style and budget you have in mind.