Enjoy A Bite of the Freshest Seafood Classics at These Upscale Restaurants in Washington, DC

If you’re into seafood, you might want to head down to Washington, DC where fine establishments that feeds the movers and shakers in the city are coming up pretty fast to fulfill the growing craving for seafood. The most popular seafood joints in D.C bring the taste of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic to District diners with all the flair and style the city is famous for.

So, where are the most enthusiastic seafood lovers going out to dine when they’re in the mood for savory, mouth-watering seafood varieties? Welcome to the Tastemaker list that features the best seafood restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Seafood lovers never want to comprise on their diet, and we understand that. With that exceptional quality, it can also be hard to find a good seafood restaurant that is within your budget. That’s why GiftYa has partnered with local restaurants near you, to allow you to use e-gift cards to take a chunk out of your bill and enjoy your favorite variety of seafood. Get yours today!

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab

American surf ‘n’ turf eatery serving delicious upmarket seafood and cocktails in a lavish two-story space!

750 15th St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20005 joes.net

While it’s among the newest restaurants in the culinary scene in DC, this eatery has already established an excellent reputation. It serves both seafood and steak which is a great plus for folks who want to experience a little bit of both worlds.

Joe’s seafood spot is also the place where Washington’s power brokers and wheeler-dealers strike deals over plates of hand-made porterhouse steak, Gulf stone crab, as well as jumbo lobster tail. Guests will have so much fun feasting on delicious options such as oysters on the half shell, The Whale that includes the Alaskan king crab, jumbo shrimp, lobster tail, & medium stone crab claw, and the Madagascar shrimp.

For dessert, you can try out some favorites such as the house specialty, key lime pie with a graham cracker crust and whipped cream, or the banana cream pie that features baked apples with cinnamon streusel toppings. Daily extended cocktails hours include oysters, white wine by the glass, beer, and signature cocktails at affordable prices. You will also find gluten-free and vegetarian options on the menu.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Upscale Chain combining seafood favorites with savory steaks option and a deep wine list - you’ll love these takes!

1201 F St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20004 theoceanaire.com

If you’ve been used to those places that have lobster bibs and newspaper on the paper, you might want to try somewhere new. At The Oceanaire Seafood Room, you’ll find an extensive menu of the freshest seafood classics served in a sophisticated atmosphere which is the perfect scenery to celebrate a special occasion. The best part is that the menu changes daily to reflect what’s available in the market at the moment.

For brunch, be sure to try the chef’s specialties such as lobster pot pie, grilled filet mignon & shrimp, lobster fried rice “Shanghai-style” or shellfish mixed grill that is 5 oz. lobster tail, shrimp, jumbo scallops, and asparagus. While at it, be sure to try the Oceanaire “S.S.” cobb salad that includes scallop, shrimp, and blue cheese dressing.

Don’t leave without tasting their wide selection of specialty cocktails and wines by the glass. Freshly prepared chef’s specialties are also available for pick-up, grill, cook, and enjoy at the comfort of your home.

BlackSalt

Check out the tower of creatively prepared seafood selection at this favorite restaurant with a take-out fish market!

4883 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20007 blacksaltrestaurant.com

At BlackSalt, diners can expect to find a perfect seafood spot that serves both as a restaurant and a fish market for the neighborhood. Dishes from Chef Rob Campbell mainly capitalize on the freshest catch of the day and natural ingredients.

Starters include both hot and cold appetizers, plus a wide selection of blue shell mussels, sandwiches, and of course desserts. To start off, order the wood-grilled bigeye tuna served with guacamole, salsa verde, or house-made tortilla, or go for the pan-roasted American red spanner that comes with asparagus flan, leeks, truffle butter, and fines herbes.

If you’re in the mood for dessert, why don’t you try the chocolate peanut butter torte that includes crunchy peanut butter crisp, dark chocolate ganache, and caramel mousse? Midday diners should take advantage of their extensive lunch break menu that features a choice of three or four courses. And for the mother of all treats, be sure to hop in during Happy Hour, held seven days a week in the café and bar, to enjoy the best deals on menu items and drink specials.

Fiola Mare

Sophisticated restaurant serving a combination of fine Italian coastal cuisines in a modern setting with river views!

3100 K St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20007 fiolamaredc.com

Hugging the Potomac River to provide unparalleled views to diners, Fiola Mare is impeccable waterfront seafood where the political and social elite hang out over a plate of freshly prepared seafood. Italian-based seafood is this kitchen’s dictum. However, you’ll still find a great selection of Mediterranean-inspired favorites, especially on the grilled selection.

