When you think of delicious seafood in the South, a lot of people probably don’t immediately think of Nashville. After all, Nashville is not really surrounded by water. But don’t let this misconception keep you from trying out these outstanding restaurants. They go the extra mile to deliver you the freshest seafood available anywhere.
In fact, they are some of the best seafood restaurants in all of Tennessee. Without further ado, here are the 8 best seafood restaurants in Nashville, TN.
Marsh House
Located in the heart of the Gulch, Marsh House is a must-visit destination for those seeking an exquisite dining experience with a touch of Southern charm. The restaurant features elegant, modern décor and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a romantic evening, business dinner, or casual meal with friends. Marsh House is well-known for its expertly crafted Southern cuisine, effortlessly blending traditional dishes with contemporary culinary techniques.
The brunch menu at Marsh House is nothing short of impressive, providing patrons with a delectable selection of mouth-watering options. Start your meal with fresh oysters, sourced from some of the finest oyster farms in the region. Continue your culinary journey with the flavorful gumbo, a classic Southern dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. For a lighter option, the Nicoise Quinoa Bowl—a unique twist on the traditional salad—offers a perfect balance of taste and texture with its delightful mix of ingredients.
As the day turns to evening, Marsh House’s dinner menu takes center stage. Begin with the crab ravigote, a deliciously tangy appetizer that will leave you craving more. The Shrimp Remoulade is another popular choice, featuring succulent shrimp in a creamy, tangy sauce. For the main course, try the Lobster Campanelle, a rich and satisfying pasta dish filled with tender lobster. Be sure not to miss the Seared Scallops, a true highlight of the menu. Served with a medley of spring grains, green peas, lemon, and a hint of mint, this dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you thoroughly impressed.
To round off your dining experience, Marsh House offers a fantastic Happy Hour Menu, available Monday-Friday from 5-6pm. Treat yourself to the Happiest Chambong, a playful and refreshing cocktail that is sure to put a smile on your face. Pair it with the Happy Brew, a rotating selection of local beers, for a well-rounded, enjoyable evening.
Henrietta Red
Owned by Chef Julia Sullivan, Henrietta Red is one of the best restaurants in the Nashville area. located in the charming Germantown neighborhood in downtown Nashville and offers a variety of delectable seafood dishes. This elegant restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its stylish decor and innovative menu. Nestled amidst the historic red-brick buildings and tree-lined streets, Henrietta Red is perfectly positioned for patrons to explore downtown after some juicy seafood.
One of the highlights of Henrietta Red’s menu is the exquisite seafood selection, which features fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients. They have several different menus for different times of the day and days of the week.
The raw bar, in particular, is a must-try for any seafood lover. It features oysters from all over the country, from Alabama and Florida to as far out as Washington. On the raw bar menu is also a red snapper crudo served with ramp, buttermilk, cara cara orange, pistachio, and dill. It goes perfectly with a glass of white wine. Choose from their fine wine menu or bring your own bottle for a $25 cork fee.
For those looking for a memorable weekend dining experience, Henrietta Red’s Sunday brunch is not to be missed. Offering a delightful twist on traditional brunch fare, the menu features an assortment of seafood-centric dishes that are both innovative and satisfying. The crab cakes, a customer favorite, are expertly crafted with crisp, golden crust and tender, flavorful crabmeat that melts in your mouth. It’s served with a lemon aioli, green butter lettuce, and radish.
Seafood on the dinner menu includes octopus served with pea tendrils, radish, pistachio and basil. It is a top seafood menu option. They also serve snapper, grouper, oysters, and other favorites. One of their unique takes on seafood includes the smoked fish toast, crafted with sunflower, radicchio, and kalamata olive. One of the best things about Henrietta Red is the wide array of creative dishes to give you a fresh perspective on seafood.
Urban Grub
Urban Grub, a popular dining destination in Nashville, Tennessee, is a landmark of the vibrant 12 South neighborhood. This trendy restaurant prides itself on Southern classics with a “flavored up tweak”, providing guests with a memorable culinary experience. The atmosphere is laid-back, yet sophisticated, and the evolving menu keeps patrons coming back for more. The rustic-chic interior, complete with exposed brick and reclaimed wooden tables, creates a cozy setting perfect for a date night, family dinner, or catching up with friends. What’s more, they offer private Cabanas and fire pits, all custom finishes on what is actually a reclaimed car wash. They pride themselves on being a restaurant, but also a patio and beer garden,
Brunch at Urban Grub is something you won’t want to miss. The menu boasts an array of mouthwatering dishes that cater to various palates, including the savory Crab Beignets and the popular peel and eat shrimp. They also feature pecan latte donuts, homemade pop tarts, and Andouille Sausage. There’s truly something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds, whether you’re in the mood for a seafood brunch or something more classic.
