Cincinnati might be famous for its chili and strong opinions on how to top it, so you might think finding great seafood here is a challenge. But that really isn’t the case. We have fantastic seafood spots serving everything from fresh, sustainable catches to indulgent, buttery classics. So yes, you can get Ohio River-inspired cioppino and a perfectly seared scallop dish—which technically isn’t chili, but we’ll take it.
Atwood Oyster House
$$$ | (513) 246-4256 | WEBSITE
Atwood Oyster House is (unsurprisingly) a seafood-focused restaurant. Everything here is sophisticated, and even if you’re not a connoisseur of European cuisine, the food is worth seeking out. They have a whole snapper dish that’s fantastic (it’s served with fresh vegetables), and steamed bass fillet with seasonal veggies. There’s one location in Cincinnati with a dark and moody atmosphere reminiscent of Manhattan.
Just be aware that everything here is expensive, and the lively atmosphere can be loud during busy times.
The Precinct By Jeff Ruby
$$$$ | (513) 321-5454 | WEBSITE
As one of the top seafood restaurants in Cincinnati, The Precinct By Jeff Ruby is a must-visit. The menu is classic, with superb steaks and seafood options, too. To help you narrow things down, our favorite dishes at this fine-dining spot are the mac n cheese (creamy and rich with a perfectly golden crust) and the salads, which layer crisp greens with house-made dressings that elevate every bite.
The ambiance is elegant yet comfortable, with warm lighting and plush seating that makes celebrations feel special. While the service can occasionally be slow, the staff is generally remarkable and attentive, especially when helping families. At around $50 per entrée, it’s an occasional treat worth every penny for memorable dinners and anniversaries.
Alara
$$$ | (513) 272-5315 | WEBSITE
Alara is a seafood-focused restaurant in Cincinnati, and it’s an exceptional place to dine, celebrate, and enjoy. The menu is heavy on refined dishes—so there’s a lobster carbonara with sweet corn purée and a beef tip pappardelle that’s inspired by the chef’s attention to rich flavors. Come here for a memorable special occasion, and for the full experience, make sure to book the Chef’s Table up front.
La Jaiba Seafood & Taqueria
$ | (513) 880-4565 | WEBSITE
As the name suggests La Jaiba Seafood & Taqueria, a popular local spot in Cincinnati, is seafood-focused. And their variety of dishes, from burritos to tacos, will make even the most landlocked eater appreciate the freshness of it all. Our favorites are the shrimp burritos and the fish tacos. These flavorful, well-stuffed options come loaded with fresh ingredients, and are complemented by tasty green sauce and warm chips with queso. Come in for a satisfying solo meal or to just grab some takeout.
Prime Cincinnati
$$$ | (513) 579-0720 | WEBSITE
We’ll admit it: Prime Cincinnati doesn’t exactly scream ‘seafood destination’—the name suggests more of a steakhouse vibe than one of the city’s best spots for ocean fare. But don’t let that fool you, because the seafood here is outstanding. Everything from the buttery-tender filets to the perfectly prepared sea bass and brussel sprout casserole is expertly crafted, and none of it feels overly heavy.
Plus, the dining room is elegant—warmly lit with window tables offering lovely city views that make any meal feel special.
Louis’ Cajun Seafood
$$ | (513) 385-3888 | WEBSITE
The seafood at Louis’ Cajun Seafood can best be described as flavorful, and we mean that in the best way. This cozy, casual spot makes Cajun seafood boils which, we admit, sound a little messy. That said, we’ve yet to order something here that didn’t make us feel like we were getting a proper taste of the bayou, and like we just treated ourselves right. From the garlic butter crab to the po boy shrimp sub, everything is juicy, well-seasoned, and crammed full of seafood goodness.
The kid-friendly space is welcoming, and a great choice for a family dinner after a busy day.
Yummi Xpress Jamaican Restaurant
$ | (513) 206-3025 | WEBSITE
“Authentic Jamaican Food” is the promise at Yummi Xpress Jamaican Restaurant, which offers amazing flavors that transport you to Jamaica. The restaurant is very casual, and it’s definitely worth visiting (just know that it gets quite busy during peak hours). There’s a straightforward menu with standout Jamaican options, like tender oxtails and perfectly marinated jerk chicken. Whatever you order, get the steamed fish with just the right amount of heat to go with it.
