Austin may be landlocked, but the city’s seafood scene is anything but limited. From Gulf Coast oysters to New England-style lobster rolls, the capital of Texas offers incredible ocean-inspired dining experiences. Whether you’re craving buttery shellfish, perfectly grilled fish, or spicy seafood boils, these fifteen standout restaurants deliver the freshest catches with uniquely Austin flair.
1. Salt Traders Coastal Cooking
Fresh-off-the-boat flavors make Salt Traders a seafood lover’s paradise. Gulf oysters arrive icy cold and briny, while their famous chowder fries combine two comfort foods into one indulgent dish. The relaxed coastal vibe extends beyond the plate with weathered wood accents and nautical touches throughout the airy space. Weekend brunches feature crab cake benedicts that locals line up for. Pro tip: Happy hour brings oyster specials and half-priced appetizers. Don’t miss the crab dip – a creamy, lump-filled treasure served with house-made chips that regulars consider mandatory ordering.
2. Garbo’s Lobster Roll
Red and white checkered paper cradles what many consider Austin’s definitive lobster roll. Owner Heidi Garbo, a Connecticut native, brings authentic New England seafood traditions to Texas with buttery, warm lobster rolls that transport diners straight to Maine’s rocky shores. Beyond the signature sandwich, their fish & chips arrive golden and crispy, while crab cakes showcase sweet lump meat with minimal filler. The restaurant began as a food truck before growing into brick-and-mortar success. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes this spot perfect for seafood lovers of all ages. Garbo’s proves that quality seafood doesn’t require white tablecloths or fancy presentations.
3. Mongers
Hidden gem status applies perfectly to Mongers, where seafood simplicity reigns supreme. Their rotating menu follows what’s freshest, turning ordinary fish into extraordinary meals through minimal yet precise preparation. Ceviche bursts with citrus brightness and just-caught texture. The red snapper, a menu mainstay, arrives with crispy skin and flaky flesh that melts on your tongue. The market-style setup allows guests to select fresh fish to take home or have prepared on-site. Mongers’ unpretentious approach lets quality ingredients speak for themselves, making it a favorite among Austin’s serious seafood enthusiasts who appreciate substance over scene.
4. Plank Provisions
Sleek and modern, Plank Provisions elevates seafood dining in The Domain shopping district. Sustainability drives their menu, featuring carefully sourced oysters from both coasts that arrive with detailed origin stories. The restaurant’s contemporary approach shines through dishes like hamachi sashimi with yuzu and black garlic. Wooden serving planks—hence the name—showcase beautiful presentations that make every meal Instagram-worthy. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light during day service. Evening brings a sophisticated vibe with craft cocktails complementing seafood towers built for sharing. Their commitment to ocean-friendly practices extends to biodegradable takeout containers and a plastic-free policy.
5. Krab Kingz Seafood
Newspaper-lined tables signal the delicious mess awaiting at Krab Kingz. This food truck success story serves seafood boils that inspire devotion among locals who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Massive portions arrive swimming in signature garlic butter sauce—snow crab clusters, jumbo shrimp, and lobster tails glistening with spices. The casual vibe encourages communal eating and lively conversation. Weekend lines form early, with regulars bringing their own seasoning blends to customize their orders. No fancy frills here—just plastic bibs, shell crackers, and some of the most generous seafood servings in Austin. Their corn on the cob, soaked in the same magical butter sauce, has developed its own cult following.
6. Clark’s Oyster Bar
Nautical chic defines Clark’s, where navy and white striped awnings shelter a coveted patio space. This Clarksville neighborhood staple balances upscale dining with approachable charm, making it perfect for both special occasions and leisurely lunches. The cold bar presents meticulous arrangements of oysters from both coasts, each labeled by origin. Their lobster roll comes two ways—warm with butter or chilled with aioli—sparking friendly debates among regulars about which version reigns supreme. Cioppino arrives steaming with local seasonal seafood in rich tomato broth. The restaurant’s attention to detail extends to their house-made sourdough bread and compound butters that change daily. Weekend brunch brings seafood-forward takes on morning classics.
7. Bill’s Oyster Bar
Newcomer energy infuses Bill’s Oyster Bar, where chef Daniel Berg crafts innovative seafood cocktails that defy expectations. The South Austin location brings sophisticated seafood to a previously underserved neighborhood. Unexpected flavor combinations make each visit an adventure. Their signature dish pairs charred octopus with fermented chili honey, creating sweet-spicy perfection that regulars crave. The bar program deserves equal attention, featuring seaweed-infused spirits and clarified cocktails that complement seafood beautifully. Despite its upscale offerings, Bill’s maintains accessibility through happy hour specials and a welcoming staff eager to guide first-timers through the menu. The restaurant’s commitment to supporting small-scale fisheries ensures every bite tells a sustainability story.
8. TLC Austin (The Boil)
Raucous laughter fills TLC Austin as friends gather around tables covered in seafood boils. The restaurant’s name—Tender Loving Care—perfectly captures the homestyle approach to their generous portions. Plastic gloves come standard with every order as servers dump steaming piles of shrimp, clams, and crawfish directly onto the table. Garlic butter and Cajun spice mixtures coat everything, creating an aromatic cloud that hits diners upon entering. Family-style eating encourages sharing and conversation. The restaurant’s casual atmosphere makes it ideal for group celebrations where messiness is part of the fun. Beyond boils, their fried seafood baskets satisfy those seeking crunch, while house-made hot sauces in varying heat levels challenge spice enthusiasts.
