DineCard Discover

Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Austin

Austin may be landlocked, but its seafood scene rivals coastal cities thanks to daily air-shipped catches and creative Gulf Coast-inspired cooking. From upscale crab houses on Congress Avenue to neighborhood gems serving East Coast oysters, the city's top seafood spots deliver ocean-fresh flavors in true Austin style. Many of these restaurants now offer digital menus via DineCard for a seamless dining experience, making it easier than ever to explore their extensive seafood selections.

Eddie V's Prime Seafood
#10

Eddie V's Prime Seafood

9400 B Arboretum Blvd, Austin
4.7
1,814 reviews
$180 for two
BarNight ClubLive MusicUpscale DiningCraft CocktailsBusiness Friendly
Must try:Georges Bank Scallops

Positioned in the Domain area, this Eddie V's location brings the same prime seafood and live music formula to North Austin shoppers and tech professionals. The Georges Bank scallops are seared to caramelized perfection with a tender center that melts on your tongue. The sophisticated atmosphere—dark woods, white tablecloths, dim lighting—creates an intimate experience perfect for celebrating promotions or romantic evenings. After dinner, the attached V Lounge serves as one of North Austin's most refined spots for craft cocktails and nightly live music, making it easy to extend your evening without changing venues.

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab
#9

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab

10225 Research Blvd Ste 4000, Austin
4.7
1,492 reviews
$180 for two
Stone Crab SeasonUpscale DiningBusiness FriendlyPremium Seafood
Must try:Florida Stone Crab Claws

The Arboretum location of this upscale chain offers the same commitment to fresh stone crab and premium seafood as its downtown sibling, with easier parking and a slightly more relaxed North Austin vibe. During stone crab season, the claws are flown in multiple times weekly from Truluck's own Florida fisheries, ensuring you're getting the absolute freshest available. The sleek, modern dining room works equally well for business lunches and date nights, with service that's attentive without being overbearing. The crab cakes—all lump meat with minimal filler—are another standout that locals order year-round.

Mario's Seafood
#8

Mario's Seafood

7522 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd Building C, Austin
4.6
2,208 reviews
$60 for two
Mexican SeafoodBudget FriendlyCasual DiningFamily Friendly
Must try:Ceviche Tostadas

This no-frills North Austin spot focuses on Mexican-style seafood preparations that feel like a coastal Veracruz beach shack transported to I-35. The ceviche tostadas are piled high with lime-cured fish, avocado, and fresh vegetables—bright, acidic, and incredibly refreshing on hot Texas days. The casual counter-service setup and budget-friendly prices make it accessible for families and anyone craving authentic coastal Mexican flavors. Locals in the know come here for the whole fried fish served Veracruz-style, proving that exceptional seafood doesn't require white tablecloths.

Austin's Very Own Saltt
#7

Austin's Very Own Saltt

2525 W Anderson Ln. ste 130 bldg 3, Austin
4.7
395 reviews
$65 for two
BarCajun Seafood BoilsBudget FriendlyLocal FavoriteCasual Dining
Must try:Signature Saltt Boil

This North Austin newcomer is making waves with Louisiana-inspired seafood boils and a commitment to supporting local communities. The signature Saltt boil lets you customize your seafood combination (shrimp, crawfish, crab, mussels) with your choice of spice level and flavor profile, served with corn and potatoes in true Cajun style. The casual, roll-up-your-sleeves atmosphere encourages messy eating and good times, making it perfect for groups who want an interactive dining experience. Despite the lower price point, the seafood quality rivals pricier competitors, and the portions are generous enough to share.

Cypress Grill
#6

Cypress Grill

4404 W William Cannon Dr, Austin
4.6
2,800 reviews
$70 for two
BarBudget FriendlyFamily FriendlyLocal FavoriteGulf Coast Seafood
Must try:Blackened Redfish

This South Austin neighborhood gem has quietly built a loyal following for its approachable prices and consistently fresh Gulf Coast seafood. The blackened redfish showcases Texas Gulf fish at its finest, with a perfect spice crust that doesn't overpower the delicate meat. The casual, family-friendly vibe makes it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want quality seafood without the downtown prices or pretension. Regulars rave about the seafood gumbo and the fact that you can get an excellent meal here for half what you'd pay at trendier spots.

Eddie V's Prime Seafood
#5

Eddie V's Prime Seafood

301 E 5th St., Austin
4.7
2,637 reviews
$180 for two
BarNight ClubLive JazzNight ClubUpscale DiningRomantic Ambiance
Must try:Chilean Sea Bass

This downtown sophisticate pairs prime seafood with live music in an atmosphere that screams special occasion without being stuffy. The Chilean sea bass is legendary—buttery, perfectly cooked, and worth every penny of the splurge. The V Lounge upstairs transforms into one of Austin's classiest late-night spots, where you can enjoy cocktails and live jazz after your meal. With an extensive wine list and tableside presentations, it's ideal for anniversaries, proposals, or impressing out-of-town guests who think Texas is all about barbecue.

