Seafood in Pittsburgh isn’t just about a plate of shrimp or a side of salmon—it’s a city-wide obsession. For years, I’ve wandered Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, from the bustle of the Strip District to the sleepy corners of the South Hills, following whispers of the perfect scallop or the best fish sandwich. Each place had its own mood and flavor, but what stood out was the steady commitment to freshness and creativity. The blend of classic kitchens and newcomer spots creates a scene almost as lively as a Friday market at Wholey’s.
People here know their crab cakes from their calamari. Whether you’re after a riverside feast or a cozy neighborhood spot, Pittsburgh’s seafood selection is as varied as its skyline. Picking the right place can be a challenge, but with this guide, you get more than just a list—you get real insight from someone who’s tasted, tested, and maybe even argued with a chef or two along the way. If you crave satisfying seafood in Pittsburgh, you’re in the right hands.
Where to find the best seafood in Pittsburgh, PA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Pittsburgh, PA:
- Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
- Robert Wholey’s
- Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille
- Muddy Waters Oyster Bar
- Roland’s Seafood Grill
- McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
- Penn Avenue Fish Company – The Strip
- Dorido’s Restaurant
- Grand Concourse
1. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto isn’t your standard fish joint—it’s a Pittsburgh experience with a skyline you won’t forget. On Grandview Avenue, every table seems to float above the city lights. The service is attentive but never overbearing, which makes the meal feel special and unhurried.
The menu shines with its commitment to freshness; the fish arrives daily from the coasts and the kitchen never phones it in. My go-to order is the Chilean sea bass, tender and flaky, plated with a touch of citrus and just the right amount of creativity. The ahi tuna, seared to a perfect rare, is another favorite.
Every detail, from the plate presentation to the signature sides, feels crafted—not copied. If you want to impress someone or treat yourself, start here.
2. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
If you’re looking for a polished, upscale seafood dinner in downtown Pittsburgh, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is tough to top. The atmosphere hits that rare spot between elegant and inviting—impressive, but never stilted. There’s live jazz most nights, so the lounge always hums with energy, even on a quiet weekday.
The seafood menu is a showcase for well-sourced ingredients. I once started with their icy chilled shellfish tower, stacked high with lobster, crab, and pristine shrimp, each bite bracingly fresh. The Norwegian salmon, perfectly cooked and paired with light seasonal sides, stands out. Eddie V’s also delivers on classic simplicity; their grilled swordfish steak is as close to flawless as Pittsburgh gets.
Order a seafood main, take your time, and enjoy the view—both on your plate and in the softly lit dining room. Every visit feels like a smooth celebration.
3. Robert Wholey’s
Robert Wholey’s is more than a legendary seafood market; it’s a living part of Pittsburgh’s food scene in the heart of the Strip District. Strolling through the bustling aisles, you feel the energy—families picking out tonight’s dinner and cooks eyeing the catch of the day. It’s a place that still smells like the sea first thing in the morning.
Freshness is the calling card here. Their fried fish sandwich is a Pittsburgh icon—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and never overwhelmed by breading. Ask the counter for the daily seafood special, often featuring cod or haddock fillets, and they’ll share honest recommendations.
For home cooks, their fillets and shellfish are unbeatable. If you want to taste the city, this is the spot that brings the coast to you.
4. Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille
Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille brings serious character to the Strip District. The vibe is easygoing yet lively—wildlife murals meet a bustling raw bar. You get the sense this spot loves seafood, and it doesn’t hide its roots in Pittsburgh’s fishing legacy. The energy feels genuine with every plate.
The star here is always the fresh fish. I still remember sinking into the blackened wild Alaskan salmon: juicy, richly seasoned, and paired with crisp vegetables. Their jumbo crab cakes are a local favorite too, all sweet meat and just enough seasoning to let the seafood shine.
Every dish says “quality first.” When you want to experience Pittsburgh’s love affair with the ocean without leaving the city, Luke Wholey’s is a must.
5. Muddy Waters Oyster Bar
Muddy Waters Oyster Bar brings a dash of Southern spirit to Pittsburgh’s East End. This place isn’t shy—there’s live blues, walls lined with bourbon, and a crowd tucking into trays of oysters before you’ve even taken your seat. When I last visited, the room was buzzing with conversation and the comforting smell of seafood stew.
The oysters are the showstopper, shucked right at the bar. Each bite is clean and briny, a reminder of why people cross town just for a dozen. The seafood gumbo, packed with fresh shrimp and crab, tastes like a warm hug from New Orleans. If you love a bit of spice, try their shrimp po’ boy, crisp and loaded with flavor.
This is the spot for a relaxed seafood fix—lively, welcoming, and proudly steeped in tradition.
