Portland’s Best Seafood Restaurants
Welcome, sea-foodies, to the ultimate guide to navigating the waters of Portland, Oregon’s vibrant seafood restaurant scene! I hope you're wearing your nautical stripes and have brought your maritime appetite because we're about to embark on a delicious deep-sea dive into the city's top seafood establishments. Grab your lobster bibs and your clam forks; it’s time to sail forth on this flavor voyage in the Pacific Northwest.
In a city nestled between the mighty Pacific Ocean and the roaring Columbia River, it's no surprise that Portland has an ocean's worth of top-notch seafood spots. From quaint, hole-in-the-wall fish shacks serving the freshest catch of the day to upscale eateries where the oysters are as dazzling as pearls, Portland truly is a pescatarian paradise.
Whether you're all about cracking into a steamed lobster, delicately spooning up clam chowder, or tucking into a basket of golden fish and chips, Portland has a seafood spot that's just right for you.
In this guide, we're going to ride the wave through Portland's seafood scene, showcasing places that are making a splash with their innovative dishes, sustainable sourcing, and ambiance as refreshing as a sea breeze.
Get ready to get hooked on the best seafood spots in Stumptown. Trust me; you'll be reeled in before you know it. Ready? Set sail, my friends!
Jake's Famous Crawfish - A Seafood Institution With a Cajun Twist
Jake's Famous Crawfish has been serving up these succulent, Louisiana-inspired delights for over a century, and they've got it down to an art form. Picture a mountain of steaming crawfish, their vibrant red shells beckoning you to crack them open and dive into the tender, juicy meat within. And the flavors? Spicy, zesty, and downright addictive.
Crawfish isn't the only act in town. Jake's also boasts a mouthwatering menu of fresh seafood favorites like Dungeness crab, Pacific Northwest salmon, and buttery scallops. Pair your feast with a perfectly crafted cocktail or a chilled local brew, and you've got yourself a seafood soirée fit for a sailor.
Salty's - Where Seafood Dreams Come True With a Side of Spectacular Views
Prepare to set sail on a seafood voyage like no other as we navigate our way to Salty's — the crown jewel of Portland's waterfront dining scene. Nestled along the banks of the mighty Columbia River, Salty's is one of the best Seafood restaurants in the Pacific Northwest. It’s where culinary excellence meets breathtaking views, creating a dining experience that's as fabulous as it is trendy.
From the moment you step foot into Salty's, you know you're in for a treat. The sleek, modern interior sets the stage for an evening of elegance and indulgence.
But let's talk about the pièce de résistance — the view. Picture this: Panoramic vistas of the river stretching out before you, with majestic bridges and twinkling city lights creating a backdrop that deserves at least a half-dozen sea shanties in its honor.
Southpark Seafood - Where Seafood Sensations Take Top Billing
Hold onto your forks, folks, because we're about to make a splash at Southpark Seafood, a Portland gem that has been delighting diners with its coastal creations since 1997. Located in the heart of downtown, this trendy hotspot is a seafood lover's paradise where impeccable flavors and stylish vibes collide.
Southpark Seafood boasts a menu that's a veritable symphony of oceanic specialties. From the freshest Northwest oysters to delicately seared scallops, each dish is meticulously prepared to highlight the natural flavors of the sea. The menu showcases a fusion of classic and contemporary dishes, ensuring that every palate is satisfied.
Cabezon Restaurant - Seafood Wizardry With a Dash of Portland Pizzazz
Welcome to Cabezon Restaurant, where the flavors of the ocean meet Portland's vibrant culinary scene. Tucked away in the heart of Downtown Portland, this trendy spot is where seafood dreams come true, with a side of hipster charm and a sprinkle of gastronomic magic.
But let's talk about the food. Cabezon is a seafood sorcerer's playground, where the freshest catches are transformed into edible masterpieces. From their perfectly seared sea scallops to their succulent pan-roasted halibut, each dish is a symphony of flavors that'll have you singing praises to the sea.
The creativity doesn't stop there! Cabezon's menu reflects the ever-changing seasons, with dishes that embrace the bounty of local ingredients. Their commitment to sustainability and their innovative culinary techniques truly set them apart.
