Columbus might be landlocked, but don’t tell that to the chefs who’ve turned this city into a seafood destination. They’re hauling in catches from both coasts, serving oysters that taste like ocean brine, and frying fish so fresh you’d swear Lake Erie was just down the road. Here’s where to find the plates that make Midwesterners forget we’re hundreds of miles from any coastline.
Lee’s Seafood Boil-Columbus
$$ | (614) 592-1888 | WEBSITE
Lee’s Seafood Boil serves up generous, messy seafood boils in portions that could feed a crew—or at least a hungry family. The combos, like the snow crab and crawfish boil, loaded with a juicy, spicy Cajun seasoning, plump shrimp, and the all juice sauce with medium spice, are stellar, but it’s really all about the seafood boils here. The classic pairs a hefty snow crab with that mouthwatering sauce, while other options have crawfish and shrimp by the pound.
The sides are tasty but add up quickly—we like the corn and potatoes, though the sausage can be overcooked. Eat in the casual, bustling space (the waiters are attentive and polite) or take your order to-go and dig in shamelessly (and messily) at home.
Windward Passage
$$ | (614) 451-2497 | WEBSITE
This cozy seafood spot tucked inside a shopping mall serves fresh catches from the waters, in addition to prime rib, crabcakes, and fun appetizers like devils on horseback. The best way to experience the breadth and depth of their offerings is to order the fresh caught fish special. This requires arriving early during peak hours to secure a table in the quaint, sea craft-inspired dining room, and doubles as a calming break from the bustling mall crowds.
But if you’re just looking to switch up your casual dining routine, you can still stop by and order the fried walleye, or perhaps the oysters Rockefeller with a side of orange roughy. Stop by is the key word here—it’s tough to find a table without a wait, and you might have to navigate the family-friendly crowds to get one.
Kai’s Crab Boil
$$$ | (614) 869-0652 | WEBSITE
Since this is Columbus and you’re not exactly on the coast, you don’t have to travel far to get your seafood fix. Case in point: Kai’s Crab Boil, a casual spot tucked away in the city that’s perfect for a messy, satisfying dinner. But what to choose? The perfectly seasoned crab boil bag with corn and potatoes, or the Cajun-style shrimp with that same addictive spice blend?
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you’re here, get the signature crab Cajun boil bag: the crab is cooked just right and tossed with a buttery, flavorful sauce that you can customize to your preferred heat level, allowing the sweet, tender meat to shine. It’s the standout dish that pairs well with a cold local craft lager, or even a simple iced tea. After ordering, settle into your booth, tie on the provided lobster bib, and dig into that steaming bag right at your table.
J. Alexander’s Restaurant
$$$ | (614) 847-1166 | WEBSITE
J. Alexander’s Restaurant occupies a space that feels both timeless and welcoming, with a vibe that invites you to settle in. You can just as easily dig into a chicken finger platter with a casual beer, or hold a delicate glass of their excellent wine and use a fork and knife to savor the prime rib. In short, J.
Alexander’s offers a little bit of everything (including standout dishes like the Hawaiian ribeye and chicken Caesar salad), all in a warm, polished environment—very classic, but in the best, most comforting way. Come for a date if you’re looking to commit to more than just a quick bite, or for a relaxed sit-down dinner with consistently great food. Oh, and the service is exceptional, with attentive and thoughtful staff, including a very nice hostess, so you know you’re in good hands.
The mad Greek
$ | (614) 338-0000 | WEBSITE
Head to this cozy spot when you’re looking for a quick gyro for lunch or something to bring to nearby family gatherings. The light, crispy-but-chewy calamari appetizer is worth the mess, and all the main dish options are great, though we’re partial to the flavorful Pastitsio. Specials like lemon sole pop up here and there, so keep an eye on the chef’s Instagram.
South Village Grille
$$ | (614) 826-0491 | WEBSITE
This German Village institution is renowned for its beignets, which makes sense, since the team ensures a comfortable atmosphere for guests who love the music and cozy setting. It also happens to be one of Columbus’s best seafood spots, which for us, is reason enough to have a meal here.
Unsurprisingly, the locals know what they’re talking about: while any dish on the menu is a good choice, go with the pork belly benny that’s expertly seasoned, slightly decadent, and also comes with perfectly cooked eggs. Sip a mimosa during brunch, and try not to get any hollandaise on the rustic wooden tables.
Hank’s Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar
$$$ | (614) 992-5447 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a spot to impress your out-of-town friends who think Columbus is just cornfields, Hank’s Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar is where you take them to prove otherwise. It’s nestled in the city with a beautiful ambiance and valet service that makes everything feel effortless. The staff is generally attentive and happy to guide you through the menu, whether you’re debating between the Seafood A La Wando or the Rare Seared Blackened Tuna.
Grab a seat at the raw bar if you’re flying solo, or settle into a cozy booth with friends and order a round of Low Country Juleps or Sunset Ridge cocktails—they’ve got that perfect balance of flavors. Don’t skip the crab cakes or the oyster stew, both of which are amazing. While service can sometimes be inconsistent, the overall experience is enjoyable, especially during happy hour.
It’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to, whether for a special night out or just a great meal with good company.
Nikko Hibachi Japanese Steak & Seafood
$ | (614) 372-5187 | WEBSITE
Bring a friend to Nikko Hibachi Japanese Steak & Seafood, and they’ll thank you for introducing them to the hibachi chicken. Bring your coworkers here for lunch, and they might start suggesting it every week. Bring anyone here, really, and you’ll earn their gratitude, satisfaction, loyalty, and all of the above. Everything on the menu is impressive, with moist and well-seasoned steak, generous egg yolk portions, and tasty yum yum sauce.
