We Ranked The 11 Best Seafood Restaurants Around Albany, New York And Here Are The Results

Albany has a reputation for serious business. Government offices, long meetings, and plenty of people in suits.

But dinner tells a much less formal story, especially when somebody brings out a seafood boil and everyone starts reaching across the table.

Albany, New York, has a seafood scene that makes the distance to the ocean feel surprisingly unimportant.

The difficult part was deciding what deserved the highest praise. A golden fish fry can be wonderful for completely different reasons than a buttery lobster roll.

Cajun seafood brings another level of flavor and a whole lot of napkins. Comparing them meant paying attention to what each kitchen does best instead of expecting every meal to follow the same rules.

The results reveal a side of the Capital Region that deserves far more attention at dinnertime.

11. Hooked Market & Kitchen – Latham

Fish lovers, meet your new happy place. Hooked Market & Kitchen works double duty as a seafood counter and a scratch kitchen. You can shop for dinner and eat lunch in the same visit, which feels like a clever life hack.

The deli case changes with the seasons. Expect gleaming fillets, local meats, and prepared foods that make weeknight cooking almost too easy. Swing by 1177 Troy-Schenectady Rd in Latham, NY 12110, and give yourself time to browse before ordering.

Now for the good stuff. The Seafood Paella arrives rich and saffron golden, loaded with tender treasures from the sea. Seared Scallops come with a caramelized crust and a buttery, sweet center that practically melts.

The Pan Seared Halibut is flaky and clean, while the Seared Swordfish offers a meatier, steak-like bite.

Craving comfort? The Fish and Chips crackle with every forkful. Lobster rolls come hot or cold, so you get to pick your team.

Poke Bowls and Fishbowls bring a fresh, bright option for lighter appetites.

Starters deserve attention too. Crab Cakes, Shucked Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail, and Fried Calamari make sharing feel generous. Our advice is simple.

Order one starter for the table and grab something from the case for tomorrow. Hooked earns the top spot because it reels you in twice, once at the table and again at home.

10. Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill – Green Island

River views and raw bars make a pretty dreamy pairing. Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill sits right on the Hudson in Green Island, and the scenery alone could charge admission. Thankfully, the food matches the view bite for bite.

Chef Jaime Ortiz runs the show here as part of his restaurant group. The menu leans Mediterranean and puts seafood front and center. You will find it at 10 Starbuck Dr Ste 108, Green Island, NY 12183, just a quick hop from Troy.

Start at the cold bar if you like to feel fancy. Oysters arrive briny and bright, and the Hamachi Crudo tastes silky and delicate. Going big?

Seafood towers stack lobster, shrimp, and smoked clams into an edible skyscraper that turns heads across the room.

Warm plates bring plenty of personality. Moroccan Spiced Crab Cakes carry a fragrant, gently earthy warmth. Charred Spanish Octopus is tender with smoky edges, and the Phyllo Wrapped Jumbo Shrimp shatters with a satisfying crunch.

Sherry Glazed Sea Bass rounds things out with glossy, sweet depth.

The patio is the hottest seat in summer, so plan ahead and book early. Sustainable sourcing is a priority here too, which makes every bite feel a little better. Few places in New York let you watch the river roll by while eating this well.

9. Jack’s Oyster House – Albany

History buffs and oyster fans, gather around. Jack’s Oyster House opened its doors in 1913, which makes it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in New York State. That is more than a century of shucking, serving, and making guests feel special.

After a short break, Jack’s reopened in December 2025 under new owners, NeoVista Equities. Bigger renovations are planned through summer 2027, so the old classic is getting a careful polish. Find it downtown at 44 State St, Albany, NY 12207, just steps from the Capitol crowd.

The room feels like a time machine with better lighting. Checkered floors, rich dark wood, and vintage touches set an elegant mood. Even so, nobody will mind if you show up in a sweater instead of a suit.

Oysters on the half shell are the obvious move, and they taste crisp and cold like the ocean said hello. Louisiana fried oysters bring a golden crunch with a creamy middle. Pan roasted halibut offers a mild, buttery richness that feels quietly luxurious.

Prime steaks are on hand for anyone who wandered in by mistake.

Leaders, families, and visitors have filled these tables for generations. Book a table for a birthday or a big win. Jack’s proves that some pearls only get shinier with age.

8. Off Shore Pier Restaurant & Fish Market – Rensselaer

Cash in your pocket is your golden ticket here. Off Shore Pier Restaurant & Fish Market takes cash or checks only, though an ATM sits in the fish market next door. Trust us, your stomach will thank you for the extra errand.

