Portland isn’t just about coffee and bookstores; it’s a city where seafood gets the spotlight. The waters of the Pacific Northwest serve up some of the most vibrant catches, making every plate in town a bit of an adventure. From classic shellfish towers to inventive sushi and perfectly seared halibut, this city knows how to keep seafood exciting—without flashy gimmicks or over-the-top presentation.
As someone who has wandered Portland’s neighborhoods with a fork in hand, I can say the search for exceptional seafood here is anything but dull. I’ve squeezed into cozy booths, unwrapped fish and chips by the river, and joked with chefs who know the tides as well as their menus. If you’re looking for freshness, flavor, and that little spark of surprise—this list is your compass. Dive in and you’ll see why Portland’s seafood scene is worth savoring, one bite at a time.
Where to find the best seafood in Portland, OR
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Portland, OR:
- Southpark Seafood
- Jake’s Famous Crawfish
- Cabezon Restaurant
- Salty’s On The Columbia River
- Seasons & Regions Seafood Grill
- Island Cafe
- Dan & Louis Oyster Bar
- King Tide Fish & Shell
- Bamboo Sushi
- Bamboo Sushi
1. Southpark Seafood
Right in downtown Portland, Southpark Seafood draws you in with its laid-back vibe and focus on local catches. The fresh-faced staff know their oyster varieties as well as their regulars, and after a chat at the raw bar, you’ll understand why the place has fans. The restaurant sticks to what Pacific Northwest seafood does best—simple, seasonal, and sustainable.
On my last visit, I savored a bowl of their creamy clam chowder, followed by wild-caught king salmon that flaked at the touch. Oysters, sourced daily, are a house specialty worth a try—they really capture what’s exceptional about Northwest waters. For a memorable bite, the spicy shrimp and grits balances heat and comfort on one plate.
If you’re craving honest seafood in an unfussy setting, this spot delivers every time.
2. Jake’s Famous Crawfish
At Jake’s Famous Crawfish, history lines the wood-paneled walls as much as the menu. This Portland classic has been dishing up seafood since the 19th century, giving the place a warm, lived-in charm that never gets old. The service is polished but still friendly, and the crowd is always a mix of regulars and first-timers excited to try something legendary.
Here, it’s all about the freshest catch, delivered daily and treated with respect. I always start with their signature crawfish étouffée, a silky plate that has earned its spot on the list for good reason. If you’re leaning toward local, the grilled Northwest salmon is a reliable star—delicately seasoned, perfectly cooked, utterly satisfying.
Jake’s promises tradition, and from the first forkful, you’ll taste why.
3. Cabezon Restaurant
Cabezon Restaurant feels like Portland’s best-kept secret tucked into a neighborhood setting. The glow from the open kitchen draws you in, with chefs tending the wood-fired grill while regulars chat over shimmering plates. This cozy spot blends the relaxed mood of a local bistro with the standards of a top seafood kitchen.
The menu is anchored by what’s fresh that day, and you can taste the difference. I’ve lingered over their fish stew, brimming with wild local seafood, and the char on their wood-grilled halibut brings out flavors you’ll crave again. The plating is straightforward, letting the ingredients speak for themselves.
For a little variety, try a side of house-made pâté or a scoop of their seasonal ice cream—it’s a meal that captures the best of the Pacific Northwest, from ocean to orchard.
4. Salty’s On The Columbia River
Dining at Salty’s On The Columbia River feels a bit like a gentle celebration—the river just feet away, Mt. Hood hovering in the distance, and huge windows painting every meal with a stunning view. It’s the sort of spot where locals come for birthdays, but also for the simple pleasure of seafood done right.
The menu layers Pacific Northwest flavors on classic favorites. I once spent a lazy afternoon savoring their Dungeness crab legs; every bite made even better by sunlight glinting over the water. Their seafood chowder is silky and rich, loaded with local shellfish, and a perfect choice for rainy days or breezy evenings on the deck.
Order a platter of their fresh oysters for the true Salty’s experience. Stellar seafood and a mood-lifting view—hard to find a better duo in Portland.
5. Seasons & Regions Seafood Grill
Seasons & Regions Seafood Grill is where farm-fresh meets sea-bright, tucked along a bustling stretch in Southwest Portland. The vibe is easygoing, with a chalkboard menu spotlighting what’s best today. One visit left me hooked on their sense of creativity—everything feels both comforting and a little unexpected.
The kitchen leans on produce from their own farm, so every plate feels alive with flavor. Razor clams are a must—tender and lightly breaded, they show off what makes Pacific Northwest seafood unique. Their grilled salmon, set off by vibrant, house-grown vegetables, sets a high bar for what “local” can taste like.
