11 Must-Try Seafood Restaurants in Kansas City, MO
Kansas City is home to various delicious seafood restaurants that offer fresh, high-quality dishes.
From Louisiana-style Cajun boils to upscale coastal cuisine, there are plenty of options for seafood lovers in KC.
Some of the best seafood restaurants in Kansas City specialize in Louisiana and Cajun-inspired dishes like crawfish boils, jambalaya, gumbo, and catfish. Other restaurants also focus on shellfish like lobster rolls, crawfish, crab, and shrimp.
Famous eateries like Bristol and McCormick & Schmick’s are great places to enjoy expertly prepared seafood in an elegant atmosphere.
If you’re craving fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere, check out our list of best seafood restaurants in Kansas City.
Seafood Restaurants in Kansas City
Bristol Seafood + Steak + Social
Bristol is a trendy spot in Kansas City Power & Light District known for its modern vibe, seafood, and steak. The restaurant’s easy to get to with free 3-hour parking in the garage off 13th and Walnut.
The menu has prime steaks, fresh seafood, and local ingredients that change seasons. Try their award-winning jumbo lump crab cakes, always-popular Seafood Mixed Grill, and famous sweet drop biscuits.
Inside, there’s a traditional dining room and a happening bar and lounge area. They also present an extensive selection of cocktails and a happy hour menu on the patio.
With its outstanding food, inviting vibe, and convenient location, Bristol is a must-visit dining spot in Downtown Kansas City.
Jazz A Louisiana Kitchen
Are you Looking for some mouthwatering Cajun-style meals with live music? Jazz A Louisiana Kitchen has you covered.
With two spots in Kansas City – one at the Legends Outlets and another on 39th Street – this joint dishes out all the Louisiana faves like gumbo, jambalaya, and blackened catfish made just right. You can also dig into fresh seafood, pasta, and salads with gluten-free options.
Every night they offer live music performing throughout the place, from classic Creole to blues, jazz, and rock jams.
Think exposed hardwood floors, brick walls, and chandeliers for a laid-back vibe with New Orleans-style decor. So if you’re hungerin’ for an authentic NOLA experience without leaving KC, Jazz A Louisiana Kitchen is calling your name. Come on by and let the good times roll!
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie is one of the best seafood restaurants in Kansas City, close to the Country Club Plaza. The intimate space features a cocktail lounge with live jazz music, creating a beautiful, romantic atmosphere.
You can enjoy shellfish, prime seafood, appetizers, salads, and sides, and don’t miss their popular desserts like banana foster cake and Meyer lemon tart.
The drink menu boasts a World-class wine list, cocktails, martinis, and many more. The restaurant offers daily Happy Hour starting at 4 pm, where you can enjoy specialty cocktails and fresh seafood appetizers.
With its exceptional dining experience, Eddie delivers high-quality cuisine that will leave you eager for your next special night out.
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Jax has served tasty seafood and creative cocktails in a chill spot since 1994. They focus on getting you the freshest, most sustainable seafood around.
The interior’s chic decor suits the neighborhood’s upscale shops. Furthermore, you can see a large fish tank inside the dining area.
Jax pairs seafood with steak, chicken, salads, and sides. You’ll find all kinds of seafood dishes like lobster mac, fish n’ chips, seared scallops, and blackened tuna.
They also boast an award-winning beverage program. Specialty cocktails, local beers, and coastal wines complement the nautical ambiance. Happy Hour menu brings special items like, CrackerJax oysters and steamed PEI mussels.
Jax has a fun, casual vibe whether you’re celebrating or hanging out. They promise a killer brunch, a memorable happy hour, or a special dinner.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
McCormick & Schmick’s is an upscale steak and seafood chain in Country Club Plaza of Kansas City. It is conveniently located near the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Step into a warm, clubby ambiance adorned with rich dark wood, inviting leather seating, and a cozy fireplace.
The restaurant boasts a spacious bar area that comes alive during the lively happy hour, offering a tempting menu of delights.
Savor the finest, freshest seafood, perfectly grilled steaks, and delectable chops. Indulge in sought-after favorites such as the Alaskan King Crab Legs, the renowned New York Strip Steak, and the velvety Lobster Bisque.
Enjoy the happy hour, a favorite among patrons for its alluring drink specials and tantalizing oysters.
McCormick & Schmick’s is a cherished choice for locals and tourists alike. Whether it’s a special occasion or an intimate evening, this charming establishment promises an unforgettable experience.
Bonefish Grill
Find Bonefish Grill on North Lucerne Avenue in Kansas City! This contemporary seafood grill offers a fun, friendly atmosphere for gatherings with family and friends.
With easy parking and a stylish interior, Bonefish creates a delightful dining experience.
