The North Coast is renowned for its seafood. From Lake Erie perch to our unbeatable walleye, it’s no accident that Cleveland is considered a great city for seafood lovers to experience their favorite dishes. These 10 restaurants have long been serving up some of the best seafood in the Forest City.
1. Pier W (12700 Lake Ave, Lakewood)
Perhaps the most remote restaurant on this list, Pier W's incredible surroundings high above Lake Erie make for one of the city's best views, and the seafood certainly enhances the experience with its delicious freshness.
2. The Burnham Restaurant (100 Lakeside Ave E)
The Burnham offers truly fantastic seafood classics in a sleek, New American atmosphere, making for a unique and enjoyable seafood dining experience that's one of Cleveland's very best.
3. Shark's Seafood and Deli (3826 Lee Rd)
There's nothing fancy about the piping hot fried goodies that fill every Styrofoam container at Shark's, but that's part of what makes it so good. The delicious morsels might not be healthy after they've been battered and fried, but sometimes even the best 5-star restaurant's carefully-prepared seafood dish can't satisfy quite like a basket of sweet and savory fried scallops.
4. Mallorca (1390 W 9th St)
Mallorca serves up seafood with a South American flair, incorporating Latin spice into classic American dishes. The heat is a welcome change from the rest of Cleveland's seafood spots, and makes for a unique eating experience you're not likely to find anywhere else.
5. Don's Lighthouse (8905 Lake Ave)
The nautical theme of this revered Cleveland eatery puts you in the perfect mood for some of the best seafood in the city. A local favorite for many years, one bite of the house special lobster tail will make it easy to see why.
6. Blue Point Grille (700 W St Clair Ave)
The Blue Point Grille is one of Cleveland's best high-end restaurants, and that commitment to quality is very much present in their seafood menu. Even old favorites like fish and chips are dished out with a gourmet flourish and tasty deviations from the expected.
7. Rusty Anchor (1148 Main Ave)
As if the Rusty Anchor's fantastic seafood menu and amazing weekend brunches weren't enough to draw you in, their outdoor patio offers one of the most stunning views of the Cleveland riverfront found anywhere in the city.
8. The Nauti Mermaid (1378 W 6th St)
There's nothing "nauti" about the Mermaid's fantastic seafood offerings. From succulent oysters fresh from the half shell to baked tilapia and everything in between, this downtown spot has everything a seafood lover craves.
9. Omar's Seafood and Grill (12520 St. Clair Ave)
Omar's colorful exterior and lively atmosphere make their traditional no-frills batter-fried seafood favorites even better. Affordable prices, sizable portions and unbeatable service make it an easy choice for a fast - if not fancy - seafood dining experience.
10. Alley Cat Oyster Bar (1056 Old River Rd)
What better place to enjoy a succulent seafood meal than right on the waterfront? This lakeside eatery is the perfect setting to chow down on fresh seafood classics in appropriately aquatic style.
Are there any other great seafood restaurants we overlooked? Tell us about them in the comments.
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