Georgia’s coastline offers some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. From Tybee Island to Brunswick, local chefs transform the day’s catch into mouthwatering dishes that keep visitors and locals coming back for more. These waterfront eateries combine Southern hospitality with coastal flavors, creating unforgettable dining experiences that showcase the best of what the Atlantic has to offer.
1. The Crab Shack, Tybee Island
Known affectionately as ‘Where the Elite Eat in Their Bare Feet,’ this Tybee Island landmark delivers an authentic coastal experience. The open-air dining area sits among towering trees draped with twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Their seafood platters overflow with local catches including deviled crab, low country boil, and their famous Captain Crab’s Sampler. Kids love feeding the baby alligators in the lagoon while parents enjoy cold beverages.
The restaurant’s weathered docks and rustic charm make it feel like you’ve discovered a secret fishing camp rather than one of Georgia’s most beloved seafood spots.
2. Savannah Seafood Shack, Savannah
Modern yet casual, this family-owned spot brings seafood innovation to historic Savannah. Their signature Seafood Cone—a paper cone filled with fried shrimp, fish, and fries—reinvents traditional seafood baskets into something portable and fun.
Locals rave about their Low Country Boil Balls, which transform the classic seafood boil into convenient hush puppy-sized bites. The restaurant’s bright, cheerful interior features nautical decorations and photos of happy customers showing off enormous seafood feasts.
Despite its popularity with tourists exploring Savannah’s historic district, prices remain surprisingly reasonable, making fresh seafood accessible to everyone.
3. Chive Sea Bar and Lounge, Savannah
Elegance meets coastal cuisine at this upscale Savannah gem. Unlike its more casual counterparts, Chive brings sophistication to seafood with a sleek, modern interior featuring aquatic blues and subtle nautical touches.
Their raw bar showcases the freshest oysters from both local waters and beyond. Creative cocktails infused with herbs complement seafood specialties like pan-seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc and blackened grouper with mango salsa.
Happy hour draws young professionals and couples seeking quality without breaking the bank. The outdoor patio offers a perfect people-watching spot while you savor expertly prepared seafood dishes that highlight Georgia’s coastal bounty.
4. Georgia Sea Grill, St Simons Island
Housed in a charming cottage on St. Simons Island, Georgia Sea Grill combines fine dining with island casualness. White tablecloths and attentive service set the stage for seafood that’s treated with respect and creativity.
The chef works closely with local fishermen, ensuring the daily catch specials truly represent what’s swimming off Georgia’s coast. Their shrimp and grits elevates the Southern classic with creek shrimp so fresh they practically jumped onto your plate.
A thoughtfully curated wine list complements each dish perfectly. Regulars swear by the grouper, prepared simply to let its natural sweetness shine through, demonstrating that sometimes the best cooking means knowing when to step back.
5. Iguanas Seafood Restaurant, St Simons Island
Family traditions run deep at this St. Simons Island favorite where three generations of seafood expertise inform every dish. The restaurant’s cheerful yellow exterior welcomes hungry visitors after a day at the beach.
Crab cakes made with minimal filler let the sweet lump crabmeat take center stage. Their hush puppies achieve the perfect balance—crispy outside, fluffy inside—making them impossible to resist ordering as an appetizer.
Weekend evenings feature live music on the deck overlooking the water, where dolphins occasionally make an appearance. The relaxed vibe makes Iguanas perfect for families, with a kids’ menu that doesn’t assume children only eat chicken fingers.
6. St Marys Seafood & More, St Marys
Perched near the ferry to Cumberland Island, this unassuming eatery serves some of the most authentic seafood in coastal Georgia. Fishing boats visible from the dining room windows hint at the freshness awaiting on your plate.
Their famous seafood platters arrive piled high with perfectly fried shrimp, oysters, and fish caught just hours earlier. Homemade tartar sauce—tangy with just the right amount of sweetness—elevates every bite.
The restaurant’s walls display vintage photos of St. Marys’ fishing heritage alongside mounted fish. Conversations with longtime servers reveal fascinating stories about local maritime history and the best fishing spots, adding cultural flavor to your meal.
7. The Half Shell SSI, St Simons Island
Occupying a former island gas station, this quirky spot transformed industrial elements into charming décor. License plates and fishing gear adorn walls while the original garage doors open to create an indoor-outdoor space perfect for Georgia’s mild evenings.
Their oyster selection changes daily, featuring varieties from both local waters and beyond. Each comes with tasting notes like fine wine, helping newcomers appreciate subtle differences in brininess and sweetness.
Beyond oysters, their crab-stuffed flounder demonstrates culinary creativity without overwhelming the delicate fish. The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over shared plates and local craft beers, making The Half Shell a favorite gathering spot for islanders and visitors alike.
8. Skippers’ Fish Camp, Darien
Authentic fishing camp vibes define this Darien treasure situated on the historic waterfront where shrimp boats have docked for generations. The wooden deck extends over the Darien River, offering front-row seats to working boats bringing in the day’s catch.
Their wild Georgia shrimp—sweet, firm, and nothing like imported varieties—stars in nearly every dish. The shrimp and sausage gumbo delivers rich flavors developed over hours of careful simmering.
Fourth-generation shrimpers often dock alongside the restaurant, sometimes selling part of their catch directly to diners. This connection between plate and source creates an experience that goes beyond mere dining to become a celebration of Georgia’s maritime heritage.
9. Mudcat Charlie’s, Brunswick
Brunswick stew finds its perfect home at this local institution named after a legendary fisherman. The restaurant’s knotty pine interior feels like stepping into a well-loved fishing cabin, complete with mounted catches and faded photographs.
Their signature Brunswick stew follows a recipe passed down through five generations, combining smoky pork, fresh seafood, and garden vegetables into a hearty meal-in-a-bowl. Cornbread served alongside comes in cast iron skillets still hot from the oven.
Regulars crowd the counter on Friday afternoons when the catch-of-the-day specials get posted on the chalkboard. The restaurant’s longevity speaks to its consistency—many customers have been enjoying the same perfectly prepared dishes for decades.
10. Mr. Shuck’s Seafood, Brunswick
This newcomer to Brunswick’s seafood scene brings fresh energy while honoring coastal traditions. The modern, airy space features reclaimed wood from local fishing docks and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the marsh.
Their innovative seafood tacos pair the day’s catch with unexpected toppings like watermelon radish slaw or charred pineapple salsa. Adventurous eaters love the seafood charcuterie board featuring smoked fish dip, pickled shrimp, and cured local catches.
Behind the restaurant, their demonstration area hosts weekly classes where visitors learn to shuck oysters or clean blue crabs. The owner’s commitment to sustainability extends to their takeout containers—all biodegradable and made from reclaimed oyster shells.
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