Seafood connoisseurs tend to include fish and chips, lobster tail, or freshly shucked oysters among their top choices and they are not wrong. Such a flavor packed combination would surely entice millions. But given the abundance of seafood joints around you, how do you narrow down your options to select the freshest meals? The aim of this article is to assist you regarding factors worth pondering over when looking for nearby seafood options alongside recommending some of the top offerings in the region.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Seafood Restaurants
The discussion around seafood avoids the topic of the quality of the protein that is to be consumed. Not all seafood is worth the cost, always remember to place emphasis on some important points discussed here.
1. Quality of the Seafood
The type of seafood is arguably one of the most critical and first aspects to consider before ordering from any restaurant. Given the sensitive nature of seafood, restaurants use the best suppliers in the business to cater for customer requirements. Further, seafood brought from a local port is always of higher quality as the fishermen have brought it from a variety of places. Also, keep a lookout for ads that inquire about fish caught and sold locally.
As an alternative, you can also read online remarks about the quality of seafood sold in a seafood restaurant and if it ever considers different suppliers and if people have really dinned there like on Yelp, Google, or Trip Advisor among others.
2. Options Available on the Menu
There are only a handful of restaurants that have a decent menus to offer to suit customers that are selective. If clams, shrimp and crab among other types of shellfish to more rigid options of fish such as salmon, herring, and black cod are available, then the restaurant is bound to be one of the best places.
If you’re looking to switch things around and want to indulge in various cooking methods, be sure to check out places serving grilled, fried, steamed or even raw. Not if you’re not a lover of sushi or ceviche, then take measures to restrict such establishments.
3. Setting and Surrounding
The appeal of a certain restaurant can play a huge role in what you see and how much you enjoy your meals. If you’re looking to treat for a casual meal, seek out places that have a warm atmosphere coupled with friendly relations and perhaps a coastal view. Various cities and villages located alongside oceans often incorporate restaurants on the coast, so that the view is better enjoyed with the food.
However, if you are looking for the city vibe, then don’t worry as the city is filled with incredible seafood restaurants which provide that coastal restaurant ambiance with delectable dishes and gorgeous interiors.
4. Sourcing and Sustainability
In recent years, the restaurant scene has shifted towards a more natural approach in how they source their dishes. The finest seafood restaurants in the industry usually buy their fish and shellfish from eco-friendly farms. If you’re seeking out places, aim for ones that showcase sustainability certificates such as the marine stewardship council or places aimed at supporting their local suppliers instead to assure that your food is not only tasty but ethically sourced as well
5. Price Range
Unarguably, seafood is on the expensive side but the premium seafood restaurants offer good value for money and do not compromise on the quality and the bounty selected. An excellent method to determine value is to focus on local eateries that serve reasonable quantity and offer a number of foods to fit all pockets.
Best Types of Seafood Restaurants to Seek Out in Your Locale
Bearing the key pointers in mind mentioned above, below are some other varieties of restaurants serving that you may want to check out in your locality:
1. Coastal Seafood Shacks
You are fortunate if you reside near the ocean! For freshly caught fish and informal dining options, coastal seafood shacks tend to be a neighborhood’s go-to place. These casual eateries do offer some great sandwich style seafood bar combined with grilled fish, coleslaw, fries and hush puppies. Definitely worth a shot would be the lobster roll or a fried shrimp basket.
Relaxed beach-style joints with outdoor seating or picnic tables are exactly what you should look for. That mix of good seafood and the sounds of ocean waves really does bring out the essence of dining.
2. XO Seafood Restaurants
For enthusiasts, a private chef in a tuxedo provides an upscale, unforgettable experience with finely presented oysters, scallops, and grilled lobster. Be cautious, as wine and champagne are common at seafood venues; French credibility requires a more refined experience.
These restaurants are known for the impeccable quality ingredients they work with and focus on artfully presenting seafood. The atmosphere is a higher scale and sophisticated making the places have a tad higher price point.
3. Nawatabi Bars and Raw Dishes
Sushi bars are perfect for lovers, offering sashimi, tuna, nigiri, uni, toro, and dazzling rolls. Sushi bars offer a casual vibe, featuring oysters, clams, shrimp cocktails, ceviche, and poke bowls.
4. Crab joints
If you are a fan of crab, then a crab house will work for you. A crab house specializes in different kinds of crab including blue, king and snow crabs. The meal served is usually in the shell with sides of corn on the cob, potatoes and garlic butter. Crab houses offer an interactive experience, letting customers crack and eat crabs for a fun, casual meal.
5. Eco-friendly Sea food spots
For the eco-conscious consumer, the farm to table style sea food restaurants suit them well. These spots emphasize on serving local eco-friendly seafood that has been harvested responsibly and sustainably. The restaurant serves seafood that is sourced in the local area. Moreover, the menu changes throughout the seasons depending on what is available and what is suitable for the environment.
Conclusion
For lovers, locating the best seafood nearby isn’t a challenging task. When seeking something new, consider factors like cost, variety, flavor, and location in choosing seafood spots. I don’t see myself looking hard to figure out the best seafood places around me. From local diners to upscale sushi spots, enjoy healthy, tasty seafood options that satisfy every craving!