Corinne Austin
#4

Corinne Austin

304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin
4.8
6,058 reviews
$85 for two
Skyline ViewsInstagram-WorthyRooftop SeatingMediterranean Cuisine
Must try:Wood-Grilled Octopus

While not exclusively a seafood spot, Corinne has become a Rainey Street favorite for its Mediterranean-meets-Texas approach to coastal cuisine and stunning skyline views. The wood-grilled octopus with romesco sauce is Instagram-famous for a reason—tender, charred, and packed with flavor. The multi-level space transitions from casual daytime cafe to romantic evening destination, with the rooftop offering some of the best sunset views in downtown. It's perfect for groups wanting variety since the menu spans beyond seafood, but the fish preparations consistently steal the show.

Salt Traders Coastal Cooking
#3
TOP 3

Salt Traders Coastal Cooking

1101 S MoPac Expy, Austin
4.6
1,833 reviews
$100 for two
BarHappy Hour SpecialsNew England SeafoodFamily FriendlyOutdoor Seating
Must try:Lobster Roll

Tucked in a MoPac-area shopping center, this coastal kitchen punches above its strip-mall location with seriously executed New England-style seafood and a killer happy hour. The lobster roll is generously stuffed with fresh Maine lobster meat in a butter-griddled bun, rivaling anything you'd find in Boston. The nautical-themed dining room feels surprisingly upscale, and the bar scene gets lively during weeknight happy hours when local professionals pile in for oyster specials. Families love it for weekend brunches, while the patio works perfectly for casual gatherings over steamer pots and craft beer.

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab
#2
RUNNER UP

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab

300 Colorado St, Austin
4.7
1,980 reviews
$180 for two
Live MusicStone Crab SeasonUpscale DiningBusiness Friendly
Must try:Florida Stone Crab Claws

Located in the Warehouse District, this upscale seafood destination is famous for flying in stone crab from its own fisheries in Florida during season (October to May). The Florida stone crab claws arrive cracked and chilled with mustard sauce, representing some of the freshest you'll find outside Miami. With live music nightly and an extensive wine list, it's a polished choice for business dinners or special celebrations where you want to impress. The servers know their seafood inside and out, guiding you through preparations from classic to contemporary.

Perla's
#1
BEST

Perla's

1400 S Congress Ave, Austin
4.5
2,957 reviews
$120 for two
BarRaw Oyster BarOutdoor SeatingCraft CocktailsRomantic Ambiance
Must try:Whole Grilled Fish

This South Congress institution has been the go-to for sophisticated seafood since it opened, combining a raw bar with Mediterranean-inspired preparations that highlight daily catches. The oyster selection rotates through East and West Coast varieties, but regulars swear by the whole grilled fish—perfectly charred and dressed simply with lemon and herbs. The airy, light-filled space with its marble bar and patio seating makes it ideal for date nights or catching up with friends over craft cocktails. Don't skip the house-made pasta with shellfish, which perfectly bridges land and sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best oysters in Austin?+
Perla's on South Congress and Salt Traders Coastal Cooking both offer excellent rotating selections of East and West Coast oysters. Perla's raw bar is particularly known for its variety and knowledgeable staff who can guide you through different regions and flavor profiles. Both restaurants receive multiple shipments weekly to ensure maximum freshness.
What is the best seafood restaurant for a romantic date in Austin?+
Eddie V's Prime Seafood locations (both downtown and Domain) are consistently rated as Austin's top choice for romantic seafood dinners, featuring intimate lighting, live jazz music, and impeccable service. Perla's on South Congress also offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for date nights, especially if you can snag a patio table during pleasant weather.
Where can I get fresh stone crab in Austin?+
Both Truluck's locations (downtown and Arboretum) are famous for their Florida stone crab claws, which are flown in from the restaurant's own fisheries during stone crab season (October through May). The claws arrive fresh, are served chilled and pre-cracked with mustard sauce, and represent some of the freshest stone crab available outside of Florida.
What's the best budget-friendly seafood restaurant in Austin?+
Mario's Seafood and Austin's Very Own Saltt both offer excellent quality seafood at budget-friendly prices (around $60-70 for two people). Mario's specializes in Mexican-style preparations like ceviche tostadas, while Saltt focuses on Louisiana-style seafood boils. Both provide generous portions and fresh seafood without the premium pricing of upscale establishments.
Which Austin seafood restaurants have the best happy hour deals?+
Salt Traders Coastal Cooking is particularly known for its happy hour specials, featuring discounted oysters and coastal appetizers that attract local professionals on weeknights. The bar area gets lively during these hours, making it a great spot to sample premium seafood at more accessible prices while enjoying craft cocktails.

You might also like

Own a restaurant featured here?

Get your menu online in 5 minutes with DineCard — AI-powered QR code menus used by 1000+ restaurants.

Try DineCard Free