Seafood in Phoenix

2051 W. Warner Rd. Chandler

480-899-3888

Chinese, Seafood, Recommended, Best Of, Sponsor, Menu

One of the few Valley Chinese restaurants that could hold its own in New York's or San Francisco's Chinatown. C-Fu specializes in seafood so fresh, most of it is still swimming when you order it. Don't miss the chrysanthemum-steamed fish, Marco Polo lobster or Dungeness crab. Non-seafood dishes are also expertly prepared, particularly the Mongolian beef and spicy pork chop. Dim sum daily, too. Read our review.

7 articles

Zinc Bistro

15034 N. Scottsdale Rd. North Scottsdale

480-603-0922

French, Contemporary, Dessert, Seafood, Recommended, Best Of, Sponsor

A fabulous-looking and -feeling place for fabulous-looking folks not afraid to shell out big bucks for Parisian comfort food. Many dishes are, well, fabulous, including macaroni gratin, croque monsieur, onion soup gratin-smoked salmon crepes and pork chop choucroute. Prepare for lots of butter and cream.

46 articles

Angry Crab Shack

2808 E. Indian School Rd., Suite D110, Phoeinix Mesa

602-956-3088

Seafood, Cajun/Creole, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Readers' Choice

Angry Crab Shack is a no-nonsense approach to Cajun seafood. Select from 9 different types of shellfish, choose your heat level and seasoning, and order by the pound. If it sounds similar to Hot N Juicy Crawfish, it is, but it's also better. The seafood is fresh, well prepared and served hot. Service is friendly, efficient and upbeat. The only disappointment was a lackluster bag of clams and gumbo that fell flat. Read our review.

25 articles

Asi Es La Vida

3602 N. 24th St. East Phoenix

602-955-2926

Mexican, Dessert, Seafood, Southwestern, Spanish, Best Of, Slideshow

The cuisine at this casual-upscale Mexican restaurant in Central Phoenix is nearly as gratifying now as it was over 20 years ago, when then-owner and founder Moises Treves first brought his gourmet dishes celebrating the regions of Mexico to the Valley. Given its age, the building may seem a bit frayed, but inside, its softly lit rooms decorated with tables topped with white linen, paintings of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and lazily spinning ceiling fans, make for an intimate place to unwind -- perhaps with a glass of sangria and outstanding dishes like an Acapulco-style shrimp cocktail, a heady soup, and outstanding signature plates of thinly sliced top sirloin, Veracruz-style fish, and enormous butterflied and garlicky shrimp you'd be forgiven for picking up and eating right out of their skins. Read our review.

12 articles

Avalon

7707 E. McDowell Rd. South Scottsdale

480-656-0010

American, Contemporary, Seafood, Bars and Clubs, Recommended

At stylish Avalon - located in an unlikely part of south Scottsdale -- executive chef Travis Watson caters to guests at the adjacent 3 Palms Oasis Resort with standards like steak and Caesar salad, but adds a few twists to his California-meets-Mediterranean menu, like calamari "frites," polenta-stuffed prawns, and lovely desserts that reflect his pastry chef background.Feeling thirsty? The dope drink-mixers working the glowing bar at Avalon Scottsdale can slake your thirst with any of a dozen scintillating and exotic-sounding alcoholic concoctions. Check out their super-sweet take on the traditional caipirinha (made from a combo of cachaça, cane syrup, fresh lime, and a swizzle stick made with rock candy); as well as the delectable Africana Fiz (consisting of fresh lemon, Madagascan vanilla bean

4 articles

Blue Ocean Restaurant

4111 E. McDowell Rd. East Phoenix

602-275-5800

Seafood, Steakhouse

Buck & Rider

4225 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-346-0110

Seafood, Contemporary, Recommended, Best Of, Readers' Choice, Essentials

Buck & Rider has opened multiple locations in recent years, but we’re partial to the Camelback Road classic. Make a reservation for a booth in the comfortable yet elevated dining room, or grab a seat at the bar for happy hour. Whatever you decide to order, the name of the game at this seafood spot is fresh. Whether it's Maryland crab or Alaskan oysters, everything is flown in daily from sustainably minded producers. Start your meal with a spicy tuna or crunchy shrimp sushi roll or some savory smoked trout dip before digging into your entree. Opt for the Shrimp Scampi Risotto topped with enormous shrimp from the Sea of Cortez, or pair a steak with your choice of seafood for a customized surf and turf. Make sure to check out the perfectly curated cocktail list, as well, at this swanky locale.

