Finding the best seafood in Louisville, KY is a bit like fishing for treasure—especially when the river town itself is full of catch-worthy spots. With so many options, choosing where to dive in can feel overwhelming, but a well-crafted guide makes dropping your anchor in the right place simple. Over the years, I’ve sampled everything from plump grilled salmon to hush puppies crisp enough to make you wish for second helpings. Louisville’s seafood scene surprises you. Tucked between bourbon legends and southern hospitality, you find chefs who know how to coax big, fresh flavors from the day’s best haul.
Consider this your cool-headed compass through the best seafood places around town. From beloved local fish shacks to white-tablecloth dining on the river, every restaurant here was chosen for both quality and character. Forget tired chain experiences—this guide helps you discover spots that get seafood right, making every meal a small adventure. Whether you’re after a platter of shrimp, crispy catfish, or the city’s finest oysters, you’re in the best place to plan your next feast. Keep reading, your perfect dinner is waiting below the surface.
Where to find the best seafood in Louisville, KY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Louisville, KY:
- Brendon’s Catch 23
- River House Restaurant & Raw Bar
- The Fish House/Cafe Beignet
- Bonefish Grill
- Joe’s Crab Shack
- Rumors Restaurant
- Mike Linnig’s
- Red Lobster
- Connors Steak & Seafood
- Pier 17 Cajun Seafood Restaurant & Bar
1. Brendon’s Catch 23
+1 502-909-3323
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Tucked inside the Embassy Suites, Brendon’s Catch 23 brings a fresh, confident approach to seafood in downtown Louisville. The vibe is sleek yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot to settle in for a memorable meal. This isn’t just another upscale chain—every dish feels personal and precisely executed.
What sets Brendon’s apart is the chef’s commitment to flavor and quality. Each visit, I’m pulled toward the grilled sea bass or their plump, expertly handled oysters—both hit the sweet spot of fresh and richly seasoned. If you want something bold, try the blackened redfish; it’s smoky, tender, and proof that attention to detail matters.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners are welcomed with smartly crafted options. But it’s the seafood lineup that stands tallest, each plate showcasing the best of Louisville’s gulf-inspired dining scene.
2. River House Restaurant & Raw Bar
If you want river views with your seafood, River House Restaurant & Raw Bar is the local go-to. The stylish setting—dominated by a wall of glass and that signature water wall—gives you the sense you’re eating at the gateway of Old Louisville and the water itself. Chef John Varanese keeps the menu lively and regional, yet every detail feels thought through.
The raw bar steals the show for anyone craving freshness; I always gravitate toward their ice-cold oysters and king crab. If you’re in the mood for something both smoky and delicate, their bourbon barrel smoked salmon does not disappoint. Even the grilled oysters deliver a Southern edge that’s pure comfort.
If you’re after something vegan, gluten-free, or just lighter, you’re in safe hands here, but the seafood is what you’ll dream about later. River House’s location and imaginative menu make any meal feel like an event worth savoring.
3. The Fish House/Cafe Beignet
The Fish House/Cafe Beignet is classic Louisville—no fuss, just outstanding seafood and local charm. It’s the spot where I first realized you don’t need white tablecloths to get first-rate catfish. Eat inside or settle on the patio and let the neighborhood set the mood.
This place stands out for its perfectly fried fish and the light, golden hush puppies that come alongside. The fried whiting is a highlight—crispy outside, wonderfully tender inside. Pair it with their signature beignets and you have an unexpectedly fun combo, equal parts Southern comfort and New Orleans flair.
If you want something quick but crave genuine flavor, their fish sandwich never disappoints. Bold flavors, straightforward service, and a local fanbase—The Fish House is Kentucky at its best.
4. Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill brings a polished, modern vibe to Louisville’s seafood scene. My first visit had me drawn in by the aroma from their wood grill, and the tender, flaky fish confirmed the hype. Here, you’re in for consistency and quality, whether you dine in or take your catch to go.
Their signature Bang Bang Shrimp is an essential starter—crispy, spicy, and easy to share. When it comes to entrées, I always recommend the wood-grilled sea bass or the rainbow trout. Both picks let the natural flavors shine, heightened only by a subtle char and thoughtful seasonings.
Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are handled with as much care as the seafood. Service is attentive, the menu is varied, and the flavors never dip into predictable territory.
5. Joe’s Crab Shack
Joe’s Crab Shack makes seafood dining feel playful and unpretentious, right on the riverfront. The atmosphere is all about rolling up your sleeves and sharing heaping plates with friends. My visits here always turn a simple meal into something that feels like a celebration.
