13 Hidden Pennsylvania Seafood Restaurants Worth The Road Trip

Pennsylvania might not have ocean waves crashing on its shores, but that doesn’t stop it from serving up some seriously fantastic seafood. Tucked away in unexpected corners across the state are restaurants that fly in fresh catches daily and know exactly how to prepare them.

Craving buttery lobster rolls, plump oysters, or crispy fish tacos? These hidden gems are absolutely worth the drive.

1. Wholey’s Market Kitchen In Pittsburgh

Walk into Wholey’s and you’ll immediately smell the ocean—even though you’re hundreds of miles from the coast. This Strip District institution has been slinging fresh seafood since 1912, and their market kitchen serves up everything from Maryland crab cakes to New England clam chowder.

The best part? You can watch them prepare your meal right behind the counter. Their fish sandwiches are legendary, piled high with crispy fried cod and tangy tartar sauce. Don’t skip the lobster bisque either—it’s velvety smooth and loaded with chunks of real lobster meat.

2. Fet-Fisk In Pittsburgh

Scandinavian vibes meet Pennsylvania hospitality at this Bloomfield treasure that specializes in Nordic-style seafood preparations. Chef-owner Brian Pekarcik creates dishes that would make any Viking proud, featuring pickled herring, smoked salmon, and perfectly grilled Arctic char.

The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always count on impeccably fresh fish prepared with minimal fuss. Their house-cured gravlax is silky and delicate, served with rye crackers and dill cream. Pro tip: make reservations because this tiny spot fills up faster than a fishing boat at dawn.

3. Penn Avenue Fish Company In Pittsburgh

Right in the heart of the Strip District sits this no-nonsense seafood spot that takes its fish seriously. Penn Avenue Fish Company operates both as a market and restaurant, meaning everything on your plate was swimming recently.

Their raw bar showcases oysters from both coasts, shucked to order and served ice-cold. The lobster rolls are stuffed so full you’ll need extra napkins, and their fish tacos have a cult following among locals. Bonus points for their sustainable sourcing practices—they only serve seafood that’s responsibly caught or farmed.

4. Off The Hook In Warrendale

Located just north of Pittsburgh, this family-friendly spot proves that great seafood doesn’t require a fancy atmosphere. Off The Hook keeps things casual with checkered tablecloths and nautical decorations, but their food is anything but ordinary.

Their crab legs are meaty and sweet, served with drawn butter and lemon wedges. The coconut shrimp comes with a tangy pineapple dipping sauce that’ll transport you straight to the tropics. Kids love the fish and chips, while adults appreciate the generous portions and reasonable prices that won’t sink your wallet.

5. Youell’s Oyster House In Allentown

Since 1946, Youell’s has been serving up seafood classics in the heart of Allentown, making it older than your grandparents’ marriage. This old-school oyster house doesn’t mess with trends—they stick to what works.

Their oyster stew is creamy comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly Pennsylvania evenings. The fried shrimp platter comes with enough golden-brown beauties to feed a small army. Everything arrives hot and fresh, served by waitstaff who’ve probably been working here longer than you’ve been alive. Cash only, so hit the ATM first!

6. Henry’s Salt Of The Sea In Allentown

Henry’s brings a touch of coastal sophistication to Lehigh Valley with their upscale approach to seafood dining. The atmosphere feels refined without being stuffy, making it perfect for date nights or celebrating special occasions.

Their Chilean sea bass melts in your mouth like butter, glazed with a citrus reduction that brightens every bite. The seafood tower is an Instagram-worthy masterpiece piled with shrimp, crab, oysters, and clams on ice. The knowledgeable servers can guide you through the extensive menu without making you feel clueless.

7. 3rd & Ferry Fish Market In Easton

Easton’s waterfront gem combines a fish market with a laid-back restaurant where freshness is the name of the game. You can buy fish to cook at home or let their talented kitchen crew handle the hard work for you.

Their blackened mahi-mahi sandwich is a flavor bomb with just enough spice to make things interesting. The crab cake sandwich features jumbo lump crab with minimal filler—just the way it should be. Outdoor seating overlooks the Delaware River, providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying your meal while pretending you’re at the shore.

8. Kyma Seafood Grill In Stevens

Greek flavors meet Pennsylvania Dutch country at this Mediterranean-inspired seafood haven tucked in Lancaster County. Kyma means wave in Greek, and their dishes will make waves with your taste buds.

Whole grilled branzino arrives tableside with lemon, olive oil, and herbs that smell absolutely heavenly. Their octopus is tender rather than rubbery—a true test of any seafood restaurant’s skill. The Greek salad with jumbo shrimp makes a refreshing summer meal, while the seafood pasta in white sauce works year-round. Opa!

9. Mr. Bill’s Fat Crab Café In Lancaster

With a name like Fat Crab Café, you know this place doesn’t take itself too seriously—but they’re dead serious about their crabs. Mr. Bill’s serves up messy, delicious seafood boils that require bibs, mallets, and zero shame.

Their signature crab boils come loaded with snow crab legs, shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage, all swimming in spicy Cajun butter. Roll up your sleeves because eating here is a full-contact sport. The casual atmosphere encourages laughter, conversation, and getting butter all over your fingers while cracking shells.

10. Coastal Grille In Wyomissing

Coastal Grille brings beach vibes to Berks County with their breezy atmosphere and seriously good seafood menu. The décor features weathered wood and nautical touches that make you forget you’re landlocked.

Their lobster mac and cheese is pure indulgence—chunks of sweet lobster swimming in creamy, cheesy pasta perfection. The seared scallops arrive perfectly caramelized on the outside and tender inside. Happy hour specials make it easy to try multiple appetizers without breaking the bank. Their key lime pie provides the perfect tangy-sweet ending to your coastal escape.

11. The Original Clam Tavern In Clifton Heights

Delaware County locals have been flocking to this no-frills tavern since 1933 for one reason—their clams are absolutely killer. The Original Clam Tavern keeps things simple and does them right.

Their steamed clams come by the bucket, swimming in garlic butter that’s perfect for dunking crusty bread. The clam chowder is thick and creamy with plenty of clam pieces in every spoonful. Don’t expect fancy presentations or trendy preparations here—just honest, delicious seafood served in a neighborhood tavern where everybody knows your name after your second visit.

12. Smuggler’s Wharf In Erie

Perched right on Lake Erie, Smuggler’s Wharf offers the closest thing Pennsylvania has to true waterfront dining. The pirate-themed décor adds a playful touch, but the views of Presque Isle Bay are the real treasure.

Their perch sandwich features locally caught Lake Erie yellow perch, lightly breaded and fried golden. The crab-stuffed mushrooms make an excellent appetizer for sharing—or not sharing if you’re feeling selfish. Sunset dinners on the deck are magical, with boats bobbing in the marina and seagulls calling overhead. It’s basically a mini-vacation without leaving Pennsylvania.

13. Cooper’s Seafood House In Scranton

Tucked along Scranton’s waterfront, Cooper’s Seafood House has been a beloved family tradition since 1948, serving up hearty seafood feasts in a one-of-a-kind nautical setting complete with its famous lighthouse décor. The menu brims with coastal favorites—from buttery crab legs and fresh-shucked clams to creamy lobster bisque and fish and chips.

Their signature seafood platters are perfect for sharing, piled high with shrimp, scallops, and haddock. With its lively atmosphere, sprawling dining rooms, and generations-deep following, Cooper’s makes everyone feel like part of the crew—whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a reunion, or just a love of the sea.