Family owned flavor has been flowing since 1976. That means about fifty years of happy customers in Rensselaer. Head to 637 3rd Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144, and you will spot the nautical charm right away.

The restaurant closes Sundays and Mondays.

Fancy is not the goal, and that is the beauty of it. Tables are simple, the vibe is relaxed, and the portions are huge. Prices stay friendly too, which feels rare these days.

Classic dishes rule the menu. Fried or broiled options let you choose between crunch and something lighter. The fish fry is a local legend, and the haddock flakes into big, tender petals.

Scallops taste sweet and plump, while the crab cakes hold together with real heart.

Do not skip the clam chowder. It is creamy, cozy, and perfect on a chilly upstate New York evening. Grab a cup even in summer, because rules are made to be broken.

The attached fish market is the real bonus. Pick up fresh fillets on the way out and play chef at home. Off Shore Pier keeps things honest and hearty, which is exactly why it stays on our radar.

7. Yanni’s Too – Coeymans

Calamari this good deserves its own trophy shelf. Yanni’s Too has seen its famous calamari voted best in the Capital Region for 11 years in a row. That kind of streak would make any sports team jealous.

Diners have enjoyed this spot for more than 28 years. The Hudson River views are wide and calming, and outdoor seating makes sunny days even sweeter. Set your map to 16 Marina Dr, Coeymans, NY 12045, and get ready to unwind.

Back to that calamari, because choices matter. Original keeps things classic and crisp. Rhode Island style adds a peppery kick, Chipotle brings smoky heat, Buffalo goes tangy, and Mediterranean feels bright and herby.

Ordering two styles to compare is a smart, tasty experiment.

Plenty more swims across the menu. Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes are tender and well seasoned. Bang Bang Shrimp offers a creamy, spicy punch.

The Sea Captains Combo piles fried white fish, sea scallops, shrimp, and clam strips into one glorious basket.

Their award winning Fish N Chips earns its reputation with a light, crackly coat. The Grown Up Mac and Cheese, packed with lobster and shrimp, is pure indulgence. Come for the calamari, stay for the sunset, and leave feeling like a local in Coeymans.

6. Anker’s Fish House – Schenectady

Sixty years of fried fish speaks louder than any billboard. Anker’s Fish House has been a Schenectady tradition for generations. Grandparents who ate here as kids now bring their grandkids along.

Nothing about the place tries too hard. It is informal, friendly, and focused on doing a few things really well. You will find it at 420 Altamont Ave, Schenectady, NY 12303, ready to feed your hungry crew.

The fish fry is the star of the show. The coating is crisp and golden, and the fish inside stays moist and mild. Shrimp arrive juicy with a satisfying snap.

The onion rings deserve a standing ovation, all sweet and crunchy in every ring.

Prefer something lighter? Broiled dinners offer a gentler path without losing flavor. Warm buttered lobster rolls bring a rich, toasty treat that feels like a small vacation.

Sides here taste like a hug from home. Baked beans come sweet and smoky, and the macaroni and cheese is creamy comfort in a cup. Mix and match to build your perfect plate.

Visit on a Friday if you love a lively crowd and a classic fish fry tradition. Anker’s reminds us that simple food, cooked with care, never goes out of style. Consider it a delicious slice of local history with extra tartar sauce.

5. Eddie F’s New England Seafood – Clifton Park

Craving Cape Cod but stuck in traffic on Route 9? Eddie F’s New England Seafood brings the coast to you. The menu tastes like a beach day without the sunburn.

Fresh, flavorful seafood made with lots of heart is the promise here. Find the restaurant at 1742 US-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065, with easy parking for big appetites. Portions run generous and prices stay fair.

Lobster rolls are the headliners, served hot with butter or cold with a creamy dressing. Whole belly clams deliver that briny, chewy richness true New England fans crave. Crispy calamari, scallops, and shrimp round out the fried lineup with plenty of crunch.

Indecisive eaters, this one is for you. The Captain’s Basket offers a grand tour of the fried favorites in one hearty pile. Classic New England clam chowder pairs perfectly on the side.

Tuesday is a smart day to visit. A $12 Fish Fry Meal makes your wallet very happy. Gluten free diners will love the impressive selection of fried options made just for them.

Salads, sandwiches, burgers, and rich mac and cheese keep non seafood fans covered. Eddie F’s feels like a coastal shack that took a wrong turn and landed in upstate New York. Lucky us.

