Austin may not be a coastal city, but its seafood scene is thriving with a mix of restaurants and food trucks offering everything from fresh fish and oysters to sushi and crispy fried fish.
Whether you’re in the mood for a seafood platter, a po’ boy, a poke bowl, or a fusion dish, there’s no shortage of options.
From upscale dining spots to hidden gems serving Gulf Coast flavors, Austin has expanded its seafood offerings, making it easy to enjoy the freshest catches.
Texas’s fish and seafood revenue ranges from 60 to 70 million dollars. To meet your seafood cravings, the city’s top restaurants bring in fresh catches every day, ensuring the highest quality.
This blog will help you explore the best seafood restaurants in Austin, showing you why these places offer an unmatched seafood experience.
Top 10 Seafood Places in Austin
Here is a list of Austin’s best seafood spots to plan your next dine-in with family, friends, or colleagues, each offering something unique. Let’s have a look at these one by one.
Salt Traders Coastal Cooking is a go-to spot for seafood lovers craving Gulf flavors. The restaurant works with fishermen, mongers, and farms to use the highest quality, locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
Their menu includes fresh oysters, a standout cioppino packed with seafood, and perfectly seasoned fish and chips. It offers both indoor dining and patio seating, making the experience at this eatery always amazing.
Plank Provisions is a great seafood restaurant located inside The Domain, which is a mall in northwest Austin.
The menu features fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, including oysters, wood-fired fish, and lobster rolls. Their creative small plates, seasonal specials, and handcrafted cocktails add to the appeal.
The restaurant’s modern interior and welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Plank Provisions provides a refined yet relaxed dining experience for seafood lovers.
Garbo’s is a food truck that serves a taste of New England seafood in a small space with the coastal charm of Austin. The vibe is relaxed, with beachy aesthetics and outdoor seating, makes it an excellent destination for seafood enthusiasts.
Their menu offers from lobster rolls to creamy lobster bisque (though portions and pricing may not suit every diner). The garlic aioli stands out, adding a rich flavor to their fresh seafood offerings.
Their servers are attentive, and reservations are recommended for a smoother experience.
Este is a classic Mexican-inspired seafood restaurant located on Manor Road in Austin. It is known for its vibrant flavors and creative dishes.
The menu highlights fresh seafood with a unique twist, featuring items like wood-grilled fish, ceviche, and charred octopus. Their homemade tortillas and signature salsas elevate each dish, while the cocktail menu offers refreshing pairings.
The stylish yet welcoming ambiance, complete with warm lighting and rustic decor, makes Este a great spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
Mongers is an upscale-casual seafood restaurant in Austin that directly sources fresh seafood from its neighborhood fish market.
The menu features high-quality dishes like lobster rolls and fish tacos. The buttermilk fried shrimp and shrimp and crab gumbo offer an unparalleled seafood experience.
Perla’s is a laid-back seafood spot located on South Congress Ave in Austin. It offers fresh fish, oysters, and surf ‘n’ turf sourced from around the world. The open kitchen and oak-shaded patio provide a great outdoor dining experience.
Must-tries include the daily flown-in oysters, ahi tuna tostada, ceviche, and grilled octopus. While prices are higher, the excellent service and ambiance make it worth the visit.
Deckhand is a casual seafood eatery offering oysters, sandwiches, fried fare, and beer and wine. The restaurant boasts a larger, well-designed interior with an expanded beer selection.
The menu highlights dishes like Oysters La Frontera, flavorful crawfish, and perfectly cooked Pad See Ew. Despite the crowds, service remains friendly and efficient, with food arriving quickly.
Truluck’s is an upscale seafood chain located on Colorado Street in Austin. It offers Florida Stone Crab, half-price happy hours, a deep wine list, and swanky surroundings.
The elegant interior, great booths, and well-stocked bar set the stage for a memorable dining experience. The menu includes crab cakes, calamari, and the signature baked Alaska for dessert.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is an elegant fine-dining restaurant specializing in seafood and steak. Its cocktail lounge features live jazz, creating a sophisticated ambiance.
The elevated location offers breathtaking Hill Country views, making it a top choice for romantic dinners and special occasions.
The menu highlights fresh oysters, perfectly cooked Wagyu steak, and indulgent lobster mashed potatoes, with the standout crab cake further enhancing its reputation.
Shore Raw Bar & Grill is a good seafood restaurant on Texas State Highway 71, a key route to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. It offers fresh oysters, shrimp tacos, grilled fish, and ceviche.
The restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, complemented by a spacious patio and well-crafted cocktails, makes it a great spot for casual dining or unwinding after a long day.
Private Dining: Yes, a VIP boardroom with pre-booking.
Takeout: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes, pet-friendly patio
Parking: Yes, parking is available
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Serves Alcohol: Yes
Payment Options: Yes, accepts credit cards
BYOB: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on the patio
Wi-Fi: Yes
TVs: Yes
Good For: Lunch, Dinner, Brunch for casual meetups
Conclusion
Austin offers a remarkable variety of seafood experiences that cater to all tastes, from casual fish tacos to elegant lobster rolls.
With each restaurant providing its own spin on fresh, coastal flavors, you’re guaranteed to find something that excites your palate. The city’s seafood scene blends classic dishes with creative twists, ensuring that both locals and visitors have plenty of options to enjoy.
Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back meal or a fine dining experience, Austin’s seafood restaurants consistently impress with their quality and innovation.
Visiting these top seafood spots is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that highlights the freshness of the ingredients and the expertise of the chefs. Each restaurant offers a unique atmosphere, making it easy to enjoy a casual bite with friends or a more intimate dinner.
Eva Rogers, a proud Texan and contributor for TexasTasty, infuses her writing with a deep passion for the Lone Star State. With roots in the vast plains of West Texas, Eva treasures the unique fusion of tradition and innovation that embodies the Texan spirit. Through her articles, she celebrates the diverse tapestry of Texas, exploring everything from its vibrant urban centers to its tranquil rural landscapes.