11 Best Seafood Restaurants in Baltimore, MD in 2025
Exploring the seafood restaurants of Baltimore is a journey through the city’s eclectic culinary heritage. You may well have heard that if you’re in Baltimore, you have to try the crabs, and while you don’t actually have to, one thing’s for sure: this city knows how to handle its seafood.
Whether you’re in the mood for crab boils, shrimp cocktails or a steaming bowl of clams, the seafood on offer in this culinary mecca needs tasting to be believed. If you are something of a seafood connoisseur, here are 11 seafood restaurants in Baltimore to get you started.
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The 11 Best Baltimore Seafood Restaurants
1. Rusty Scupper Restaurant & Bar
When it comes to Baltimore seafood restaurants, Rusty Scupper Restaurant & Bar has been feeding hungry locals and tourists for over 40 years. Located on the scenic waterfront, Rusty Scupper boasts three stories divided into a full-service restaurant and dining room, a bar lounge and an outdoor patio. With a high-quality seafood menu, live music and stunning views, it's no surprise that it has repeatedly been on the list of the best seafood restaurants in Baltimore's inner harbor.
The Vibe
Rusty Scupper is considered an iconic seafood restaurant in Baltimore, so reservations are recommended. Depending on where you choose to drink and dine, you can opt for a casual lunch on the patio, happy hours at the bar or a romantic dinner date in the restaurant. If you want the best breakfast in Baltimore, don’t miss the famous Sunday brunch.
What to Order
According to happy customers, the crab cakes are a must-order at this seafood restaurant in Baltimore, as is the loaded crab cake sandwich, served on a buttered potato bun with a remoulade sauce.
Rusty Scupper | 402 Key Highway, Inner Harbor Marina, Baltimore, MD 21230 | $$$
2. Thames Street Oyster House
Another icon on the Baltimore seafood restaurant scene is Thames Street Oyster House. Situated in the eclectic Fells Point neighborhood, Chef Eric Houseknecht's seasonal menu bursts with flavor and the daily specials keep customers returning for more.
The Vibe
Cobblestones and a picturesque waterfront make for a very romantic night at this stellar seafood restaurant in Baltimore. To add to the experience, the staff are friendly and ensure you are well taken care of. Thames Street Oyster House is regarded as one of the best dine-in seafood restaurants in Baltimore, so reservations are highly recommended.
What to Order
There’s a list of things you must try when you dine at a seafood restaurant in Baltimore, and at Thames Street Oyster House, one of the best ways to start is with the grilled Portuguese rock octopus, served with fingerling potato, charred pepper, chickpeas, a vibrant saffron aioli and salsa verde.
Thames Street Oyster House | 1728 Thames St., Baltimore, MD 21231 | $$$
3. Phillips Seafood
When you think of Maryland, you think of crabs. And when you think of seafood restaurants in Baltimore, Phillips Seafood comes to mind. In its new Power Plant location, this family-run business has expanded from its humble roots in Chesapeake Bay to being a force in the global seafood market.
The Vibe
The 17-foot tall sign of Phillips Seafood acts as a beacon for anyone searching for the award-winning crab cakes at this seafood restaurant in Baltimore. For fun date ideas in Baltimore, there’s even an outdoor crab deck with a fantastic view.
What to Order
Seafood restaurants in Baltimore, MD, are known for their specialties, such as cream of crab soup, crab cakes, lobster and oysters, and Phillips is no different. That said, if you’re not in the mood for seafood, you may well be up for the black Angus burger, served with cheese and bistro sauce.
Phillips Seafood | 601 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | $$$
4. Faidley’s Seafood
Serving one of the “best sandwiches in America,” as stated by Adam Richman, host of Man vs. Food, and labeled one of the “most iconic food destinations in the country” by Smithsonian Magazine, Faidley’s Seafood stands out among other seafood restaurants in Baltimore MD. This basic eatery located in Lexington Market continues to churn out crab cakes and fresh fish to its loyal customers. It makes it to the list of leading seafood restaurants in Baltimore year after year.
The Vibe
Eating at Faidley’s may not be a fine dining experience compared to other seafood restaurants in Baltimore, but the line is always long, and the food rarely disappoints.
What to Order
The lump crab cakes are famous for a reason. Unlike others that use fillers, Faidley’s sticks to its promise of pure crab meat in every bite. Add sides such as corn on the cob or clam chowder for a well-rounded meal at one of the best seafood restaurants in Baltimore, MD.
Faidley’s Seafood | 119 N. Paca St., Lexington Market, Baltimore, MD 21201 | $$
5. Angie’s Seafood
Upper Fells Point may not be an expected location for one of the finest seafood restaurants in Baltimore, but Angie’s Seafood is worth the detour. Whether you are in the mood for an enormous crab platter or an Angus beef steak, Angie’s does everything with flair. Food aside, the bar at Angie’s serves up some of the best cocktails and is always loud and lively.
The Vibe
Unlike other fine-dining seafood restaurants in Baltimore, Angie’s does things differently. Settle into the cozy, old-school ambiance and enjoy the attentive service that doesn’t miss a beat. A special nod of thanks to the free shuttle service that gets you to and from your office or hotel.
What to Order
Try the Steak Nina, the signature dish topped with shrimp, crab and scallops in a special sauce. In the mood for pasta? Try the seafood alfredo fettuccine to understand why Angie’s has made it to our list of top seafood restaurants in Baltimore.