Enjoy wood-grilled specialties, seasonal seafood sourced from local fishermen, and other menu favorites.
Savor mouthwatering dishes like Bang Bang Shrimp, Fish & Chips, and Chilean Sea Bass.
Sip tasty cocktails like the Smoked Old Fashioned or Mango Bourbon Sour at discounted prices during Social Hour.
Or come for Sunday Brunch and enjoy time with your loved ones. With its relaxed ambiance and delicious food, Bonefish Grill is ideal for gathering and making memories over a great meal.
Krab Kingz
Owned by a local family, Krab Kingz offers quality flavors with a personal touch. You can find this casual Cajun-style restaurant at Broadway Blvd near Uptown Theater.
As one of the best seafood restaurants in Kansas City, Krab Kingz cooks their shellfish with seven mouthwatering sauces and seasonings.
Their crab clusters, lobster tails, and shrimp will satisfy your cravings and leave you planning your next feast. The portions are generous enough to share or take home as leftovers.
As one of the top Kansas City food restaurants, the best After just one visit, first-timers get hooked and expect their return. The atmosphere is casual yet lively, perfect for an intimate dinner or group gathering.
Ocean Prime
You’ll find the sophisticated Ocean Prime on the 3rd floor of 46 Penn Centre, right next to Country Club Plaza.
The vibrant 8,500-square-foot space includes a main dining room, cocktail lounge, and three private event spaces.
Chef Julio Juarez prepares a delicious menu with fresh seafood, steaks, chicken, and sushi. Guest favorites include tuna tartare, fish sandwiches, and ocean rolls.
Local Kansas City artists have created one-of-a-kind artwork that surrounds you inside. The variety of food goes well with the wine list, which won an award from Wine Spectator, and the signature cocktails.
The restaurant’s lively rooftop cocktail lounge is where you can cozy up by the fire pit and soak in panoramic city views.
Ocean Prime ensures a unique dining experience for any occasion. Whether hanging out with friends, discussing business, or celebrating, it will delight all your senses.
Crazy Crab
Crazy Crab is a casual Cajun eatery in Kansas City. You’ll find them on Broadway Boulevard near Marsh’s Sunfresh.
The atmosphere inside the restaurant is casual and cozy, with mostly booths seating up to 100 people. The restaurant’s interior has been renovated and looks way better than its original home.
On the menu, you’ll see snow crab legs, blue Crab, fried baskets, lobster tails, and Cajun boils. Pick your seafood, flavor, and spice level.
Pier 88 Boiling Seafood & Bar
This laid-back restaurant is only 15 minutes from Downtown KC and offers a unique dining experience.
Their menu is a haven for seafood lovers. You can customize your spice level and dive into Cajun-style lobster rolls, seafood combination boils, and their famous Low Country Boil.
If seafood isn’t your thing, you can order fried chicken tenders, tilapia, or appetizers like hush puppies and cheese sticks.
Sip on specialty cocktails, beer, or wine. They even have fantastic happy hour specials – perfect for an after-work get-together or a weekend out with friends.
So if you’re craving great Louisiana-style Cajun seafood near Kansas City, Pier 88 is your spot.
Jarocho South
Looking for a tasty Mexican seafood spot in Kansas City? Check out Jarocho South on State Line Road. This casual restaurant will welcome you with its beachy vibes.
The decor features starfish, seashells, and other ocean themes to make you feel like you’re on vacation.
The menu serves up delicious shrimp, oysters, paella, and more. You’ll love the flavors – spicy but not too hot.
They make everything fresh with quality ingredients. Plus, they offer great deals on small plates on Sundays.
The portions are generous, and the service is fast and friendly. Try their famous margaritas or pick a wine from their excellent collection. There’s also a full bar available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of seafood cuisine can I find in Kansas City?
Kansas City has restaurants specializing in Cajun/Creole (Jazz A Louisiana Kitchen), Mexican-style seafood (Jarocho South), sushi (Ocean Prime), and traditional New England-style (Eddie V’s). There’s a wide variety to suit different tastes.
Which Kansas City seafood restaurants have the best happy hour?
Jax Fish House, Bristol, and McCormick & Schmick’s are known for having outstanding happy hours with deals on drinks and appetizers like oysters, shrimp, and more.
Are there seafood places with gluten-free or vegetarian options?
Many seafood restaurants like Jax Fish House, Bonefish Grill, and Pier 88 have gluten-free menu items. Ocean Prime and Jax also have vegetarian sides and other meatless options.
Do I need reservations for seafood restaurants in Kansas City?
We recommend booking busier weekend times at higher-end spots like Bristol, Eddie, and Ocean Prime. However, most places take walk-ins if seating is available. Checking menus and hours online is always a good idea.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
