Remember when seafood in Cleveland meant a frozen fish stick special? Those days are gone. Today, the city’s shores are lined with spots serving everything from lake-to-table walleye to oysters that taste like the ocean just delivered them. We’ve netted the ten best—places where the catch is always fresh, the vibes are right, and you’ll leave planning your next visit before the last bite is gone.
Acqua di Dea
$$$ | (216) 329-0700 | WEBSITE
This Cleveland seafood spot, which has earned a place on the 2025 best-of list, offers a warm, romantic atmosphere perfect for a special occasion. The professional service is commendable, with friendly, knowledgeable staff who are passionate about explaining each seasonal dish. Get the grilled octopus or crab ravioli any evening, and save room for the delectable cheesecake on your way out. While the ambiance is consistently impressive, it may not be as intimate due to factors like noise levels.
Nevertheless, Acqua di Dea provides a memorable dining experience with a menu that showcases the chef’s talent.
Carnegie Food Hub
$ | (216) 855-2776 | WEBSITE
The generous breakfast portion at Carnegie Food Hub is affordable, and not just compared to when this seafood spot in Cleveland used to serve smaller plates at higher prices in the dining area next door. It’s affordable enough that, after ordering one of the vegetarian mushroom quesadillas with a side of the best party jollof rice and chicken in America, the nearby parking and prompt preparation will be the only things preventing you from focusing on what you need to be focusing on.
Blue Point Grille
$$$ | (216) 875-7827 | WEBSITE
Like most highly-recommended seafood spots in Cleveland, the atmosphere at Blue Point Grille feels wonderfully sparkling and clean, creating a delightful environment that usually exceeds expectations. Unlike some other restaurants in the area, though, this one offers exceptionally professional and attentive service, with staff members like Mitch and Lily providing perfect customer service that makes the experience feel special.
The menu features generous portions of very fresh seafood, including dishes such as My Blue Point Heaven and lobster mashed potatoes, along with a seafood tower that some praise as the best they’ve had. While some diners have experienced varying levels of food quality with occasional dishes lacking flavor or being overcooked, many find the overall experience worthwhile and look forward to returning, especially for favorites like the lobster bisque and lobster Bolognaise.
The restaurant is conveniently accessible, with a shuttle from a nearby hotel and an enjoyable walk back, though guests should note that there may be high chairs and tables which could be challenging for those with mobility issues. Despite some feedback indicating that service can vary, particularly with takeout, Blue Point Grille offers a satisfying seafood experience with a fun and attentive atmosphere that makes it a popular choice for dinner.
Lee’s Seafood Boil-Uptown
$$ | (216) 331-6066 | WEBSITE
We’ll tell you that Lee’s Seafood Boil-Uptown isn’t a Louisiana crawfish boil in the bayou. We’ll also tell you that about two-thirds of the menu here includes or recommends adding that juicy Cajun sauce. Combine those two pieces of information, and you’re only left with one possible outcome – it’s a lively, flavorful seafood spot in Cleveland.
Sit at the bar any night starting at 6pm, and dig into a messy, satisfying meal, or go down seafood rabbit holes that leave you with nothing but the knowledge that every boil should include at least two potatoes, two corn, and sausage before adding anything else.
Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar
$$$$ | (216) 523-7000 | WEBSITE
If you had put off celebrating that promotion, or you had a different anniversary, you wouldn’t be in this predicament. But you didn’t and you don’t, so now you have to spend your Friday night in a fancy restaurant. Instead of letting your wallet drain at some overpriced chain, settle into the elegant vault space at Marble Room with a stiff cocktail and your appetite.
Il Venetian
$$$ | (216) 241-4800 | WEBSITE
Il Venetian is a standout seafood restaurant in Cleveland that offers much more than typical hotel dining, making it a must-visit. Order the perfectly cooked steak and exceptional wine pairings during dinner service, and if you’re celebrating a special occasion, take advantage of their pleasant anniversary gestures that ensure a memorable experience.
For those who enjoy cocktails, the Vesuvius is highly recommended as one of the best, and the restaurant accommodates dietary needs with a variety of gluten-free options. Standout dishes include the chicken parmesan and beautifully presented tiramisu, with the staff going above and beyond to provide warm, professional service regardless of who your server is.
Don’s Lighthouse Grille
$$ | (216) 961-6700 | WEBSITE
There’s a very long list of delightful seafood spots in Cleveland. Settling for anything less isn’t on it. But with an impressive selection like Prince Edward Island mussels, seared scallops with mushroom risotto, and pretzel-encrusted walleye, Don’s Lighthouse Grille makes it about as perfect as possible.
It’s also right there with the warm ambiance and attentive service from staff like Terry, so when you’re celebrating something special, you’re not far from everything that makes this place a highly recommended destination we mentioned earlier.
Black Crab Fam Cleveland
$$$ | (440) 317-3682 | WEBSITE
Order from this Cleveland spot around dinnertime, and you might be mad we included it on the list. Get a seafood bag with crab legs and shrimp, and allow us to explain. From opening until closing every day, this place offers amazing seafood bags cooked to perfection. Place an order through their website for around $35 per person, and along with generous portions and flavorful sauce, you’ll get top-notch service all evening.
You can add sweet corn and potatoes separately, and you should enjoy it right away, when everything is freshly cooked.
Red Crab – Juicy Seafood
$$ | (216) 465-3888 | WEBSITE
Red Crab – Juicy Seafood is open for casual dining every day with generous hours. It’s a great spot to enjoy a messy, delicious seafood boil with family or friends, and it’s an equally fun place to know about for casual gatherings that aren’t too fancy. Feel free to transition from fried shrimp appetizers to buttery, garlicky boil bags with tender snow crab and shrimp whenever the craving hits.
Shrimp & Fish Boat
$ | (216) 751-9960 | WEBSITE
Pulling into the parking lot can spark a few different feelings, like relief at finding a spot or that familiar twinge of nostalgia for places that don’t try too hard. Or if you’re pulling into the lot at Shrimp & Fish Boat in Cleveland, you get the urge to roll down the window and breathe deep. That’s because this restaurant always smells intensely of frying shrimp, sizzling footlongs, and hot chili. Once you get your fried shrimp or shrimp scampi, head to a booth in the dining room.