6. Roland’s Seafood Grill
Roland’s Seafood Grill is one of those Strip District fixtures that feels like it’s always been part of Pittsburgh. The vibe is down-to-earth but never dull; I’ve lost track of how many casual lunches here turned into lingering afternoon conversations. There’s an easy flow between the bustling bar and the airy upstairs dining room.
The lobster roll here is a must-try—pillowy bread stuffed with generous, sweet lobster, served chilled with just the right touch of seasoning. Their blackened shrimp tacos pack a punch of flavor and always disappear fast at my table. Roland’s takes care with every plate, focusing on simplicity and solid ingredients.
If you crave classic seafood and no pretense, Roland’s delivers every time. It’s a place I keep coming back to.
7. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks draws a mix of business crowds, theater-goers, and seafood devotees to its prime downtown address. It’s a place that feels both polished and comfortable, with a staff that knows their menu inside out. On my last visit, I watched plates zip from the open kitchen with clockwork precision—each dish as picture-perfect as the next.
The menu covers a lot of ocean. The cedar plank salmon stands out with a smoky aroma and moist, flaky texture. The ahi tuna, seared and served with a tangy side, is another menu highlight. If you’re feeling bold, the daily catch options, tailored with seasonal sides, let you taste the kitchen’s creativity.
Whether you’re trying to impress or want a quiet seafood dinner, McCormick & Schmick’s promises reliable quality and plenty of flavor.
8. Penn Avenue Fish Company – The Strip
Penn Avenue Fish Company – The Strip keeps things casual but never cuts corners on quality. You’ll spot regulars lining up early for seafood that feels right off the dock. The space is half market, half eatery, and you can see chefs skillfully breaking down fillets right behind the counter—a promising sign for any seafood lover.
The flavor here is bold and fresh. My personal favorite is their grilled mahi mahi sandwich, flaky and well-seasoned on a hearty roll. Their house-made sushi rolls are also a smart pick, with the fish sliced to order and always vibrant. For lunch, the blackened fish tacos are pure comfort in every bite.
If you value fresh seafood with zero fuss, this is the Strip District essential you don’t want to miss.
9. Dorido’s Restaurant
Dorido’s Restaurant is a neighborhood staple in South Park where the mood is always welcoming and the menu leans classic. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see three generations at one table, all coming back for their favorites. The staff, quick with a friendly word, make each meal feel like a small celebration.
The star here is their legendary fish sandwich—thick, golden, and always fried just right. I rarely pass up their homemade soups on a chilly Pittsburgh day, but the classic fried fish platter is what draws regulars week after week.
Dorido’s isn’t fancy, but the quality speaks for itself. It’s seafood comfort food at its local best and a spot that feels like home.
10. Grand Concourse
Dining at Grand Concourse is as much about the setting as the seafood. Located in a restored train station with soaring stained-glass ceilings and grand marble columns, this restaurant brings old Pittsburgh splendor to every meal. There’s almost a sense of occasion, even if you just stop in for dinner on a random Wednesday.
The seafood menu is broad and creative. I’m partial to the crab-stuffed shrimp, perfectly baked and full of rich, sweet flavor. Their ahi tuna steak—seared and sliced—is also a stand-out, delicate but packed with freshness.
Make time for their riverside brunch if you can. Every visit feels a bit like stepping into another era, and the food lives up to the history around you.
More Things to Try in Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Pittsburgh known for?
Pittsburgh has become famous for its fresh fish sandwiches and creative takes on classic seafood dishes. Many locals love the fish sandwich at neighborhood spots, but you’ll also find everything from crab cakes to sushi thanks to the city’s diverse dining scene.
Are there good options for gluten-free or vegan seafood in Pittsburgh?
Absolutely. Many top seafood restaurants in Pittsburgh, like Grand Concourse and Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, offer gluten-free and vegan options. Just ask your server for the best picks—they’re used to accommodating special diets.
Where can I buy the freshest seafood to cook at home?
Head to Robert Wholey’s or the Penn Avenue Fish Company for top-quality fresh seafood. Both are local favorites for home cooks and chefs alike.
Which Pittsburgh seafood restaurants have the best views?
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto tops the list with panoramic city and river views. Grand Concourse also impresses, especially if you grab a table by the window facing the water.
Is it easy to find halal or vegetarian seafood options in Pittsburgh?
While vegetarian seafood (like plant-based options) is easy to find, most restaurants focus on fresh, non-haram seafood. For specific halal needs, it’s best to call ahead and ask about sourcing and preparation methods.
What’s the best time to visit a seafood restaurant in Pittsburgh?
Weekday lunches tend to be quieter, while weekends offer a lively crowd and, at some spots, special brunch menus. For top views, try to reserve at sunset.