The Pacific Northwest is known for its excellent seafood. Considering that the Northwest seafood industry produces about $600 million per year, contributing significant revenue to the state, it is no surprise that this area has an abundance of seafood.
Seafood is very popular here because of its availability, its health benefits, taste, and healthy fat content.
Tacoma, Washington, has several things going for it when it comes to being considered among the top places to visit, but most of all – the amazing local food scene.
There are a surprising number of excellent seafood restaurants in Tacoma. Finding the best ones can sometimes be difficult because most restaurants offer little in the way of atmosphere, and seafood dishes are not always clearly labeled on menus.
To help you pick the right places, I’ve put together information about each place, with location and contact summaries, so it could be easy for you to reach out and connect with the one you choose as a seafood restaurant in Tacoma.
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Tacoma
The Fish Peddler Restaurant
1199 Dock St., Tacoma, WA 98402, United States // +12536272158
This Tacoma seafood restaurant is characterized as an upscale restaurant serving the catch of the day along with dips and oysters on a large waterfront patio.
Starting off with a nice soup or refreshing salad is a great option to get your taste buds awakened since the seafood here is spectacular and is worth being fully experienced and tasting.
They also have starters like their Bay Shrimp Cocktail, served with shredded iceberg and house-made cocktail sauce.
Their Raw Oysters are another amazing and refreshing option to have in mind.
The menu also features a variety of sandwiches and a section dedicated to kids, so you don’t have to think a lot when ordering for your little ones.
For the main dish, take into consideration the Seared Steelhead that is being served with roasted summer vegetables, olives, capers, basil oil, and more.
Grilled Swordfish is another option that I’d recommend trying, and their tacos are really tasty and interesting if you want to try something not so ordinary.
A scoop of ice cream, Profiteroles, or a Banana Creme Brulee are some of the highlight desserts for topping off the tasty experience at The Fish Peddler Restaurant in Tacoma.
Fish House Cafe
1814 M.L.K. Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA 98405, United States // +12533837144
The Fish House is a tiny little cubic place with a blue exterior in the spirit of the ocean and a cute, colorful interior.
It is said that serving the best fish is a family tradition at the Fish House. Two generations of seafood excellence have gone into the preparation of every dish they serve.
They are confident that you will make them your go-to seafood restaurant in Tacoma time and time again thanks to an award-winning menu of golden-crisp classics and dedication to providing the friendliest service in town.
At the Fish House, you’ll discover all your favorites and more, including their renowned fish sandwiches, seafood meals, the greatest chowder in town, and a variety of sides.
Here, you can start your journey off by trying some of their appetizers and then go to the next step by trying their incredible fish and chips, breaded shrimp, fish sandwich, shrimp basket, amazing catfish, okra, and much more.
Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar
3111 S. 38th St., Tacoma, WA 98409, United States // +12533011688
Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar is a brand-new seafood establishment in this neighborhood.
They say that their goal is to serve you fish of the most outstanding caliber and make your dining experience unforgettable.
They are willing to make Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar the best seafood restaurant in Tacoma at their new location.
It is some of the rare locations in the Pacific Northwest that offer a genuine seafood boil. Everything about this place is based on the seasonings and varied levels of spiciness.
Some of their standout and also popular items are their Seafood Boil, Beginner Combo, Fried Catfish, Beignets, Alaska Feast, and their incredible Cajun Fries.
They also have a variety of pasta, the highlight being the Cajun Pasta that goes together with lobster, fried shrimp, and much more.
Their menu also features both hot and cold appetizers, fried catches, and a section for the little ones named Kids Treats.
As for dessert, there are a few delicious options, such as their New York Cheesecake, Key Lime Cake, Pecan Pie, and Ice Cream, to top off the magical taste-bud experience.
Your job is just to get there and enjoy the abundance at one of our favorite seafood restaurants in Tacoma.
Stanley & Seafort’s
115 E. 34th St., Tacoma, WA 98404, United States // +12534737300
Their menu features shareable foods such as oven-roasted crab and artichoke dip made with Parmesan, sweet onion, and toasted baguette.
Oysters on the half shell, served with Bloody Mari cocktail sauce, mignonette, and lemon, are another sharable option, as well as their shrimp ceviche, country fried calamari, and much more.
They also have bowls and greens such as the Lobster Bisque, their Little Gem Wedge salad made with radish, bacon, blue cheese, tomatoes, and a house-made blue cheese dressing.
The fresh fish section is everyone’s favorite at this Tacoma restaurant, featuring Columbia River Steelhead, Salmon, Swordfish, Sole, Mahi Mahi, and more.
Wonderful pieces taken straight from the depth of the sea are being offered here, and the standouts include their Almond Crusted Sea Scallops that are pan-seared with asiago and almond crust, mashed potatoes, caramelized onions, asparagus, and roasted red peppers.
