Discover the delectable taste of the Pacific Northwest as you explore the best seafood restaurants in Tacoma. From mouth-watering chowders to fresh fish dishes, these eateries offer amazing views and delicious cuisine for a memorable dining experience.
Nestled along the shores of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington, boasts a thriving seafood scene. Tacoma’s seafood restaurants attract diners with their breathtaking waterfront views, sustainably sourced seafood, and unique dishes, making seafood a sought-after delight in the city. These are the freshest seafood spots to check out when you visit to indulge in delicious chowders, savor succulent salmon, and feast on flavorful fish.
Have You Dined on Seafood in Tacoma?
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1. Duke’s Chowder House
3327 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402
Indulge in sustainably sourced, freshly prepared fish dishes while taking in the stunning views of Puget Sound at Duke’s Chowder House, a top waterfront restaurant in Tacoma. Make the most of your visit by joining them during one of their two daily happy hours (from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and again from 9:00 pm until close), where you can enjoy excellent deals on “appeteasers,” shared plates, small bites, and Duketails. Plus, don’t forget to take advantage of half-priced bottles of wine every Monday.
When visiting Duke’s, you’ll definitely want to order some chowder. Duke’s award-winning version is a creamy, New England-style topped with bacon. But there are several other options, including lobster Pernod chowder, a cioppino-style (tomato base) seafood chowder, and chicken corn chowder. Can’t choose? (I know, it’s hard.) Try several with a chowder sampler!
When you’re ready to move on from chowder, you’ll be delighted to see an excellent offering of fish and seafood-filled dishes that range from classic to unique. Try the Dungeness crab “un”cake, Dungeness crab deviled eggs, or Blue North Pacific cod fish and chips.
I’m all about salmon when I’m in the Pacific Northwest, so I highly recommend the salmon sliders (served on rosemary bread with pesto and sliced tomato), blackened salmon salad (that tops a bed of organic field greens with Oregon blueberries, Pt. Reyes bleu cheese crumbles, and candied pecans), or the stuffed salmon (that tucks fresh Dungeness crab, wild Mexican prawns, and cheese into a wild salmon filet).
Sage Advice: Craving more seafood? You can also find Duke’s Seafood locations in Seattle’s Lake Union neighborhood, Bellevue, and other spots across the Greater Seattle metro.
2. WildFin American Grill
5115 Grand Loop, Tacoma, WA 98407
Another one of Tacoma’s great seafood restaurants is WildFin American Grill. Situated on Tacoma’s waterfront at Point Ruston, this restaurant offers a delightful selection of fresh fish, wild seafood, and locally sourced meats, all while providing picturesque views of Point Defiance, Vashon Island, Commencement Bay, and Mount Rainier. WildFin also offers two daily happy hours with great deals on draft beers, wine, and starters, including battered fish and chips served with housemade tartar sauce and apple cabbage slaw.
When you visit WildFin, start with a refreshing gin cocktail, like the rosemary lime cooler with Uncle Val’s botanical gin, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and fresh lime. Then opt for a fresh fish or seafood dish. In addition to the fish and chips mentioned above, try the parmesan-crusted Dover sole, served with organic farro risotto, fried capers and butter sauce, or the Northwest seafood fettuccine alfredo that tosses chunks of wild-caught salmon, Alaskan white fish, and prawns with fresh spinach, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers in a Parmesan cream sauce.
3. Harbor Lights
2761 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402
Located on scenic Ruston Way overlooking Commencement Bay, Harbor Lights is another fantastic seafood restaurant in Tacoma with an amazing view. If you enjoy eating dinner early, don’t miss the sunset dinner special on weekdays from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Choose a starter, entree, and dessert from a special list of three-course menu items for just $30.
Start with the crispy calamari served with lemon aioli or a cup of clam chowder. For a pub-style entree, try the fish and chips with a crispy panko exterior and a flaky white Alaskan cod interior. Or enjoy the creamy macaroni and cheese featuring Dungeness crab meat and shrimp, and topped with golden panko crumbs.
4. The Fish Peddler Restaurant on Foss Waterway
1199 Dock St, Tacoma, WA 98402
Located right on the Foss Waterway, with a contemporary atmosphere and water views, The Fish Peddler Restaurant is a great seafood spot in Tacoma. Must-try dishes include savory clam chowder, melt-in-your-mouth crab cakes, and decadent seafood nachos. Be sure to check out their daily specials, and if you visit for brunch, start with a Bloody Mary!
5. Ivar’s Seafood Bar
10114 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98499
Ivar’s Seafood Bar is a longtime favorite, offering deliciously fresh seafood in a casual setting. Known for its legendary clam chowder and award-winning fish ‘n chips, Ivar’s is the perfect spot for a quick bite. They use only wild Alaskan halibut, salmon, and Pacific True Cod caught straight from local Northwest vessels, and they hand cut and bread their fish daily using original recipes created by founder Ivar Haglund in 1938.
6. Fish House Cafe
1814 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
Located in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood just one block west of St. Joseph Medical Center, Fish House Cafe is another casual eatery with satisfying seafood in Tacoma. While the fish and chips are crispy and delicious (be sure to try them with malt vinegar), Fish House Cafe also serves seafood dishes with a Southern twist. So if you’re craving the Atlantic Coast while in the Pacific Northwest, this is the spot for po’boy sandwiches, fried okra, and hush puppies. And be sure to top off your meal with a cup of their creamy banana pudding.
7. Stanley & Seafort’s
115 E. 34th Street, Tacoma, WA 98404
Perched atop a hill with panoramic views of downtown Tacoma, Commencement Bay, and the surrounding landscape, Stanley & Seafort’s offers an upscale dining experience in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. A Tacoma landmark since 1983, this iconic restaurant is known for its exceptional American cuisine focusing on fresh, local seafood. If you’re getting a little tired of seafood, you’ll be excited to see slow-roasted herb-crusted prime rib and char-grilled steaks on the menu, but let’s stay focused on the seafood here!
Begin your culinary journey with a bowl of lobster bisque, featuring butter-poached lobster in a creamy base topped with fresh herbs, or the oven-roasted crab and artichoke dip served with a toasted baguette. As you move on to the main course, the Alaskan halibut, sea scallops, and salmon dishes are always outstanding. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from the extensive list, or sip on a handcrafted cocktail, like the botanical berry mule.
Have You Feasted on Seafood in Tacoma?
Where did you go? What did you eat? Any additional can’t-miss seafood restaurants in Tacoma to share? Let me know in the comments section below.
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Looking at the list of the best seafood in Tacoma is making my mouth water. WildFin American Grill would definitely be a place I’d like to try.
There are so many delicious seafood options in Tacoma!