The Best Seafood Restaurants in Richmond

Richmond, the birthplace of the sailor sandwich, sits close enough to the Atlantic to boast some of the finest seafood in Virginia. From oysters to squid and everything in between, seafood restaurants in Richmond attract locals and tourists alike. The nearby Chesapeake Bay has recently undergone a huge revival in oyster production, leading to Richmond gaining some real “foodie” status points. Locally sourced ingredients lend color to fine dining menus, while Carytown casual eateries boast sushi and raw bars serving everything from scallops to salmon. But where are the savviest diners heading for their fish-fix? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We’ve reviewed restaurants from Midlothian to Glen Allen to create our list of the absolute best seafood restaurants in Richmond. Browse our list, call a friend, and book a table for some Richmond seafood tonight.

The OpenTable Team

15 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	Rappahannock - Richmond, East Coast Provisions, Azzurro…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Seafood, Italian…
Neighborhoods:	Richmond…

Rappahannock - Richmond

$$$$

Seafood

Richmond

4.6

2315 reviews

Regularly hailed as one of the best seafood restaurants in Richmond, Rappahannock is a favorite with both locals and tourists. Part of the Rappahannock Oyster Company, the team has nearly two decades’ experience in fine seafood, including making sure it’s completely sustainable. In fact, thanks in part to their efforts, Virginia is now leading the way in oyster production on the East Coast. Rappahannock restaurant offers refined yet relaxed dining, with an exciting raw bar, seafood-centric menu and plenty of craft beers and quality wine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

East Coast Provisions

$$$$

Seafood

Richmond

4.7

1555 reviews

This seafood-centric Carytown favorite is a fun and flavorsome place for diners to get their fish-fix. Bare bricks and simple wooden tables fade into the background behind the stunning glass counter showcasing some of the stars of the menu, including lobster, oysters and more. The raw bar runs from local clams to a sampler which allows diners to try a few different oysters- no need to pick and choose. Then there are small plates like tuna tacos, a surprising range of sashimi and sushi, and larger meals such as roasted rockfish with asparagus and arugula. High-end quality in a relaxed environment makes ECP one of the best seafood restaurants in Richmond.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Azzurro

$$$$

Italian

Richmond

4.7

1645 reviews

A refined and elegant Italian restaurant just over the James River, Azzurro is as popular for business luncheons as it is for big evening celebrations. They use their expert touch with Italian herbs and flavors to create some memorable seafood dishes, including Mare Chiaro, a combination of mussels and clams in the diner’s choice of sauce, or rigatoni pasta tossed with shrimp and goat’s cheese. Always ask about the fish of the day to avoid missing out on a unique treat!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

West Coast Provisions

$$$$

Contemporary American

Richmond

4.7

1039 reviews

Right out in the Far West End stands a restaurant that’s taking attention to detail to a new level. From sublime poke-bowls to showstopping desserts, and even a side salad that’s as delicious as the mains, West Coast Provisions is a fanfare to great, local seafood. Take a seat in the modern yet relaxed dining room, and let a smiling server be a guide to everything from raw Ruby Salts to Octopus with Cornish salt. Sushi fans can get their fix with a range of rolls, from salmon roe to spicy crab. Can’t choose? Get the sampler and try them all.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Buckheads - Richmond

$$$$

Steak

Richmond

4.8

1625 reviews

A classy “chophouse” right in the Beverly Hills Shopping Centre, Buckheads offers the white tablecloth experience including the finest Braveheart beef, quality local seafood and a unique selection of scotch and bourbon. Steak might be the star of the show here, but seafood is certainly not relegated to understudy. Seared Ahi Tuna with pickled seaweed and ginger is an Easter inspired choice, while lobster tails are a more traditional and luxurious option- and priced according to the market. Get the ultimate surf ‘n’ turf with Steak and Crab, a house special that ticks every box.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Boathouse at Short Pump

$$$$

Seafood

Richmond

4.4

2078 reviews

Short Pump Town Center has over 140 shops and restaurants, yet The Boathouse consistently manages to stand out here as one of the best seafood restaurants in Richmond, not just the shopping center. Steamed mussels with sausage and roasted garlic awaken the senses, which are then bowled over by mains ranging from comfort food favorites like stuffed shrimp to vegan crab cakes. Look out for special offers and events, like Wine Wednesday and $1 oysters on National Oyster Day.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