Angie’s Seafood | 1727 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21231 | $$$
6. L.P. Steamers
Whether you are a Baltimore local or just passing through, go to L.P. Steamers (or Locust Point Steamers) for your fill of award-winning seafood. At L.P.s, you will find recipes passed down through the generations and served in a corner row house just off the highway. This seafood restaurant in Baltimore is the ideal spot for a group meal or a celebration.
The Vibe
L.P.s Steamers is a family-run joint that is laid-back and friendly. The staff is always happy to show you the best technique to eat your crabs, and the food is generous and well-priced. Make the most of this seafood restaurant in Baltimore and head to the rooftop deck when it’s sunny.
What to Order
As one of the best seafood restaurants in Baltimore, MD, you have to order the hot steamed crabs. These are available by the dozen and range from “small to ginormous” (as stated in the menu). Other seafood like clams, shrimp and oysters can be ordered by the pound.
Locust Point Steamers | 1100 E. Fort Ave., Baltimore, MD 21230 | $$
7. Nick’s Fish House
Making the most of the fresh seafood found in Maryland, Nick’s Fish House is a strong contender for the title of the greatest seafood restaurant in Baltimore. With a menu tweaked to suit all palates and a vibrant bar menu, Nick’s is the place to go for a celebration or team event.
The Vibe
There’s live music on the deck Thursday through Sunday evenings, but head to Nick’s any time during the week for a fun time. The vibe is decidedly casual, and the staff is friendly and approachable. Reviewers mention the short wait times on orders despite the large space.
What to Order
Steamed crabs are the way to go at Nick’s. Like any good crab menu at a seafood restaurant in Baltimore, here you can choose between butter or tart vinegar dip and dig in. There are also Southern specialties like grits and shrimp or fried green tomatoes.
Nick’s Fish House | 2600 Insulator Drive, Baltimore, MD 21230 | $$
8. The Urban Oyster
Growing up in Baltimore and learning to shuck oysters with her dad gave Chef Jasmine Norton a passion for seafood. This love is the nucleus around which she has created The Urban Oyster. This iconic seafood restaurant in Baltimore aims to transform people apprehensive about the taste and texture of raw seafood into joyful aficionados.
The Vibe
Urban Oyster is the first female and Black-owned seafood restaurant in Baltimore. With a warm and relaxed ambiance, it has a large bar area that allows you to view the oyster station and the food being prepared.
What to Order
This seafood restaurant in Baltimore stands out for its brunch menu, which includes crab Benedict and shrimp and grits, among other delicacies. The daily selection of fresh oysters at the raw bar is also deemed unmissable.
The Urban Oyster | 914 West 36th St., Baltimore, MD 21211 | $$
9. Mama’s on the Half Shell
A family-owned seafood restaurant in Baltimore, Mama’s on the Half Shell suits every occasion. Whether it is a casual evening after a day on the water or a business lunch, this place has a variety of good food for everyone.
The Vibe
The original Mama’s at Canton Square has cute, cozy interiors with an old-world charm. Choose outdoor seating or dine along the bar and settle into this highly-rated seafood restaurant in Baltimore for a great meal.
What to Order
You can begin your classic Baltimore seafood restaurant meal with mini-fried crab cakes and tartar sauce. Next comes the clams casino, for which clams are broiled with casino butter and bacon. For your quota of greens, try Mama’s classic salad.
Mama’s on the Half Shell | Multiple Locations | $$
10. The Choptank
Located at the recently renovated Broadway Market, The Choptank is a relatively new seafood restaurant in Baltimore. It serves some of Maryland’s most famous dishes, such as steamed hardshell blue crabs. With an outdoor bar and plenty of seating, it's also an excellent place for people-watching.
The Vibe
If you are looking for the best restaurants in Baltimore but with a twist, as well as great food, the Choptank offers live music. Game days are also a lot of fun here, with a special menu and drinks on offer.
What to Order
At this seafood restaurant in Baltimore, try the blue crab Dijonnaise and shucked oysters from the raw bar. The lobster roll with butter-poached lobster, old bay aioli, pickled onions and fresh herbs also hits the spot, according to multiple reviews.
The Choptank | 1641 Aliceanna St., Baltimore, MD 21231 | $$$
11. Kooper’s Tavern
Named after the owners’ faithful yellow labrador, Kooper’s has grown a reputation for excellent food and prompt service. Come to Kooper's if you need a casual seafood restaurant in Baltimore that’s also family friendly.
The Vibe
Several reviews recommend Kooper's as the place to go if you’re seeking birthday ideas in Baltimore. Outdoor seating is available, and the dining hall on the second floor is perfect for private parties.
What to Order
The weekend brunch menu features the famous Maryland Benedict with a jumbo lump crab cake. Unlike most other seafood restaurants in Baltimore, Kooper's is also known for its signature half-pound burgers served with old bay chips and dill pickles. Try the Ronan with black Angus beef or Billy's Wagyu.
Kooper’s Tavern | 1702 Thames St., Baltimore, MD 21231 | $$
Try Cooking Baltimore Foods
There’s something for everyone when it comes to eating out in Baltimore. But what about eating in? Whether you are traveling through this vibrant city or live here, how about trying cooking classes in Baltimore for your next night in? Sharpen your BBQ skills, up your sushi basics or whip up a seafood feast with a range of cuisines to choose with the guidance of a master chef.
Maryland is known for its seafood, and Baltimore prides itself on delivering the best of the ocean on a plate. From market stalls selling crab cakes like hot cakes to oysters and Champagne with a view, the top seafood restaurants in Baltimore cater to all tastes and budgets. Now, it’s up to you to discover your favorite.
For even more ways to explore Baltimore and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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