Best Seafood Restaurants in Maryland – Where to Find the Freshest Catch
Best Seafood Restaurants in Maryland – Where to Find the Freshest Catch
Maryland is famous for its seafood, particularly blue crabs, oysters, and fresh fish from the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you're craving a classic crab feast, a buttery lobster roll, or fresh oysters, this state is a seafood lover's paradise.
From casual crab shacks to upscale seafood dining, we've compiled a list of the best seafood restaurants in Maryland that you must visit.
🔗 Want premium seafood at home? Order fresh fish from Global Seafoods!
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1. Jimmy Cantler's Riverside Inn – The Ultimate Crab Feast
📍 Location: Annapolis, MD
⭐ Best For: Authentic Maryland blue crabs and waterfront dining
Jimmy Cantler's Riverside Inn has been an Annapolis seafood staple for over 40 years. Known for its steamed blue crabs, crab cakes, and waterfront views, this is the perfect spot for an authentic Maryland seafood experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Steamed Maryland Blue Crabs – Freshly caught and served with Old Bay seasoning.
✔️ Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich – A local favorite.
✔️ Crab Dip – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with lump crab meat.
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💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early during peak crab season (May–October) to avoid long wait times.
🔗 Want fresh crabs? Order Live Crab Selections for home delivery.
2. Jerry's Seafood – The Home of the “Crab Bomb”
📍 Location: Bowie, MD
⭐ Best For: Award-winning crab cakes and lump crab dishes
Jerry's Seafood is famous for The Crab Bomb, a 10-ounce crab cake made entirely of jumbo lump crab meat with no fillers. If you love crab cakes done right, this is the place to go.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ The Crab Bomb – 10 ounces of pure jumbo lump crab meat, broiled to perfection.
✔️ Lobster Bisque – Rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
✔️ Scallops Imperial – Tender scallops topped with a delicious crab imperial sauce.
💡 Pro Tip: Order the “Firecracker Crab Bomb” if you like a little extra spice!
🔗 Looking for fresh crab? Check out Jumbo Lump Crab Meat.
3. Mike's Crab House – Classic Seafood with a View
📍 Location: Riva, MD
⭐ Best For: Casual crab feasts and stunning waterfront dining
Mike's Crab House has been a Maryland institution since 1958, offering some of the best crabs and seafood on the South River. The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for family outings and seafood lovers alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Raw Bar Oysters & Clams – Freshly shucked and served with cocktail sauce.
✔️ Crab Imperial – A Maryland classic featuring lump crab meat in a creamy sauce.
✔️ Steamed Snow Crab Legs – Sweet, buttery, and perfectly cooked.
💡 Pro Tip: Sit outside on the deck for the best views of the river.
🔗 Love crab legs? Order Snow Crab Legs for an at-home feast.
4. Thames Street Oyster House – Baltimore's Best Oyster Bar
📍 Location: Fells Point, Baltimore, MD
⭐ Best For: Fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and a cozy atmosphere
Thames Street Oyster House is a must-visit for oyster lovers. This charming seafood spot in Baltimore's historic Fells Point neighborhood offers an incredible selection of East Coast oysters and New England-style seafood dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ East Coast Oyster Sampler – A rotating selection of fresh oysters.
✔️ Lobster Roll – Served warm with butter or chilled with mayo.
✔️ Seafood Cioppino – A hearty seafood stew packed with shrimp, mussels, and fish.
💡 Pro Tip: Make a reservation in advance—this place gets booked quickly!
🔗 Want to try oysters at home? Order Fresh Oysters.
5. Old Salty's – A Hidden Gem on the Eastern Shore
📍 Location: Fishing Creek, MD
⭐ Best For: Fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood in a rustic setting
Located in a small fishing village on Hoopers Island, Old Salty's is a hidden gem that offers some of the freshest seafood in Maryland. If you're looking for authentic Chesapeake Bay flavors, this is worth the drive.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Rockfish (Striped Bass) – Freshly caught and prepared grilled or fried.
✔️ Chesapeake Bay Oysters – Plump, briny, and delicious.
✔️ Fried Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich – A true Maryland classic.
💡 Pro Tip: Try their homemade crab soup—it's a local favorite!
🔗 Love fresh fish? Try Pacific Cod Fillets for a delicious home-cooked meal.
FAQs About Seafood Restaurants in Maryland
1. What is the best seafood dish to try in Maryland?
✔️ Steamed blue crabs, crab cakes, and oysters are Maryland's signature seafood dishes.
2. When is the best time to visit Maryland for seafood?
✔️ April to November is the best time to enjoy peak crab season and fresh seafood.
3. Do these restaurants offer outdoor seating?
✔️ Yes! Many of these restaurants, like Mike's Crab House and Old Salty's, offer beautiful waterfront dining.
4. Where can I buy fresh seafood in Maryland?
✔️ You can buy fresh seafood at local fish markets or order from Global Seafoods for high-quality seafood delivered to your door.
Conclusion
Whether you're craving a classic Maryland crab feast, fresh oysters, or a buttery lobster roll, the state has something for every seafood lover. From casual crab shacks to fine dining seafood restaurants, these top seafood spots will not disappoint.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Maryland Recap:
🦀 Best Blue Crabs: Jimmy Cantler's Riverside Inn
🍽 Best Crab Cakes: Jerry's Seafood
🌊 Best Waterfront Dining: Mike's Crab House
🦪 Best Oysters: Thames Street Oyster House
🐟 Best Hidden Gem: Old Salty's
👉 Which seafood restaurant in Maryland is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
🔗 For fresh seafood, check out Global Seafoods.
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