Bonefish Grill
$$ | (513) 321-5222 | WEBSITE
Cincinnati has plenty of seafood spots, but Bonefish Grill in Oakley is the only one with such consistently impressive seasonal menus. The welcoming space has attentive servers, a full bar, and comfortable seating. And the varied menu means there’s something for every taste—from the standout filet that earns high praise, to the favorite Bang Bang Shrimp, to the delightful Mexican street corn.
Plus, with wonderful drink recommendations like the Tiki mermaid, you can also enjoy that perfect cocktail your usual restaurant never seems to get right.
Anderson Tap House
$ | (513) 232-3233 | WEBSITE
Anderson Tap House feels like a lively neighborhood pub that was teleported to Cincinnati. It’s the type of place where pinball machines make you wonder if it’s an arcade-sponsored restaurant while you wait for your meal and the staff has a quick stop-and-chat with regulars. And not only is the food here good—most of it is fresh and well-prepared.
The menu has plenty of tasty sandwiches like the standout cheesesteak or Joey Burrow burger, plus heartier options like chicken sandwiches and fish sandwiches. The sides like tater tots and fries are hot and crispy, and you can enjoy them with a wide selection of beer or raspberry tea. The service is friendly and efficient, with the team being very knowledgeable about the menu, and the atmosphere is pleasant even during busy times when they host events like benefits.
It’s a popular spot for a quick meal with good service, a lively environment, and a variety of drink options.
El Vaquero Clifton
$ | (513) 221-0516 | WEBSITE
This Mexican seafood spot in Clifton used to mainly be a casual taco joint, but now it’s a full sit-down restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere. You’ll find dishes like quesabirria tacos, carnitas tacos, and the standout pomegranate margarita. It’s a fantastic neighborhood option for authentic Mexican seafood, with efficient service and a personal touch from the owner that makes diners feel right at home.
Ninja Grill Hibachi Express（Colerain）
$ | (513) 376-6570 | WEBSITE
Ninja Grill Hibachi Express is a solid hibachi spot in Colerain with friendly service and excellent entrees, many of which can be made gluten-free for those with dietary needs. We suggest ordering the customizable hibachi—freshly grilled mountains of protein and veggies made to order—and then finishing the meal with their Fresh Lemonade, a refreshing must-try.
Chef Nem Kitchen To-Go
$$ | (513) 602-8082 | WEBSITE
Chef Nem Kitchen To-Go has tons of utility. It’s open for pickup daily with hot food ready to go, and the focus is on comfort classics that hit the spot. The small space next to the building has about four parking spots that get busy at night, but ordering ahead ensures a smooth experience. Plus, the food is good. The menu has everything from chicken and steak quesadillas and tenders, to delicious fried things like Philly fries and Spicy Garlic Honey wings.
It’s not a bunch of fancy dishes pretending to be something else (though you can find some new items like fried Salmon bites if you want) and a lot of the comfort comes through in items like the broccoli and chicken Alfredo and that crazy ‘crack’ and cheese. With excellent food and friendly service from Chef Nem who greets everyone, it’s no wonder customers keep returning to enjoy this spot.
Hook fish and chicken
$ | (513) 541-0999 | WEBSITE
Hook Fish and Chicken, a comfort food spot known for its delicious seafood and chicken options, has been serving up hearty meals in Cincinnati for years. Family-run and welcoming, Hook provides a takeout-only experience, with fresh-to-order dishes that are worth the 15-minute wait. That’s where you can get highlights like crispy Catfish Nuggets, flavorful Grizzlies, and perfectly seasoned chicken wings.
Their lunch special combo, served from 11am to 3pm, is a great deal at around $8.95, featuring items like the Philly cheesesteak with fries. While the fries can be a bit greasy, the ocean perch, whiting, and tilapia dinners—which come with four pieces of fish, fries, and bread—are beautifully presented and very tasty. The staff, including the friendly Miss Monica, creates a lively, positive atmosphere at the register, making customers feel at home.
Payment by cash is recommended to avoid a small surcharge. Overall, it’s a place for satisfying, hot meals with excellent service.
