50 Best Seafood Restaurants in Philadelphia

“Our first experience at a James Beard award winning restaurant (2017) and chef was incredible at Vernick Fish in Philadelphia to celebrate Trent’s graduation! I know now what this caliber of food and service means and all other restaurants pale in comparison to Vernick Fish and Greg Vernick(semi-finalist chef 2025). From the appetizers (dozen oysters from RI, MA, ME, PEI) to the drinks and main course were all uniquely exquisite and cannot be replicated anywhere else. The constant doting with new silverware at each course and cleaning of the table was undeniably royalty treatment. Even the bathroom was an experience-I need the hand lotion in my life (instantly made my hands look 30 years younger). The portions, ambiance and service were all equally perfect! I highly recommend you check out Vernick Fish. We will definitely return!“

“I had snapper soup there. It was an 11 out of a possible 10. My wife had New England clam chowder it is (her score system) a 10 out of 10. Best ever. Unfortunately, they do not currently have snapper soup. Missing the old Bookbinder too. Signed, Old Philadelphia natives.“

“The Food was Fresh ad Incredible“

“We found Pearl and Mary quite by accident while looking for out door seating so as to enjoy a beautiful Philadelphia evening. And we were not disappointed. Location; perfect, food; perfect, service; exemplary...doesn't get any better👍🏻“

“Unique food, cozy, candlelit atmosphere. Our group enjoyed it tremendously. Highly recommend.“

“As a travel agent, food is important to me. I not only book for my clients, but I also make restaurant recommendations and WOW!!!!!! This place is it 😍😍😍 I took many photos last night of the food, the atmosphere felt as though I was not in Philadelphia, but far away on a perfect vacation dining at an amazing restaurant. I'm going to post my photos on my business page, people, if you want Greek food, THIS IS YOUR PLACE ☺️ Thank you for a wonderful hospitality and an amazing time my fiance and I will never forget.“

“IT WAS DELICIOUS! Definitely worth the trip and price! I will be back!“

“Always a Pleasure to have a Pleasure Platter. The lobster Bisque is my favorite.“

“The bartender, Colin Krouse, was AWESOME!!“

“You probably won't have high expectations when you roll up to this place as it isn't fancy, but don't judge a book by its cover. I made the horrible mistake of eating at Pat's the other day, and the meat tasted like shoe leather. This little joint served up a perfectly seasoned hot cheesesteak and a great milkshake - I'll definitely be back.“

“Waitress was very knowledgeable about the cuisine. Other staff were friendly and courteous. Food was excellent, tastes wonderful and plated beautifully. The interior might remind you of an old time elegant railroad car with curved ceiling, crystal chandeliers, etc. great place for special occasions.“

“really good food and good defiantly recommend going there again“

“Great menu, nice bar scene!“

“These are the best damn shrimp that’s Been around for a long time take our own cash only but I’ll tell you best shrimp if you like breaded shrimp these are beyond love this place anytime I’m down near this neighborhood. I have to stop and eat them take out and cash remember“

“The shrimp smd the crab devil eggs was delicious 😋“

“Everything was so good. No fishy or stale flavors. Staff were very friendly and very informative on all the different types of sushi. Will be coming back. The A5 Wagu Uni hand roll was amazing!“

“They have absolutely amazing food!!! Excellent service. Unbelievable portions. I will go back again & again!“

“Good food. Good customer service.“

“We have eaten here several times and have always enjoyed great service and excellent food!!“

“Took my mom there for dinner and we both had the chicken parm. Delicious!!!! Melony, our waitress, was the best. Good and service were outstanding. I can’t wait to go back.“

“We are never disappointed here time after time always very good“

“Hello, I wasn’t sure because of the name but I’m glad I stopped. I had the Hibachi mix vegetable w chucks of chicken and nice size shrimp and fried rice, everything was deliciously fresh my rice was not sticky, and it came with a side salad, Thumps Up to #DrunkeCrab!! top off w a breath mint.“

“I moved to the neighborhood from Brooklyn recently. One day while walking around, I passed this unassuming place. The only indication that it was open was a chair outside with a bouquet of flowers to pin down a paper menu to the chair. The menu looked divine.

A few days later I walked past, showing my partner that the place almost seemed closed from the outside but was very cute inside. Someone who worked there came out as we were looking and was very kind, asking us if we had reservations yet. We said no but booked immediately.

The first time I visited, I had the sourdough, Marinated Mussels (hakurei turnips, miso, chili oil), Carrot (crab, brown butter), Shrimp (peaches, coppa, toasted marcona almonds), and Gnudi (corn& basil). It was an entirely no-skips meal. The mussels came cold, out of their shell, and the sauce was incredible. The “carrot” was more like a crab cake with coconut, brown butter, and an unidentifiable but delightful citrus. A perfect balance of rich & light. The gnudi seemed simple, but the lightly spicy sauce really pulled all the ingredients together. Finally, the shrimp with peaches really knocked my socks off. Lots of places will make “seasonal” menus but not put the effort into making sure that produce is top notch. The peaches would’ve been delicious on their own, but with the rest of the dish, they really shined.

The second time I went (just a few weeks later) I got the Chicory Salad (anchovy, buttermilk, comte), the Steelhead Trout (sungold tomato, perilla), and a tuna crudo special. I also re-ordered the bread, the carrot with crab, and the gnudi. Everything was just as good as last time, and the new additions were truly worth trying. Something as simple as a chicory salad can be so hit or miss - but WOW!

For dessert we had the cherry brown butter tart with crème fraiche. No complaints at all here.

Now I’ve rambled on plenty about the delicious food, which I will be back for very soon, but I truly haven’t ever been to a place with better service. The workers are extremely attentive and kind. I felt like I’ve known everyone there for a long time.

