Quick answer
Chicago might be known for its deep-dish pizza and hearty steaks, but the city’s seafood scene is a surprising and delectable treasure trove for any discerning palate.
- Best overall
- Shaw's Crab House
- Top pick
- RPM Seafood — Unmatched modern elegance and river views.
Top verdicts
- RPM Seafood: Those seeking a luxurious evening with stunning views and contemporary seafood dishes.
- Shaw's Crab House: Seafood lovers seeking a lively, classic American crab house experience with a superb oyster selection.
- Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab: Indulgent diners looking for an upscale experience featuring both premium seafood and prime steak.
While landlocked, Chicago has a rich history of importing and celebrating fresh catches, fueled by its status as a major transportation hub and a diverse immigrant population bringing global culinary traditions.
From elegant oyster bars and sophisticated Italian-inspired seafood to classic American crab houses and no-frills fried fish shacks, the Windy City offers a diverse range of aquatic delights to satisfy every craving and budget.
Area map
All 10 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RPM Seafood | Modern Seafood | upscale | River North |
| 2 | Shaw's Crab House | Classic Seafood | upscale | River North |
| 3 | Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Steak & Seafood | upscale | River North |
| 4 | GT Fish & Oyster | Small Plates Seafood | upscale | River North |
| 5 | Oyster Bah | Oyster Bar | mid | Lincoln Park |
| 6 | Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House | Classic Seafood | upscale | Gold Coast |
| 7 | Nico Osteria | Italian Seafood | upscale | Gold Coast |
| 8 | Catch 35 | Contemporary Seafood | mid | Loop |
| 9 | Fish Bar | Southern Seafood | mid | Lincoln Park |
| 10 | Calumet Fisheries | Smoked & Fried Seafood | budget | South Deering |
1RPM Seafood
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those seeking a luxurious evening with stunning views and contemporary seafood dishes.
- Strengths
- River North
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- RPM Seafood offers a breathtaking dining experience with panoramic river views, serving impeccably sourced seafood with a modern, sophisticated twist. Expect exquisite presentations and a vibrant, luxurious atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
- What to order
- The King Crab Legs, prepared simply to highlight their natural sweetness, or the Whole Roasted Branzino for a Mediterranean flair.
🕐 Opening hours
2Shaw's Crab House
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Seafood lovers seeking a lively, classic American crab house experience with a superb oyster selection.
- Strengths
- River North
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- A Chicago institution for over 35 years, Shaw's Crab House delivers a quintessential American seafood experience with its bustling oyster bar, classic crab preparations, and lively main dining room. It's perfect for a traditional and satisfying meal.
- What to order
- A dozen freshly shucked oysters from the raw bar, followed by the Alaskan King Crab Legs or the famous Maryland-style Crab Cakes.
🕐 Opening hours
3Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Indulgent diners looking for an upscale experience featuring both premium seafood and prime steak.
- Strengths
- River North
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Joe's Seafood is a legendary dining destination where prime steaks meet iconic stone crab. The refined ambiance, impeccable service, and focus on high-quality ingredients make it a top choice for a memorable, indulgent meal.
- What to order
- The famous Florida Stone Crab Claws (seasonal, typically October-May) or the Bone-in Ribeye for a surf-and-turf feast. Don't skip the Key Lime Pie!
🕐 Opening hours
4GT Fish & Oyster
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Adventurous diners who enjoy sharing a variety of creative seafood dishes in a stylish, vibrant atmosphere.
- Strengths
- River North
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- GT Fish & Oyster reimagines seafood with an innovative small plates concept, encouraging sharing and exploration of diverse flavors. Its chic, nautical-inspired decor and creative menu make it a standout for contemporary seafood dining.
- What to order
- Start with a selection of fresh oysters, then try the Tuna Poke, the Grilled Octopus, and the New England Lobster Roll.
🕐 Opening hours
5Oyster Bah
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Oyster enthusiasts and those seeking a lively, East Coast-inspired seafood experience in a friendly neighborhood setting.
- Strengths
- Lincoln Park
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Oyster Bah brings a slice of the East Coast to Lincoln Park, offering a fantastic selection of oysters, fresh seafood, and a relaxed, nautical-themed ambiance. It's a beloved neighborhood spot for both casual meals and celebrations.
- What to order
- A rotating selection of fresh oysters from various regions, the Grilled Oysters, and the Lobster Roll.
🕐 Opening hours
6Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Diners seeking a vibrant, upscale-casual setting for traditional seafood dishes and prime steaks.
- Strengths
- Gold Coast
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House is a classic Gold Coast establishment known for its lively atmosphere, generous portions of fresh seafood, and excellent steaks. It's a popular spot for both power dinners and celebratory outings.
- What to order
- The Chilean Sea Bass, the jumbo lump Crab Cakes, or one of their perfectly cooked steaks. Finish with the famous Key Lime Pie.
