Tennessee may be known for its barbecue and hot chicken, but the seafood scene here is seriously worth talking about. From Nashville to Knoxville to Chattanooga, restaurants across the state are serving up fresh, flavorful seafood dishes that will blow your mind.
Whether you love shrimp, crab, lobster, or fish, there is something on this list for every seafood lover. Get ready to discover some of the most iconic seafood spots the Volunteer State has to offer.
The Optimist – Nashville, Tennessee
Few restaurants in Nashville earn the kind of loyal following that The Optimist has built since opening its doors. This celebrated spot draws inspiration from classic Southern coastal cuisine, turning simple ingredients into something truly memorable.
The menu changes with the seasons, keeping things fresh and exciting every visit.
Raw oysters, wood-fired fish, and creative small plates make every meal feel like a celebration. Reservations are strongly recommended here.
Henley – Nashville, Tennessee
Henley brings a refined, hotel-dining elegance to Nashville’s seafood scene without feeling stuffy or out of reach. Tucked inside the Kimpton Aertson Hotel, this restaurant blends coastal flavors with Southern hospitality in the most satisfying way.
The scallops here have earned serious praise from food critics and locals alike.
Brunch at Henley is a weekend ritual for many Nashville regulars. The cocktail menu pairs beautifully with nearly every seafood dish on offer.
Urban Grub – Nashville, Tennessee
Urban Grub is the kind of place that makes you want to stay for hours, ordering plate after plate just to see what comes next. The vibe is laid-back industrial, with exposed brick and warm lighting setting the perfect mood for a seafood feast.
Shrimp, oysters, and fresh fish show up in creative, bold preparations that surprise even the most seasoned diners.
The raw bar alone is worth a visit. Weekend crowds fill up fast, so plan ahead.
Cock of the Walk – Nashville, Tennessee
There is something wonderfully old-school about Cock of the Walk that keeps generations of Nashvillians coming back. Known best for its legendary skillet-fried catfish, this restaurant leans hard into Southern tradition and delivers every single time.
The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, which makes the food taste even better.
Hush puppies, coleslaw, and fried pickles round out a meal that feels like home. It is comfort seafood at its absolute finest.
The Shrimp Dock – Knoxville, Tennessee
The Shrimp Dock in Knoxville has the kind of no-frills, all-flavor energy that makes seafood lovers very happy. Shrimp is the obvious star here, served boiled, fried, or grilled in generous portions that never disappoint.
The laid-back atmosphere feels like a seaside shack transplanted right into East Tennessee, which is a very good thing.
Regulars swear by the boiled shrimp with extra cocktail sauce. Prices are reasonable, making it easy to order more than you planned.
Chesapeake’s Seafood Restaurant – Knoxville, Tennessee
Chesapeake’s has been a cornerstone of Knoxville’s dining scene for decades, earning a reputation that stretches far beyond city limits. Inspired by the flavors of the mid-Atlantic coast, the menu brings East Coast seafood traditions to the heart of East Tennessee with impressive skill.
Steamed crab, chowders, and grilled fish dishes are perennial favorites among devoted regulars.
The cozy, nautical-themed interior adds a charming atmosphere to every visit. It feels like a mini-vacation without leaving Knoxville.
Connors Steak & Seafood – Knoxville, Tennessee
Connors Steak and Seafood is the kind of restaurant you save for a special occasion, then immediately start planning your next visit before the check even arrives. The surf-and-turf combinations here are genuinely outstanding, pairing premium cuts of beef with fresh, expertly prepared seafood.
Lobster tail, crab legs, and seared scallops are among the standout seafood offerings on the menu.
Service is polished and attentive throughout the evening. The wine selection is equally impressive and thoughtfully curated.
Riverfront Seafood Co – Kingsport, Tennessee
Kingsport does not always get mentioned in Tennessee food conversations, but Riverfront Seafood Co is making a strong case for putting it on the map. Sitting near the water, this spot serves up hearty seafood platters that feel generous and satisfying from the very first bite.
Fried shrimp baskets, fish tacos, and fresh-caught specials keep the menu exciting and approachable.
The waterfront setting adds a relaxed, breezy energy to every meal. Locals clearly love this place and visit often.
Harbor House Seafood and Steaks – Johnson City, Tennessee
Harbor House in Johnson City has been winning hearts across the Tri-Cities region with its reliable, crowd-pleasing approach to seafood and steaks. The menu is broad enough to satisfy picky eaters while still offering exciting options for adventurous diners who want something bold.
Lobster bisque is a customer favorite that shows up in nearly every glowing review online.
The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for family dinners and date nights alike. Staff are known for being genuinely friendly and attentive.
Ike and Shaun’s House – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Ike and Shaun’s House in Chattanooga brings soul food energy to the seafood table in a way that feels deeply personal and rooted in tradition. The cooking here tastes like someone’s grandmother made it, which is honestly the highest compliment a restaurant can receive.
Fried catfish, shrimp and grits, and Southern-style fish plates are among the most-talked-about dishes on the menu.
The portions are generous and satisfying in the best possible way. This is comfort food with real heart behind every plate.
Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Perched along the Tennessee River, Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar in Chattanooga offers one of the most scenic dining experiences in the entire state. The raw bar is a highlight, stocked with fresh oysters, chilled shrimp, and creative seafood bites that pair wonderfully with a cold drink.
Watching the river roll by while slurping an oyster is a genuinely hard experience to top.
The rotisserie menu adds a fun non-seafood option for mixed-preference groups. The sunset views from the patio are absolutely stunning.
Pier 64 Seafood & Bar – Bartlett, Tennessee
Pier 64 in Bartlett fills a real need for quality seafood in the suburban Memphis area, and locals have embraced it enthusiastically since day one. The menu hits all the right notes with fried seafood platters, steamed crab legs, and fresh fish specials that rotate regularly to keep things interesting.
It strikes a nice balance between casual neighborhood hangout and legitimately good seafood destination.
The bar scene is lively and welcoming on weekend evenings. Portions are hearty and priced fairly for the quality delivered.
Storming Crab – Clarksville, Tennessee
Storming Crab in Clarksville takes the Cajun seafood boil experience seriously, and the results are absolutely worth getting your hands messy for. Everything arrives in a steaming, spiced bag that you tear open right at the table, releasing an incredible aroma that instantly signals a great meal ahead.
Shrimp, crab legs, clams, and corn are popular boil choices that customers mix and match freely.
Spice levels are customizable, making it accessible for all heat tolerances. The casual, fun atmosphere makes this spot ideal for group outings.