The Grilled Salmon with Bourbon Apple Butter is another standout that is actually potato cakes with salmon and bacon, served with seasonal vegetables.
They also have toppings that complement the meals, such as smoked and roasted mushrooms, chargrilled asparagus, and much more.
For a wide variety of unique choices, make sure to try one of the classic seafood restaurants in Tacoma.
Cliff House Restaurant
6300 Marine View Dr., Tacoma, WA 98422, United States // +12539270400
Cliff House is an iconic building in Tacoma with sweeping views of the city and the busy Commencement Bay waterfront.
It is located in Northeast Tacoma and perched on a hill with sweeping views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the cityscape of Tacoma.
The Cliff House has been a famous sight in the Pacific Northwest since 1925.
In their cozy, inviting, and roomy dining area, you can enjoy supper, weekend brunch, or perhaps a special business or romantic occasion.
Go here to spend some time with your longtime friends and regular visitors who have provided a wealth of happy memories throughout the years.
The Cliff House offers both formal meals in the main dining room and more relaxed fare in the Martini Lounge downstairs.
Every day for happy hour and dinner, they proudly serve USDA Choice Certified Angus beef and the finest in Tacoma seafood. Visit this place to partake in a fine dining experience.
They offer a fantastic setting with breathtaking views from any of their private dining rooms, perfect for everything from elegant dinner parties to relaxed cocktail events.
This is a place where you can get a wide menu offering different appetizers, salads, bread, soups, and main dishes.
The highlight dishes include Maine Lobster Tail, served with potato and seasonal vegetables. Their Grilled Fresh Salmon is also a super-delish option, made with pomegranate balsamic glaze, winter hash, roasted squash, onion, kale, and potato.
The Oyster Fritters and Fries are super tasty, and the Alaskan Cod Fish and Chips are to die for!
Don’t miss out on trying their Prawns and Scallops, served with kale and mushroom risotto.
Paya Thai Fish and Chips
430 E. 25th St., Tacoma, WA 98421, United States // +12536278432
Located in a shopping mall featuring specialty retailers and local food vendors in a circa-1900 railroad building, Paya Thai Fish and Chips makes a great place to eat on the go.
Owners Chayan and Teresa Samalee of Paya Thai Fish and Chips have successfully run their restaurant at Freighthouse Square in Tacoma, Washington, for 30 years by employing one key secret to success, fresh ingredients.
It is a simple mall food court counter with seats that serves fish and chips, chowder, salad, and spaghetti.
Try their Bay Shrimp Caesar Salad made with a blended bed of crisp romaine hearts, garlic croutons, Parmesan cheese, and their house Caesar dressing accompanied by cheese bread sticks and topped with fresh bay shrimp.
Their menu features Scallops, Claim Strips, Oysters, Shrimp, a Captain’s Platter, and much more.
They also have side orders like the Cole Slaw, Basket of Fries, Bowl of Clam Chowder, and more.
They have the most fantastic fish and chowder and amazing fries!
It’s always a delightful golden fried bliss with the fried foods.
If you arrive too late, you will miss out on the fantastic roasted ling cod, which will be sold out.
The finest prices and beverage options may be found at Paya. You just have to visit and experience it yourself at one of our favorite seafood restaurants in Tacoma.
Duke’s Seafood
3327 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402, United States // +12537525444
Duke’s Seafood delivers market-fresh seafood, grass-fed burgers, and drinks in a relaxed setting.
The restaurant’s food is free of hazardous chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics.
Duke’s is an upscale casual Pacific Northwest seafood concept that serves award-winning chowder, grass-fed burgers, and unique, tasty, 100% sustainable wild seafood in a welcoming, cozy setting.
They can choose from a variety of ways to enjoy Duke’s Seafood. Even the pickiest young eaters will find something on their menu that they will enjoy.
Lauren’s Linguini, Sophie’s Grilled Wild Alaska Salmon, and Elliott’s All Natural Grilled Chicken Breast are all wonderful options for kids.
There are menu items at Duke’s Seafood that are gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan.
One of the best things here is their Coco Loco Prawns, which are coconut-encrusted wild Mexican Prawns topped with homemade sweet chili sauce. Or try their Super Calamari Steak Strips, nice, tender, large squid steak strips made with tequila lime aioli and wasabi aioli.
They also have salads, three-course dinner options, and much more. Really a lot of options.
Fresh chips and tacos, grass-fed burgers, and many other items are found at this one of the most exciting seafood restaurants in Tacoma. It is definitely a must-visit place if you want to try something new, fresh, and super tasty!
Lobster Shop
4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402, United States // +12537592165
With views of the beginning of the bay, the tiny waterfront restaurant Lobster Shop serves lobster and other seafood specialties.
Ruston Way on Tacoma’s waterfront is where the restaurant is situated. Some of the most popular seafood in Tacoma is served at Lobster Shop.
