Some say that seafood is for coastal towns. For fancy white-tablecloth establishments. For special occasions. But when you’re craving the briny taste of the ocean in landlocked Louisiana, there’s only one thing that satisfies: perfectly fresh, expertly prepared seafood. We’ve scoured Shreveport for the very best, very freshest, not-too-fussy, properly delicious spots, and these are the ones that made the cut.
Herby-K’s
$ | (318) 424-2724 | WEBSITE
Topped with a golden, crispy crust, this bread pudding from Herby-K’s by way of Shreveport is perfect in every way. Balanced by the texture, the dessert isn’t too sweet, with tons of nuanced vanilla and cinnamon flavor. It’s plenty rich, and would satisfy you even if you’d just finished one of their generous seafood gumbo portions.
Crawdaddy’s Kitchen
$$ | (318) 688-7532 | WEBSITE
Finding authentic Cajun seafood in Shreveport can be challenging. Ordering the crawfish cornbread smothered in crawfish étouffée at Crawdaddy’s Kitchen is not. It’s a dish that gets elevated with moist cornbread and rich, flavorful étouffée, bringing a comforting warmth, and an immediate transport to Louisiana’s bayous.
The Pearl Shreveport
$$ | (318) 670-7920 | WEBSITE
Savoring a perfectly chilled cocktail alongside some Boudin dip should be on just about every seafood lover’s bucket list. The Pearl’s offering makes the cut: the Caesar salad, crisp with fresh greens, and balanced with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, complements even the Catfish Atchafalaya at this Shreveport restaurant. The beautiful atmosphere sets the stage for a great evening, with motivated waitstaff ensuring everything goes smoothly.
While the lunch deals are fantastic and the service is immaculate, some minor timing issues might surface near closing. Whether you’re a local or traveler, don’t pass on the bread pudding—it’s the perfect ending to a delightful meal that makes you want to return for more.
The Crabby Crawfish
$ | (318) 540-6161 | WEBSITE
Fried catfish is inherently delicious, but eating it at this Shreveport spot makes the experience even more memorable. There’s two equally satisfying seafood options on the menu, and we especially like the fried catfish platter—perfectly seasoned, buttery, and not overpowering—for those extra-hungry evenings. The welcoming atmosphere is evident as soon as you walk in, greeted with smiles and a small cup of corn melody while you wait.
The friendly staff, including owner Mark, go above and beyond, and the shrimp are indeed the biggest in town. It’s a clean, family-friendly place where you’ll leave full and eager to return.
Kim’s Cook House
$$ | (318) 562-3739 | WEBSITE
File the boiled seafood at this hidden gem in Shreveport-Bossier in the culinary treasure section of your memory, because there’s definitely some magic involved here. The offerings are consistently excellent, but the seafood options shine particularly bright—all with more flavor than you’d expect from such straightforward preparation. Most recently, we loved the tender ox tails that fall off the bone and the shrimp boxes with complimentary crab clusters.
Sit inside and enjoy several dishes, alongside some perfectly seasoned turkey necks and that great seafood sauce.
Shunnies Blessings
$$ | (318) 990-6427 | WEBSITE
For a night of concentrated seafood indulgence, head to Shunnies Blessings in Shreveport. The seafood lover’s paradise, with its cozy nautical-themed dining room, serves generous portions at reasonable prices, with everything from perfectly pan-seared seafood bathed in a lovely butter sauce, to remarkably seasoned dishes that showcase the chef’s skills. The exceptional customer service, with prompt and friendly staff, ensures every meal feels like a special occasion.
Eddie’s Restaurant
$ | (318) 631-9082 | WEBSITE
Ok, this is kind of cheating—Eddie’s sweet tea isn’t technically a cocktail, but more of a liquid hug. The Shreveport restaurant’s menu description should read “get the Southern comfort in you satisfied…again.” Take their advice. Sweet tea rated 10/10, served in a classic diner glass with perfect ice? Bliss. Grace. Perfection.