The standout has to be their classic crab buckets, brimming with sweet, tender crab legs, potatoes, and corn. It’s a hands-on, no-rush way to enjoy fresh seafood, and the portions are generous enough for a group. The fried shrimp platter is also a hit—each piece is light and crunchy without feeling heavy.
With plenty of gluten-free options and a simple approach, Joe’s promises easygoing dining and flavors that win over both locals and visitors looking for a fun night out.
6. Rumors Restaurant
Rumors Restaurant feels like the place you discover by accident and can’t wait to return to. Tucked away on Shelbyville Road, this is where regulars come for familiar faces and consistent plates, and newcomers are given a warm, easy welcome.
The fried fish basket is a hometown staple, with flaky, piping hot fillets and a satisfyingly crisp batter. Their peel-and-eat shrimp is another smart pick—well-seasoned and perfect for sharing over conversation. I’ve enjoyed everything here in a setting that feels part neighborhood hangout, part seafood retreat.
Simple but done right, Rumors keeps the focus on freshness and friendly service, which is why it remains one of Louisville’s quiet favorites for casual seafood.
7. Mike Linnig’s
Mike Linnig’s is a Louisville icon, serving classic seafood since the 1920s. There’s something nostalgic about dining under the big shade trees in their spacious outdoor area—summer evenings here feel like a true Kentucky tradition. You don’t come to Mike Linnig’s for fuss; you come for good food served simply and generously.
The fried fish plate is their signature, with its golden, airy crust and a side of seasoned fries. For a real treat, try the fried shrimp or the family-style catfish—always piping hot and crowd-pleasing. Big platters are perfect for sharing and keep the conversation easy and the mood relaxed.
It’s a go-to spot for all ages, from kids to grandparents. If you want seafood with roots in Louisville’s community spirit, this is where you’ll find it.
8. Red Lobster
Red Lobster serves as a familiar anchor in Louisville’s seafood landscape—reliable, relaxing, and always ready to please your seafood craving. The inviting booths and friendly staff make it easy to settle in for a satisfying lunch or dinner, whether you’re with family or old friends.
The endless shrimp option is worth exploring, giving you a taste of several preparations in one sitting. For a classic go-to, the grilled salmon is always moist and flavorful, paired with crisp seasonal sides. If you’re dining with a group, the seafood feast platters offer a bit of everything and spark easy conversation.
Portions are generous, the menu is varied, and those Cheddar Bay Biscuits alone make any visit feel like a small celebration.
9. Connors Steak & Seafood
Connors Steak & Seafood is where classic charm meets refined dining in Louisville. Every detail—from the inviting lighting to the polished tables—feels carefully chosen. I stopped in for what I thought would be a steak dinner and immediately found myself drawn to the seafood side of the menu.
Their mesquite-grilled salmon stood out, full of smoky flavor and cooked to buttery perfection. Another highlight is the Chilean sea bass, which arrives flaky and paired with bright seasonal vegetables. You sense the same high standards in every seafood plate as in their famed steaks.
Whether you’re in for a business lunch or a laid-back evening with friends, Connors makes serious seafood accessible and satisfying, with service as polished as the menu.
10. Pier 17 Cajun Seafood Restaurant & Bar
Pier 17 Cajun Seafood Restaurant & Bar brings southern Louisiana flavor right to Louisville’s doorstep. The lively energy here reminds me of classic seafood houses down by the Gulf—warm, bustling, and unapologetically bold. Every visit feels like you’re in on a local secret.
Seafood boils are the crown jewel at Pier 17. They arrive steaming and packed with juicy shrimp, crab, potatoes, and corn—all tossed in spicy Cajun seasoning that balances heat and savoriness. The fried catfish is another favorite, with a crisp, seasoned crust and fluffy interior.
If you want a break from the usual, this is the place to let loose and enjoy seafood packed with spice and attitude. The flavors stick with you long after you leave.
More Things to Try in Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Louisville known for?
Louisville is celebrated for its fried fish sandwiches, catfish plates, and Southern-inspired seafood boils. Many local spots also serve high-quality Gulf shrimp, oysters, and seasonal river fish.
Are there good seafood restaurants on the river?
Absolutely. Places like River House Restaurant & Raw Bar and KingFish Restaurant offer riverfront views alongside fresh seafood favorites, making them popular for both locals and visitors.
Can I find halal or vegetarian seafood options in Louisville?
Many restaurants offer vegetarian and seafood dishes suitable for various dietary needs. It’s always best to ask staff directly to confirm preparation details.
Where can I get fresh oysters in Louisville?
Raw bars at River House Restaurant and Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse are known for their fresh oysters and wide seafood selections.
Which seafood spots are best for families?
Places like Mike Linnig’s, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Red Lobster provide family-friendly menus, generous portions, and relaxed settings fit for all ages.