Top Seafood Combo Deals in Seattle: Where to Find the Best Seafood Platters

October 18, 2024

Seattle Seafood Platters: The Best Restaurants and How to Build Your Own at Home

Seattle's proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it one of the best cities in the US for seafood combo platters -- Dungeness crab, king crab, oysters, shrimp, smoked salmon, and clams are all available in exceptional quality, and a well-assembled seafood platter is one of the most satisfying and social ways to eat seafood. This guide covers the best Seattle restaurants for seafood combo platters and a complete guide to building your own premium platter at home.

Dungeness Crab Meat | King Crab | Caviar | Snow Crab

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Why Seafood Combo Platters Are the Best Way to Eat Seafood

A seafood combo platter solves the most common problem with ordering seafood at a restaurant: having to choose just one thing. A well-assembled platter lets you experience the full range of Pacific Northwest seafood in a single meal -- the sweet, nutty flavor of Dungeness crab alongside the briny freshness of oysters, the richness of smoked salmon, and the clean sweetness of shrimp. Combo platters are also more cost-effective than ordering each item individually, and they are the natural format for sharing at the table.

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Best Seattle Restaurants for Seafood Combo Platters

The Crab Pot (Waterfront)

The Crab Pot is the most famous seafood boil restaurant in Seattle, known for its "Seafeasts" -- large combo platters served family-style on butcher paper, featuring Dungeness crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, corn, and red potatoes steamed together with Old Bay seasoning. The format is casual and communal; mallets and bibs are provided. Best for groups and first-time visitors who want the quintessential Seattle seafood boil experience. Located on the waterfront at Pier 57.

Elliott's Oyster House (Waterfront)

Elliott's is the most upscale waterfront seafood option in Seattle, known for its "Seafood Tower" -- a multi-tiered display of Dungeness crab, oysters, shrimp, and lobster served over crushed ice. The oyster selection is one of the most extensive in the city, with dozens of Pacific Northwest varieties available. Best for a formal seafood dinner or a special occasion. Located on Pier 56 on the Seattle waterfront.

Ivar's Acres of Clams (Waterfront)

A Seattle institution since 1938, Ivar's is known for its "Northwest Seafood Platter" featuring grilled salmon, Dungeness crab, shrimp, and oysters with garlic butter. The waterfront location on Pier 54 offers views of Elliott Bay. Best for a classic, unpretentious Seattle seafood experience at a mid-range price point.

RockCreek Seafood & Spirits (Fremont)

RockCreek is known for its sustainably sourced seafood and rotating seasonal menu. Their seafood platter typically features a mix of oysters, shrimp, Dungeness crab, and smoked salmon. Best for seafood lovers who prioritize sustainability and want a neighborhood restaurant experience away from the tourist waterfront.

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How to Build Your Own Seafood Platter at Home

A home seafood platter can match or exceed a restaurant platter in quality -- and at a fraction of the cost -- if you source the right ingredients. The key is ordering premium seafood directly from a quality online retailer and assembling it correctly.

Step 1: Choose Your Seafood (Aim for 3-5 Items)

The best home seafood platters include a mix of textures and flavors -- something sweet and rich (crab), something briny and fresh (oysters or caviar), something smoky (smoked salmon), and something light (shrimp). Suggested combinations:

• Classic Pacific Northwest: Dungeness Crab Clusters + shrimp cocktail + smoked salmon + oysters on the half shell
• Luxury: King Crab Legs + Sturgeon Black Caviar on blinis + lobster tails + smoked salmon
• Casual Boil: Snow Crab Clusters + shrimp + clams + corn + red potatoes + Old Bay seasoning
• Mixed Sampler: Dungeness Crab Meat (for crab cocktail) + King Crab Legs + Red Caviar + shrimp

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood

Most premium frozen seafood is pre-cooked and only needs to be reheated -- thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then steam or reheat as needed. Specific times:

• Dungeness crab clusters (thawed): steam 6-8 minutes
• King crab legs (thawed): steam 6-8 minutes or bake at 375°F for 12-18 minutes covered with foil
• Snow crab clusters (thawed): steam 5-6 minutes
• Shrimp (thawed): serve cold as shrimp cocktail, or sauté in garlic butter 2-3 minutes total
• Caviar: serve directly from the tin over crushed ice; no preparation required

See How to Reheat Crab: The Complete Guide for detailed instructions by species and method.

Step 3: Prepare the Dips and Sauces

• Garlic butter (essential): 4 tbsp unsalted butter + 2 garlic cloves (very finely minced) + 1 tsp lemon juice + 1 tbsp fresh parsley; melt over low heat; serve warm in individual ramekins
• Classic cocktail sauce: 1/2 cup ketchup + 1-2 tbsp prepared horseradish + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; see Classic Crab Cocktail Recipe for the complete recipe
• Lemon aioli: 1/2 cup mayonnaise + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 garlic clove (very finely minced) + salt and white pepper; whisk until smooth
• Mignonette (for oysters): 1/4 cup red wine vinegar + 1 tbsp very finely minced shallot + 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper; stir to combine

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Arrange the seafood on a large platter or board over crushed ice -- the ice keeps everything cold and creates an impressive visual presentation. Place the dipping sauces in small ramekins around the platter. Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh dill or parsley, and lemon halves. Serve immediately -- seafood platters should be assembled and served right away; do not let the platter sit at room temperature for more than 30 minutes.

Wine pairing: dry Champagne or Chablis for a luxury platter; crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris for a casual platter; cold lager for a seafood boil.

Dungeness Crab Meat | King Crab | Caviar | Snow Crab

Also see: Seattle Seafood Catering Guide | Crab Dipping Sauce Recipes | Best Sides to Serve with Crab

Watch seafood preparation videos on the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel

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Frequently Asked Questions About Seattle Seafood Platters

What seafood is typically included in a Seattle seafood combo platter?

The most common items on a Seattle seafood platter: Dungeness crab (the Pacific Northwest signature), oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, and clams or mussels. Higher-end platters add king crab legs and caviar. The Crab Pot's Seafeasts also include corn, red potatoes, and sausage in the boil.

How much does a seafood platter typically cost in Seattle?

Restaurant seafood platters in Seattle range from approximately $35-50 per person for a casual boil-style platter (The Crab Pot) to $80-150+ per person for a luxury seafood tower (Elliott's Oyster House). A home platter assembled from premium online-sourced seafood typically costs $40-80 per person depending on the species selected -- king crab and caviar are the most expensive components.

Can I order seafood for delivery to build my own platter at home?

Yes -- Global Seafoods ships flash-frozen, vacuum-sealed premium seafood with overnight delivery to Seattle and the surrounding area. Order at least 3-5 days before your event to allow for shipping transit time and refrigerator thawing. See the Guide to Buying Frozen Crab Online for what to look for when ordering seafood for delivery.

What is the best drink to pair with a seafood platter?

Dry Champagne or Chablis for a luxury platter with king crab and caviar -- the acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and the brininess of the caviar. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris for a mixed platter with Dungeness crab and oysters. Cold lager for a casual seafood boil -- the carbonation and mild bitterness complement the Old Bay seasoning and the sweetness of the crab.

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