The Seafood Platters At These 10 Tennessee Spots Are Good Enough To Build A Trip Around

Seafood in a landlocked state? It sounds impossible, but Tennessee proves otherwise every single day.

Crab cakes, oysters, and towering shrimp platters look like they washed in from the coast. Kitchens smoke fish over applewood, fry it golden, or pile it high onto crowded tables.

Riverside decks, converted warehouses, and neon-lit rooms each add their own personality. Tennessee stretches from mountain towns to river cities, and seafood turns up delicious in every corner.

One kitchen carves sushi beside a raw bar. Another bakes crab into a Southern classic, and a market lets you cook your catch at home.

Ten spots across the state prove great seafood does not need an ocean nearby. Pick a favorite corner, bring your appetite, and let the platters decide where your next Tennessee getaway leads.

1. Chesapeake’s Seafood Restaurant – Knoxville

Fresh seafood flown in daily sets the tone before you even sit down. Chesapeake’s in West Knoxville occupies a converted tire warehouse, and that industrial past still shows in the best way.

Blue lighting, nautical touches, and a buzzing raw bar greet guests the moment they walk in.

Maryland crab cakes are the signature move here, and they deliver every time. The broiled seafood platter combines cod, shrimp, scallops, and crab cakes into one satisfying spread.

Grilled oysters and seared Ahi tuna round out a menu that keeps things coastal without feeling forced.

The heated patio makes outdoor dining comfortable year-round, which is a rare and welcome bonus. Spacious banquet halls also make this a solid pick for group travel or celebrations.

The Maryland Seafood Salad, loaded with blue crab, shrimp, scallops, feta, and avocado ranch, is the kind of dish that makes people want to come back on the return trip.

This spot proves that landlocked cities can still serve serious ocean flavor. Address: 9630 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN.

2. The Seafood Place – Tullahoma

Wild-caught Gulf seafood in a small Tennessee city sounds unexpected, but The Seafood Place in Tullahoma makes it work beautifully. This family-owned spot sits in the heart of downtown, and its commitment to fresh, quality ingredients keeps locals and travelers coming back.

Jumbo lump crab cakes and shrimp-stuffed po’boys are crowd favorites that deserve serious attention. Shrimp and grits, Dungeness crab, and fried crab fingers bring Gulf Coast energy straight to Middle Tennessee.

The Lobster Bisque and Shrimp, Crab, Corn Chowder are the kind of starters that make it hard to pace yourself.

Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Creole, and a Seafood Macaroni and Cheese round out a menu that swings between comfort food and something more adventurous. The on-site seafood market adds a practical bonus for anyone wanting to cook at home.

Tullahoma sits near Tims Ford Lake, making this a smart stop for visitors exploring that scenic stretch of the state.

Southern hospitality and Gulf freshness collide here in a way that feels completely genuine. Address: 105 NW Atlantic St, Tullahoma, TN.

3. Riverfront Seafood Co – Kingsport

Perched above the South Fork of the Holston River, this Kingsport favorite earns its name in every possible way. The view alone makes the drive worthwhile, but the food gives you every reason to stay longer than planned.

River breezes, open-air seating, and a warm dining room create a setting that feels effortlessly relaxed.

Fish is hand-cut fresh every single day, and that commitment shows on the plate. Salmon, trout, sea bass, swordfish, grouper, and Gulf red fish all make regular appearances on the menu.

Signature preparations using apple and hickory wood smoking add a distinctly Southern twist to classic seafood.

Homemade salad dressings, soups, and desserts give the menu a from-scratch quality that chain restaurants simply cannot replicate. The spinach-and-cheese dip is a beloved starter, and fried gator bites bring a fun, adventurous option for the bold eater.

A walkway runs directly behind the restaurant along the river, making a post-meal stroll a natural extension of the experience.

From the back deck, guests can spot the “Long Island” of the Holston stretching out below. Address: 1777 Netherland Inn Rd, Kingsport, TN.

