Enjoy the Best Seafood in Kansas City at These 10 Popular Spots

When people think of big port cities that are famous for their seafood, Kansas City usually doesn’t come to mind. For one thing, it’s located right in Missouri. You won’t find any ocean-side beaches here. But many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the vibrant food scene this mid-western city has to offer. So don’t discount the city just yet. 

Coming to town soon? Read up on all of the top seafood restaurants that call Kansas City home. 

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1. Jax Fish House

Modern, upscale seafood bar known for its creative dishes

4814 Roanoke Pkwy | Country Club Plaza, West Plaza | jaxfishhouse.com

You don’t have to fly all the way to the coast to enjoy some fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Instead, just drive to Country Club Plaza where you’ll find Jax Fish House waiting for you. This lively and vibrant bar is filled with tons of personality to spare. 

You’ll find an exciting array of seafood dishes, including the Steamed Pei Mussels, Maine Lobster Roll, and Mississippi Catfish on its extensive menu. Cocktails, wine, and beer are also ready to be served alongside your dish. If you find yourself loving Jax Fish House, you can sign up for their Oyster Club. This club gives members exclusive access to fresh oysters farmed from different coasts. 

“The atmosphere, staff, menu, and food were top-notch. Ordered the Swordfish special and was blown away by the flavors in the garnish side that was served with it. Enjoyed supreme quality steam Mussels for an appetizer.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Jax Fish House.

2. Krab Kingz

Ultimate destination for crab, shrimp, and lobster platters

3805 Broadway Blvd | Kansas City 

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, Krab Kingz might be just the place for you. This quaint seafood restaurant may not seem like much on the outside, but it offers some of the best seafood platters in Kansas City. 

Crab, shrimp, and lobster platters of varying sizes are all offered at this popular hole-in-the-wall. Most of them come with sausage, corn, egg, and potatoes. Craving something fried? Krab Kingz also serves hot and fresh fries combos like the Fried Shrimp with Red Velvet Waffle and the Dinner Fried Fish with Fries. Make sure you come hungry! 

“The food is WELL WORTH what you pay. The cook on everything was perfect, the flavor was outstanding. They have lots of different butter options, we tried the original, Cajun, and honey butter - all were delicious.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Krab Kingz.

3. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks

Classy steak and seafood chain located in Country Club Plaza

448 W 47th St | Country Club Plaza | mccormickandschmicks.com

Moving back to Country Club Plaza, we have McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks. If you’re looking for an upscale spot to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, McCormick & Schmick’s should land at the top of your list. 

This elegant chain is known for its fresh, high-end seafood and steak dishes that are served in a warm and professional atmosphere. From the Charred Octopus to the Classic Shrimp Scampi, everything is prepared and cooked to perfection. 

“My husband and I came here for our anniversary and there was no wait. Patio seating was available and the weather was perfect. Our waiter Joseph was very friendly and attentive. We ordered the pesto oysters as appetizers and I had the mahi-mahi dish, everything was delicious.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks.

4. Jarocho South

Charming Mexican seafood spot serving up fresh dishes in a colorful space

13145 State Line Rd | Kansas City | jarochokc.com

Want a dish with some extra flavor? Head to Jarocho South for some authentic Mexican seafood. From the Shrimp Chipotle to the Ceviche Jarocho, all of their dishes come bursting with flavor. 

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider calling ahead of time to reserve an Omakase Course Dinner. This six course dinner consists of dishes selected by Chef Falcon himself. Just make sure you call in at least 48 hours ahead of your intended date! 

“We stopped in for a weekday lunch, and we had high expectations based on what we had heard from our friends. I have to say we were not prepared for such high quality and stellar execution of these simple but high-quality seafood dishes.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Jarocho South.

5. The Fish Market

Popular seafood restaurant known for its New Orleans-style dishes

1120 E Old State Route 210 | Liberty 

Get a taste of New Orleans down at The Fish Market. Gumbo, Fried Catfish, Jambalaya, Seafood Po’Boys, and more famous Southern dishes await you at this bustling seafood restaurant. Housed inside a small, blue shack, The Fish Market offers a fun and intimate atmosphere perfect for kicking back and relaxing with your friends. 

Planning a small get-together? Feed everyone with some bulk orders of The Fish Market’s most popular dishes like the pulled pork or shrimp chowder. Everyone will be filled to the brim by the end of the event. 

“Definitely a must-try place. The food is great and the staff is really professional. I will visit this place every time I'm in town. Thanks for the excellent food and service!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Fish Market.

