Most people think you need to be near the ocean to enjoy great seafood, but Tennessee proves that idea wrong every single day. From Memphis to Knoxville, the Volunteer State is packed with restaurants serving up fresh, flavorful fish and shellfish that would impress even the most seasoned coastal foodie.
Whether you’re craving spicy crab legs, fried shrimp, or a fancy seafood dinner, Tennessee has something on the menu for you. Get ready to be seriously surprised by what’s cooking inland.
The Juicy Crab Memphis Winchester – Memphis, Tennessee
Bold flavors and messy fingers are basically the dress code at The Juicy Crab on Winchester in Memphis. This spot brings the Louisiana seafood boil experience straight to Tennessee, piling your table high with crab, shrimp, and corn soaked in rich, spicy sauce.
Pick your seasoning, your heat level, and your seafood combo, then dig in. Regulars swear by the garlic butter blend.
It’s a fun, hands-on meal that feels more like a party than dinner out.
Half Shell – Memphis, Tennessee
Half Shell has been a Memphis institution for decades, and loyal customers will tell you it never gets old. Tucked into a cozy spot in the city, this restaurant has built its reputation on raw oysters, grilled fish, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels welcoming from the moment you walk in.
The menu keeps things classic without being boring. Seafood lovers appreciate the no-fuss approach here.
Fresh ingredients and consistent quality keep people coming back year after year.
Red Lobster – Antioch, Tennessee
Say what you want about chain restaurants, but Red Lobster in Antioch delivers reliable, crowd-pleasing seafood that families genuinely enjoy. The never-ending shrimp promotion alone has earned this place a permanent spot in Tennessee dining culture.
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are practically legendary at this point, and they arrive hot and buttery before your main course even shows up. It’s a comfortable, familiar experience that works especially well when you’re feeding a group with very different taste preferences.
Bonefish Grill – Knoxville, Tennessee
Bonefish Grill in Knoxville brings a more upscale vibe to the Tennessee seafood scene, and it absolutely earns the reputation. Known for its wood-grilled fish and rotating seasonal menu, this spot attracts seafood fans who want something a step above the usual casual dining experience.
The Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer has its own fan club, and honestly, the hype is justified. Date nights and special occasions feel right at home here.
The polished service matches the quality on the plate.
Storming Crab – Seafood Restaurant – Clarksville, Tennessee
Storming Crab in Clarksville brings the energy of a coastal seafood shack deep into Middle Tennessee, and the crowd absolutely loves it. The whole experience centers around choosing your seafood, your sauce, and your spice level, then watching the magic arrive in a sealed bag at your table.
It’s messy, it’s flavorful, and it’s genuinely fun for groups. The Clarksville location stays busy for a reason.
Military families and locals alike have made it a go-to weekend destination.
Juicy Seafood – Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville might be famous for hot chicken, but Juicy Seafood is quietly building its own loyal following in Music City. The menu leans hard into the Cajun seafood boil style, offering generous portions of crab, crawfish, and shrimp tossed in housemade seasonings.
First-timers are usually surprised by just how good the food is. The sauce options range from mild and buttery to fiery and bold, so there’s truly something for every palate.
A great pick for a casual night out.
Off The Dock Seafood – Memphis, Tennessee
Off The Dock Seafood in Memphis leans into the Southern seafood tradition with a menu full of fried favorites and comfort-food classics. Catfish is the star of the show here, and locals will tell you it’s some of the best in the city.
The atmosphere feels unpretentious and welcoming, the kind of place where the food does all the talking. Portions are generous and prices stay reasonable.
If you grew up eating Southern-style fried seafood, this spot is going to feel like home.
Riverfront Seafood Co – Kingsport, Tennessee
Kingsport is not the first city most people think of when seafood comes up, but Riverfront Seafood Co is quietly changing that. Nestled in the heart of East Tennessee, this restaurant brings fresh flavors and a comfortable setting that feels like a genuine neighborhood gem.
The menu covers a solid range of seafood options, from grilled to fried, with sides that complement every plate well. Locals treat it like their own little secret.
Visitors leave wondering why they waited so long to stop in.
Captain D’s – Nashville, Tennessee
Captain D’s might be a fast-casual chain, but its roots run deep in Tennessee, and the Nashville location carries that legacy proudly. Founded in the South, this brand has been serving affordable, satisfying seafood to everyday families for over 50 years.
The battered fish fillets are crispy, the portions are filling, and the prices won’t stress out your wallet. It’s the kind of dependable seafood meal you can grab on a busy weeknight without any fuss.
Comfort food at its most accessible.
The Shrimp Dock Bearden – Knoxville, Tennessee
There’s something refreshingly straightforward about The Shrimp Dock in Knoxville’s Bearden neighborhood. The name tells you exactly what you’re getting, and the kitchen delivers on that promise with every single order.
Shrimp prepared multiple ways, served in a no-frills setting that prioritizes flavor over fancy decor.
Knoxville locals treat it like a hidden treasure, and first-time visitors are usually shocked by how good the food is. It punches well above its weight.
A true neighborhood seafood spot worth seeking out.
Camp Big Fish Main Office – Collegedale, Tennessee
Camp Big Fish in Collegedale brings a totally unique personality to the Tennessee seafood scene. The camp-themed concept sets it apart immediately, creating a playful, outdoorsy atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a fun adventure rather than just another dinner out.
The seafood menu holds its own with creative preparations and fresh ingredients that go beyond what you might expect from such a quirky concept. Families especially love the vibe here.
It’s the kind of place that sticks in your memory long after the last bite.