Coastal Cuisine: Beach Destinations with the Best Seafood

28 October 2025

There’s something magical about eating fresh seafood by the ocean. The salty breeze, the sound of waves, and a plate of perfectly grilled fish or a steaming bowl of clam chowder—it just hits different. If you're a seafood lover, you know that not all beach towns are created equal when it comes to coastal cuisine. Some destinations take their seafood game to another level, offering fresh catches, unique flavors, and a dining experience you won’t forget.

So, where can you find the absolute best seafood on the coast? Buckle up, because we’re taking a deep dive into beach destinations that serve up the freshest, most delicious seafood you'll ever taste.

1. New Orleans, Louisiana – A Seafood Paradise with Southern Flair

New Orleans isn’t just about jazz and Mardi Gras—this city knows how to do seafood right. Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, NOLA has access to some of the freshest seafood in the U.S., and they know exactly what to do with it.

Must-Try Seafood Dishes:

- Crawfish Étouffée – A rich and flavorful dish made with crawfish smothered in a spicy, buttery sauce over rice.
- Gulf Oysters – Served raw, chargrilled, or fried, these oysters are plump and packed with ocean goodness.
- Shrimp Po’ Boy – A crispy, golden-fried shrimp sandwich stuffed in French bread with lettuce, tomato, and zesty remoulade sauce.

You'll find incredible seafood joints all over the city, but if you want a real treat, hit up Acme Oyster House or Drago’s for their legendary chargrilled oysters.

2. Maine, USA – The King of Lobster Rolls

Maine and lobster go hand in hand. This northeastern gem is world-famous for its sweet, buttery lobster, often served in a perfectly toasted split-top bun.

Must-Try Seafood Dishes:

- Maine Lobster Roll – Tender lobster meat tossed in melted butter or light mayo, served in a crisp, grilled bun.
- New England Clam Chowder – A creamy, hearty soup packed with fresh clams, potatoes, and smoky bacon.
- Steamed Clams – Simple, fresh, and served with drawn butter—sometimes, less is more.

To get the best lobster roll, find a roadside lobster shack like Red’s Eats in Wiscasset or go fancy with a waterfront lobster dinner at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights.

3. Tokyo, Japan – A Sushi Lover’s Dream

If you think you’ve had good sushi, wait until you try it in Tokyo. This city is seafood heaven, home to some of the freshest fish in the world. The seafood here is handled with care and precision, making each bite a masterpiece.

Must-Try Seafood Dishes:

- Tsukiji Market Sushi – The freshest, melt-in-your-mouth sushi you’ll ever eat, served by masters of the craft.
- Uni (Sea Urchin) – A creamy, briny delicacy enjoyed by seafood connoisseurs.
- Kaisendon (Seafood Rice Bowl) – A beautifully arranged bowl of rice topped with sashimi-grade seafood.

For an unforgettable experience, wake up early and hit Toyosu Fish Market, where you’ll witness the tuna auction and taste sushi that will ruin all other sushi for you forever.

4. Barcelona, Spain – The Land of Seafood Paella

Spain’s coastal cuisine is full of bold flavors, and Barcelona is the crown jewel when it comes to seafood. From grilled octopus to garlicky shrimp, you’ll find something incredible in every seaside restaurant.

Must-Try Seafood Dishes:

- Paella de Mariscos – Spain’s most famous rice dish, packed with mussels, shrimp, squid, and saffron-infused rice.
- Gambas al Ajillo – Garlic shrimp sizzling in olive oil, served with a crusty baguette.
- Pulpo a la Gallega – Perfectly tender octopus with smoked paprika, olive oil, and sea salt.

For authentic seafood paella, head to Can Solé or Xiringuito Escribà, where they’ve been perfecting the art of seafood rice for generations.

5. Sydney, Australia – Home of the Best Seafood Markets

Sydney’s stunning coastline provides access to some of the freshest seafood in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you're dining at a fine restaurant or grabbing fish and chips by the beach, Sydney won’t disappoint.

Must-Try Seafood Dishes:

- Sydney Rock Oysters – Small, sweet, and packed with ocean flavor.
- Barramundi – A flaky, flavorful fish that’s an Aussie favorite.
- Moreton Bay Bugs – These aren’t actual bugs—they're delicious, lobster-like crustaceans!

For the freshest seafood, take a stroll through Sydney Fish Market, where you can handpick your meal and have it cooked on the spot.

6. Phuket, Thailand – A Street Food Haven for Seafood Lovers

Thailand’s beaches are breathtaking, but its seafood is equally iconic. From spicy curries to grilled fish, Phuket is a foodie's paradise.

Must-Try Seafood Dishes:

- Tom Yum Goong – A spicy and sour shrimp soup packed with lemongrass, lime, and chili.
- Grilled Thai Lobster – Sweet, juicy lobster cooked with garlic and chili sauce.
- Pla Pao (Salt-Crusted Fish) – Whole fish grilled in salt, keeping it moist and flavorful.

Pull up a plastic chair at a beachside shack and enjoy some of the best seafood on earth with your toes in the sand.

7. Charleston, South Carolina – Lowcountry Seafood at Its Finest

Charleston offers a mix of Southern comfort and coastal cuisine that’s downright irresistible. The seafood here is rich, flavorful, and always fresh.

Must-Try Seafood Dishes:

- She-Crab Soup – A creamy, crab-filled dish with a hint of sherry.
- Lowcountry Boil – A massive spread of shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and potatoes, all boiled in a spicy broth.
- Fried Soft-Shell Crab – Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—you’ll want to order seconds.

For the full Charleston seafood experience, grab a table at Hank’s Seafood or The Ordinary.

8. Amalfi Coast, Italy – Mediterranean Seafood Magic

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is picture-perfect, but the seafood here is just as impressive. The Mediterranean waters provide an abundance of fresh fish, making every meal a dream.

Must-Try Seafood Dishes:

- Spaghetti alle Vongole – A simple yet delicious pasta dish with clams, garlic, and white wine.
- Frittura di Paranza – Lightly fried mixed seafood, often served with lemon.
- Branzino al Sale – Whole sea bass baked in a salt crust for maximum flavor.

For an unforgettable experience, dine at a seaside trattoria with a glass of local white wine in hand.

Final Thoughts

Seafood tastes best when it's fresh, and nothing beats enjoying it right by the ocean. Whether you're slurping oysters in Sydney, savoring lobster rolls in Maine, or indulging in paella in Barcelona, every one of these coastal destinations offers something unique.

So, if you're a seafood lover, it’s time to pack your bags and embark on a delicious adventure. Your taste buds will thank you!