Settle into the well-lit interior despite the sketchy parking lot, enjoy your food, and watch the regulars picking up their to-go orders.
The Boat House
$$ | (614) 469-0000 | WEBSITE
The Boat House has been a Columbus staple for years. Spacious and designed for gatherings, it’s the kind of restaurant where management always makes you feel welcome. If the weather’s nice, grab a patio seat and order a Ghosted Cocktail and the White Truffle Wild Mushroom Flatbread to start. Then go all-in with the Seafood Tower, which offers a briny and luxurious selection, or the rich Lobster and Shrimp Linguini.
Then, lean back in your chair and lazily fork some cheesecake into your mouth between sips of your drink—we call that perfection.
Seafood Shake Boil – Easton
$$$ | (614) 532-0058 | WEBSITE
If Seafood Shake Boil – Easton could be summed up in two words, it would be messy and generous—and we mean this in the best way possible. A colorful mural of sea creatures watches over the dining room, while upbeat music plays in the background. At the heart of it all is the boil station, a bustling hub of steaming pots, shellfish, and crustaceans. The Beginner meal is a must-order with plump clams, tender mussels, sweet shrimp and crayfish all swimming in that addictive Cajun mixture.
There’s also a lot of buzz around their smoked Lobster Alfredo linguini, which you can pair with a frozen strawberry lemonade if you’re feeling indulgent.
Red Lobster
$$ | (614) 433-7175 | WEBSITE
Red Lobster has been a staple in the Columbus seafood scene for years. And while it’s not a trendy destination, families and friends have been gathering here for reliable meals since it first opened. The menu stays consistent (you can always count on classics like the lobster shrimp or salmon dinner), but we’ve consistently enjoyed the shrimp and crabs—simple, but delicious.
With a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a solid, comfortable option when you’re looking for a straightforward seafood meal.
Bonefish Grill
$$ | (614) 436-0286 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving seafood in Columbus but don’t want to hunt through all seventeen spots on that list (though, let’s be honest, you could probably manage it), head to Bonefish Grill. This restaurant delivers consistently delicious food with attentive, friendly service that makes you feel genuinely cared for.
Sure, a chain seafood place might whisper “reliable dinner option,” but there’s still enough welcoming atmosphere and special-occasion warmth to make it perfect for a memorable Christmas Eve meal or a relaxed weekend dinner. Your experience includes servers like Ashleigh and Kennedy who know the menu inside out, perfectly cooked dishes like those amazing pork chops (even if you’re not usually a fan), and a recently upgraded drink menu with diverse options for everyone.
If you’re here on an ordinary Tuesday feeling the winter blues, order one of their signature seafood entrees, close your eyes, and maybe you’ll taste that fresh-caught perfection and hear the satisfied murmurs of happy diners around you.
Shrimp Lips Seafood
$$ | (614) 230-2554 | WEBSITE
Shrimp Lips Seafood is a certified destination. Not only with the seafood enthusiasts, but also with locals who choose their fish and shrimp combo over chain restaurants—which says a lot in Columbus. This grab-and-go spot has standout dishes, like the Cajun shrimp pasta or lobster fries that’s like if comfort food met coastal flavors. Beyond the seafood, go for the red beans and rice, which tastes just like home.
While you can’t sit inside the Columbus location, it’s a perfect stop for takeout—spring for the lobster Mac or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the gator bites.
SoCal Kitchen + Bar
$$$$ | (614) 300-9500 | WEBSITE
SoCal Kitchen + Bar serves one of our favorite seafood dishes in the city: the salmon. It’s got a perfectly seared fillet, a bright citrus glaze, and tender asparagus, all plated over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice. Pair it with a refreshing Rose and Day cocktail to lift the spirits as you navigate the lively, diverse crowd that fills the beautiful dining room (the restaurant is a popular destination for both visitors and locals).
Make sure to arrive early: the wait for a table can be upwards of thirty minutes, especially on Tuesdays when wine is half-priced.
Golden Fried Chicken and Fish
$ | (614) 999-8833 | WEBSITE
With a straightforward menu of Southern classics and a clean, welcoming interior, this spot on the local scene brings comfort food perfection every day. Come hungry and start your meal with a basket of those exceptional fries—crispy, golden, and perfectly salted. J.R. also runs a tight ship with a team that respects him greatly, ensuring orders are ready in about 10 minutes and served steaming hot.
Foodwise, there’s a focus on quality, but the true Southern-style fried catfish is the standout dish worth saving appetite for. Even if you don’t want a full dinner, though, you can still come here for a quick, satisfying bite. Get the Golden Combo to sample the flavors or just the catfish dinner, paired with that friendly, helpful service everyone raves about.
Eddie Merlot’s
$$$$ | (614) 433-7307 | WEBSITE
This Columbus steakhouse isn’t as loud and bustling as somewhere in Chicago or New York, but Eddie Merlot’s still does the fine dining tradition justice. You won’t need to order much more than the Wagyu ribeye steak with lobster tails and a few other classic sides to feel satisfied. And the beautiful, elegant interior is a great place to celebrate a special occasion with a glass of wine, or simply enjoy the impeccable service from attentive staff like Keri.
Peppers Wings & fish
$ | (614) 859-7486 | WEBSITE
This corner seafood spot is a straightforward place to grab a plate of wings and watch the world go by. The menu is a straightforward mix of fried classics and comfort food. You can go for all-American crispy fish with, as the menu suggests, “good seasoning” or stick to basics with chicken wings and golden fries. But even if you order the fish, get a side of cheesecake—this rich, creamy dessert is worth saving room for.
Every day, the restaurant serves up consistent value with fried favorites, simple sides, and reasonable prices we’re seeing everywhere.