14 articles

Cahuamanta El Yaqui

3549 W. McDowell Rd. West Phoenix

602-272-2611

Mexican, Seafood

Cahuamanta El Yaqui is a small Mexican restaurant on Phoenix’s west side specializing in the cooking of southern Sonora, particularly the region around Ciudad Obregón. That means the menu is loaded with specialties from the state’s coastal region, including tostadas embarazadas, “pregnant” tostadas stacked with lime-cooked shrimp, calamari, and octopus, all of it delicately sluiced with chile and mayonnaise. There are also classic Sonora standards like grilled carne asada, cabeza tacos, and of course, the house specialty: cahuamanta, a very good stingray and shrimp stew that is garlicky, fragrant, and not nearly as fishy as you might guess.

2 articles

The Capital Grille

2502 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-952-8900

American, Fine Dining, Dessert, Seafood, South American, Recommended

This ultra-luxe steakhouse features classic prime-grade meat, veal chops and fresh seafood, served in huge a la carte portions with huge traditional side dishes (the mashed potatoes and roasted mushrooms are magnificent). Come dressed for a power meal, and be prepared to leave quite a bit poorer, but happy.

9 articles

Casey Moore's Oyster House

850 S. Ash Ave. Tempe

480-968-9935

Irish, Oysters, Bar Food, American, Seafood, Bars and Clubs, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, DrinkHere

Casey Moore's Oyster House is a Tempe mainstay, known for its sprawling patio surrounding the former home of William A. and Mary Moeur, built circa 1910. The bar itself is named after an Irish woman who was born even earlier, in 1886, and who was known for singing, playing the piano and hosting frequent gatherings. (She is said to still haunt the place.) The home was rehabilitated in 1973, and a few bars came and went in the space until 1986, when it became Casey’s. The bar attracts students from nearby ASU, as well as neighborhood regulars, cyclists, tourists and service industry types. Indoors, you’ll find neon décor, some seating and a cozy bar; on the patio, you may smoke, bring your dog till 5 p.m. or bend elbows at the always-packed outdoor bar. The beer selection features a mix of local, domestic and imported brews, and the pub fare is above average. Go with the oysters or the neighborhood favorite, French onion soup.

51 articles

Cholla Prime Steakhouse and Lounge

524 N. 92nd St. South Scottsdale

480-850-7736

Steakhouse, Seafood, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

An excellent first-date restaurant with fancy digs, fine dining and a bonus: for entertainment, an Elvis impersonator show next door. With dishes like elk, pheasant, grilled asparagus with prosciutto, and lobster and shrimp puff pastry, it's a treat no matter the occasion.

2 articles

Chula Seafood

100 E. Camelback Road, #172 Central Phoenix

602-354-3599

Seafood, Best Of, Menu

Established in San Diego in 2009, this family-owned operation started selling never-frozen fish by the pound six years later in Scottsdale (this is the second location opened in Uptown Plaza in 2019). Sustainability is a big thing at Chula. The owners have a 68-foot Hoquiam harpoon fishing boat (aptly named Chula) on which they travel the Pacific waters seeking deep-sea buoy swordfish and other California coast species. But the flavors are why you come to Chula Seafood: the poke bowls, the confit tuna sandwich, the swordfish tacos, and weekend treats like the lobster BLT. Or the grilled oysters, the Mexican wild shrimp, the Thai peanut noodle bowl — we could go on.

6 articles

Chula Seafood

8015 E. Roosevelt St. South Scottsdale

480-621-5121

Seafood, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

Established in San Diego in 2009, this family-owned operation started selling never-frozen fish by the pound six years later in south Scottsdale (a second location opened in Uptown Plaza in 2019, then a third in north Scottsdale in 2022). Sustainability is a big thing at Chula. The owners have a 68-foot Hoquiam harpoon fishing boat (aptly named Chula) on which they travel the Pacific waters seeking deep-sea buoy swordfish and other California coast species. But the flavors are why you come to Chula Seafood: the poke bowls, the confit tuna sandwich and the lobster roll. Or the grilled oysters, the Mexican wild shrimp, the Thai peanut noodle bowl — we could go on. But trust us, pop in to any of the three locations and you won't be disappointed.