4. The Boil Shack – Albany

Bibs on, sleeves up, and dignity optional. The Boil Shack serves Cajun style seafood boils that turn dinner into a joyful, messy party. It is known as the original boil restaurant in the Capital Region.

Getting there is simple. Head to 59 Wolf Rd, Albany, NY 12205, near the busy shopping strip. The festive decor makes you feel like you hopped a flight to the Bayou.

Building your boil is half the fun. Choose from crawfish, mussels, clams, crab claws, snow crab, shrimp, king crab legs, and lobster tails. Next, pick a seasoning, which runs from dry all the way to Explosion, where every sauce joins the fun.

Spice levels range from light to Punish Me. Be honest with yourself here, because the heat is no joke. Every bag comes with potatoes and corn, and you can add sausage or a boiled egg.

Not in a cracking mood? The cold seafood bar offers an easy option. Cajun Gumbo and Voodoo Shrimp make bold starters, while the Hot Maine Lobster Roll and Creole Seafood Pasta satisfy without the shell work.

Bring friends and plenty of napkins. The Boil Shack is loud, lively, and full of flavor. Shell yeah, it earns its place on this list.

3. Black & Blue Steak And Crab – Albany

Steak gets top billing, but the crab steals scenes. Black & blue Steak and Crab calls itself a New American steakhouse, yet its seafood menu deserves serious attention. Think elegant, but never stuffy.

The dining room feels polished and relaxed at once. Inventive decor gives the space a modern edge without trying too hard. Make your way to 1470 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203, and dress however feels good.

The Fish and Shellfish section offers fresh, sustainably harvested choices. Black grouper is firm and mild, while red snapper brings a delicate sweetness. Sea scallops sear up beautifully with a toasty crust, and the salmon stays rich and tender.

Love both worlds? Surf Your Turf lets you dress up a hand cut steak with grilled shrimp, sea scallops, or lump blue crab. It is basically a land and sea summit on one plate.

Lobster bucatini wraps chewy pasta around sweet lobster for pure comfort with class. King crab legs offer big, buttery bites that feel like a celebration. Save this spot for anniversaries, graduations, or any night that calls for a little sparkle.

Black & blue shows that a steakhouse in New York can also be a seafood star. Your inner crab fan will be anything but crabby.

2. Union Seafood – Albany

Southern spice and Asian flair walk into a restaurant. The result is Union Seafood, a spot that blends Cajun seafood with hibachi and bubble tea. It sounds wild, and it works beautifully.

The dining room is clean, quiet, and calm. That makes it a great choice for a low key night out. Head to 820 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206, right along one of the busiest roads in town.

Seafood boils are a big draw here. Snow crab arrives sweet and tender, mussels soak up every drop of sauce, and crawfish bring a zesty bite. Lobster tails and butterfly shrimp add even more ways to treat yourself.

Fried catfish is a sleeper hit. The cornmeal style crunch gives way to soft, mild fish inside. Wings and Cajun chicken tenders keep landlubbers happy and full.

Hibachi Combos and Cajun Fried Rice make Union a fun place for mixed groups. Everyone finds something to love, even picky eaters. A cold bubble tea helps tame the heat after a spicy boil.

Our tip is to order a boil to share and a hibachi plate for balance. Union Seafood proves that fusion food can be cozy and exciting at once. Few menus in New York cover this much ground so well.

1. Ted’s Fish Fry – Watervliet

Fish in a hot dog roll might sound odd to outsiders. Locals know better, and Ted’s Fish Fry has served this quirky classic for generations. The fillet hangs off both ends like it is stretching for a hug.

Watervliet is home to this beloved spot. Pull up to 447 3rd Ave, Watervliet, NY 12189, and expect a steady stream of loyal fans. The vibe is straightforward and friendly.

The famous fish is lightly breaded and fried until golden. It tucks into a soft steamed roll, then gets topped with your choice of signature sauce. Every bite balances crunch, fluff, and tang in a way that just clicks.

Seafood rolls go beyond fish. Clam and scallop rolls bring sweet, briny goodness. Fish tacos, fried oysters, fried shrimp, mini crab cakes, and fried calamari keep the menu lively.

Craving something special? Stuffed clams casino offer a savory, crumbly treat. Dinners come with French fries or onion rings plus homemade coleslaw, so nobody leaves hungry.

Chowder fans get options too. New England style is creamy and mellow, while Manhattan style is tomato bright and zippy. Try both and pick a side in the great chowder debate.

Ted’s wraps up our list as proof that the Capital Region of New York does fried fish with real flair.