They have a strong commitment to providing you with the best seafood, top-notch wines, reasonable prices, and breathtaking views.
Both Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountain Range are visible, providing stunning vistas. The restaurant takes great care in making sure that each visit is exceptional.
And there are gift cards available which i didn’t see until now in other seafood restaurants in Tacoma.
Their menu offers everything from Halibut Oscar, Ahi Tuna, Shrimp Poboy, Lobster Bisque, Prawn Cocktail, Seafood Sampler Platter, Tempura Fried Prawns, Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms, Crispy Calamari, New England Clam Chowder, Crispy Fish, Steamed Clams, Caesar Signature and Classic Cobb Salad, Cedar Planked BC King Salmon, Lobster Crostini to Fish Tacos and Dungeness Crab Cake.
They also have a happy hour menu selection, as well as one for kids, making it super easy to order for the little ones.
Try their Peanut Butter Pie, made with a chocolate wafer cookie crust, creamy peanut butter center, chocolate ganache, and caramel sauce to top off the delicious experience.
Northern Fish Co.
2201 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402, United States // +12532724104
Northern Fish Co is a long-standing store with a restaurant attached that sells local seafood, smoked fish, and ready-to-cook cuisine.
Northern Fish establishes open and sincere business partnerships in order to continually deliver high-quality items at affordable pricing.
By consistently giving their consumers the excellent service and top-notch goods they have come to expect, they are dedicated to preserving the prosperous course followed for over 100 years.
The fish business has always regarded Northern Fish as having the highest standards for both product and service quality.
The unique geographic advantage makes it possible to successfully procure the distinctive seafood products of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
Their staff of purchasing specialists knows the finest places to buy seafood and how to deliver it to customers.
The quality of the food here is assured, and safety procedures go above and beyond all legally required requirements, frequently setting the bar for excellence in the sector.
They have everything from ground fish to exotic fish and anything in between which makes this one of the most supplied seafood restaurants In Tacoma.
Northern Fish carries nearly a thousand different seafood items, offering Halibut, Swordfish, Albacore, Tombo, Mahi Mahi, a variety of Oysters, Scallops, Clams, Shellfish, Salmon, and smoked products.
Ivar’s Seafood Bar
10114 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98499, United States // +1 253-588-4773
Ivar’s Seafood Bar is one of the local seafood restaurants In Tacoma serving chowders and fried fish in relaxed settings with nautical touches.
The best news for the owners of fluffy buddies is that dogs are welcome at the Puyallup Ivar’s Seafood Bar.
Ivar opened his first eatery in 1938, using his own traditional Northwest seafood recipes.
Since then, the business has expanded to Marysville, Tacoma, and a few clam beds along the route.
The Ivar’s eating experience includes three full-service waterfront restaurants, Ivar’s Acres of Clams, Ivar’s Salmon House, and Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, along with eighteen fast-casual seafood bars.
Additionally, T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field, Cheney Stadium, and Husky Stadium all have food stands run by Ivar’s.
You may discover the acclaimed Ivar’s seafood you love in whatever restaurant you pick.
They still utilize some of his recipes in their cooking today. Clams, cod, fish tacos, and a variety of other seafood delicacies are available on the menu.
Please be aware that there is no table service, so when you come in to place an order, your dog must be leashed outside.
Try their incredible Wild Alaska Salmon served with French fries, the Panko Crusted Cod, Wild Alaska Halibut, or their incredible Seafood Combo, salads, and more.
You can also get some sides such as their Shrimp Cocktail or a Side Caesar Salad.
Top off your meal with their specialty desserts that depend on the current selection – just ask for it and enjoy!
Seafood Restaurants in Tacoma: Wrap-up
The seafood restaurants in Tacoma are great, fresh and offer a range of choices. They make you feel right at home as soon as you walk through the door.
The variety of ingredients used and the way they are prepared by experts is amazing. It is also great that they are located in excellent settings that are conducive to family reunions and dinner parties.
If you love seafood and are bored with the same food and you want to experience seafood on a whole another level, then Tacoma seafood restaurants are where you need to go.
You will be amazed by the freshness of the ingredients, which include fresh fish from the area’s natural resources. The service at most of these restaurants is quite friendly and truly makes you feel at home.
The best thing about Tacoma seafood restaurants besides their great freshness is the high quality of food. This is due to the closeness to Puget Sound, where a large part of fish, crabs, and clams are brought from.
Visit all of these seafood restaurants in Tacoma and check them out for yourself!
If you are interested in discovering more amazing places to eat and visit in Tacoma, make sure to check out our articles on 10 Best Tacoma North End Restaurants | Where to Eat in Tacoma, Washington and 11 Amazing Things To Do In Tacoma, Washington | Best Things to Do in Tacoma.
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever