Top Best Seafood Restaurants in Chicago

"An homage to oysters, pork, and beer, The Publican’s eclectic menu is inspired by simple farmhouse fare in a space evocative of a European beer hall.” While The Publican is chiefly a seafood and pork restaurant offering hand-selected and sustainably raised fish, the rustic West Loop spot also offers a charming brunch with various meat and vegetarian options. More information can be found here."

"Restaurants American West Loop. Just like there's no need for an alarm on the weekends, there's no reason to be counting calories at brunch. This West Loop institution offers in-person and to-go dining for pigging out on stacked biscuit sandwiches, whitefish-topped bagels and pork schnitzel sandwiches."

"The Publican has become a part of the fabric of Fulton Market highlighting farm-to-table fare long before it was a culinary catch-phrase. Among the first to open in the uncharted meatpacking district in 2008, its star has not dimmed and The Publican is now serving lunch, Monday - Friday from 11:30 a.m."

"Traditional Japanese cuisine meets forward-thinking fare at this six-time Bib Gourmand award-winning restaurant, where two kitchens work together to offer eaters a comprehensive dining experience. For a front-row vantage point of the team’s handiwork, grab a seat at the sushi counter. It’s here where guests can watch as their plates are prepped, from tuna tartare with pickled Asian pear and black tobiko, to the beloved trio maki roll, complete with tuna, salmon, hamachi, cilantro, and chili oil."

"The best sushi really depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill has by far the most Instagrammable presentations (going crazy with elaborate sauce designs). There are also a few all-you-can-eat spots that are also great deals (and filling if you’re not looking for the best fish) like Sushi Para M."

"Arami is an elegant restaurant with a unique modern design for its interior. Its bright and vibrant setting and delicious menu options are some of the reasons why the restaurant is always packed with hungry foodies. Arami is a gem on the Chicago Ave strip."

"Since 1928, Calumet Fisheries has been smoking the tastiest fish on the South Side. Sitting above the banks of the Calumet River, the no frills shack has used the same natural wood-burning practices for over 60 years. There's no seating—except for the car or bicycle you rode up on—for the goods are usually consumed as soon as they're served."

"Calumet Fisheries gives customers a glimpse at a long-forgotten piece of Chicago on the city’s South Side, just seven minutes from the Indiana border and east of the Chicago Skyway. Enjoy precious smoked salmon, trout, and shrimp — the small smokehouse is right outside the restaurant. Each morsel is delicate and sweet."

"When you think of the South Side, quality seafood probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. However, Calumet is one of only a few authentic smokehouses in Illinois. Make the trek for one of their fried fish or shrimp dinners, and pick up some smoked seafood while you're at it."

"Alegria’s Seafood offers Mexican-style seafood cuisine for guests to enjoy. Alegria’s Seafood is a well-known establishment in Chicago and has been serving for over 15 years. The restaurant is regarded as a must-see for both Chicago residents and tourists."

"Our parents love the laid-back atmosphere at The Madison Bar & Kitchen. Its fast-paced service is perfect for when you have a hungry crew to feed. They have a large and super affordable children’s menu, with a separate gluten-free menu for kiddos with wheat allergies or sensitivities."

"A healthy seafood meal is on offer when you visit Catch 35, with only the finest, freshest ingredients going into making your meal perfect, tasty and within a balanced diet. This restaurant is a fine dining experience - the Chilean Sea Bass comes highly recommended even by those who aren’t fans of seafood. With starters such as coconut shrimp and a chocolate cake so good it has to be tasted to be believed, this is a dining experience that will stay with you for all the right reasons."

"Catch 35 masters seasonal dishes such as Alaskan halibut and Block Island swordfish. Seared yellow fin tuna and szechwan scallops are also favorites, complemented by steak options as well as stir-fry. Guests can enjoy live jazz while savoring crab legs and oysters on the half shell."

"Irish owned but utterly American, The Dearborn can be found at the intersection the Theater District, satisfying food and lively ambiance. Pastry Chef Julianna Westgor has a playful style riffing on ice cream truck treats in the summer and warming things up in the winter with adults only hot chocolate and fried banana bread with hazelnut chocolate ganache, malted milk jam and hazelnut crunch ice cream. Her peanut butter chocolate dream is just that and don't leave without someone ordering the gooey butter cake with burnt honey ice cream and orange caramel drizzle."

"The reviews are right, the food was great, the cocktails were great. We left Raised due to poor service and seating and came here. The fish and chips are..."

"Acclaimed Chef Tony Hu has received international acclaim for his expertly executed Sichuan dishes at Lao Sze Chuan. The original spot that launched his culinary empire is still humming along on Wentworth Avenue, where you’ll find his signature three-chili chicken, mapo tofu, and more. Known for flavorful sauces, dry roasted chilis, and fiery spices, this regional-style of cooking is sure to satisfy the most adventurous palates."

"Frequent Chinatown visitors no doubt have their own favorite Tony Hu Lao location – Beijing, Ma La, Shanghai, to name but a few – but. is usually considered one of the best, with its emphasis on spice and bold, classic favorites. The most popular dish is the crispy dry chili chicken, with chunks of double-fried chicken and dried hot peppers."

"Lao Sze Chuan serves authentic Sichuan cuisine with high-quality materials and ingredients. They have tons of soup, fried rice, and even fried noodle options. There is even a section for "Chef's Recommendations" that includes dishes on the spicier side for those of you who like the heat."

"Decisions can be difficult when constructing your perfect ice cream cake. Choose from 10 different ice cream flavors, all made with organic milk and cream, and decide if you prefer crumbled brownies, blondies, or cookies as a base. Rachel Kamins launched Bartleby’s in 2018 after working for Ben & Jerry’s and Zingerman’s Bakehouse and calls herself the “caker, baker, and ice cream maker.” Fittingly, she makes everything, from the ice cream to the crushed cookies and brownies to all her sauces, from scratch."

"The Spot: Located within the building of Campus North, Te’Amo is right on campus, and almost always filled with UChicago students drinking tea and diligently studying. The Good: Te’Amo does great with its subtle flavors. The signature rose tea is a favorite as it smoothly joins the flavors of rose and black tea to where they become indistinguishable."

"With lines out the door majority of the time and over 100 positive reviews, you know you’re in for something good. Located on the Northside of the city, you’ll stumble upon this milk tea bar and cafe. With lots of aesthetically pleasing drinks made (very flavorful too), your instagram will pop!"

"If you are in downtown Chicago and get a craving some bubble tea, this is the place to get your fix. The bubble tea is made with fresh ingredients which gives it a rich flavor. You also get options on the amount of sugar and ice you want in your bubble tea."

"Cafe Marie-Jeanne does double duty, serving as a candle-lit setting for first Tinder dates and 10th-anniversary dinners by night, and opening up to locals in search of excellent coffee and French pastries by day. Chef Michael Simmons' zero-fuss approach to fine dining works in both occasions—but for brunch, you can't go wrong with smoked and cured fish or (if it's available) the Chicago-style lobster roll, a cheeky take on the city's hot dog. After stuffing a brioche bun with wood-smoked lobster coated with a paprika-and-coriander spiced aioli, Simmons "drags it through the garden," adding his take on the iconic toppings: shishito peppers, yellow mustard, diced onion, pickled cucumber spears."

"Café Marie-Jeanne's mostly a la carte breakfast menu means you can mix and match smoked brisket with oatmeal with caviar toast with grits and not feel a bit of guilt about it!. A breakfast sandwich and larger dishes like omelets and smoked chicken are also available."