Want to enjoy the best seafood in Charlotte? Charlotte brings in a large influx of fresh fish, crab, oysters, shrimp, shellfish and other seafood. This also means your favorite restaurant will always have a nice assortment of seafood to serve.
If you are planning on sampling seafood in Charlotte, here are the best seafood Charlotte NC restaurants you should start with:
Sea Level Charlotte
Sea Level NC, located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, is known for serving classic seafood and Southern favorites in a coastal-chic setting. All seafood served here has been sourced directly from Carolina’s Coastlines, so you are served the freshest catch. Further, Sea Level has a dedication to sourcing and serving only non-threatened species through their partnership with Carolina fishermen.
We recommend trying their specialty oysters, salmon poke, seasonal ceviche, and Southern fried oysters. Additionally, there are steamed mussels, clam chowder, scallops and risotto, Atlantic Salmon and other classic favorites. Pair your meal with their expert craft cocktails.
The Waterman Fish Bar
The Waterman Fish Bar is a casual seafood restaurant and fish bar located along South Boulevard, serving locally sourced seafood in a quaint and comfortable setting. Alongside is its 80-seat rooftop bar dubbed “The Topside,” where you can enjoy small bites and drinks while enjoying the pleasant views.
The Waterman Fish Bar menu features classic seafood dishes alongside Southern-inspired foods. Fan favorites include their oysters on the half shell, lobster rolls and blackened platter, among others. Plus, all their products are sourced sustainably, most coming right from the NC coast.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Steaks
Eddie V’s in Uptown Charlotte is one of the luxury seafood restaurants in Charlotte NC, known for its fresh seafood and premium hand-carved steaks. The interior setting certainly exudes warm luxury, and their foods deliver impeccable flavor.
The eatery serves fresh seafood dishes prepared using the finest ingredients around North Carolina. Next, to complement your meal, they provide an assortment of hand-crafted cocktails. There is also an extensive wine menu with over 300 selections. Finally, head to the V Lounge after your meal for a drink or enjoy their signature appetizers.
Fin & Fino
Fin & Fino is one of the best restaurants to head to when you are in the mood for oysters. The seafood house offers over 12 types of oysters on its raw bar menu, sourced from around the country and served in a warm and friendly setting.
Apart from oysters, sample their small plates and seafood-based entrees, including seafood salads, tuna poke, NC trout and more. Finally, pair your meal with one of their specialty hand-crafted cocktails or wines available by the glass.
RockSalt
RockSalt is a cozy eatery located in the back of the Park Road Shopping Center. This local seafood restaurant is known for offering fresh, locally sourced produce. RockSalt has a seasonally changing menu, so you can always expect something new and exciting.
Head to their spacious patio (two in number) where you can enjoy fresh seafood varieties from the raw bar, oysters on the half shelf and fresh seafood mains. Apart from seafood, they serve various non-seafood varieties, including Chef’s prime steaks cooked on an open flame.
Cajun Queen
Cajun Queen brings the flavors of South Louisiana to their seafood-focused restaurant. This eatery was built into a 100-year-old home in the historic Elizabeth. Today, it’s a warm, welcoming venue for delectable dinners and live music.
The menu offers everything from crawfish and seafood to steaks. Additionally, you can expect expert wine servings to complement the authentic Cajun flavors. Their specialty items include the creamy Cajun Pasta, Atlantic Salmon and the exquisite Mahi Mahi.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
McCormick & Schmick’s is a popular seafood restaurant and steakhouse serving in venues at Uptown Charlotte and the SouthPark Mall. Both locations offer an inviting, relaxing atmosphere where visitors can enjoy fine dining.
The restaurant has everything from fresh seafood and shellfish to dry-aged steaks and green salads. Their seafood is sourced from the waters of the Pacific Rim, the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The eatery also has an exclusive line of signature oysters sourced from their private oyster beds. Plus, apart from seafood, they serve fine wines, cocktails and beer.
Hello, Sailor
Hello, Sailor is an award-winning lakefront restaurant just outside Charlotte at Lake Norman. The restaurant is fish camp-style with a midcentury-styled interior and a deck-style patio to take in the beautiful views as you dine.
Hello, Sailor serves an assortment of seafood-based dishes alongside a mix of snacks, salads, sandwiches, small plates and desserts. Apart from fine foods, they house an extensive selection of wines, beer and cocktails. It is simply one of the top seafood restaurants in Charlotte.
The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is a nationally acclaimed fine dining restaurant in Uptown Charlotte, known for its dry-aged steaks and fresh daily seafood selections. The interior delivers a clubby, refined setting.
The menu enlists fresh oysters on the half shell, lobster and crab cakes. Plus, there is shrimp cocktails, cold shellfish platter, pan-fried calamari and more. Then, pair your drink with the restaurant’s wine list, featuring over 350 selections to choose from.
Eddie’s Seafood & Raw Bar
Eddie’s Seafood & Raw Bar is a beautiful restaurant on Lake Norman offering lake-view dining to the residents of Charlotte. The venue includes a bar, an inviting dining room and a charming outdoor patio. Order lunch, brunch and dinner throughout the week.
The menu includes a mix of starters, smokehouse burgers, and fried oysters. We recommend trying their jumbo shrimp cocktails, oysters on a half-shell, and Alaskan King Crab from the onsite raw bar. They also serve cocktails, beer, martinis, whiskeys, scotch, brandy, wine and other drinks.
Pearlz Oyster Bar
The Pearlz Oyster Bar is a welcoming, relaxed and spacious seafood restaurant in the Piper Glen Shopping Center at Ballantyne. The restaurant features an eclectic interior space where patrons can enjoy fresh seafood.
The signature meal here is their rotating varieties of oysters available on the half shell or steamed. If you want to have a bit of everything, try their chilled seafood platter. End your evening by pairing your meal with their featured cocktails, mocktails and wines.
Rusan’s Sushi & Seafood
Rusan’s Japanese Sushi & Seafood is a local favorite Japanese eatery serving a wide variety of expertly crafted Japanese dishes, sushi and seafood. They have been in business for over 20 years, serving fresh and delicious seafood daily.
The menu offers a mix of creative appetizers and other Japanese favorites. But the centerpiece of their menu is the sushi. Don’t forget to pair your sushi with a chilled glass of their sake. Clearly, it is some of the best seafood restaurant for Japanese food.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in SouthPark has long been the go-to spot for business meetings. The space features a trendy, modern interior where visitors are served an assortment of hand-prepared sushi and burgers, under one roof. This is a pairing you don’t see often, but they pull it off rather nicely!
Their signature creation is the Burgushi, a fusion of burger and sushi that delivers a sushi roll using burger components. We also recommend their standard mini burgers with a choice of sushi rolls and sides.
Fish Market Bar and Grill
Fish Market Bar and Grill is an upscale seafood restaurant in Fort Mill. They serve some of the finest fresh seafood in the city in a laid-back, warm setting. Plus, the knowledgeable staff will guide you on the best picks according to the seasons.
The menu includes an extensive list of seafood-focused entrees as well as vegetarian varieties, soups, and salads. Elevate your meal with a perfect pairing of their wines and craft cocktails.
Seafood Restaurants Charlotte NC: Final Thoughts
All in all, Charlotte has plenty of popular seafood restaurants servicing nutrient-rich seafood prepared using a variety of culinary techniques. Head out to any of the venues listed above and satisfy your seafood cravings!