11 articles

Cocomo Joe's

28244 N. Tatum Blvd. Cave Creek

480-538-8008

Asian, Brunch, Caribbean, Pan-Asian, Seafood, Music Venues, Menu

1 article

Coconut's Fish Cafe

16640 N. Scottsdale Rd. North Scottsdale

480-275-6690

Hawaiian, Seafood

2 articles

Cork 'n Cleaver

5101 N. 44th St. East Phoenix

602-952-0585

American, Seafood, Recommended, Menu

Festive chophouse with Southwestern-themed interior that's been around since 1978. Steaks, seafood, salad bar, and sammies make up the bulk of C-n-C's offerings, all of it reliable and fairly satisfying. Good for lunch or a dinner plate of surf and/or turf that you don't have to think too much about. Mud pie for dessert is a house specialty. Amiable, attentive service is a big plus.

Crudo

3603 E. Indian School Rd. East Phoenix

602-358-8666

Coffeehouse, New American, Seafood, Pasta, Critics' Pick

Hidden away in the back of the Gaslight Square Plaza at 36th Street and Indian School, chef Cullen Campbell's contemporary, upscale home of inventive raw seafood, handmade pasta dishes, signature mozzarellas, and wood-grilled fare satisfies on several levels. Featuring a warm and inviting space with intimate bay-window nooks and a main dining area swathed in olive green with wood furniture and tiny flickering candles, diners can expect stellar cocktails and exceptional service along with exquisite, multi-course meals. Look for standout seafood and cooked dishes like Campbell's signature squid ink risotto and housemade gnocchi.

123 articles

Dillon's Restaurant

20585 N. 59th Ave. Glendale

623-566-8100

American, Barbecue, Seafood, Recommended, Menu

The friendly folks at this charming northwest Valley eatery aren't kidding when they say that barbecue is their specialty. The pork ribs and tangy-sweet chicken are perfect. The rest of the menu is given over to basic appetizers like wings, onion rings and shrimp cocktail, and entrées like steak, fish and salads. Desserts are strong, especially the homemade strawberry shortcake and apple cobbler.

1 article

Dillon's Restaurant

8706 W. Thunderbird Rd. Peoria

623-979-5353

American, Barbecue, Music Venues, Seafood, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

The Midwest meets the West Valley in this homey, comfy barbecue joint. It feels like you're sitting in Grandmother's living room, but we'd be surprised if she cooked pecan-smoked vittles as good as these. It takes up to 18 hours to crank out Dillon's fine beef, pork, chicken, turkey, sausage and salmon. Don't miss the Brontosaurus beef rib platter, with what must be four pounds of food for just $16. Read our review.

4 articles

Don Cahuamanta

3549 W. McDowell Rd. West Phoenix

602-358-3982

Mexican, Seafood

1 article

Eddie Merlot's

23207 N. Scottsdale Rd. North Scottsdale

480-699-0480

American, Seafood, Steakhouse

Eddie V's Prime Seafood

15323 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste. E160 North Scottsdale

480-730-4800

Seafood, Grill, American, Music Venues, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

This is the Valley's premier seafood restaurant. The oysters are superb, the Georges Bank scallops are off the chain, and the butterfish will give you the culinary equivalent of the Big O. When it comes to dessert, order the Godiva cake.

6 articles

El Conquistador

13216 N. 7th St. North Phoenix

602-493-3913

Mexican, Restaurants, Seafood, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

Outstanding Mexican food, not aimed at gringo tastes. Posole is first-rate, and the albóndigas soup tastes like something your grandmother might have made, if she were from a Mexican village. Chicken mole and chicken mole enchiladas, a Tuesday special, also shine. So do the tacos, chile rellenos, and pork in red chile sauce. Now serving seafood enchiladas on weekends.

1 article

El Tlacoyo

2535 E. University Dr., #1 Tempe

480-894-9543

Mexican, Breakfast/Brunch, Barbecue, Seafood, Recommended, Best Of

Featuring the cuisine of the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, and not for the faint of taste buds. While traditional choices (tacos, burros, etc.) are available, the signature items include excellent whole fish, barbecued goat, and regionally inspired temptations like marrow, guts and brain. Read our review.

13 articles

Espiritu Cocktails + Comida

123 W. Main St. Mesa

480-398-8129

Mexican, Seafood, Modern American, Best Of

Espiritu is the sister restaurant to Bacanora, which quickly shot to the center of the Phoenix food scene with Sonoran dishes that captured a crowd and made the Grand Avenue spot one of the hardest reservations to get in town. If you’re looking to taste the food imagined by Bacanora’s lauded chef Rene Andrade — in partnership with other Valley Mexican food royalty, the team behind Tacos Chiwas — head to downtown Mesa. Espiritu is located in the center of Main Street in the growing restaurant hot spot. The menu skews toward cocktails and seafood. Bright, fresh ceviche and aguachile get the meal going, before customers dig into heartier main dishes. This restaurant isn’t strictly Mexican, with a classic bacon cheeseburger and grilled cheese available. The ambiance is moody, and candles drip wax on the long bar that lines one side of the small space. It feels undeniably edgy for Mesa, and is one of the coolest new spots in town.