When the evening rolls around, Urban Grub’s dinner menu takes center stage. The star of the show is the Kvarøy Arctic Salmon, a sustainably sourced fish that perfectly captures the essence of Urban Grub’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. This is a salmon caught fresh off the coast of a small island in the Arctic Circle and delivered straight to the restaurant for an ultimate seafood experience. Other standout menu items include the melt-in-your-mouth Blue Fin Tuna and the crowd-pleasing Shrimp & Grits, a Southern classic with a unique twist.
Boston Commons
Boston Commons offers a unique and memorable dining experience for those craving authentic New England seafood. This charming restaurant brings the taste of the Northeast coast to the South, featuring a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements its mouthwatering cuisine. With its stylish yet comfortable interior and friendly service, Boston Commons promises a delightful dining experience for both locals and visitors alike.
The dinner menu at Boston Commons is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to providing the finest New England seafood dishes. Start your meal with their creamy Boston clam chowder, a classic favorite that never disappoints. The restaurant claims it’s so thick and creamy you can stand your spoon up in it! For those looking for a unique and flavorful appetizer, the fried lobster bites are a must-try. The main course options include the scrumptious New England Fish and Chips, made only with the best Cod, breaded to order, and dusted with Lawry’s. There is also the British fish and chips, featuring beer-battered haddock served with crispy fries, as well as the fried cod sandwich, a satisfying choice for seafood lovers seeking a more casual dish.
Boston Commons also caters to its younger patrons with a special kids menu, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy their time at this Nashville gem. The butterfly shrimp, a popular choice for little ones, are lightly breaded and fried to perfection, making them both delicious and easy to eat for small hands. Additionally, the Kraft Mac and Cheese offers a familiar, comforting dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Blue Moon Waterfront Grille
Blue Moon Waterfront Grille, nestled along the banks of the Cumberland River, offers diners a picturesque location to enjoy a delicious seafood meal. This unique establishment is the perfect place to savor fresh fish while taking in the breathtaking views of the river and the city skyline. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant, making it perfect for a romantic evening, a family gathering, or a friendly get-together. The outdoor seating area and live music events during the warmer months further enhance the overall dining experience at Blue Moon Waterfront Grille.
The Sunday Brunch Menu at Blue Moon Waterfront Grille is an experience not to be missed. Guests can indulge in a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including the delectable crab cake benedict – a scrumptious spin on the classic eggs benedict, featuring perfectly seasoned crab cakes topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Another Southern-inspired favorite is the shrimp and grits, a hearty dish made with succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich, savory sauce and served over creamy, stone-ground grits. The brunch menu also offers a variety of other tempting options, like pancakes and even avocado toast, so there’s something to please everyone’s palate.
For those who prefer to visit the Blue Moon Waterfront Grille during lunch or dinner, the main menu boasts an impressive array of seafood dishes, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to serving only the freshest and finest ingredients. The pan-fried catfish, a Southern staple, is a standout menu item, cooked to golden perfection and served with the class hush puppies, french fries, and cole slaw. Other enticing menu items include the seared scallops, served with a flavorful herb-infused rice pilaf, and the popular coconut shrimp platter, featuring crispy, coconut-crusted shrimp accompanied by their signature house sauce.
Uncle Bud’s
Uncle Bud’s in Nashville, Tennessee, is a down-home family restaurant offering a charming dining experience for all ages. Uncle Bud prides itself on good food and good service, with an atmosphere that transports you to a cozy Southern kitchen.
When it comes to regular dinners at Uncle Bud’s, the menu is a celebration of Southern comfort food. Diners can enjoy a selection of mouthwatering dishes such as crispy catfish fillets, succulent fried oysters, tender frog legs, and flavorful gator tail. Each meal is expertly prepared and served with a smile, ensuring that every guest leaves satisfied and eager to return for more of Uncle Bud’s delicious offerings.
