You Betta Believe These Seafood Restaurants In Cincinnati Are Fintastic!

It’s safe to say that seafood as a whole has a lot of different choices, from the ‘casual fish & chips’, to the ‘classy lobster & tuna’, there is plenty to choose from and plenty of restaurants that offer those varieties. Cincinnati, Ohio has a lot to provide—from their architecture to their popular Findlay Market! Offering a wide variety of seafood restaurants, it might be hard to figure out where you’ll have a good time and good food. Don’t worry, we are here to narrow down the best of the best seafood restaurants in Cincinnati that are up to scale!

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McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks

Upscale seafood restaurant in Cincinnati that’s quite well known!

Picture-esque food makes for good food! Image courtesy of the McCormick & Schmick’s Instagram page.

21 E 5th St | Cincinnati | mccormickandschmicks.com 

It’s in the name, McCormick’s & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks serves “extraordinary” fresh seafood and tender steaks. Located across the street from Fountain Square, McCormick and Schmick’s is the perfect food stop after a day-long downtown shopping or enjoying the sights. Featuring a menu printed daily by the chef, this seafood restaurant features seasonal seafood from around the world and flavorful beef. 

Their menu reflects seafood from the Pacific Rim, Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico, while also sourcing products from local farms and businesses to keep that Cincinnati fare going. From crispy fish tacos, grilled chicken sandwich, buttermilk fried shrimp, bourbon glazed salmon, swordfish casino, fresh oysters, craft beer battered fish & chips, center cut filet mignon and more are just some of the options available at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steak!

“Perfect place to go if you're staying in the central Cincinnati Business District.  Lunch options available and prices are standard for the location and cuisine.  Service was prompt and enjoyed both times I dined in.” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steak here!

Bonefish Grill

Contemporary seafood centric chain restaurant along with other tasty foods!

Perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, and perfectly sauced! Image courtesy of the Bonefish Grill Instagram page.

2737 Madison Rd | Cincinnati | bonefishgrill.com 

Specializing in market fresh fish from around the world, that is hand cut every day, Bonefish Grill is known around the country for being a well-rounded seafood chain restaurant! Using the highest quality and freshest ingredients in the area, Bonefish Grill offers a multitude of dishes for all seafood fans. Also offering classic hand crafted cocktails and specialty creations that use freshly squeezed juices to pair nicely with your seafood dish!

Shrimp Skewers, Salmon Caprese, Grilled Shrimp, Rockefeller Butterfish, calamari, mussels, and crab fries are some of the menu options at the Bonefish Grill Cincinnati location, served hot and ready to go!

“First time at Bonefish Grill. Ruby was our server. She did an amazing job going over menu with us and recommended drinks, appetizers and main course. Everything was awesome! We will be returning! Thank you” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to the Bonefish Grill here!

Pelican’s Reef

Laid back strip mall seafood restaurant that has some of the best seafood around!

Fried calamari with delicious dipping sauces? Amazing! Image courtesy of the Pelican’s Reef Facebook page.

7261 Beechmont Ave | Cincinnati | thepelicansreef.com 

Friendly and dedicated staff, highest of freshness, distinctive, and a “laid back” atmosphere, Pelican’s Reef has been bringing this ambience to the people of Cincinnati for years. According to the owner, John Broshar, Pelican’s Reef motto is very simply this: “If our seafood were any fresher…We’d be servin’ it off the dock!”, and it seems like they have been following that belief ever since John started running the place! 

Pelican’s Reef has plenty of menu items to choose from, they have their “Favorites of the Island'' section that shares what locals think what's best when it comes to this seafood restaurant. That section includes, Pan Sauteed Crab Cakes, Coconut Shrimp, Cajun Popcorn Shrimp, Fried Oysters, and their award winning Calamari!

What’s cool about the Pelican’s Reef is their “upper deck” level of the restaurant called The Reef Top, where you can grab a drink, some small selections of food, and maybe catch a game with your fellow sporting fans! Plenty of things to enjoy at Pelican’s Reef!