9. Este
Mexican coastal influences transform seafood at Este, where bright ceviches and wood-fired fish reflect chef Fermín Núñez’s heritage. The East Side restaurant combines traditional techniques with local ingredients, creating dishes that feel both familiar and innovative. Charred octopus tentacles curl around roasted potatoes, while aguachile showcases raw seafood in vibrant chile-lime marinade. The restaurant’s interior features hand-painted tiles and natural woods that evoke seaside towns of Mexico. Housemade corn tortillas arrive warm with every meal, perfect for building impromptu fish tacos. The restaurant’s commitment to authentic preparation methods includes a custom wood-burning grill visible from most tables. Weekends bring seafood-forward brunch specials that pair beautifully with their curated mezcal selection.
10. Quality Seafood
Austin institution status belongs to Quality Seafood, serving the community since 1938. Part fish market, part restaurant, this Airport Boulevard landmark offers the freshest catches prepared simply and perfectly. Locals line up at the counter to order fried shrimp baskets, catfish plates, and oysters shucked to order. The market section displays whole fish on ice, with knowledgeable staff ready to fillet purchases or suggest cooking methods. No frills decor keeps the focus squarely on the food. Picnic-style tables accommodate families and solo diners alike. Their seafood gumbo recipe remains unchanged for decades, while weekly specials highlight seasonal catches from Gulf waters. For many Austinites, Quality represents their first and most enduring seafood memory.
11. Deckhand Oyster Bar & Seafood
Worth the short drive to Round Rock, Deckhand brings Thai-Cajun fusion to seafood classics. Family-owned warmth permeates the casual space where seafood arrives with unexpected spice combinations. Freshly shucked oysters come traditional or topped with Thai-inspired mignonettes. Their crab rolls blend East Coast tradition with lemongrass and Thai basil notes that regulars find addictive. Counter service keeps prices reasonable without sacrificing quality. The owners’ fishing background ensures they select only the freshest catches, often driving to coastal suppliers themselves. Weekday lunch specials draw workers from nearby tech companies, while weekend evenings bring families seeking affordable seafood feasts. First-timers should try the tom yum seafood soup—a house specialty that perfectly represents their unique culinary perspective.
12. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Glamour meets seafood at Eddie V’s, where live jazz accompanies upscale dining experiences. The Austin-born chain (now with locations nationwide) maintains strong local roots and exceptional quality standards. Chilean sea bass arrives perfectly caramelized atop lobster-infused mashed potatoes. The restaurant’s sophisticated atmosphere makes it ideal for celebrating special occasions, though the lively bar area welcomes casual drop-ins during happy hour. Attentive service defines the Eddie V’s experience, with staff trained to explain sourcing details for every seafood offering. Their wine program features rare bottles and by-the-glass options specifically selected to complement seafood flavors. While certainly a splurge, the restaurant delivers memorable dining experiences that justify the investment for milestone celebrations.
13. Parkside Market & Liquor
Unexpected seafood excellence hides within Parkside Market’s casual exterior. This combination liquor store and seafood counter serves some of Austin’s most authentic fish tacos alongside craft spirits. The market’s raw bar offers pristine oysters and ceviche prepared while you watch. Weekend specials often feature whole fish preparations inspired by global coastal cuisines. Regulars appreciate the lack of pretension—you can enjoy premier seafood while perusing the impressive spirits selection. The small but mighty kitchen operates with precision, turning out consistently excellent dishes despite space limitations. Their seafood sourcing rivals high-end restaurants, but prices remain accessible. The unusual business model creates a uniquely Austin experience where exceptional food meets everyday convenience.
14. Perla’s
South Congress style meets coastal cuisine at Perla’s, where the oak-shaded patio offers prime people-watching alongside premier seafood. The restaurant flies in oysters daily from both coasts, presenting them on dramatic ice displays with house-made mignonettes. Bright, airy interiors feature nautical touches that avoid kitschy territory. Their grilled octopus achieves the perfect tender-charred balance that many restaurants struggle to master. Seafood towers arrive as Instagram-worthy sculptures of lobster, crab, and shrimp. While certainly among Austin’s pricier seafood options, Perla’s delivers value through impeccable quality and generous portions. Their cocktail program deserves special mention for creative concoctions featuring housemade seafood-friendly bitters and infusions.
15. Uchi
Michelin recognition confirms what Austinites have known for years—Uchi transcends typical sushi categorization with seafood mastery. Chef Tyson Cole’s flagship restaurant transformed Austin’s dining scene with Japanese-inspired dishes that showcase fish in its purest forms. Ceviche gets the Uchi treatment with unexpected yuzu kosho and black lime accents. The restaurant’s intimate setting features a sushi counter where chefs create edible art before mesmerized diners. The daily Sake Social (happy hour) makes this special-occasion spot more accessible. While primarily known for raw preparations, their hot kitchen produces equally memorable cooked seafood dishes. First-timers should consider the chef’s tasting menu, allowing the kitchen to showcase seasonal specialties and signature items that have earned national acclaim.
