Trying to find great seafood in Annapolis feels a bit like a treasure hunt—except there’s no need for a map. This town sits right by the water, making it the kind of place where crab cakes are practically an art form and oysters might be fresher than your last haircut. Annapolis restaurants know how to treat seafood with respect, and you can taste it in every bite.
I’ve strolled past the docks as the sun dropped low, the briny air hinting at a feast ahead. Every corner seems to hold another cozy spot or bustling bar with a platter worth remembering. With so many tempting options, narrowing down the best seafood restaurants in Annapolis can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve stirred through menus and sampled plates to bring you a guide that actually helps you choose—so you can spend less time searching and more time savoring.
1. Boatyard Bar & Grill
If Annapolis had a clubhouse for seafood fans, it would be the Boatyard Bar & Grill. This spot hums with a dockside vibe—locals and visitors swapping tales over ice-cold drinks and towering seafood platters. It’s impossible to ignore the energy, especially during weekend brunch when the pace is lively but never rushed.
I first visited after a stroll through Eastport, drawn in by the smell of simmering soups and briny air. The crab cakes set a high bar, packed with sweet lump crab meat and little filler. The smoked fish of the day, prepped on-site, is always worth a taste.
If you’re up for sharing, go for the extensive raw bar with oysters, clams, and shrimp, each one a nod to the bay’s bounty. Here, you don’t just eat seafood—you experience Annapolis on a plate.
2. Carrol’s Creek Cafe
Carrol’s Creek Cafe gives you a front-row seat to some of the best waterfront views in Annapolis. The dining room looks out across Spa Creek, and sunsets here have a way of turning a meal into an event. I remember lingering over lunch, watching sailboats drift past while the staff moved with the quiet confidence of seasoned pros.
The kitchen’s focus is seafood, and their jumbo lump crab cakes are a local legend. Delicate and barely held together, they let the crab speak for itself. The seafood risotto is another winner—rich and silky, with plump shrimp and scallops stealing the show.
Everything at Carrol’s Creek feels thoughtful, from nut-free options to plates that balance flavor without being fussy. Go for the view, but stay for the skill in every dish.
3. O’Leary’s Seafood Restaurant
Stepping into O’Leary’s Seafood Restaurant feels like stumbling on a secret—one only locals whisper about. The space is polished but cozy, with soft light and a hint of the harbor just beyond the windows. My last dinner here was best described as a quiet celebration, where every detail seemed dialed in for the perfect night out.
This is a place for seafood in its freshest, most creative form. The pan-seared rockfish shines, paired often with seasonal vegetables that taste as though they came straight from a Chesapeake farm. The scallops, tender and sweet, arrive with just enough flourish to keep things interesting but never overdone.
O’Leary’s balances classic and modern with ease. Their small but sharp wine list deserves attention, especially if you’re pairing with their signature dishes.
4. Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
If you’re craving a taste of Maine without ever crossing a state line, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is your solution. This spot keeps things simple and does them right; the menu reads like a love letter to New England, with fresh lobster as the star.
There’s a no-fuss honesty here that always impresses me. The classic lobster roll overflows with sweet Maine lobster, lightly dressed and settled on a soft, toasted roll. It’s the kind of meal that requires a handful of napkins and no apologies.
If you want to branch out, try the lobster mac-and-cheese or the clam chowder—both creamy but never heavy. Everything at Mason’s highlights fresh seafood and straightforward flavors.
5. Cantler’s Riverside Inn
A visit to Cantler’s Riverside Inn feels a bit like a rite of passage for seafood fans in Annapolis. Nestled along the water, this spot is where locals spend lazy afternoons cracking open steamed crabs at picnic tables that carry generations of memories.
I remember my first paper-lined tray brimming with bright red crabs, the aroma of Old Bay in the air. The blue crabs are as fresh as it gets—caught straight from the bay and brought to your table with nothing but mallets and plenty of brown paper.
Besides crabs, the steamed shrimp and corn on the cob round out a classic Maryland feast. If you want a place that captures the spirit of Annapolis, Cantler’s delivers every time.