4. Harbor House Seafood And Steaks – Johnson City

Over three decades in the Johnson City dining scene is not an accident. The rustic wood beams and hanging fish throughout the space set a nautical tone that feels festive rather than kitschy.

Large shark and fish decorations fill the dining areas with personality, making this a fun stop for families and first-timers alike. Fried whitefish, salmon, and stuffed flounder represent the seafood highlights, each prepared with care and consistency.

Steaks cooked over an open grill bring a smoky, hearty counterpoint to the lighter fish dishes.

The atmosphere encourages a relaxed pace, the kind where you order more than you planned and do not feel rushed through the meal. Johnson City sits in the upper northeastern corner of Tennessee, making this spot a natural anchor for exploring the Tri-Cities region.

The combination of mountain surroundings and coastal-inspired food creates an experience that feels unique to this part of the state.

Expect straightforward, satisfying cooking without unnecessary fuss. Address: 2510 N Roan St, Johnson City, TN.

5. Half Shell – Memphis

Fresh Gulf oysters served for over five decades tell you everything you need to know about Half Shell’s staying power. This Memphis institution on South Mendenhall Road has been a neighborhood anchor since 1973, and the loyal following it has built speaks louder than any advertisement could.

Oysters prepared Bienville, Rockefeller, Southern fried, grilled, or raw on the half shell give guests a full spectrum of preparation styles to explore. The Half Shell Combo brings together fried shrimp, Southern-style crab cakes, and pan-blackened catfish in one deeply satisfying plate.

Mississippi Catfish Fillet, available char-grilled, fried, or Cajun pan-blackened, is a Memphis-proud menu staple.

Hawaiian Coconut Shrimp, Boston Stuffed Shrimp, and Lobster and Shrimp Bruschetta show that the kitchen is not afraid to range beyond the classics. Seafood gumbo remains a beloved constant that regulars keep returning for, season after season.

The dimly lit interior and secluded tables make this feel more like a neighborhood secret than a tourist destination.

That sense of belonging is exactly what makes Half Shell worth seeking out. Address: 688 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN.

6. Boathouse Rotisserie And Raw Bar – Chattanooga

Sitting on the banks of the Tennessee River with Signal and Lookout Mountains reflected in the water is the kind of backdrop that makes a meal feel like an event. The Boathouse in Chattanooga earns its place as one of the most scenically positioned restaurants in the entire state.

That 2,000-square-foot deck alone makes it a destination worth planning around.

One of the busiest oyster bars in the country operates right here, and the raw bar offerings live up to that reputation. Matagorda Bay fire-roasted oysters, fresh fish ceviche, and steamed mussels and clams deliver serious coastal flavor along the Tennessee River.

El Scorcho Seafood Stew, Po-Boy sandwiches loaded with shrimp, and Cajun U-Peel Shrimp bring bold, layered heat to the menu.

Wood-grilled salmon, wood-grilled squid, New Orleans BBQ shrimp, and cornmeal fried catfish round out a lineup that covers nearly every seafood craving imaginable. Enlarged vintage postcards on the walls and a neighborhood camaraderie in the air give the space real character.

The location sits just 1.5 miles from Chattanooga’s downtown hotel district, making it an easy and rewarding evening out.

Address: 1459 Riverside Dr, Chattanooga, TN.

7. Harpoon Harry’s Crab House – Pigeon Forge

What happens when Appalachian craftsmanship meets a crab shack aesthetic? You get Harpoon Harry’s in Pigeon Forge, a 26,000-square-foot seafood experience that somehow manages to feel both grand and genuinely warm.

Custom woodwork carved from local dark walnut, cherry, and red cedar lines the interior alongside reclaimed barn wood, giving the space a story worth reading.

Fireplace seating areas and expansive open-air dining sections offer different moods within the same building, accommodating solo travelers and large groups with equal ease. The Premium Alaskan King Crab Bucket and King Crab Boil are the headline acts, delivering oceanic indulgence deep in the Smoky Mountains.

