Pennsylvania might be landlocked, but that doesn’t stop it from being home to some incredible seafood spots. From freshwater catches to ocean treasures brought in daily, these hidden gems serve up seafood that rivals coastal restaurants.
Skip the chains and predictable spots – these seven underrated eateries across the Keystone State offer seafood experiences worth traveling for.
1. Paddy’s Seafood in Dallastown
Family-owned Paddy’s Seafood has been Dallastown’s best-kept secret for over 15 years. The unassuming exterior hides a cozy dining space where seafood reigns supreme. Their Maryland-style crab cakes – packed with lump crab meat and minimal filler – have locals lining up on weekends.
The seafood bisque, simmered for hours with a splash of sherry, delivers rich flavors that warm you from the inside out. What makes Paddy’s special is their commitment to freshness. The menu changes based on what’s available that day, ensuring everything from their buttery scallops to their perfectly fried haddock is at peak quality.
2. Beck’s Land & Sea House in Nazareth
Tucked away in the quiet town of Nazareth, Beck’s Land & Sea House surprises visitors with seafood that tastes like it was caught moments ago. The rustic stone building houses a warm, timber-framed dining room where locals celebrate special occasions.
Chef-owner Randy Beck transforms seasonal catches into memorable meals. The lobster mac and cheese elevates comfort food to gourmet status, while the blackened mahi-mahi with mango salsa balances heat and sweetness perfectly.
Regulars rave about the seafood tower – a magnificent display of oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab legs that showcases the kitchen’s dedication to quality over flash.
3. Under the Pier in Levittown
Stepping into Under the Pier feels like discovering a coastal escape in suburban Levittown. Nautical decor and fishing nets hang from the ceiling, creating an atmosphere that transports you straight to the shore.
The menu’s star is their famous lobster roll – generous chunks of sweet meat lightly dressed with mayo and lemon, stuffed into a buttery toasted roll. Their New England clam chowder strikes the perfect balance between creamy and brothy, loaded with tender clams.
Owner Maria Santiago sources seafood from trusted suppliers she’s worked with for decades. Her commitment shows in every bite, especially in the surprisingly affordable seafood boil that arrives steaming in a bag.
4. Dean’s Chicken & Seafood in Doylestown
Don’t let the humble strip mall location fool you – Dean’s Chicken & Seafood in Doylestown serves some of the freshest seafood in Bucks County. The no-frills dining room keeps the focus where it belongs: on the exceptional food.
Locals swear by the garlic shrimp – plump and perfectly cooked, swimming in a buttery sauce that demands bread for sopping. The fish and chips feature haddock in a light, crispy batter that shatters at first bite, revealing flaky white fish inside.
Chef-owner Dean Williams started as a fishmonger before opening his restaurant, giving him an edge in selecting the finest catches. His seafood stew, loaded with mussels, clams, and fish in a tomato-saffron broth, has become legendary.
5. The Original Spence Cafe in West Chester
History and seafood excellence combine at The Original Spence Cafe, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building in downtown West Chester. Soft lighting and exposed brick create an intimate atmosphere perfect for savoring exceptional seafood.
Chef Andrew Patten’s skillful touch transforms fresh catches into sophisticated dishes without pretension. The pan-seared scallops with champagne beurre blanc showcase his classical training, while the seafood risotto bursts with ocean flavors in each creamy bite. A hidden gem on the menu: the grilled octopus appetizer. Tender, charred tentacles rest atop a vibrant chickpea salad – a Mediterranean-inspired dish that regular patrons order without even glancing at the menu.
6. Fet‑Fisk in Pittsburgh
Fet‑Fisk brings Nordic seafood traditions to Pittsburgh’s food scene with creative flair. This small, minimalist space with blonde wood tables and blue accents offers a rotating menu that changes weekly based on availability.
Chef Nik Forsberg’s Scandinavian heritage shines through in dishes like house-cured gravlax with mustard sauce and dill. The smoked whitefish spread on house-made knäckebröd (crisp bread) offers a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and crunchy textures.
Unlike typical seafood restaurants, Fet‑Fisk embraces preservation techniques – pickling, smoking, and fermenting – that transform even humble fish into memorable bites. Their herring three ways plate introduces many Pittsburghers to flavors they never knew they’d love.
7. Jules @ Market in Bristol
Housed in Bristol’s historic market building, Jules @ Market combines the freshness of a fish market with the expertise of a fine dining kitchen. The open concept space allows diners to watch chefs work their magic while enjoying views of the Delaware River.
Owner Jules Soto brings Caribbean influences to Pennsylvania seafood. The jerk-spiced grilled mahi-mahi delivers unexpected heat, cooled by a pineapple-mango salsa. Their signature seafood gumbo blends Creole traditions with local ingredients, resulting in a soul-warming bowl that’s especially popular during winter months.
Weekend brunch introduces creative seafood twists on morning classics – crab cake benedict and smoked salmon hash have become legendary among Bucks County food enthusiasts.
Leave a comment