The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Nashville, TN
Although Nashville is a landlocked city in a landlocked state, it hasn’t stopped many seafood restaurants making their mark on the culinary scene in this city. There are multiple options for seafood enthusiasts, ranging from budget-friendly shacks to sophisticated fine dining establishments. The cuisine served is also diverse, with some eateries serving traditional American fare, while others serve dishes influenced by a variety of international cuisines. As a guide to which restaurants to visit when in this city, the following are the 10 best seafood restaurants in Nashville, TN.
10. Henrietta Red
Thrillist lists Henrietta Red as one of the top seafood restaurants in Nashville. Nashville-native Chef Julia Sullivan is at the helm in this restaurant, which is located in the Germantown district of the city. Previously, she worked at Per Se and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, both of which are in New York. She opened Henrietta Red in 2017 in collaboration with Allie Poindexter, who is an experienced sommelier and is the restaurant’s general manager. The menu at this elegant restaurant focuses on seafood, shellfish, and vegetables, most of which are roasted in a wood-burning oven. There is also a raw bar that features different ingredients daily.
9. Ed’s Fish House
When you just want some comfort food and you are not interested in dressing up to sit in upscale surroundings, then a good choice is Ed’s Fish House. This is a little seafood shack in the Marathon Village district. It boasts a simple menu of comfort foods, such as fried seafood sandwiches, spaghetti, fries, and slaw. The crispy battered whiting with mustard and pickles is their signature dish, but you should also try the catfish when you visit. This is one of the most budget-friendly options on the list.
8. Fin & Pearl
Located in the Gulch district of Nashville, Fin & Pearl is an upscale restaurant that prides itself on sourcing ingredients from sustainable farms and working with owners of privately owned fishing boats. The menu consists of elevated seafood dishes, such as seared scallops, herb-crusted salmon, and black fettuccini with shrimp. There are also rotating items on the menu that depend on what is available from a fresh catch, such as lobsters and crabs.
7. Blue Moon Waterfront Grille
One of the best spots for some waterfront dining in Nashville is the Blue Moon Waterfront Grille, says 10 Best. Not only can diners enjoy views of the river, but it is also possible to access the restaurant by boat. The atmosphere is casual at the Blue Moon, and the casual vibe is also reflected in the menu options. It is open for both lunch and dinner throughout the week. One of the most popular lunch items is the fish tacos, while the stand-out dish on the dinner menu is the surf n’ turf style steak medallions with pan-fried catfish. On Sundays, this restaurant is also open for brunch.
6. Bro’s Cajun Cuisine
If you are a fan of Cajun flavors, then one of the best options in Nashville is Bro’s Cajun Cuisine. This is a family-run establishment that is owned by a family that originates from Lafayette, Louisiana. The menu is relatively limited, but this allows the chefs to focus on perfecting each dish. Some of the southern fare available on the menu include hot gumbo and crawfish etouffee. It is only a small restaurant, and it is at its busiest at lunchtime. The owners also use the restaurant as a base for their popular catering business.
5. Seafood Sensation
Locals and critics alike agree that Seafood Sensation is one of the top seafood restaurants in Nashville. It is known for serving generous portions of fresh, buttery seafood. Just some of the items you will see on the menu include lobster, crab cakes, crab legs, and mussels. You can take along meat lovers when you visit this restaurant, as they also serve chicken or steak sandwiches.
4. Bonefish Grill
A chain restaurant, Bonefish Grill differs from others in the area in the way that diners order the food. They choose a fish from the menu from a list of baked, sautéed, and grilled options. Next, they choose a sauce or a topping for their fish. There are even a few meat options on the menu to please the meat-eaters in your party.
3. Batter’d and Fried Boston Seafood House
Only In Your State lists Batter’d and Fried Boston Seafood House as one of the best seafood restaurants in Nashville. This is a casual and inexpensive place to eat that has a pub-like vibe. Most of the menu is baskets of various fried seafood, although there are some non-fried options and a selection of pasta dishes. Within the restaurant, there is also the Wave Sushi Bar. It is worth staying a little longer to try something from the dessert menu.
2. Cascades Seafood Restaurant
The name of this restaurant is reflected in its surroundings, as there are beautiful gardens featuring waterfalls. The classic seafood menu features dishes such as Australian lobster tails, diver scallops, halibut stuffed with lobster, and pan-seared Atlantic cod. There is also a Japanese theme to some of the food and drink offerings, including sushi, Japanese beers, and sake cocktails.
1. Americana Tap House
According to 10 Best, the best seafood restaurant in Nashville, TN, is Americana Tap House. This restaurant has a surf and turf menu, that leans more to the side of seafood. The dishes are typical southern fare, with seafood options including seafood mac n’ cheese, raw oysters, blackened catfish, and barbecue shrimp and grits. The reason that this restaurant ranks so highly is about more than just the food as this restaurant also has a fantastic atmosphere. There is live music from Wednesday through to Sunday, with examples including Cajun dance nights, blues nights, and open mic nights.
