The Best Seafood Restaurants in Austin

With fresh fish and oysters flown in daily from the coasts, an expansive drink list with coastal cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere, it is no wonder that Perla’s is a seafood favorite in Austin. Centrally located on South Congress, Perla’s offers some of the best oysters in town. Enjoy a dish of grilled octopus and papas bravas while sitting outside on the prettiest oak-shaded patio in the area. With a menu that changes daily, it’s nearly impossible to not return to Perla’s again and again.

Though it may at first appear as just another hole in the wall in East Austin, Mongers is a perfect blend of where Southern style meets the East Coast. The freshly shucked East Coast oysters are a favorite—enjoy them with a side of deep-fried Brussels sprouts. With a friendly atmosphere and well-decorated interior, Mongers is a perfect place to either dine in or take-out from the small fish market located inside.

Offering a wide range of both international and local fish, Eddie V’s is a popular upscale seafood restaurant that provides a comfortable yet elegant seafood dining experience. Known for their premium hand-cut steaks and fresh Chilean sea bass, Eddie V’s is a perfect place to enjoy live music while sipping on one of their hand-shaken cocktails. Make sure you book ahead and come with an empty stomach because the food portions definitely won’t let you leave hungry!

Perfect for a special occasion or a fancy night out, Truluck’s prides itself on serving the freshest crab from its fisheries and lives by the motto, “From our traps to your table in less than 24 hours.” The atmosphere is like no other, with the lower-level dining hall providing a fun atmosphere with live music and the upper-level dining hall offering a quieter atmosphere with beautiful views of downtown Austin. You can’t go wrong ordering any of their crab dishes, especially the crab cakes and stone crab claws. The amazing flaming Baked Alaska or Royal Carrot Cake is a must for dessert.

From the same hospitality company that brought you Perla’s, Clark’s Oyster Bar is a small, chic West Austin seafood favorite that specializes in a wide range of fresh oysters and a to-die-for brunch menu. The atmosphere is small but inviting and is an excellent place to relax on the patio and enjoy a carefully crafted martini or cocktail. If oysters aren’t your thing, definitely check out their lobster rolls or crab cakes. Even if you’re just not in the mood for seafood, be sure to check out their savory burgers that are packed with juicy flavors.

For a quick, easy, and casual seafood dining experience, Turf N Surf is the place to go. Located inside of Lavaca Street Bar, it is a great place to enjoy a large seafood meal while grabbing a drink and catching the game. The menu boasts a wide range of po’ boys, with crawfish, jumbo shrimp, and catfish being some of the more popular choices. You can choose to get these fish dishes in taco or salad form as well.

Deckhand Oyster Bar & Seafood boasts a perfect blend of Cajun, Thai, and Asian seafood dishes. With very quick and friendly service, Deckhand’s is the place to go whether you’re craving gumbo, crawfish, or shrimp pad Thai. With locations in both North and South Austin, Deckhand’s offers a family-friendly and laid-back casual dining atmosphere with an expansive menu that the whole family is sure to enjoy. Make sure to leave room for “Pogey Bait,” or dessert, because you’re not going to want to miss out on the sweet sticky rice with mango, an authentic Thai delicacy.