Mike’s Fish & Chicken
$ | (513) 648-0111 | WEBSITE
Mike’s Fish & Chicken serves very good fried seafood and chicken in Cincinnati. This means favorites like the crispy fish and chicken combo and lemon pepper wings, along with tasty sides of quality fries and spicy honey dipping sauce. The space is small and bustling, full of simple tables and a steady flow of customers that show its popularity. This is a great spot in Cincinnati for lunch or dinner, even if you weren’t already in the neighborhood. Make sure to get a piece of cake.
Meritage
$$ | (513) 376-8134 | WEBSITE
Just like how a classic dive bar serves as a gateway to the local scene, we’re calling Meritage a gateway restaurant. The seafood at this Cincinnati spot is so good, it has the power to become anyone’s favorite dining destination, whether they eat exclusively from the ocean or not. The menu is full of complex, seafood-focused hits. Like the twin lobster tails with red sangria, Thai glazed salmon, and walleye of the day that we’re praying never comes off the menu.
There’s a long list of starters (the chips and queso uses freshly deep-fried fluffy chips with a tasty cheese dip), everything is cooked to perfection, and the restaurant is full of groups having what appears to be a great time. After a trip here you’ll be planning your next reservation in no time.
The Reef Top Bar & Grill
$ | (513) 231-0272 | WEBSITE
The Reef Top Bar & Grill is a hidden gem tucked away upstairs with a Key West style atmosphere. And like a perfect day at the beach, its menu is a lineup of nothing but winners, almost all of which are fresh seafood. That said, there are a few dishes you zero in on. In particular, we love the oysters on the half shell, the wonderfully fresh and perfectly shucked bivalves, and the fantastic sautéed crab cakes–which have a golden crust giving way to tender, flavorful crab.
The restaurant is cozy and beachy, but our favorite place to sit here is when we can soak up that laid-back, tropical vibe from their upstairs perch.
J. Alexander’s Restaurant
$$$ | (513) 531-7495 | WEBSITE
This is the seafood restaurant that’s part of the 20 Best in Cincinnati, and J. Alexander’s has a classy yet welcoming atmosphere that feels sophisticated. And this is where you go for a memorable dining experience. You’ll be eating dishes like Cajun trout and steak Maui with its perfect sear and marbling. The generous drinks and expertly crafted cocktails like the Old Fashioned make it easy to enjoy a full meal, so go for lunch or dinner if you want exceptional service and tasty options.
Sichuan Palace
$$ | (513) 954-8008 | WEBSITE
This authentic Sichuan spot in Cincinnati is the rare Chinese restaurant where the food is genuinely excellent and the atmosphere is cozy enough to make it a destination. Sichuan Palace (which stands out among the city’s seafood options) is unassuming, has a warm lighting scheme that may briefly make you forget you’re in a strip mall, and the extensive menu is full of dishes that are objectively delicious—whether you’re a spice enthusiast or not.
There’s Kung Pao Chicken with its perfect balance of heat and crunch, Peppered Beef that delivers serious numbing tingle, and Red Dry Chili Chicken swimming in an unbelievably fragrant chili oil. The modest space has plenty of tables for couples, but also enough larger setups for a family dinner.
Hook Fish & Chicken
$ | (513) 242-5888 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving fried seafood and chicken in Cincinnati, head to Hook Fish & Chicken. This local spot is a straightforward place that serves all the classics. You can get catfish nuggets, shrimp, wings, and even fried mushrooms and oysters. Will it be a fancy sit-down experience? No. But that’s why you’re at Hook Fish & Chicken.
Alabama Fishbar
$ | (513) 241-2255 | WEBSITE
Alabama Fishbar is another spot in downtown Cincinnati, but this walk-up counter focuses on classic fried fish and chips for lunch and dinner. Almost everything is made fresh to order, and the menu includes lots of fish selections along with plenty of sides and toppings, too. You’ll find things like cod with fries and spicy sweet peppers, generous pieces of fish in crunchy batter, and cold slaw to balance the greasiness.
Everything tastes unpretentious and amazing, and it’s a good way to satisfy those cravings for old-school fish and chips.