Fish and Chips, Lobster Mac and Cheese, and steamer pots packed with seafood, sausage, and corn bring crowd-pleasing variety to the table.

A sushi bar offering rolls, sashimi, and nigiri adds a dimension that surprises most first-time visitors. The Spinach Crab and Artichoke Dip and Blackened Shrimp Cobb Salad round out the starter and lighter options.

Upstairs window seating and outdoor areas at sunset offer views of the Little Pigeon River crossing below, making the scenery as memorable as the food.

Address: 112 Community Center Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN.

8. Fishmonger – Nashville

Red neon glow, candles flickering on tables, and loud music playing in the background make Fishmonger feel more like discovering a secret than simply going out for dinner. This walk-in-only spot in Nashville’s Neuhoff District operates on its own terms, and that confidence is part of its appeal.

The industrial bones of the old meatpacking plant on the Cumberland River give the space a raw, clandestine energy.

Chef’s set oysters served with extra virgin olive oil, kiwi, citrus foam, and tarragon signal that this kitchen is operating at a genuinely creative level. The blackened grouper fish sandwich with pickled peppers and an herb salad has become something of a calling card, drawing repeat visits from people who know what they are after.

Various ceviches rotate through the menu, keeping things fresh and seasonally responsive.

Vibrant nautical decor, colorful artwork, and lush greenery soften the industrial edges and create a layered visual experience that rewards attention. Nashville’s food scene is competitive, but Fishmonger carves out a lane that few others occupy.

The Germantown neighborhood surrounding it adds walkability and a creative urban energy that enhances the overall outing.

Address: 1316 Adams St #112, Nashville, TN.

9. Harbor Cafe – Clarksville

Clarksville does not always make the top of Tennessee food travel lists, but Harbor Cafe is a compelling reason to reconsider. This family-owned restaurant operates with a genuine commitment to freshness, rotating its menu to reflect what is best and most available each season.

That flexibility keeps the experience feeling alive rather than static.

Grilled shrimp and asparagus, Caribbean coconut shrimp, and crispy butterfly shrimp cover the lighter end of the spectrum with real style. Snow crab legs, lobster tail with grilled shrimp, and a comprehensive seafood platter anchor the heavier, more celebratory end of the menu.

The shrimp combo, featuring grilled, fried, and scampi preparations together, gives indecisive eaters a satisfying solution.

Crispy calamari, steamed mussels, and Oysters Rockefeller round out a starter list that sets the tone for a memorable meal. Mahi Mahi Matina and grilled salmon bring variety for those who prefer their fish without a fried coating.

The upbeat, friendly environment makes this feel like the kind of place where locals celebrate milestones, and travelers are made to feel equally welcome.

Address: 2131 Lowes Dr, Clarksville, TN.

10. Bubba Gandy Seafood Cajun Market – Cookeville

Part restaurant, part seafood market, Bubba Gandy in Cookeville occupies a category all its own. Wild-caught Gulf seafood arrives fresh, and customers can choose to have it cooked on-site or take it home raw.

That flexibility reflects a genuine understanding of what seafood lovers actually want from a local market.

Alligator jalapeno eggs fried with Monterey Jack cheese and Cajun seasoning are the kind of opener that signals this kitchen is not playing it safe. Blackened catfish, royal red shrimp, scallops, and blackened walleye bring deep Cajun flavor to a landlocked Tennessee town.

Fried sea bass, steamed crab legs, and whole flounder platters round out a lineup that punches well above its weight for a mid-sized market town.

Po’boys featuring shrimp, oysters, or catfish deliver that New Orleans-style satisfaction without the drive to Louisiana. Shrimp Del Mar, a house-battered coconut shrimp creation, adds a tropical touch that feels unexpected and welcome.

Locally baked Laurel Mountain Bread served alongside the meals ties the experience back to the surrounding community in a small but meaningful way.

Address: 370 S Lowe Ave, Cookeville, TN.