For those with a hearty appetite, Uncle Bud’s offers all you can eat catfish and fixins on Thursdays and Sundays. This irresistible deal invites patrons to indulge in endless servings of their famous catfish, accompanied by a variety of tasty side dishes. The all you can eat dinners are a testament to Uncle Bud’s commitment to providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience, brimming with Southern hospitality and incredible flavors.
Seafood Sensation
Seafood Sensation, located on Jefferson Street, offers delicious and casual seafood. The unpretentious charm of Seafood Sensation makes it a perfect spot for families, friends, and couples to indulge in delicious seafood. They specialize in true classics here, done right. As they say here – they are “always imitated, but never duplicated.”
The menu at Seafood Sensation boasts an array of mouthwatering dishes, showcasing the fresh and flavorful ingredients that the restaurant is known for. One of the highlights includes Alaskan crab clusters, which are succulent and cooked to perfection, offering a taste of the ocean’s bounty. For those who prefer a more handheld option, the fish sandwich is a popular choice, featuring crispy, golden-brown fish nestled between soft, pillowy bread. The jumbo steamed shrimp, an absolute must-try, are generously seasoned and cooked to just the right tenderness, making them a true delight for the palate. With its diverse selection of seafood dishes, Seafood Sensation is a culinary gem on Jefferson Street that is not to be missed.
Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill is a popular chain restaurant located in Franklin, just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Known for its upscale yet casual atmosphere, this dining establishment offers a delightful fusion of contemporary design and welcoming ambiance. Patrons can enjoy their meal in a comfortable setting that perfectly complements the delectable seafood dishes served at Bonefish Grill. With its prime location in the heart of Franklin, the restaurant has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike who crave fresh seafood and exceptional service.
The dinner menu at Bonefish Grill is a seafood lover’s paradise, featuring an array of mouth-watering options such as ahi tuna poke, bang bang shrimp, cod imperial, and cold water lobster tails. Prepared with skill and expertise, these dishes are the epitome of culinary excellence. The ahi tuna poke is a delightful blend of fresh, raw tuna and Asian-inspired flavors, while the signature bang bang shrimp offers a crispy, spicy kick that has become a fan favorite. For a more indulgent experience, the cod imperial is a rich, flaky dish with a succulent crabmeat topping, and the cold water lobster tails are the epitome of luxury, boasting tender, succulent meat and a natural sweetness. With such a diverse and enticing menu, Bonefish Grill in Nashville is sure to satisfy any seafood craving.
Crab Fever Nashville
Situated in the vibrant, bustling heart of Nashville, in the Midtown area, Crab Fever serves up some fresh seafood classics, like lobster rolls, crawfish boils, and boil specialities with sauces like garlic butter, cajun, and lemon pepper. This restaurant has become especially renowned for its mouthwatering crab legs, a true treat for your taste buds. Served steaming hot with a side of melted butter, these succulent crab legs are the epitome of comfort food, providing an indulgent experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Other seafood classics on the menu include whole, peeled, or head-off shrimp, New Zealand Mussels, and clams. They are one of the best places in Nashville to get some crab, with a wide selection including blue crab, dungeness crab, snow crab legs, and king crab legs. They also offer a killer, creamy clam chowder that is a favorite appetizer. If that’s not your cup of tea (or chowder), then try their seafood gumbo instead, made with shrimp, crawfish, sausage, chicken, and bell pepper! This restaurant is just good food – comforts you grew up with and love.
Crab Fever has a great selection of mixed drinks, beer, wine, and sake. We love their Tennessee Honey Smooth, but their Jalapeno Feverita is great too. Beers on draft include Kona Brew Company, Blue Moon, and Sapporo Lager. They are known for having live music and regularly host some of Nashville’s finest local bands and upcoming talent.
Now Closed: Joe’s Crab Shack
Unfortunately, the Nashville location of Joe’s Crab Shack is now closed. I left it on this list of seafood restaurants because you might still find information about it out there on the internet. But I want you to be able to get the best information possible.
The closest location to Nashville is Louisville, KY, so it’s not in the area at all. There’s also a location in Memphis, so if you’re taking the very cool road trip from Nashville to Memphis be sure to check out the Memphis Joe’s Crab Shack.