Mark your calendar for events at Cabezon and join them to celebrate National Cheese Day, National Martini Day, and National Bourbon Day…Basically, if there’s a food-centered day, you’re in luck.
Dan & Louis Oyster Bar - Shuck-Tacular Oyster Extravaganza
Brace yourself for a truly special oyster extravaganza, where slurping, savoring, and shucking become an art form. Dan and Louis proudly serves up a variety of oysters from the Pacific Northwest, each as briny and succulent as the last. Whether you prefer them raw on the half shell, crispy-fried, or nestled in a savory stew, this place knows how to do oysters justice.
The staff at Dan and Louis are true oyster whisperers, ready to guide you through the menu and ensure you have a shell of a good time. After all, the restaurant has been around for over 100 years.
Call up your oyster-loving crew, bring your shucking skills, and let the oyster fiesta begin at Dan and Louis Oyster Bar. Get ready to savor and shuck like there's no tomorrow. I
And if you don’t adore oysters, still head to Dan and Louis for a meal. With everything from fish tacos to shrimp cocktails to house salad, cooked entrees, and more, there’s something for you. Plus, the sandwiches — po’boys and cheeseburgers and buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches — yes, please!
Flying Fish Company - Reel in the Seafood Magic
Get ready to cast your culinary nets wide because we're about to make a splash at Flying Fish Company, the seafood emporium that's reeling in the freshness like nobody's business. This place is the real deal, and it's serving up the ocean's treasures with a side of Portland pizzazz.
When you step into Flying Fish Company dining room at happy hour, it's like entering a seafood wonderland. The air is briny with the scent of the sea, and the display cases are overflowing with the day's catch. It's a feast for the senses, with colors that pop like a tropical coral reef and flavors that are an instant joy.
Here's the kicker: Flying Fish Company isn't just a Portland seafood market; it's a full-blown experience. You can chat up the knowledgeable fishmongers, learn about sustainable seafood practices, and get tips on how to whip up a seafood feast fit for Poseidon himself. It’s a one-of-a-kind Portland restaurant, to say the least.
And let's not forget their ready-to-eat offerings: Their fish and chips are crispy and golden, their clam chowder is creamy and comforting, and their fish tacos are an explosion of flavor that'll transport you straight to a beachside fiesta. You can dine in or take out, and, come Friday, head on down to Flying Fish Company for live music on the patio.
Jacqueline - Where Seafood Meets Sophistication
Hold on to your shellfish forks because we're about to dive into the culinary marvel that is Jacqueline. This seafood grill is making waves in the Portland seafood scene with its innovative flavors and stylish vibes. It’s as chic as it is delicious.
Jacqueline knows how to bring it with its modern, sleek interior. Think soft lighting, a swanky bar, and a splash of trendy artwork that's as Instagrammable as a seashell collection. This place is where seafood sophistication meets playful charm, with more bistro than traditional steakhouse vibes. Plus, happy hour has never been happier: You know where we’ll be Monday to Sunday!
Let's get down to the star of the show — the menu worthy of a Pulitzer Prize. At Jacqueline, the appetizers and entrees are a seafood lover's dream come true. Perfectly seared scallops served with a tangy citrus glaze or delicate crab cakes with a spicy kick — who could ask for more?
Each plate is a work of art, combining flavors and textures that’ll make this an instant favorite — you might even save their number to your phone’s favorites list.
A Port in the Storm: Portland’s. Best. Seafood. Ever.
And there you have it, my seafood-loving friends! We've navigated the seas of Portland's vibrant seafood scene, uncovering the trendiest, sassiest, and most mouthwatering establishments in town. From oyster bars to seafood markets, from chic restaurants to cozy bistros, Portland has it all when it comes to indulging in the ocean's bounty.
Whether you're craving a one-of-a-kind oyster experience, a seafood stew that’s 100% cozy or a refined seafood dining affair, this city has you covered. Portland's seafood scene is a testament to the city's passion for culinary creativity, sustainable sourcing, and a whole lot of flavor.
Sources:
Pacific Northwest History and Cultures - Why Do the Foods We Eat Matter? | Smithsonian Institution
secrets, elite access & special discounts!
