By Mary Catherine Hickman And Lily Allen By Mary Catherine Hickman And Lily Allen | May 22, 2024 | Guides,
From the freshest conch fritters to the most prestigious shipment of New England oysters, Atlanta's seafood selection is not too shabby, and JEZ knows the haunts where you can enjoy your half-off happy hour half-shell.
You might get lucky with Oysters Bienville as Marcel’s “catch of the moment” PHOTO BY ANDREW THOMAS LEE
Breezy and coastal dining at The Big Ketch PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTHERN PROPER HOSPITALITY GROUP
THE OPTIMIST
@theoptimistatl
Living up to its name, The Optimist is a sure spot to revel in seafood goodness. Offering a menu that encompasses the best the sea has to offer, your palette awaits a coastal odyssey. The old ham-aging house turned restaurant boasts three menus consisting of oysters prepared a slew of ways, a wine list that pairs perfectly with the catch of the day, and desserts that reel in the applause! 914 Howell Mill Road
You can never go wrong with a lobster roll with aioli at Beetlecat. PHOTO BY ANDREW THOMAS LEE
ATLANTA FISH MARKET
@atlantafishmarket
From coast to coast, the Atlanta Fish Market brings a slice of the sea to the dock. Promising seafood that has been caught in the last thirty-six hours, escape the high tide of reality with dishes made to taste. Just as their distinctive catfish sculpture outside catches the eye, their menu filled with the highest quality stock is equally alluring. 265 Pharr Road NE
SIX FEET UNDER PUB & FISH HOUSE
@sixfeetunderatl
For a restaurant sharing a street with a cemetery, the Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House is the antithesis of its neighbor. The lively atmosphere pairs perfectly with its gem of a cocktail menu and abundance of seafood baskets. Transcending its tavern-esque appearance, Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House will have the most discerning seafood critics left wanting more. Multiple locations
C&S SEAFOOD AND OYSTER BAR
@candsoysterbar
C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar is dedicated to both quality food and an inviting atmosphere, proving you can do both. Corporate executive chef Tony Manns Jr. offers up a menu that encompasses coastal virtue with an Atlantan flair. La pièce de résistance? – the eleven types of market fish prepared grilled, boiled, or blackened. Multiple locations
ARNETTE’S CHOP SHOP
@arnetteschopshop
Arnette’s Chop Shop extends a dining experience unlike any other.Putting their own panache on the classic American steakhouse, you be surprised if we told you to order the oysters. With two distinct levels, the milieu is just as elegant as the menu. Executive chef Stephen Herman consciously concocts American delicacies with Southern influences by employing a farm-to-table ethos. 2700 Apple Valley Road NE
BEETLECAT
@beetlecatatl
Craving an authentic butter-poached lobster roll? Beetlecat is the place to go. Their round bun juicy Lobster roll is a behemoth of flavor, just as good, if not better, than those from New England. In the mood for something else? Beetle Cat offers a wide variety of seafood and some Korean and Mexican-inspired dishes. 299 North Highland Ave. NE
THE BIG KETCH
@thebigketch_buckhead
The Big Ketch brings the southern coast to your plate with fresh seafood and signature dishes, complemented by live music, handcrafted cocktails, and a welcoming outdoor patio. It’s the perfect spot in Atlanta to relax and dine without leaving town. 3279 Roswell Road NE
The Big Ketch will be fixing up transportive cocktails all summer long—we recommend their twist on the piña colada PHOTO: BY ANDREW THOMAS LEE
CHOPS & LOBSTER BAR
@chopslobsterbar
For decades, Chops Lobster Bar has guaranteed to put a smile on patrons’ faces. Their trustworthy menu has an unwavering hold on the Atlanta community and occupies one of the top spots for grabbing the city’s best fare. From the retro Atlanta vibes to premium quality cuisine, Chops quite literally never fails to satiate your for surf or turf. As one of the top steakhouses in the country, Chops champions unparalleled service and delectable food. THIS is the quintessential ATL resto. 70 W. Paces Ferry Road
ALICI OYSTER BAR
@alicioysterbar
Enjoy your favorite Mediterranean seafood flavors without even leaving Atlanta. Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, their interiors are bright with a coastal Italian flair. Not only are their pasta dishes to-die-for, but their seafood and oyster bar take the cake for some of the very best in the area. Sit at the bar to get in on the shucking action, or stop in from 4-6pm for their Oyster Happy Hour. 931 Monroe Drive NE
Salt and pepper squid paired with onion, pepper and jalapeño from Beetlecat. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SOUTHERN PROPER HOSPITALITY
MARCEL
With a chic, old-school vibe, this classic steakhouse presents the very best from land to sea. From the restaurateur group principal Ford Fry, also with familiar spots like Superica and The Optimist, it’s no surprise that Marcel’s offers some of Atlanta’s finest seafood. Named after boxer Marcel Cerdan of the 1930s, each dish delivers a knockout punch of crisp, mouthwatering flavors. Step through its heavy steel doors and be transported into a low-lit, swanky, speak-easy ambiance and delight in everything from shrimp cocktails and oysters to a rich risotto with lobster. 1170 Howell Mill Drive
Photography by: Southern Proper
Andrew Thomas Lee