John’s Seafood
$ | (318) 635-4646 | WEBSITE
While there is no shortage of fried seafood available in Shreveport, John’s fried catfish is not to be skipped. The restaurant takes its cues from the cornmeal breading you find all over the South—except this one will give you that perfect crunch without going near a deep fryer.
20/20 Seafood Restaurant & Market
$ | (318) 525-0076 | WEBSITE
We love 20/20 for a couple of reasons. The first is that it’s a hidden gem, and the second is that the Shreveport spot has some of the most perfectly fried catfish you can find in Louisiana. Their catfish is loaded with seasoning, cutting through what would otherwise be a pretty standard fry—and making it the perfect bite for a casual dinner if you’re craving something delicious.
The friendly staff and wonderful atmosphere keep us coming back, especially for those standout salads with homemade croutons and the great poboys. At around $15-20 per entrée, it’s a fantastic value for such seasoned, really good food. Everything here has to be delicious, from the shrimp and hush puppies to the buffalo ribs and Gar chops you can’t get in California—many people try to get the buffalo rib, and for good reason.
Captain D’s
$ | (318) 656-5540 | WEBSITE
This Youree Drive seafood spot is like a family reunion at a fast-food joint, complete with genuine smiles and bless-you-over-the-drive-thru moments. Don’t expect white-tablecloth service though—the friendly staff here is spectacularly warm. Try a hot, fresh fish dinner.
Sam’s Southern Eatery
$ | (318) 631-7782 | WEBSITE
Sam’s Southern Eatery is a place that feels like it was purpose-built to enjoy one too many shrimp po’boys, not that we’ve ever done that. The cozy Southern spot in Shreveport keeps their Cajun dishes consistently delicious, but a crispy appetizer is always on the menu for a satisfying meal. Savor it alongside an excellent burger at a welcoming table.
Zuzul Coastal Cuisine
$$ | (318) 606-2661 | WEBSITE
From the same team behind Shreveport’s best-kept secrets, Zuzul Coastal Cuisine knows its way around a grill. On any given evening, the standout dish at this coastal-leaning restaurant might be the shrimp ceviche or the pistachio-crusted halibut, both of which pair beautifully with Zuzul’s creative cocktails and elegant, year-round patio. But our favorite is their lush, satisfyingly smoky Oaxacan mezcal drink.
Sammy crawfish king 4
$ | (318) 606-4266 | WEBSITE
Drive through any Louisiana town with a crawfish shack, and you’re bound to spot at least a dozen crawfish boils per block. Switch it up every once in a while with Sammy Crawfish King 4’s authentic version of the Southern seafood feast. It’s $25 for a generous portion at this Shreveport Cajun spot.
Krab Kingz Seafood
$$ | (318) 828-1935 | WEBSITE
While it might not technically transport you to the bayou, Krab Kingz Seafood’s smoky, spicy, Cajun seafood platter is an exceptionally satisfying meal. Loaded with crab, shrimp, and catfish, it definitely feels like you’re indulging in authentic flavors with every bite, as you relax in the warm glow of this clean, welcoming Shreveport restaurant.
Monkhouse Soul And Seafood
$ | (318) 636-3663 | WEBSITE
It’s a damn shame that it’s not socially acceptable to bring your plate into the parking lot, because Monkhouse Soul And Seafood’s windows look out onto the bustling highway I-20, which would be a lovely thing to contemplate while savoring their perfectly cooked shrimp with that touch of heat. Instead, settle into the funky, slightly dated atmosphere at this Shreveport restaurant, and meditate on your frosty sweet tea as you wait for your table at Monkhouse Soul And Seafood.
Crawfish Tyme
$$ | (318) 869-0500 | WEBSITE
Crawfish Tyme, a seafood spot in Shreveport, is most famous for their crawfish and butter dip. A standard order will run you $18, but you’ll want to upgrade it with a $4 side of garlic bread, or maybe a “dunker” (bread for dipping) or a “soaker” (extra butter sauce). Choose your own adventure. (Maybe get all three.)