Bring an appetite for originality. This is seafood you can feel good about, with a twist in every bite.
6. Island Cafe
Island Cafe is Portland’s slice of waterfront escape, perched over the marina on Hayden Island. Sun-tipped afternoons drift by here with the easy hum of boats and laughter, while plates are piled with seafood straight from the fryer. The setting feels breezy and cheerful, perfect for lazy summer lunches or laid-back dinners near the water.
The menu leans into comfort but always keeps it fresh. I’m partial to their crispy fish and chips, which comes out golden and perfectly flaky every time. Their shrimp basket is another local favorite—crunchy, just-spiced, and satisfying paired with a cool microbrew.
If you want pure island-in-the-city relaxation paired with honest seafood, this is your go-to spot the moment the sun comes out.
7. Dan & Louis Oyster Bar
Dan & Louis Oyster Bar is a true Portland original, still bustling on Ankeny Street more than a century after it opened. There’s something classic and inviting about the old brick walls, worn bar stools, and photos that tell their own story. The place feels like a living piece of the city’s waterfront history—especially after a few plates of perfectly chilled oysters.
I always savor their oyster sampler for the pure taste of the Pacific: cool, briny, and impossibly fresh. Their steamer clams come heaped in broth, as comforting as anything you’ll find in the city. The kitchen keeps it straightforward, putting quality on display every single time.
Come for the charm, stay for the seafood. This is as close to old Portland as you’ll find on a plate.
8. King Tide Fish & Shell
King Tide Fish & Shell brings a riverfront view that never gets old and an atmosphere that feels both cozy and current. The vibe channels a fishing lodge—with just the right touch of Portland polish. You’ll see friends sharing small plates and business lunches happening side by side, all in the glow of the waterfront.
On my last visit, the grilled octopus caught me off guard with its perfect char and tender bite. Their Pacific Northwest seafood stew is a can’t-miss: brimming with local shellfish and layered flavors, it’s comfort food with undeniable finesse.
This spot stands out for its balance—simple when it should be, but willing to surprise you with something bold. Sit back and savor the flow.
9. Bamboo Sushi
Bamboo Sushi redefines Portland’s seafood scene with its blend of style and sustainability. The mood is always upbeat, with chefs moving quickly behind the counter and plates bright with color and texture. It’s clear from the first bite that everything here is thoughtfully sourced and beautifully prepared.
I’m hooked on their green machine roll—avocado, cucumber, and crisp tempura finished with a hit of fresh herbs. The chef’s nigiri flights are a chance to sample what’s best that day, each piece as memorable as the last. Every visit, you taste the quality that comes from their strict sourcing standards and inventive flavors.
If you care about what’s on your plate, this spot makes every detail count—right down to the final bite of sushi rice.
10. Bamboo Sushi
Bamboo Sushi on NW 23rd feels easygoing yet forward-thinking, putting sustainable seafood at the center of every meal. The room thrums with energy, where couples chat over maki rolls and chefs prep nigiri in full view. You can sense a real dedication—to freshness, to flavor, and to doing things right.
I keep coming back for the house nigiri sampler. The delicate cuts and seasoned rice say more than words about their craft. Their crunchy tempura roll also hits the sweet spot: light, crisp, and satisfying without being heavy.
This is sushi you can enjoy with a clear conscience, knowing every bite was thoughtfully sourced and artfully served.
More Things to Try in Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Portland, OR known for?
Portland has deep ties to the Pacific Northwest’s bounty. You’ll find Dungeness crab, Pacific oysters, Chinook and Coho salmon, and razor clams on most local menus. Many restaurants also highlight fresh catches flown in daily from nearby coastal towns.
Are there sustainable seafood options in Portland?
Absolutely. Many Portland seafood restaurants partner with organizations like Seafood Watch and focus on local, responsibly sourced fish and shellfish. Bamboo Sushi is one of the city’s pioneers in sustainable dining.
Can I get good seafood on a budget in Portland?
Yes. Even with its flair for quality, Portland’s seafood scene offers plenty of value. Head to spots like The Frying Scotsman for fish and chips or the Portland Fish Market for fresh, affordable catches.
What are some must-try seafood dishes in Portland?
Start with a bowl of clam chowder. Don’t miss oysters on the half shell, locally caught salmon, or the iconic Dungeness crab. Creative sushi rolls and Pacific Northwest fish stews are also favorites.
Does Portland offer options for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available at many seafood restaurants. Just ask your server, and you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
Are reservations recommended at Portland seafood restaurants?
For popular or waterfront spots—like Salty’s or Jake’s Famous Crawfish—reservations are a smart move, especially on weekends.