🕐 Opening hours
7Nico Osteria
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those looking for an upscale Italian seafood experience with refined dishes and a stylish ambiance.
- Strengths
- Gold Coast
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Located in the Thompson Hotel, Nico Osteria offers an elegant take on Italian-inspired seafood, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and sophisticated preparations. It's a refined choice for a culinary journey to the Italian coast in the heart of Gold Coast.
- What to order
- Start with the Crudo selection, then move to a house-made pasta with seafood like the Linguine al Nero or the Whole Roasted Fish.
🕐 Opening hours
8Catch 35
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Diners seeking a dependable, fresh seafood meal in the Loop, especially those who appreciate live music.
- Strengths
- Loop
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Catch 35 in the Loop is a reliable choice for fresh seafood and steaks, often accompanied by live jazz music. It's a popular spot for business lunches and pre-theater dinners, offering a refined yet comfortable dining experience.
- What to order
- The Chilean Sea Bass, the Ahi Tuna, or their signature Catch 35 Stir-Fry. Check their daily specials for fresh market fish.
🕐 Opening hours
9Fish Bar
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Casual dining and those craving classic fried seafood, po'boys, and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Strengths
- Lincoln Park
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Fish Bar is a casual, no-frills spot in Lincoln Park bringing Southern-inspired seafood to Chicago. With a focus on fried baskets, po'boys, and fresh fish specials, it’s a perfect choice for a relaxed and flavorful meal.
- What to order
- The Shrimp Po'Boy, the Fried Catfish basket, or their popular Fish & Chips.
🕐 Opening hours
10Calumet Fisheries
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Authentic, historic, and incredibly delicious smoked and fried fish at unbeatable prices. It's takeout only!
- Strengths
- South Deering
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- A true Chicago icon, Calumet Fisheries has been serving up legendary smoked and fried seafood from its humble shack by the Calumet River since 1948. Featured in movies and beloved by locals, it’s an essential, no-frills experience.
- What to order
- The Smoked Salmon, Smoked Trout, or the Fried Shrimp. Everything is packed to go, so be prepared for a picnic.
🕐 Opening hours
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago good for seafood despite being inland?
Absolutely! Despite being landlocked, Chicago has a long-standing reputation as a major transportation hub, allowing it to receive fresh seafood daily from both coasts and international waters. The city's diverse culinary scene ensures that chefs put these high-quality ingredients to excellent use, creating a surprising and robust seafood offerings.
What type of seafood is Chicago famous for?
While Chicago isn't known for a specific local catch, its seafood scene is renowned for variety and quality. Stone crab (seasonal), Alaskan king crab, and fresh oysters from both East and West Coasts are particularly popular. You'll also find exceptional preparations of classics like Chilean sea bass, salmon, and unique regional specialties from various global cuisines.
Are there any budget-friendly seafood options in Chicago?
Yes, delicious seafood in Chicago doesn't always have to break the bank. Places like Calumet Fisheries offer iconic smoked and fried fish at very affordable prices, perfect for a casual, cash-only experience. Fish Bar also provides excellent Southern-inspired fried seafood at a mid-budget price point, offering great value without sacrificing flavor.
What are the best neighborhoods for seafood in Chicago?
River North is arguably the hub for upscale seafood dining, boasting establishments like RPM Seafood, Shaw's Crab House, and Joe's Seafood. Lincoln Park offers a mix of mid-range and casual options, including Oyster Bah and Fish Bar. The Gold Coast is home to elegant choices like Hugo's Frog Bar and Nico Osteria, while the Loop caters to business diners with spots like Catch 35.
Do Chicago seafood restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions?
Most reputable seafood restaurants in Chicago are accustomed to handling various dietary restrictions and allergies. It's always best to inform your server upon arrival, or even mention it when making a reservation. Many establishments can offer gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian options, especially given the natural versatility of seafood and fresh produce.
Can I find fresh oysters in Chicago?
Yes, absolutely! Chicago has a thriving oyster scene. Many upscale seafood restaurants and dedicated oyster bars, such as Shaw's Crab House and Oyster Bah, offer extensive raw bar selections with daily rotating varieties from different regions. Happy hour deals on oysters are also a popular feature at many spots.
Is it better to make reservations for seafood restaurants in Chicago?
For most mid-to-upscale seafood restaurants, especially for dinner on weekends or during peak seasons, reservations are highly recommended and often essential. Popular spots like RPM Seafood and Joe's Seafood can book up weeks in advance. More casual eateries might operate on a walk-in basis, but you might encounter wait times.
Are there seafood places good for families with kids?
While many upscale seafood restaurants are more geared towards adults, places like Shaw's Crab House often have a more accommodating atmosphere and menu for families. Casual spots like Fish Bar can also be excellent choices. Calumet Fisheries, being takeout-only, is perfect for a unique family picnic experience, weather permitting.