Using the finest, freshest ingredients, the menu changes daily so you’ll have to enjoy it anytime you come in.  For brunch, you can satisfy your craving for seafood with their tasteful and exquisite caviar served with whipped ricotta and warm semolina blini. Their classics such as the Chef’s Claudia’s pastry and bread basket that comes with berry muffin, focaccia, plain croissant, and more are a must-try. Enjoy their delicious sides that include crushed potatoes, wilted spinach, and some grilled asparagus. A signature cocktail selection and a full wine list with only the finest varieties are also available for you to peruse.

Hank’s Oyster Bar

Hang out at this modern restaurant that features a raw bar and lots of seafood options!

1624 Q St NW STE 100, Washington, D.C., DC 20009 hanksoysterbar.com

If eating raw seafood at a raw bar is your thing, make sure you stop by Hank’s Oyster Bar for the best mussels, lobster rolls, and fried clams in a festive, casual atmosphere. The fun part is that they offer their own variety of oysters prepared by Chef Jamie Leeds. No wonder she describes her menu as urban New England beach food.

Snag a seat on the spacious front patio or sit on a table of choice indoors where bottles of Old Bay seasoning and malt vinegar are a sight of better things to come. Diners come here regularly to enjoy popular dishes like lobsters omelette, crab cake eggs benedict, shrimp, and fried oysters served up in imaginative and delicious ways. Diners can also try the signature and award-winning seafood plateau that features oysters on the half shell, chilled jumbo shrimp, middleneck clams on the half shell, seafood ceviche, and chilled Maine lobster.

Feast on platters of raw bar varieties including Hank’s signature half dozen oysters and the grilled Hog Island-style oysters dipped in a lemon-garlic-Tabasco butter sauce with a sprinkling of shredded cheese and breadcrumbs brooked to perfection. Be sure to try their extensive cocktails selection, wine list, and beers.

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Stop by this popular restaurant with an upstairs bar for some signature shrimp and mouth-watering lobster rolls!

1612 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20009 pearldivedc.com

Do you like your lobster fresh and cooked to your liking? Well, why not come to Pearl Dive Oyster Palace along Logan’s Circle. At this bistro, you get a predominantly oyster menu serving east and west coast favorites prepared in a variety of ways. Come in during happy hour and enjoy local oysters at half the price and other delicious varieties such as Addie’s mussels served with garlic, tomato, chicken stock, and shallot, as well as the wood-grilled east coast oysters with red chili garlic butter toppings. The daily menu contains both hot and cold appetizers plus hots oyster plates and spoon-worthy options such as seafood gumbo, creole gumbos, and shrimp gumbo.  

A signature cocktail and wine list filled with only the finest of beverages is also available for you to enjoy.

Luke's Lobster Penn Quarter

Indulge in this favorite seafood spot serving Maine-style lobster rolls straight from the water!

624 E St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20004 lukeslobster.com

Can’t make it to Maine to enjoy loads of crab, lobster, and shrimp rolls, as well as bisque and chowder? No need to worry. Luke’s Lobster Penn Quarter offers a Maine-style menu so you can enjoy all these seafood favorites to your satisfaction.

With three different locations in D.C. Luke’s Lobster place offers an extensive menu that varies daily, so be sure to check your favorite dish before you go in. Each shrimp, lobster, or crab roll are freshly sourced from fishermen and served in a split-top New England-style bun with a splash of lemon butter, a swipe of mayo, and their secret seasoning – just the way Luke grew up eating them in Maine.

If you want, you can make your favorite dish a combo and add some chips, slaw, chowder, bisque, lobster mac and cheese, and your drink of choice. Add some sides such as poppyseed slaw, kettle chips, and a soft drink. If you still have some space, order the whole steamed lobster platter, or the fried haddock that feature beer-battered and served with slaw, fries, lemon, and house-made tartar. Wash it down with a cup of local craft beer or a glass of wine. No matter what you want, there is truly something for everyone at Luke’s.

The next time you visit DC, instead of dining at the same joint you’ve been used to, why not try some freshly sourced and cooked seafood. While it can be tricky to figure out which seafood eatery in Washington DC you should visit first, this list will surely have something unique for you. Whether you’re just visiting or here to stay, these are the best of the best to help you satisfy your craving for seafood.

Which seafood restaurants in Washington DC do you wish to visit next? Let us know in the comments!