Feature Photo: Evgeny Litvinov / Shutterstock
Salt Lake City, or the crossroad to the west as some call it, has been a place of gathering from the beginning. The Native American peoples would come to the Great Salt Lake to trade with each other, and this is where the Mormon pioneers first settled when they came west. Today, Salt Lake City is still a place of gathering, but instead of traders and pioneers, it is now a place where people come to work, live, and play.
Salt Lake City Seafood has been a staple in the city since the early days. Its proximity to the Great Salt Lake makes it the perfect place to get fresh seafood. Some of the varieties you can find here are trout, whitefish, salmon, and more. Shrimp and crab have also taken a piece of the pie in the seafood industry in Salt Lake City. The seafood scene in this growing city continues to evolve and change with the times, but one thing remains the same – the quality and freshness of the seafood. The abundance of seafood restaurants in Salt Lake City directly results from the city’s seafood heritage.
If you’re looking for a good seafood meal, here are our 10 best seafood restaurants in Salt Lake City, Utah:
# 10 – Christopher’s Prime + Sonoma Wine Bar & Grill
Since opening its doors in 2005, Christopher’s Prime + Sonoma Wine Bar & Grill has developed into this iconic destination in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. The restaurants provide the perfect setting to celebrate any special occasion or simply enjoy a great meal with family and friends.
The story behind Christopher’s Prime + Sonoma Wine Bar & Grill is dedicated to providing only the finest ingredients and friendliest service. The transformation of the restaurant to a modernized space with a fresh look and feel perfectly complement the steak house’s dedication to serving only the finest USDA and Wagyu beef, freshest seafood, and authentic wines. They have managed to create a minimal but comfortable setting that does not take away from the focus on great food.
The menu is seafood-centric, emphasizing seasonal, local, and sustainable ingredients. In order to ensure that all of their ingredients are sustainably sourced, the team at Christopher’s Prime + Sonoma Wine Bar & Grill keeps a close eye on every single item that finds its way onto their menu. They only work with local vendors, growers, and producers who share the same passion for sustainability.
Address: 110 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Website: https://www.christophersut.com/
# 9 – Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House
Maybe it’s not that popular nationally, but Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House has long been a beloved seafood restaurant to Salt Lake City residents. The seafood is flown daily from the coasts, and the steak is of the highest quality. It’s considered a bit of a hidden gem, as it’s not in a very touristy area. But for those in the know, it’s the place to go for an elegant evening out or a special celebration.
The restaurant has been around for over 10 years, and in that time, it has built up a loyal following of locals who appreciate the seafood’s freshness and the steak’s quality. Their oyster bar is especially popular, as it’s one of the only places in the city where you can get fresh oysters. Apart from these, you can enjoy Ceviche Du Jour, Tartare Du Jour, and Toast Smögen. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with fire pits at the front to greet you as you arrive. Inside, the Oyster Bar is chic and elegant, with a sophisticated ambiance that is perfect for enjoying your meal.
Address: 2155 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Website: https://www.kimishouse.com/
# 8 – Harbor Seafood & Steak Co.
Since 2014, when Harbor Seafood & Steak Co. opened its doors in Sugar House, this local seafood restaurant has been dishing out quality interpretations of classic dishes with only the highest quality ingredients. The menu is based on simple comfort food, focusing on taste and quality over anything else. Salt Lake City locals love Harbor for its elevated dining experience, and the restaurant has become a special destination for visitors from all over Utah. The founders of Harbor, Randall Curtis & Taylor Jacobsen, wanted to create a neighborhood restaurant that would make everyone feel welcome. After years of perfecting their craft, they opened Harbor to serve the freshest seafood and highest quality steak in town. Today, the Harbor has become known for its great food, drinks, and music.
Address: 2302 E Parleys Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Website: https://harborslc.com/
# 7 – Freshies Lobster Salt Lake City
Next up is Freshies Lobster Salt Lake City; 2009 was the year when everything started. The company was born in Park City, Utah, and it all began at the Park Silly Market. From there, they grew into a food truck that served lobster to people in Park City, Midway, and Salt Lake City. The company decided to open up a cafe so they could serve lobster to the locals and tourists all year round. Their mission is to serve sustainably caught lobster and give back to Maine’s great state. The company sources its ingredients from local vendors to ensure they are of the highest quality. They source their lobsters from the best lobstermen in Maine and ensure that the lobsters are caught sustainably. They are proud to be able to serve fresh Maine lobster to the people of Salt Lake City, and they are always looking for ways to improve their service.
Address: 356 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Website: https://freshieslobsterco.com/
#6 – Valter’s Osteria
Valter’s Osteria has earned a spot here to offer modern Tuscan-style dining in a gorgeous setting, with excellent service. The menu features both classic dishes and inventive new ones, all of which highlight seasonal specialties. The restaurant is set in a loft-like space with an open kitchen, and the full bar offers a great selection of wines and cocktails. The outdoor dining area is perfect for enjoying the warm Utah evenings, and the private room is perfect for intimate gatherings. Valter himself is the heart and soul of the restaurant. He has shown to be passionate about food and hospitable to all who dine at his restaurant. It’s no wonder that Valter’s Osteria has received several rave reviews and continues to be one of the most popular restaurants in Salt Lake City.