“Maybe the best restaurant in Anderson.  I love this joint because you can sit at the bar, eat peel and eat shrimp, get some gumbo and then be served a great fish dish.  And, the prices are very reasonable.” -Yelp Review 

Although this restaurant doesn’t have a GiftYa gift card opportunity yet, check back soon, as new places are being added to the GiftYa website frequently!

Swampwater Grill

Don’t let the name fool you, this hotspot serves BBQ, Cajun, and tasty seafood!

3742 Kellogg Ave | Cincinnati | swampwatergrill.com

Whether you’re in the mood for barbecue, Cajun, cocktails, or regular ol’ seafood, Swampwater Grill is the place in Cincinnati for you! Some of the dishes they specialize in are hickory smoked meats, char-grilled oysters, and cajun boils! (Swampwater Grill also serves classic “American pub food” so if you enjoy the seafood, you might want to check out what other flare they have to offer).

Their menu is large, filled with items like salads, fried seafood, specialty sandwiches, burgers & chicken sandwiches, and their aptly named “Swamp Starters” appetizers. Beers on tap, wine, and specialty cocktails are also available to pair with your hearty meal! If you enjoy your time at Swampwater Grill they also have event catering, so this place really has it all!

“Great family restaurant. My son took me there for my Birthday. My food was great. I tried shrimp and grits. There was a wait to get in but it was worth it. Staff was great. Everyone loves their meal.” -Yelp Review 

Although this restaurant doesn’t have a GiftYa gift card opportunity yet, check back soon, as new places are being added to the GiftYa website frequently!

Alabama Fishbar

Cheerful, casual, and fun Cincinnati seafood restaurant!

1601 Race St | Cincinnati | https://m.facebook.com/ALABAMAFISHBAR/ 

For 29 years, this family owned seafood restaurant has taken Cincinnati by storm offering seafood dishes and is committed to “providing excellence” for the customers, and that place is Alabama Fishbar! Their menu might be simple, but from the reviews and popularity, Alabama Fishbar specializes in what their name is, fish!

5 piece Whiting Fish dinner, 6 piece Cod Fish dinner, and the 7 piece Ocean Perch dinner is what Alabama Fishbar has to offer, with a side of fries, slice of bread, and sauces that they recommend to pair with your fish & chip basket! Simple and tasty, that’s what this seafood restaurant in Cincinnati provides!

“This is the best fish in Cincinnati! This whole in the wall wait at the counter restaurant service light flaky fried fish. The fish is tender sweet and tasty. Put your own condiments on and be sure to add the hot peppers.” -Yelp Review

Although this restaurant doesn’t have a GiftYa gift card opportunity yet, check back soon, as new places are being added to the GiftYa website frequently!

Oakley Fish House

An inviting environment for all ages of seafood lovers to enjoy!

Dishes upon dishes of seafood for you! Image courtesy of the Oakley Fish House Instagram page.

3036 Madison Rd | Cincinnati | oakleyfishhouse.com 

Providing a contemporary twist to the seafood dishes served at the former Mt. Adams Fish House, Oakley Fish House delivers the same quality and service with this new flair. Iconic menu selections are now paired with cuts of fine steak, chicken, and vegetarian options! All ages are welcome here to enjoy the seafood in their intimate bistro vibrant setting. Oakley Fish House also has live music on Friday and Saturday nights, so you can enjoy good music with good food!

Plenty of food to choose from at the Oakley Fish House, including but not limited to, shrimp & scallop ceviche, crab cake, truffle fries, sesame tuna, lobster mac & cheese, sea bass, Mediterranean fish stew, and more are available. Plus they have their own wine menu filled with sparkling wine & rosé, white wine, and red wine to have with your seafood!

“AMAZING! Absolutely love this seafood restaurant in Cincinnati! The Fish House Chowder was incredible! Loaded with fish, mussels and shrimp. Truffle fries were also great! So good! Can't wait to come back!” -Yelp Review 

Although this restaurant doesn’t have a GiftYa gift card opportunity yet, check back soon, as new places are being added to the GiftYa website frequently!

K&J Seafood 

Friendship turned into a successful seafood restaurant business!

Well seasoned, well prepared, and well made seafood! Image courtesy of the K&J Seafood Instagram page.