6. Pearl Tavern

Simple yet modern eatery that aims to bring the freshest seafood to Lee’s Summit

1672 NW Chipman Road | Lee’s Summit | pearltavernkc.com

Pearl Tavern understands the frustrations that often come with living in a landlocked area. That’s why its primary mission is to bring the freshest seafood right to Lee’s Summit. All of their fish are sourced from both coasts, the gulfts, and the Great Lakes.

Their most popular attraction is probably their oyster bar. Whenever you come in, make sure you swing by and pick up some fresh fish and oysters! Pearl Tavern also offers an exciting selection of seafood dishes like the Ahi Tuna Poke Tacos and Crispy Crab Cake Sandwich. Yum!

“Food was terrific. Great calamari appetizer with multiple dipping options. We had a stuffed salmon entree, excellent fish and chips, but the cioppino was called the best restaurant entree in years by my son. Got a taste and I agree it was delicious.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Pearl Tavern.

7. Pier 88 Boiling Seafood & Bar

Classic seafood restaurant considered to be the home of the famous low country boil

11825 E US Hwy 40, Suite D | Independence | pier88seafood.com

Looking for high-quality seafood dishes that are served in generous portions at reasonable prices? Then you’ll love Pier 88. Considered to be the home of the low country boil, Pier 88 is a seafood lover’s paradise. Its signature dish, the Famous Low Country Boil, consists of ½ pound snow crab legs, ½ pound shrimp, ½ pound all-meat sausage, 1 boiled egg, 1 corn, and 1 potato. 

Want something fried? Pier 88 also serves fried shrimp, tilapia, catfish, and chicken tender baskets! Don’t forget to order some side dishes like steamed rice and cajun fries to finish off your meal. 

“The seafood was very good and the amount was abundant. The catfish was crispy and tasty also the regular fries. The margaritas were great so nice on a sunshiny afternoon. The server was excellent, she was very knowledgeable about all the menu items. I really enjoyed Pier 88.” - Yelp Review

8. Yummi Crab Boiling Seafood and Bar

Cajun boiled seafood restaurant serving savory dishes that will fill you right up

1336 E Meyer Blvd | Kansas City | yummicrab.com

Yummi Crab’s charming dining room is as playful as its name. Inside, you’ll be treated to warm hospitality and great food. To start, simply pick a seafood, add some sides, and then choose your flavor and spice level. Flavors include cajun, garlic butter, lemon pepper, and the Yummi Special, which is a combo of all three. 

A number of combos are also available if you want to try multiple seafoods and meats. Craving something fried? Order a fried fish basket with a side of fries or onion rings. They will fill you right up. Prepare to get the bib on! 

“The building was very clean. The staff was great. Our waitress was amazing the entire time. She took the time to explain the menu and was even great with showing my kids how to get into their crab legs. Food was cooked correctly and the King Crab legs were great. We'll be back.” - Yelp Review

9. Bristol Seafood + Steak + Social

Classy and elegant seafood eatery located in the Central Business District

51 E 14th St | Power & Light District, Central Business District, Greater Downtown | bristolseafoodgrill.com

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale and elegant, then you’ll want to make a reservation at Bristol Seafood + Steak + Social. This chic seafood spot is known for its inventive dishes and bustling atmosphere. From the Lobster Bisque to the Seared Scallops, all of Bristol’s seafood dishes are made to delight your palate. 

Handcrafted cocktails, wine, and beer are also available at Bristol. You may even become overwhelmed by the immense amount of options offered. Feel free to ask your server for a recommendation!

“I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. From our server to the drinks and the food, everything was on point.” - Yelp Review

10. The Reef

Reel yourself in for a fresh and delicious meal inside this elegant dining space

9600 NW Polo Dr | Kansas City | thereefkc.com

Out of the rest of the restaurants on this list, The Reef offers the best atmosphere. The second you walk in, you will feel as though you’ve been immersed in an underwater world. Their stunning decorations and fish tanks will make you forget that you are in a landlocked city. 

On the menu, you’ll find savory seafood dishes like the Maryland Blue Crab Cakes and Wild Caught Atlantic Salmon. If you manage to save enough room for dessert, you’ll want to check out their dessert menu. Their Ted Drewes Frozen Custard was voted Best in the World!

“Love, love, love this place! Food, service and ambiance were all solid 5 stars. As soon as I stepped inside, I felt like I was entering a Disney World undersea grotto. The attention to detail was phenomenal with shells, statuary, coral, nautical artifacts...clear down to the plates.” - Yelp Review

Kansas City’s food scene is a bit of a hidden gem. But if you know where to look, you can find a wide variety of fresh and delicious seafood dishes. The next time you’re craving a plate of fresh seafood, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll have a list of 9 restaurants to choose from! 

What seafood restaurants in Kansas City are you excited to try next? Let us know in the comment section below!