Top 5 Seafood Restaurnts in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Knoxville is home to a handful of great seafood restaurants. They range from high-end destinations perfect for a special occasion or a date night out, to laid-back country-style locales the whole family will enjoy.

Besides being the perfect spot for your own dinner, these seafood restaurants are also a great choice when you're shopping for that person on your shopping list who has everything. Virtual gift cards make it easy to send an instant gift to a friend or loved one from anywhere. If you know that someone on your list loves seafood, a gift card to one of Knoxville's top options is a great pick for a gift card. Choose an amount and add a personalized message, hit send, and your recipient could be digging into buttery lobster tails or crispy fried shrimp later today!

Ready to pick the perfect spot to buy a gift card to for someone on your list? Check out this list of the top 5 seafood restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee.

1. La Bamba Seafood

Mexican-style fresh seafood with a flair

2619 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920

If you've ever been lucky enough to dig into some fresh seafood South of the border, you know that Mexico knows its fish. La Bamba has brought the fresh, delicious recipes of Mexico to Knoxville, with a tasty flair that you won't find anywhere else. Ceviche filled with finely chopped shrimp, onions, tomatoes, and zesty cilantro. Lobster tails cooked in garlic butter and topped with mushroom sauce. Fresh fish fajitas served on a pile of steaming hot vegetables. No matter what you choose, your food is cooked to order and served fast, though it does take longer when the restaurant is busy — and it usually is, especially on weekends or when there's live music. But grab a drink and relax, as you won't mind the wait after you start digging in.

The flavorful plates aren't the only thing colorful about La Bamba. The bright decor and live music that the restaurant hosts several times a month, as well as the friendly employees, make this a vibrant spot for dinner and drinks. A few pool tables, and servers who greet guests by name, make it clear that this is a favorite hang-out among locals.

"We have passed this nondescript place, just south of the Henley Street Bridge many times without every considering a stop. Today, while in the area I was looking at the great reviews and decided to give it a try." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-bamba-seafood-knoxville?hrid=d8Gey2pYinZwXx0ZWP8IaQ&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for La Bamba Seafood.

2. Chesapeake's

Fresh seafood in a fine dining experience

600 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902 (https://chesapeakes.com)

At Chesapeake's, it's all about seafood. From decadent lobster dishes to fried fish platters and everything in between, most of their menu features fresh-caught seafood shipped straight from the sea to your plate. While this can certainly be a fine-dining location, you can also enjoy a laid-back, casual meal if you choose. A one-and-a-half-pound Live Maine Lobster is one of the menu's most popular options, as is the Lobster Feast, which comes with lobster as well as a pile of oysters, clams, mussels, and shrimp.

Besides their seafood platters, pasta, and other dishes, Chesapeake's also offers a raw bar where you'll find oysters in a variety of styles. If seafood isn't your style, there are also several chicken options, as well as a burger and steak. If you're able to avoid the temptation to devour every bite, save a little room for dessert. Key lime pie, bread pudding, and their unique Slower Delaware pie are all great options.

There are actually two Chesapeakes locations in Knoxville, and another in nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee. If you're in Knoxville, know that parking to get to the restaurant on the weekends, and particularly in the evenings, can sometimes be a challenge.

"Best grouper I've had away from the coast in ages! Bread is fresh and amazing.  Spinach Maria and Neva's potatoes are top notch. Atmosphere is cozy and fun. Service is spectacular!" -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/chesapeakes-knoxville?hrid=GxBTUiKcw-K341Iyp7zqsg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Chesapeake's.

3. Chapman's Restaurant

Laid-back family restaurant with some simple seafood dishes

10321 Chapman Hwy, Seymour, TN 37865

While not specifically a seafood restaurant, Chapman's Restaurant offers several seafood dishes popular with regulars and new visitors alike. Their fish tacos are one such fan favorite and are available grilled, fried, or blackened to suit your tastes. Sea scallops, salmon, Mahi-Mahi, salmon, and shrimp round out the freshly grilled seafood dishes. The menu also features plenty of fried fish and shrimp dishes, seafood pasta, and even salads made with fresh grilled salmon or blackened shrimp.

Not in the mood for seafood? Subs, steak tips, and a variety of pasta dishes are also on the menu. While its only been around since 2015, it's already gained a reputation among locals for friendly service

"What a pleasant surprise!  We were in the area and searched for a good place to eat nearby.  I know we have found a new favorite spot." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/chapmans-restaurant-seymour?hrid=pZNqw3z5p_xKpvJa0jJi6g&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Chapman's Restaurant.

4. Bayou Bay Seafood House

Southern Louisianna-style seafood boils and more

7117 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920

Tennessee might be a long way from the Cajun coast, but that doesn't mean that you can't get some delicious Southern Louisianna-style seafood in the Volunteer State. Start your meal with a hot bowl of red beans and rice, gumbo, or jambalaya. Then, dig into a pile of crawfish, or maybe a fish or shrimp po'boy on a hot toasted bun. Fried fish and shrimp platters, etouffee, and, of course, hush puppies, are a few popular options.

The dining room may be a bit dark, but the walls are covered in Tennessee memorabilia that give this a hometown feel.

"Everyone here is so nice and the food is delicious. Stopped here on the way to the airport wanting to eat something different after days of BBQ. The blackened gator bites were so tasty, as were the jambalaya and the fried oyster po boy. Great flavor, but not too spicy." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/bayou-bay-seafood-house-knoxville?hrid=rVwMO3Niduomf2Mrz3Qfew&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Bayou Bay Seafood House.

5. Captain's Galley

Fresh, affordable country-style seafood in a simple location

522 Patriot Dr, Jefferson City, TN 37760

Don't let the nondescript location fool you. While the restaurant is a bit dated, the food and friendly service have easily stood the test of time, and continues to delight locals and visitors alike. Captain's Galley has long been a local favorite. The exterior may look like a log cabin, but the fresh seafood will have you believing that you're dining by the ocean.

Locals love the oversized dishes and affordability. You can dig into high-end style seafood options like surf and turf or lobster tails at a fraction of what these dishes would cost at your typical high-end seafood restaurant. Fried fish, shrimp, and clam platters are also popular choices. The hush puppies served ahead of your meal may just wind up being your favorite part of it!

"Enjoyable meal with a large crowd on a Monday night.  I had the fried cod, hush puppies, and okra with a very small cup of cole slaw.  My fried food was very warm, as was my okra.  Both had a delicious taste and were not overcooked or greasy." -Yelp Review

(https://www.yelp.com/biz/captains-galley-jefferson-city?hrid=ealeG9qoLEEZ7zUGBPN9NA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Purchase a GiftYa card for Captain's Galley.

If the seafood lover in your life is set to celebrate their birthday or a special occasion, you can't go wrong with a virtual gift card to one of these restaurants. While we might be a long way from the sea, you can still find excellent seafood right here in Knoxville, Tennessee.