The Hard Shell - Bellgrade

$$$$

Seafood

Midlothian

4.6

2361 reviews

Polished wood and chalkboards give The Hard Shell that delightful nostalgic feeling that comes with the best upscale restaurants. Everything is about perfection here, from the sublime presentation of the seafood platters to the relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Even brunch is a transformative experience, with a full raw bar available plus luxurious treats like Crab Cake Benedict. Regular special events include lobster night and crab leg night, so keep an eye on what’s on. Booking recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tarrant's West

$$$$

American

Richmond

4.4

1308 reviews

Tarrant’s West near Innsbrook has kept some of the stylings of the 19th-century drugstore it’s housed in, for a nostalgic and welcoming atmosphere that’s redolent with class. Billed as “New American” fare, Tarrant’s offers brunch, lunch, and dinner, with a range of seafood specialties. Seafood cannelloni combines shrimp, crab, and scallops in a silky lobster sauce. Blackened tuna comes with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean touch. Or keep it classic with fried oysters and tartar sauce. Booking always recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Bookbinder's Seafood and Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

Richmond

4.7

4573 reviews

Old Original Bookbinder’s in the historic Tobacco Row is an award-winning seafood and steak restaurant with a loyal following. The raw bar offers a simple half a dozen oysters with house cocktail sauce, or a “colossal” seafood platter with lobster and lump crabmeat. Fried calamari sizzle nicely next to red pepper mayo, while rare, seared Cajun tuna gets a wasabi kick. Diners can even pick their own lobster from the tank- up to five pounds in weight! Keep an ear out for live jazz and other events that make dinner even more exciting.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Tarrant's Downtown

$$$$

American

Richmond

4.2

2973 reviews

Right in the heart of the Historic District of Richmond, Tarrant’s Café resides in a gorgeous 19th-century building, once the local pharmacy. Today, it’s an upscale in style yet surprisingly affordable restaurant popular with locals and those just passing through. Weekend brunch is a favorite, with seafood crepes a true comfort food experience combining shellfish, mornay sauce, and fruit on the side. Dinner is a more elegant affair, with dishes ranging from wild Scottish salmon to stuffed Tilapia. Elegant, flavorsome and satisfying.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Fleming's Steakhouse - Richmond

$$$$

Steak

Richmond

4.5

995 reviews

Stony Point Fashion Park isn’t all about clothes- the food here is always in fashion too. Excellent steaks and succulent seafood are timeless classics, and Fleming’s has got all the details just right. Shrimp cocktail gets the tiniest kick with a touch of horseradish. The lime butter sauce served with their crab cakes brings a vibrancy to this simple yet satisfying dish. Global influences include Scottish salmon and Chilean Sea Bass, served with a mouth-watering range of sides. Book to avoid disappointment.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Hard Shell - Downtown

$$$$

Seafood

Richmond

4.7

1541 reviews

The Downtown branch of The Hard Shell is just a short walk from the river and convenient for both shoppers and culture vultures. Bright and welcoming, diners can start their culinary adventure with a cocktail at the bar, before browsing a menu filled with all the local seafood delights Richmond has to offer. The raw bar is one of the most extensive around, with the chilled seafood tower a sight to behold. Sit outside in warm weather, or ask about private dining.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

$$$$

Seafood

Richmond

4.1

4733 reviews

Perch right above the river and enjoy the view at one of the most picturesque seafood restaurants in Richmond. Brightly polished wood and leather with more than a hint of blue create the impression of being on a luxury liner- one where diners can enjoy the catch of the day, every day. Friends should share the Boathouse chilled tray- a symphony of lobster, shrimp, salmon, oysters, and mussels. Or for something hearty, how about a filet and lobster surf ‘n’ turf? Top tip: the bar opens half an hour before dinner service starts, so arrive a little before the reservation time to enjoy a pre-dinner drink.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Hondos

$$$$

Steakhouse

Glen Allen

4.6

2632 reviews

The self-proclaimed Premier Chophouse of Richmond, Glen Allen’s Hondos combines meat and seafood in a menu that keeps diners returning over and over. Popular for both corporate dinners and romantic meals, Hondos is all about great atmosphere and even better food. The seafood here ranges from lobster scampi with garlic and butter, to twin rock lobster tails, priced on the day. Happy hour runs from 4 pm to 6.30 pm, and there’s often offers on lunchtime menus. Booking highly recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Boathouse at Sunday Park

$$$$

Seafood

Midlothian

4.4

3711 reviews

Is there a restaurant in Richmond with better views? Perhaps not! Sunday Park is a lush and green area, with wildlife, nature walks, and of course, the spectacular Swift Creek Reservoir. The Boathouse overlooks all of this, with particularly stunning views out across the water, and outdoor dining available on the rustic wooden patio. As expected, the seafood here is second to none, from the jumbo shrimp to scallops with seasonal vegetables. Even vegan options are available, making this a great choice for friends and family.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Best Seafood Restaurants