4928 Reading Rd | Cincinnati | kjseafood.com 

Keyona and Joy, owners of the K&J Seafood restaurant have been best friends for 20+ years, with that foundation they decided to make their very own seafood restaurant! Keyona spent most of her 20s in the south learning about seafood boils, while Joy visited her friend and learned from home, mastered the perfect “crab boil”. After coming together with their recipes and ideas, K&J Seafood was born, instantly turning into a hit for the people in Cincinnati!

Their menu has a lot of “styles” of different seafoods to enjoy, K&J Seafood offers Nawlins Style, Gumbo mixed with K&J spice, Jambalaya Pasta, Crawfish Boil, and Po Boy. While the K&J Style section has a Crabby Patty Melt, Buckeye Basket, and Fried Lobster Platter! There are also many “non-seafood” options and of course, more seafood dishes at K&J’s!

“Got the crawfish boil and it was delicious! Perfectly cooked and staff was super friendly and helpful. Only feedback I'd provide is that there need to be bibs, wet naps, knives and plates provided. Place was very clean, comfortable.  Would 100% come back for the Crab Boil.” -Yelp Review

Mr. Crab House

Big portions and even bigger seafood tastes!

You’ll probably wanna take home some leftovers after you visit! Image courtesy of the Mr. Crab House Instagram page.

3280 Highland Ave | Cincinnati | mrcrabhouse.com 

Mr. Crab House has a few “key” mottos they advertise on their website, “The Juicy Tasty Spicy! Get Your Hand Dirty! Come See What is Crackin’!” This seafood restaurant has a lot to offer, and not just when it comes to the size of their portions, their menu is extensive, filled with many seafood options. You can also enjoy karaoke with your meal on certain nights, and drinks to pair with the singing or the seafood!

From Hush Puppies, to a Catfish Basket, Whiting Fish Basket, The Cajun Boil, Tilapia Basket, Catfish Basket, Fish Po’ Boy, Cajun Fried Rice dishes, and more are all available at Mr. Crab House!

“Oh my! Everything tasted sooooo good! We ordered the fried oyster, catfish, sweet potato fries, cajun fries and a bag of spicy crawfish. My boys ate like they haven't eaten for years! Yes, the food was that good! Thanks for bringing this special gem to Cincinnati. Will be back for more delicious food!” -Yelp Review

Although this restaurant doesn’t have a GiftYa gift card opportunity yet, check back soon, as new places are being added to the GiftYa website frequently!

Lake Nina Restaurant

Old school, no-nonsense, fried fish, fried chicken, and casual dining!

Their famous fish log with onion rings! Image courtesy of the Lake Nina Restaurant Yelp Photo page.

7200 Pippin Rd | Cincinnati | lakeninarestaurant.com 

Lake Nina Restaurant has been around for 60 years serving a family friendly vibe with good service all around, entertainment options, and laid back for you to enjoy your food with no fuss! Lake Nina Restaurant appropriately has a lake behind it, and their menu reflects the space, specializing in fish, served with their tasty tartar sauce!

Also on the menu, Lake Nina Restaurant deep fried pickles and pretzel sticks appetizers, with soups & chills to pair with your nice meal, fish and popcorn shrimp for a lunch specials, sides to go along with a main course, and of course Lake Nina’s Famous Fish Log, Fantail Shrimp, Harbor Cut, and the Almost Boneless Jack Salmon as some of their dinner specials. Plenty fish and non fish related menu options at Lake Nina Restaurant!

“They have the best fried fish I have ever had. It's called the "Fish Log."  Get the home fries with cheese and onion. You won't be disappointed.  It was excellent. I am going to head there for a football game and see what it's like.” -Yelp Review

Although this restaurant doesn’t have a GiftYa gift card opportunity yet, check back soon, as new places are being added to the GiftYa website frequently!

To recap:

• All seafood dishes can be found in these spots
• Local to the area!
• Found the best seafood restaurants in Cincinnati for you to try

There’s plenty to explore at these seafood restaurants, and even more to find while you’re out in Cincinnati! For seasoned seafood lovers and newcomers to the taste of the sea, these restaurants have got you covered!