Best Seafood Restaurants in Kansas City
Kansas City’s best seafood restaurants offer a variety of fresh catches, from oysters to shrimp, delivering delicious coastal flavors in the heartland.
Despite being landlocked in the heart of the Midwest, Kansas City boasts an impressive array of seafood restaurants offering everything from fresh oysters to premium lobster. This comprehensive guide explores the best seafood dining experiences across the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The best seafood restaurants in Kansas City serve fresh, flavorful dishes, while Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic ensures you stay active and enjoy every bite.
Top-Rated Seafood Restaurants
Bristol Seafood Grill
Location: 51 E 14th St, Kansas City, MO 64106
- Signature dishes: Fresh oysters, lobster bisque, cedar plank salmon
- Price range: $$$
- Atmosphere: Upscale dining with modern decor
- Highlights:
- Daily fresh fish selections
- Award-winning wine list
- Happy hour specials
- Private dining rooms available
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Location: 4814 Roanoke Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112
- Signature dishes: Raw bar selections, chargrilled oysters, seafood boil
- Price range: $$$
- Atmosphere: Casual yet sophisticated
- Highlights:
- Sustainable seafood program
- Monthly special events
- Extensive craft cocktail menu
- Seasonal menu changes
Pearl Tavern
Location: 1672 NW Chipman Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
- Signature dishes: Fish and chips, lobster roll, seafood pasta
- Price range: $$
- Atmosphere: Modern casual
- Highlights:
- Fresh daily catches
- Weekend brunch
- Outdoor seating
- Full bar service
Local Favorites
Jarocho South
Location: 13145 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145
- Specialties: Mexican-style seafood
- Signature dishes: Whole grilled fish, octopus tacos, seafood soup
- Price range: $$
- Atmosphere: Casual family dining
Capital Grille
Location: 4740 Jefferson St, Kansas City, MO 64112
- Specialties: Premium seafood and steaks
- Signature dishes: Seared salmon, lobster mac and cheese
- Price range: $$$$
- Atmosphere: High-end dining
Best Value Seafood Spots
Joe’s Crab Shack
Location: 8595 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Casual family dining
- Popular items: Steam pots, crab buckets
- Special offers: Weekly promotions and seasonal specials
Red Lobster
Location: Multiple locations across KC metro
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Consistent casual dining
- Popular items: Endless shrimp, cheddar bay biscuits
- Special offers: Daily specials and seasonal promotions
Specialty Seafood Experiences
Raw Bar Options
- Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
- Fresh oyster selection
- Rotating seasonal varieties
- Happy hour specials
- Bristol Seafood Grill
- Premium raw bar
- Seafood towers
- Seasonal selections
Fusion Seafood
- Bob Wasabi Kitchen
- Japanese-style seafood
- Fresh sushi and sashimi
- Intimate dining experience
- Le Fou Frog
- French-inspired seafood
- Romantic atmosphere
- Extensive wine list
Seasonal Specialties
Summer Favorites
- Patio dining at Pearl Tavern
- Seafood boils at Jax Fish House
- Fresh catch specials at Bristol
Winter Comfort
- Lobster bisque
- Seafood chowders
- Hearty fish stews
Sustainability and Sourcing
Many Kansas City seafood restaurants prioritize sustainable sourcing:
- Partnership with sustainable fisheries
- Seasonal menu adaptations
- Focus on environmentally responsible practices
- Support for local suppliers when possible
Price Guide
- $ = Under $15 per entrée
- $$ = $15-30 per entrée
- $$$ = $31-50 per entrée
- $$$$ = Over $50 per entrée
Tips for Seafood Dining in KC
Best Days to Visit
- Tuesday: Fresh deliveries at most restaurants
- Wednesday-Thursday: Ideal for quieter dining
- Friday-Saturday: Busy hours, reservations recommended
- Sunday: Brunch specials at select locations
Special Considerations
- Happy hour timing
- Seasonal menu changes
- Reservation requirements
- Parking availability
- Dress codes
Best Times for Specific Items
Oysters
- Happy hour specials
- First of the week for freshest selection
- During R months (September-April)
Fresh Fish
- Early week after deliveries
- Daily specials
- Seasonal catches
External References and Resources
- Kansas City Health Department Restaurant Ratings: kcmo.gov/health
- Seafood Watch Program: seafoodwatch.org
- Kansas City Restaurant Week: kcrestaurantweek.com
- Visit KC Dining Guide: visitkc.com/dining
- Local Food Critics’ Reviews: kansascity.com/entertainment/restaurants
Special Events and Promotions
Annual Events
- Kansas City Restaurant Week (January)
- Lenten fish fry events
- Seasonal seafood festivals
- Holiday special menus
Regular Promotions
- Monday night oyster specials
- Weekly chef’s selections
- Happy hour deals
- Early bird specials
Making Reservations
Popular Booking Methods
- OpenTable
- Direct phone calls
- Restaurant websites
- Mobile apps
Tips for Peak Times
- Book at least one week ahead for weekend dining
- Consider early or late dining times
- Join restaurant loyalty programs
- Follow social media for last-minute cancellations
Remember that seafood quality and availability can vary seasonally. It’s always recommended to check current menus and specials before visiting, as many restaurants update their offerings based on fresh catches and seasonal availability.
FAQs
Which Kansas City seafood restaurant is best for special occasions?
Bristol Seafood Grill and Capital Grille are top choices for special occasions, offering premium seafood and excellent service in an upscale atmosphere.
Where can I find the freshest oysters in Kansas City?
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar and Bristol Seafood Grill receive fresh oyster deliveries daily and maintain the highest quality standards.
What’s the best value seafood restaurant in KC?
Pearl Tavern offers excellent quality at moderate prices, while Joe’s Crab Shack provides good value for casual dining.
Do any Kansas City seafood restaurants offer gluten-free options?
Most upscale seafood restaurants, including Bristol and Jax Fish House, offer extensive gluten-free menus and can accommodate dietary restrictions.
Which restaurants offer good happy hour seafood specials?
Jax Fish House, Bristol Seafood Grill, and Pearl Tavern all offer popular happy hour specials on both food and drinks.
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