Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Minneapolis

The Bloomington outpost of the beloved Smack Shack brand brings the same lobster-focused menu to the Mall of America area, perfect for travelers and suburban diners craving that signature Connecticut-style lobster roll. While slightly lower-rated than its North Loop sibling, it delivers the same butter-poached lobster goodness and crispy lobster grilled cheese that made the original famous. The location works brilliantly for families combining shopping with dining, or business travelers staying nearby who want a taste of Minneapolis's seafood scene without venturing downtown. The lobster mac and cheese remains a guilty pleasure worth every calorie.

Northeast Minneapolis's beloved fish and chips specialist proves that doing one thing exceptionally well never goes out of style. The Alaskan cod arrives in impossibly crispy beer batter that shatters with each bite, revealing flaky white fish that's never greasy, served with hand-cut fries and house-made tartar sauce. The cozy neighborhood bar atmosphere draws a loyal crowd of regulars who appreciate honest pub food executed to perfection, plus a solid craft beer selection to wash it down. Solo diners feel welcome at the bar, while groups can settle into booths for a satisfying, no-pretense meal.

This newer addition to North Washington Avenue delivers surf-and-turf excellence in an intimate setting that locals are just discovering. While the steaks command attention, the seafood side of the menu holds its own with perfectly seared scallops and grilled lobster tail that rival any coastal establishment. The smaller review count reflects its relative newness, but early adopters rave about the quality-to-price ratio and attentive service. It's ideal for diners who want upscale food without the stiffness, where you can split a ribeye and crab legs without feeling underdressed.

Chef Gavin Kaysen's North Loop powerhouse isn't exclusively seafood, but when they feature ocean fare, it's executed with the precision that earned Kaysen a James Beard Award. The raw bar offerings and seasonal fish preparations showcase French technique with Midwestern sensibility—think Lake Superior trout alongside oysters and uni. The converted stable building exudes rustic sophistication with exposed brick and an open kitchen where you can watch culinary artistry unfold. Reserve weeks ahead for this special-occasion destination that draws food pilgrims from across the country.

Nestled beside Minnehaha Falls in a former park building, Sea Salt is Minneapolis's most scenic seafood shack where you order at the counter and dine on picnic tables overlooking the creek. Their fish tacos are legendary among locals—crispy beer-battered walleye or blackened mahi tucked into soft tortillas with fresh slaw and chipotle crema. The seasonal operation (closed in winter) creates a summer pilgrimage vibe, with lines stretching long on sunny evenings as families, cyclists, and couples queue for the Twin Cities' best outdoor seafood experience. Grab a craft beer, claim a shady spot, and soak in the waterfall soundtrack.

This Bloomington gem serves up Southern hospitality with a seafood-forward menu that goes beyond typical suburban chain fare. Their catfish and shrimp combo platters deliver authentic soul food flavors with perfectly seasoned cornmeal crusts and sides like mac and cheese that could be meals themselves. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes families feel right at home, while the consistently high ratings speak to cooking that honors traditional Southern recipes. It's the rare spot where kids can order chicken tenders while adventurous adults explore crawfish étouffée or blackened mahi-mahi.

Step into this downtown fine-dining institution and you're transported to a classic mid-century supper club where white tablecloths meet impeccable service and the day's catch is flown in daily. The menu changes based on what's fresh at fish markets worldwide, but regulars rave about the Chilean sea bass and the theatrical tableside preparations. This is Minneapolis's power-lunch and anniversary-dinner seafood destination, complete with an extensive wine list and sommelier guidance. Expect to dress up, settle in for a leisurely meal, and embrace the old-school elegance that's increasingly rare in today's casual dining landscape.

King Cajun reigns supreme in St. Paul's Cajun seafood scene, boasting an impressive near-perfect rating from over 4,000 devoted fans. Their crawfish boil is legendary when in season, but year-round you'll find massive portions of snow crab legs, king crab, and jumbo shrimp swimming in their addictive house sauces that range from mild garlic butter to tongue-scorching Cajun heat. The no-frills dining room focuses attention where it belongs—on the table full of crustaceans you'll crack, peel, and devour with reckless enthusiasm. Bring your appetite and a crew; this is communal feasting at its finest.

St. Paul's Cajun seafood darling brings Louisiana bayou vibes to University Avenue with their messy, hands-on seafood boils that demand bibs and abandon. The signature seafood boil bags arrive steaming hot, packed with shrimp, crab, andouille sausage, corn, and potatoes drenched in your choice of bold Cajun or garlic butter sauce. The casual, laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for groups ready to get their hands dirty and share platters family-style. With consistently stellar ratings, it's become a Twin Cities treasure for anyone craving authentic Southern seafood without the airfare.

This North Loop legend started as a food truck and evolved into Minneapolis's go-to destination for East Coast-style lobster indulgence. The signature lobster roll—overflowing with butter-poached meat on a toasted bun—is the stuff of local lore, drawing everyone from downtown lunch crowds to date-night diners. The industrial-chic space with garage doors and communal tables creates a lively, approachable vibe that works equally well for casual meetups or celebrating special occasions. Don't skip the lobster bisque tots, a decadent twist on a Minnesota classic.