Seafood Restaurants In Georgia Worth The Drive For Fresh Catches

Georgia’s coast offers some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere in the South. From crispy fried shrimp to buttery crab legs, these restaurants serve up ocean treasures that make any drive worthwhile.

Whether you’re craving oysters or grilled fish, I’ve found spots that’ll satisfy your seafood cravings. Let me share the best places where the catches are fresh and the flavors are unforgettable.

1. The Crab Shack on Tybee Island

Picture yourself eating steamed crab under shade trees while marsh views stretch out before you. This place brings that casual beach vibe where you crack shells right at your table and toss the leftovers to waiting birds below.

Low Country boil comes piled high with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes seasoned just right. The alligator lagoon out back adds extra entertainment while you wait for your food. Kids love watching those gators sunbathe between bites of hush puppies and fried fish.

2. Skipper’s Fish Camp in Darien

Locals know this hidden gem sits right where fishing boats unload their daily hauls. You won’t find fresher shrimp anywhere because they come straight from the docks to your plate within hours.

Their fried flounder melts in your mouth with a golden crust that stays crispy. Simple preparation lets the seafood shine without fancy sauces covering up natural flavors. The no-frills atmosphere means you focus on what matters most: incredible taste and generous portions that leave you satisfied.

3. Sundial Restaurant in Jekyll Island

Watching the sunset over the Atlantic while enjoying grouper makes any drive to Jekyll Island worth it. This spot combines fancy dining with relaxed island charm that doesn’t feel stuffy or uncomfortable.

Their chef creates dishes that highlight Georgia’s coastal bounty with creative twists. Seared scallops arrive perfectly cooked with seasonal vegetables that complement rather than overpower. Wine pairings enhance each course, and servers know their menu inside out to guide your selections.

4. B&J’s Steaks and Seafood in Jacksonville

Sometimes you want surf and turf, and this place delivers both with equal excellence. Their seafood menu rivals any coastal spot despite being inland, thanks to careful sourcing and skilled preparation.

Jumbo lump crab cakes contain mostly crab with minimal filler holding them together. Grilled salmon stays moist and flaky with a slight char that adds smoky depth. The combination platter lets you sample multiple items when you can’t decide on just one favorite dish.

5. Driftaway Cafe in Brunswick

Breakfast meets seafood at this charming cafe where shrimp and grits reign supreme. Morning crowds pack this spot because word spreads fast about their creamy grits topped with plump shrimp in savory sauce.

Lunch brings fried oyster po’boys that crunch with each bite while staying tender inside. Their tartar sauce recipe has customers asking for extra containers to take home. Small space means limited seating, so arriving early helps you avoid long waits during peak hours.

6. Coastal Kitchen and Raw Bar in St. Simons Island

Raw oysters arrive on ice beds with mignonette sauce that makes your taste buds dance. This trendy spot attracts seafood lovers who appreciate both traditional preparations and modern culinary approaches.

Their poke bowls feature fresh tuna over rice with Asian-inspired toppings that provide satisfying crunch. Blackened mahi tacos come with tangy slaw and chipotle aioli for a flavor explosion. Happy hour specials make premium seafood more affordable while maintaining the same high quality standards.

7. Pelican Point Seafood in Savannah

Families flock here because kids actually eat their meals without complaints about fishy smells or weird textures. Fried shrimp baskets come with fries and coleslaw that even picky eaters will finish completely.

Adults appreciate the broiled seafood platters that offer healthier options without sacrificing flavor. Their clam chowder wins awards year after year for its creamy consistency and generous clam chunks. Reasonable prices mean you can feed everyone without breaking your budget or settling for lower quality ingredients.

8. River House Seafood in Savannah

Riverfront dining adds romance to any meal, especially when you’re savoring buttery lobster tail. This historic building has served hungry diners for decades while maintaining its old-world charm and character.

Their she-crab soup represents Lowcountry cooking at its finest with rich broth and delicate crab meat. Pecan-crusted trout offers a Southern twist on classic preparations that locals request repeatedly. Reservations become necessary during tourist season when visitors discover this riverside treasure through enthusiastic recommendations.

9. Fishcamp on Broad in Blackshear

Don’t let the inland location fool you because this restaurant brings coastal flavors straight to Southeast Georgia. Their commitment to freshness means daily deliveries from trusted suppliers who understand quality standards.

Catfish plates stay popular with folks who grew up eating freshwater catches prepared Southern style. Shrimp platters offer multiple preparation methods from fried to grilled to blackened. The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from farmers to families celebrating special occasions with equally warm hospitality and attention.

10. Crabdaddy’s Seafood Grill in St. Simons Island

Live music and cold drinks complement heaping platters of snow crab legs at this island hotspot. Weekend crowds create buzzing energy that makes dinner feel like a celebration rather than just another meal.

Their seafood nachos pile chips high with shrimp, crab, and cheese for an appetizer that could feed four people. Coconut shrimp arrives with sweet dipping sauce that balances the crispy coating perfectly. Parking fills up quickly during summer months when tourists join regulars for memorable dining experiences.

11. Marshside Grill in Jekyll Island

Marsh views provide peaceful scenery while you enjoy grouper sandwiches that rival any beachside shack. This laid-back spot understands that sometimes simple preparations showcase seafood best without unnecessary complications.

Their fish tacos come loaded with fresh catch, cabbage slaw, and zesty lime crema. Peel-and-eat shrimp by the pound lets you control your portions while enjoying messy, hands-on eating. Sunset timing makes evening visits especially magical when golden light bathes the marsh grass in warm glow.

12. Snapper’s Waterfront Restaurant in Kingsland

Boaters tie up at the dock and walk straight to tables for lunch after morning fishing trips. This convenience makes Snapper’s popular with both land and water travelers seeking quality seafood in relaxed surroundings.

Red snapper gets grilled to perfection with lemon butter that enhances without overwhelming the delicate fish. Their conch fritters bring Caribbean flair to Georgia’s coast with crispy exteriors and tender centers. Local craft beers on tap pair wonderfully with fried platters when you want casual comfort food done right.