Unearth The Voyage
From the golden sands of the coast to the mountain towns up north, Georgia’s love for seafood runs deep. Generations of fishermen, family kitchens, and coastal diners have perfected the art of serving the freshest catch with Southern charm. Whether you crave buttery shrimp, flaky grouper, or oysters straight from the shell, these 16 legendary seafood restaurants prove why Georgia’s flavors belong on every food lover’s bucket list. Ready to discover your next unforgettable plate? Let’s dive in.
The Crab Shack – Tybee Island
Famous for its slogan “Where the elite eat in their bare feet,” The Crab Shack radiates carefree coastal magic. Set among winding tidal creeks and flickering tiki lights, its open-air decks invite lingering over heaping platters. Steamed crab, peel-and-eat shrimp, and briny oysters headline, but the Low Country Boil steals hearts with juicy shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes. Servers encourage a roll-up-your-sleeves feast, cracking shells while pelicans glide past and gators lounge nearby. It’s messy, sociable, and gloriously unpretentious. The seasoning is bold, the butter is flowing, and the vibe is pure Tybee. Come hungry, leave sandy, and carry the island’s easygoing spirit with you long after the last shell drops.
The Pirate’s House – Savannah
Stepping into The Pirate’s House feels like sailing into Savannah’s 18th-century past—creaky floors, weathered beams, and stories whispered by candlelight. Once a refuge for sailors, it’s now a beloved destination for coastal comfort. Start with the velvety She Crab Soup, then navigate to crab cakes, fried shrimp, and pecan-crusted trout. Each plate marries Lowcountry tradition with historic charm. Servers share tales of tunnels and ghosts between pours of sweet tea. The dining rooms brim with maritime curiosities and Southern hospitality. It’s equal parts museum and feast, nostalgia and flavor. Whether you’re a history buff or a seafood devotee, this landmark turns dinner into a Savannah legend you’ll happily retell.
The ShellHouse Restaurant – Savannah
Just off I-95, The ShellHouse proves that unassuming facades can hide seafood treasure. Family-owned since the 1980s, it excels at freshness and flavor over frills. Expect towering buckets of garlic-butter crab legs, tender shrimp, and oysters that taste like the tide. Their iconic Low Country Boil arrives steaming and spiced just right. Picnic tables, paper-covered trays, and a roll of paper towels set the tone for a joyous, hands-on feast. Laughter and taps of shell crackers create the soundtrack. It’s a place to bring friends, make a mess, and linger over second rounds. Simple, hearty, and proudly Savannah, ShellHouse keeps locals loyal and travelers plotting detours.
Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House – Atlanta
Six Feet Under blends Atlanta’s urban pulse with breezy coastal flavor, boasting rooftop views and crowd-pleasing plates. The menu runs from crisp fried catfish and spicy oysters to tangy fish tacos layered with slaw and crema. Hush puppies arrive golden and addictive, perfect beside cold craft beers. Weeknights hum with conversation; weekends buzz with patio energy. Portions are generous, service friendly, and prices fair. It’s a go-to for groups, date nights, and post-game bites. Whether you chase the skyline at sunset or tuck into a booth downstairs, this neighborhood favorite makes seafood feel fun, unfussy, and unmistakably ATL.
The Shrimp Factory – Savannah
Overlooking cobblestoned River Street, The Shrimp Factory delivers timeless Lowcountry comfort with a view. Since 1977, it’s served staples that taste like Savannah sunshine: Shrimp Savannah sautéed in butter, lemon, and white wine; classic platters piled high; and freshly baked bread to swipe every sauce. The dining room blends elegance and ease—white tablecloths softened by soft river breezes. Couples toast anniversaries as families share baskets of hush puppies. Service is gracious, pacing unhurried, and cocktails crisp. Order the praline for a sweet Southern finish. With boats drifting past and history underfoot, this is riverfront dining that never loses its charm.
Bubba Gumbo’s – Tybee Island
Bubba Gumbo’s sits right on Lazaretto Creek, where shrimp boats bob and seabirds circle patiently. Inside, the vibe is salty, friendly, and proudly no-frills—just fresh seafood done right. The namesake gumbo brims with shrimp, crab, and sausage in a deeply flavored roux. Fried oysters arrive shatter-crisp, begging a squeeze of lemon. Daily specials highlight whatever the boats bring in, keeping plates seasonal and honest. Snag a window seat, sip something cold, and watch the marsh glow at dusk. It’s the perfect Tybee time capsule: unfussy, generous, and anchored by tradition.
The Oyster House – St. Simons Island
Cozy and nautical, The Oyster House channels pure island ease with a menu rooted in the day’s catch. Raw oysters—local, plump, perfectly chilled—set the tone for a meal that balances simplicity and indulgence. Shrimp and grits layer creamy stone-ground comfort under buttery, peppery shrimp. The seafood platter offers a shareable tour of local waters. Staff greet regulars by name, and families linger over dessert. With beach-town warmth and consistent execution, it’s the kind of place you recommend without hesitation. Come as you are; leave planning your next visit.