1 article

Founding Fathers Kitchen

1050 W. Ray Rd. Chandler

480-590-2743

American, Seafood, Sandwiches

Founding Fathers has the same vibe as a neighborhood pizza joint found anywhere — exposed brick wall, dim lighting, very bright neon signs (do those fade over time?) — but with a few modern twists. The flat-screen TVs are tuned to whatever sports, and an oversize ceiling fan whirls above most of the dining room. Recommended dishes include the Mussels Dynamite, the Reuben on Rye, and the Korean wings.

Franco's Italian Cafe

4327 N. Scottsdale Rd. Central Scottsdale

480-481-7614

Italian, Restaurants, Salads, Seafood, Critics' Pick, Best Of

Offering a sophisticated cuisine both rustic and refined, this posh Scottsdale restaurant wows with appetizers like polenta gorgonzola, a tasty beet arugula salad, and a stunning seafood risotto. Franco's mother's merenghata is a light, tasty dessert you won't find anywhere else in town. Read our review.

10 articles

Fresh Wasabi Sushi & Grill

13732 W. Bell Rd. Surprise

623-584-4800

Asian, Japanese, Seafood, Sushi, Recommended

Fresh Wasabi Sushi & Grill's atmosphere transports you to a different place -- namely, Las Vegas -- with its over the top décor and uber good-looking staff. Oh, and the sushi isn't bad either. During happy hour the restaurant becomes remarkably more affordable, with $3 hand rolls and $5 cut rolls. We particularly enjoy the spicy scallop handroll.

Giligin's Bar

4251 N. Winfield Scott Plaza Central Scottsdale

480-874-2264

American, Seafood, Bars and Clubs, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice

Subtlety has never been Giligin's style. (Hell, it’s never been Scottsdale's style.) This island-themed bar has gleefully gone all-out pushing the boundaries of good taste and staging lowbrow gags since its debut in 1995. (Case in point: Prior to the pandemic, it had a pint-sized “midget bar” staffed by little people.) Giligin's embraces its over-the-top spirit with gusto, with a framed letter from PETA protesting its goldfish races on display, glutinous solo eating challenges (read: finishing a family-sized bag of Totino’s pizza rolls in 30 minutes) on the menu, and $2 mystery beers. Excess amounts of alcohol helps keep the gonzo mood going at Giligin’s, of which it has an ample supply (three entire walls are devoted to floor-to-ceiling shelves of liquor bottles). And if patrons can’t choose what to drink, a spin of the “Wheel of Booze” will help decide for them.

15 articles

Gorda's Baja Taco

3424 W. Southern Ave. South Phoenix

602-305-6265

Mexican, Seafood

2 articles

Grassroots Kitchen & Tap

8120 N. Hayden Rd. North Scottsdale

480-699-0699

New American, Seafood, Recommended, Menu

A kind of Houston’s-meets-neighborhood hangout, this pleasant North Scottsdale restaurant serves up American dishes put together with market vegetables, fresh meat and seafood, and ingredients like spicy tomato jam, sweet hickory sauce, and crunchy breads. Start with the creamy burrata then move on to dishes like superb broiled rainbow trout, Topher’s Braised Short Ribs, and New Orleans-inspired creations such as the shrimp po’ boy and blackened red fish. A nice listing of beer, wine, and cocktails ensure the food has good company.

11 articles

The Grill at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

7575 E. Princess Dr. North Scottsdale

480-585-4848

American, Seafood, Recommended

You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy this outstanding restaurant, one of the town's best. Prime-grade steaks and fresh seafood are the primary attractions. The dry-aged porterhouse is a marvel; so is the pepper-crusted ahi tuna. Desserts are also first-rate, especially the inventive chocolate "cigar," teamed with a white-chocolate "matchbox."

3 articles

Hacienda Mexican Food Restaurant

1602 E. McDowell Rd. Central Phoenix

602-712-1470

Breakfast, Mexican, Seafood, Recommended

This coffee-shop-style eatery has been several restaurants through its long life, the best of which is its current Hacienda. There's a lot of authenticity and creativity on the lengthy menu, with regional platos like chicken mole, Cornish hen, pork with achiote paste, fresh Rocky Point oysters and dynamite chile rellenos.

1 article

Seafood in Phoenix

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