Thank you, Illata, for being such a wonderful neighborhood spot.“

“This restaurant is tiny but mighty! The food is amazing, one of the best dishes in the city is the hoe cake and the mee caton. Also, the service was amazing, especially for a new restaurant. Every server was friendly and knowledgeable. I had two separate dinners here about two weeks apart from each other and everyone from the host to the person refilling the water was great! If you can get a reservation to this place, drop everything and go!“

“We were in town for the weekend. Came across this place on Saturday night. We enjoyed it very much. The oysters were fresh. My wife really liked the romaine salad. Spaghetti al limone was tasty - the sorrento lemon really comes out. The frutti di mare was really tasty - the chef is not afraid to bring the spice. Service was very attentive. We would visit again if we make it back to Philly.“

“I absolutely enjoyed the hot pot here. They had a variety of meats, veggies, and seafood. Everything here is fresh, I can certainly say you get a lot for what you pay for here. The servers here are friendly and very welcoming. There is a lot of space inside the restaurant, it gives a traditional atmosphere.“

“We visited Pera and it is great to know that the restaurant met expectations and was consistent with the excellent review in the PHiladelphia Inquirer.“

“Excellent Happy Hour!!! Will definitely dine here again!!“

“You will not be disappointed, from the ambiance, the friendly, professional service and the delicious food!“

“Lee and Kim are the absolute best people. They are kind, courteous and polite always. They work their butts off for their family and business. Just wish they didn't have to put that bulletproof glass up, that's just a shame. Safety first tho!“

“The good food here is really good. The Ponza was perfect and seasoned well. My husband had the crab ravioli with pesto sauce. I'm not even a fan of pesto but this was amazing. My baby who hardly eats anything, cleared a plate of spaghetti. The only issue I had was there isn't a changing table in the restrooms. The staff was nice enough to find a room I could change my baby in but just an FYI if you have little ones.“

“First time customer Monday afternoon for Christmas lunch. Food was excellent and bartender Tracy was amazing! She ran the bar and dining room by herself. No wait and a warm and bubbly personality. We all loved her and will be back on Mondays. Great place“

“Customer service was exceptional. Seating area was a bit small but everyone was so friendly and worked as a team. Honestly the best service I ever had. I went for restaurant week and ordered the shrimp creole. Omg I cleaned my plate and was still salivating over the idea of more when I got home. My partner ordered the crab soup and the salmon. Eyes rolled in the back of his head y’all. Everything was so well and for my first time they left a lasting impression. Would definitely dine here again. I’m just disappointed the shrimp creole isn’t on the regular menu.“

“Great Food & Great Staff!!“

“It’s was great jasmine is the best server“

“Friendly, attentive, knowledgeable staff. Great fresh vegetarian options with delicious tomato broth. Good vibes and music. Clean bathrooms.“

“My first time having their food which came highly recommended from a picky foodie, like myself! We did takeout which was fast and the young lady was extremely nice. The vegetable rice, sweet chili wings and shrimp rolls were delectable! Not one complaint! I will definitely be back!“

“Kei Sushi is our favorite neighborhood sushi spot. We proudly bring out-of-town friends and family here to show off the quality, yet unpretentious nature, of the Philly food scene. The fish is always super fresh yet the prices are fairly reasonable. My personal favorite is their chirashi bowl — and I love that they make it kosher-style (you know you’re in Philly when this is an option already offered on the menu 😅). Overall, Kei is consistently delicious, presentation is spot on, and the atmosphere is laid back.“

“ZABSOLUTELY 💯 zheesesteak ,zhicken zheesesteak, zhrimp n zries“

“As wonderful as I remember. A true cc gem. Get the tiramisu“

“The place is old and reminds me of chickn lickn in Logan when I was growing up
The food is perfection
Prices are great
The lady took my money. However, she checked the camera to see if I gave her the right bill
I love the food but might not patronize due to the rudeness“

“my first experience with jerk chicken... it was awesome. Thank you!“

“My highlights are the staff they're great they're friendly delightful place to be .. Now let's talk about those shrimps So yummy so good very Tasty“

“1)wonderful food and a goodly portion.2) BYOB 3)Not cheap but reasonable for the quality and quantity of the food. Hits the Restaurant Trifecta!!!“

“True hospitality! I arrived last night after evacuating from Florida. Kenja and the executive chef brought me to tears because of the hospitality, warmth and concern for me and the people of Florida. 🫶🏼. This is what a high end restaurant is supposed to be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.“

“I come all the way from Jersey for this seafood!!! I absolutely love it!! U can tell the food is made with love ❤️ The people are very welcoming and pleasant every time I go there!! I even got a birthday toast!!! I definitely recommend💯 The seafood salad is top tier🤌🏾“

“No matter what, this is my tried and true fresh fried fish spot!! Their food still hits now as it did in 2010. The only reason I did not give all stars was because I did not get to get a bag of fresh fish to take home and cook. The inside is small and there is standing room only. I hope they bring back the fresh fish. There may be a lot going on outside as well, but I go there for my fish and head straight home to eat. There is street kiosk parking. It's best to call ahead. However, the phone line seems to ring busy now a days.“

“Celebrated my son’s 21st Birthday here with about 30 of his friends and family. We had a big section of the deck to ourselves. They had plenty of different options to fit our needs. We had a great time, everyone raved how good the food was and our server kept the drinks coming! It was a perfect way to celebrate!“

“Though ownership has changed over the years, this has always been my go-to fish store since childhood. Whenever I’m in the area, I know exactly where to stop. I’ve only ever purchased fish here, and with fresh fish stores becoming rare, I’m grateful this one is still around.“

“Food is delicious, prices are reasonable! 🦀🦐❤️🦐🦀“