The Original Shucker’s Oyster Bar – Brunswick
In Brunswick, Shucker’s is where locals unwind with cold beer and fresh shellfish after a long day. The oysters shine three ways: raw and briny, grilled with butter, or Rockefeller-style under herby richness. Peel-and-eat shrimp arrive plump and perfectly seasoned. The bar hums with conversation, sports on screens, and friendly staff who remember favorite orders. A fried flounder sandwich, hot and flaky, wins lunchtime loyalty. No linen, no pretense—just honest seafood and easy prices. It’s a hangout that proves comfort and quality often live at the same barstool.
Rays on the River – Sandy Springs
Ray’s on the River pairs Chattahoochee River views with polished Southern hospitality and an upscale seafood focus. Candlelit tables and picture windows set the mood for anniversaries and milestones. Blackened sea bass glistens beside seasonal vegetables, while jumbo lump crab cakes showcase sweet, delicate meat. The wine list complements both surf and turf, though the river itself steals the show at sunset. Service is attentive yet unintrusive, pacing perfectly for conversation. For diners seeking elegance without stuffiness, Ray’s remains a north-Atlanta classic.
The Half Shell – Athens
In Athens, The Half Shell funnels coastal freshness straight into Bulldog country. Oysters fly in daily for raw-bar purists, while shrimp po’boys deliver crunch, spice, and drippy remoulade bliss. Happy hour fills the bar with students, locals, and visiting parents swapping stories over cold drafts. Cajun touches mingle with Southern staples to create a lively, approachable menu. Service is quick, music upbeat, and prices student-friendly. Whether pre-game or late-night, this spot nails the sweet spot between value and flavor. Expect to arrive hungry and leave plotting your next dozen.
Steamhouse Lounge – Atlanta
A Midtown mainstay, Steamhouse Lounge has cultivated seafood comfort food and community since the 1980s. The lobster bisque is legendary—silky, rich, and studded with sweet lobster. Oysters, crab legs, and shrimp platters keep tables crowded and hands busy. Every February, Oysterfest transforms the block into a shell-lover’s carnival. Inside, the vibe is unfussy beach bar meets city hangout, a reliable stop for locals and newcomers alike. With friendly service and generous portions, it’s easy to see why this icon endures. Bring friends; order extra bisque.
Fish Tales – Richmond Hill
Tucked along Kilkenny Marina, Fish Tales feels like slipping into a secret cove where time slows and plates overflow. Boats sway at the dock while baskets of fried shrimp, buttery crab legs, and grilled mahi parade from the kitchen. Portions are hearty; smiles come easy. House-made hush puppies crunch softly before giving way to sweet corniness. Sunsets paint the creek as families linger over key lime pie. Service stays upbeat even when the deck fills. It’s the kind of laid-back, waterfront spot that defines coastal Georgia—simple, fresh, and impossible to rush.
Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar – Marietta
Drift brings a modern coastal lens to the suburbs, where Chef Doug Turbush champions pristine sourcing and clean flavors. Chargrilled oysters hiss under herb butter, while seared scallops rest on silky purées. The raw bar rotates premium bivalves, and cocktails lean bright and inventive. Despite the polish—sleek wood, open kitchen, buzzing bar—hospitality stays warm and unpretentious. Seasonal sides and market fish keep regulars curious. It’s date-night worthy yet weeknight welcoming, proving suburban dining can be both elevated and easygoing.
Skippers’ Fish Camp – Darien
Skippers’ Fish Camp rests on the Darien River, where shrimping heritage flavors every bite. Outdoor decks overlook marsh grass and passing boats, a postcard for unhurried evenings. Crab-stuffed flounder is a house hero, as are shrimp platters that taste like they leapt from the net. Inside, knotty wood and nautical touches anchor small-town charm. Live music drifts across the dock on select nights. Staff treat strangers like neighbors, and sunsets do the rest. It’s a breezy, soulful slice of coastal Georgia you’ll crave again.
The Shrimp Basket – Valdosta
In Valdosta, The Shrimp Basket delivers Gulf Coast comfort with budget-friendly swagger. Crispy fried shrimp, buttery crab claws, and blackened catfish anchor a menu built for families and road-trippers. All-you-can-eat specials lure regulars, while po’boys and seafood pasta round things out. The vibe is cheerful and unfussy—bright booths, quick service, and ice-cold tea. Generous portions make sharing easy, though you may not want to. For travelers craving quality without white tablecloths, this stop nails it: fast, flavorful, and wallet-happy.
Iguanas Seafood Restaurant – St. Simons Island
Right on bustling Mallery Street, Iguanas channels classic island spirit with seafood cooked simply and served hot. Hand-battered shrimp—sourced nearby—crackle with each bite, sharing menu space with oysters, grouper, and a famously generous seafood platter. Service is quick, friendly, and tuned to family traditions. Kids light up at the complimentary soft-serve ice cream, a sweet local ritual. Inside, it’s lively and casual; outside, beach breezes drift past. For no-fuss flavor and dependable fun, Iguanas is a St. Simons standby that feels like vacation every time.