6. Mcgarvey’s Saloon And Oyster Bar
McGarvey’s Saloon And Oyster Bar is an institution in Annapolis. There’s a relaxed buzz inside, with regulars swapping stories and newcomers clutching oyster knives like they’ve just passed an initiation test. No flashy gimmicks—just fresh seafood and a time-tested charm.
I’ve dropped by more than once for their legendary raw bar. The oysters taste like they came straight from the bay, briny and cool, perfect with a splash of lemon. For a real treat, get the steamed mussels, plump and fragrant in their broth.
This is the place to order a round of shellfish, dig in, and enjoy Annapolis as it’s meant to be—one shuck at a time.
7. Osteria 177
Osteria 177 brings a touch of Italy to Main Street, balancing Annapolis tradition with authentic European flair. The space is elegant but not stiff, with a warmth that makes you want to linger over another course. I’ve lost track of time in conversation here, wine glass in hand, savoring dishes crafted with attention and heart.
The seafood at Osteria 177 is a world apart. The branzino arrives perfectly roasted, flaky and tender, with a hint of Mediterranean herbs. The seafood risotto is creamy and loaded with fresh shrimp, scallops, and crab—each ingredient holding its own on the plate.
Every dish reflects skill and fresh ingredients, blending Annapolis’s waterfront harvests with Italian technique. This is where you go when you want a little extra sparkle with your seafood supper.
8. Sailor Oyster Bar
Sailor Oyster Bar looks small from the outside but packs a serious punch when it comes to seafood. There’s a laid-back, almost speakeasy vibe that makes it a hidden gem on West Street. My best nights here have always started with a plate of oysters and a view of the shucker at work behind the bar.
The raw oysters are the heart of the menu—icy, fresh, and brimming with local character. Pair them with the crab toast, which layers sweet crab meat on crusty bread with just the right amount of brightness from lemon.
Sailor Oyster Bar is where Annapolis delivers seafood without the fanfare, just pure flavor and casual charm.
9. Dock Street Bar & Grill
Dock Street Bar & Grill sits right by the heart of downtown, giving you a front-row seat to Annapolis life. There’s a relaxed bustle inside, where you can pop in for a quick bite or settle into a booth for laid-back people-watching. My favorite visits have always included the lively sounds of the bar and the promise of good food just steps from the waterfront.
You’ll want to start with their crab dip, a creamy, savory classic that disappears fast when shared among friends. The fish tacos are another highlight—crispy, packed with flaky white fish, and topped with vibrant slaw.
Whether you’re after a casual lunch or a late-night snack, Dock Street delivers local seafood in a simple, satisfying way.
10. Chart House Prime
Chart House Prime gets its reputation honestly—there’s just something special about dining right on Spa Creek, with views that sweep across historic Annapolis and the water. The space feels refined but approachable, and every meal here has a touch of occasion to it. My own visits always start with a moment by the windows, soaking in the sights before the first bite.
The seafood dominance shows on every plate. The macadamia crusted mahi is a standout—crisp, sweet, and paired with tender vegetables. For those who crave Chesapeake flavor, the daily fresh fish selections keep things exciting and celebrate what’s local.
Chart House Prime balances elegance with comfort, making every meal feel like a match for the legendary view.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Annapolis known for?
Annapolis is famous for its blue crabs, especially in the form of crab cakes and steamed crabs. You’ll also find plenty of fresh oysters, rockfish, and shrimp dishes.
When is blue crab season in Annapolis?
Blue crab season typically runs from April through November, with the busiest months and best supply peaking from late spring to early fall.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options at Annapolis seafood restaurants?
Yes, most popular spots offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Many places highlight these choices on their menus.
Do Annapolis seafood restaurants offer waterfront dining?
Plenty do. Favorites like Carrol’s Creek Cafe and Chart House Prime have scenic waterfront views, perfect for pairing a seafood meal with a bay breeze.
Is it necessary to make reservations?
Some places fill up fast, especially on weekends. It’s wise to book ahead at popular restaurants if you want a waterfront table or are visiting during crab season.