Address: 173 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Website: https://valtersosteria.com/
#5 – Current Fish and Oyster
For a while now, Current Fish and Oyster have ensured its menu never lacks in seafood items by always looking for new and innovative ways to showcase the best of what America’s regional seafood has to offer. This is done while also being mindful of sustainability and healthy options. Their approach to cuisine is straightforward, with an emphasis on classic preparation and technique.
You can taste the focus on freshness and quality in every dish, whether it’s their Grilled Oysters, Seared Scallops, or Seafood Platter. They also offer modern cocktails, local craft beer, and cider to complement your meal. And if you’re looking for a signature drink, they’ve covered you with their house-made specialty soft drinks. Current Fish and Oyster’s commitment to freshness and quality extends to their beverage menu. They offer specially chosen white, bubbly, and red wines by bottle and glass. They also have an impressive selection of local craft beer and cider.
Address: 279 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Website: https://www.currentfishandoyster.com/
# 4 – Bucket O’ Crawfish
Since 2010, Bucket O’ Crawfish has been Salt Lake City’s go-to place for messy, delicious, and intriguing Cajun-style seafood with a Vietnamese twist. The food isn’t new to Salt Lake. Mai Nguyen and her family have been catching crawfish at Strawberry Lake for over 20 years. After over 2 decades of fine-tuning the sauce, they decided to open Bucket of Crawfish in 2010.
The restaurant’s Louisiana-inspired Cajun sauces combined with a West Coast Asian twist have made it a City Weekly Best Mess restaurant. The fresh seafood is boiled in a secret broth and then doused with the restaurant’s extra-special sauces, providing diners with a unique experience. It’s where you want to go when you’re in the mood for good seafood. But be warned, it can be pretty messy. So if you’re not into that, you might want to try another restaurant.
Address: 1980 W 3500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84119
Website: https://www.bucketocrawfish.com/
# 3 – Red Lobster
Red Lobster has to be one of the most popular restaurants in Salt Lake City. The chain has a long history of delivering masterfully prepared seafood to the hungry masses, and they don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Since 1968, when they first opened their first seafood joint, they’ve been committed to providing an unparalleled seafood dining experience. They are missioned to sustainably sourcing their seafood, so you can be sure that you’re getting the freshest and most delicious seafood possible. Their Salt Lake City location is no different, offering a wide variety of seafood items to tantalize your taste buds. From their world-famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits to their succulent shrimp and crab dishes, there’s something for everyone at Red Lobster.
Address: WEST OF SUGARHOUSE PARK, 2294 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Website: https://www.redlobster.com/seafood-restaurants/locations/ut/salt-lake-city/2294-s-1300-e
# 2 – Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House might be known for its sizzling steaks, but the story behind the restaurant is just as juicy. The founder, Ruth Fertel, ensured that her steak house would be a cut above the rest. The restaurant’s extensive menu features fresh seafood, various vegetable dishes, and six potato selections. The tender filet is the most popular dish on the menu, and for a good reason, it comes topped with large shrimp. The steak is hand-cut and served to sizzle on a 500° plate. The Ruth’s Chris Steak House experience is more than just a meal; it’s an evening. The interior has this unique white and brown color scheme that makes it feel both warm and elegant. The openness of the dining room lets you take in the sizzling steaks being served at other tables.
Address: 275 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Website: https://www.ruthschris.com/menu/salt-lake-city/
# 1 – Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar – Downtown
Housed in a beautifully restored 1906 Beaux-Arts building, Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar is one of Salt Lake City’s most popular seafood restaurants. It’s a part of a local chain that’s been serving fresh seafood since 1980. It’s known as this classic seafood restaurant with an elegant, nautical vibe. The dining room is perfect for your next dinner or lunch gathering. They offer a seafood-focused menu, including oyster selections and fresh catches, steaks, prime rib, and pastas.
The restaurant features a fish market and boasts a Cape Cod look and feels. Since 1980, Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar has been rated as one of Utah’s most popular seafood concepts. They provide exceptional service and award-winning menu selections. The waitstaff is bustling, and the exhibition kitchens contribute to a sparkling, high-energy atmosphere. The best seafood between Seattle and Boston is served in an expansive variety of contemporary dishes.
Address: 48 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Website: https://www.marketstreetgrill.com/downtown
10 Best Seafood Restaurants In Salt Lake City, Utah article published on BigCityReview.com© 2022
BigCityReview.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either Amazon affiliate photos in which we make a commission on any products purchased from Amazon, public domain creative commons photos or photos licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with BigCityReview.com. All photo credits have been placed at end of the article.
We are not responsible for any items purchased or locations visited based on our recommendations as we do not sell or manufacture any of the items we have reviewed. All health and beauty reviews are for entertainment purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice.
