Best Chinese Restaurants for Seafood Lovers in the US
As a seafood enthusiast, finding the right restaurant that offers fresh and flavorful seafood dishes can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you're craving something with an authentic Chinese twist. Luckily, the United States is home to many exceptional Chinese restaurants that cater specifically to seafood lovers. These eateries bring the bold flavors of China to life with fresh seafood options, from tender fish to succulent shellfish. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of experiencing some of the finest Chinese seafood dishes across the country, and I'd love to share my findings with you.
1. Cantonese Seafood at its Finest: Seafood in San Francisco
One of my favorite destinations for Chinese seafood is San Francisco, renowned for its vibrant Cantonese food scene. Cantonese cuisine places a strong emphasis on the freshness of ingredients, especially when it comes to seafood. The iconic Chinatown in San Francisco is home to some of the best seafood-centric Chinese restaurants.
One standout is R&G Lounge, a staple of San Francisco's Chinatown. Known for its salt and pepper crab, this restaurant offers seafood lovers a variety of mouthwatering dishes, such as crispy fried shrimp and fish in black bean sauce. What makes R&G Lounge special is its commitment to bringing the freshest seafood directly to your table. When I tried their crab, the delicate sweetness of the meat was perfectly complemented by the spice of the seasoning. If you’re looking for a place to dive into Cantonese-style seafood, this restaurant is a must-try.
2. The Best Chinese Seafood in New York: A Taste of the East
New York City has a rich and diverse food scene, and when it comes to Chinese seafood, you’re in for a treat. With its vibrant Chinese population, New York offers numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood in a variety of Chinese culinary traditions.
One of the standout spots for seafood lovers is Hakkasan New York, an upscale Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Manhattan. Hakkasan is known for its stylish decor, refined atmosphere, and exceptional Chinese seafood dishes. Their roasted Chilean sea bass in honey and soy sauce is a favorite of mine—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness. This dish is a perfect representation of the fusion of traditional Chinese flavors with a modern twist.
Another gem in New York’s Chinese seafood scene is Jing Fong, located in Chinatown. This dim sum restaurant offers an impressive selection of seafood dim sum, including shrimp dumplings and fish ball soup. The freshness of the seafood ingredients combined with the skillful preparation truly sets this restaurant apart. If you're in the mood for dim sum and seafood, Jing Fong is definitely the place to visit.
3. Authentic Chinese Seafood in Los Angeles: A Seafood Lover’s Dream
Los Angeles is home to one of the most vibrant Chinese food scenes in the United States, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to seafood. In fact, LA's seafood offerings are a perfect reflection of the city’s diverse culinary culture, offering everything from traditional Cantonese dishes to more contemporary Chinese-inspired seafood creations.
One standout that I always recommend to fellow seafood lovers is Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant in Rosemead, a city near Los Angeles. Known for its dim sum and seafood dishes, Sea Harbour offers a wide range of delicacies, such as lobster with ginger and green onion and steamed fish. The lobster is especially memorable—fresh, tender, and cooked to perfection with just the right balance of flavors. It’s no surprise this place has earned rave reviews for its commitment to quality.
Another excellent spot in Los Angeles is Dragon Beaux, located in the heart of San Gabriel Valley. This restaurant specializes in both Cantonese and Szechuan dishes, and its seafood menu is a treasure trove for seafood lovers. Their crab with garlic sauce is a personal favorite, with perfectly cooked crab meat coated in a rich, flavorful garlic sauce. Whether you're in the mood for fish, shrimp, or lobster, Dragon Beaux offers an impressive variety of options that never disappoint.
4. Seafood Hot Pot in Texas: A New Twist on Chinese Seafood
Texas may not be the first place you think of when it comes to Chinese seafood, but the state is home to a growing number of Chinese seafood restaurants that are truly worth exploring. One of the most interesting seafood offerings I've discovered in Texas is the Chinese hot pot, a communal meal where various ingredients—including fresh seafood—are cooked in a simmering broth at your table.
In Houston, Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot offers an exceptional seafood hot pot experience. Here, you can choose from an array of fresh seafood, including shrimp, scallops, and fish, and cook them in a flavorful broth with an array of aromatic spices and herbs. I particularly enjoy the spicy seafood hot pot, which provides the perfect balance of heat and flavor. The fun of cooking the seafood at the table and dipping it into different sauces adds a unique and enjoyable element to the meal.
Dallas also has a great Chinese seafood restaurant that specializes in hot pot—Shabu Shabu House. Although the restaurant primarily serves Japanese-style shabu-shabu, they offer a fantastic variety of Chinese-inspired seafood options. The fresh seafood here is incredible, and I highly recommend trying their clam and shrimp hot pot for a taste of something truly special.
5. Chinese Seafood in Chicago: Bold Flavors and Fresh Ingredients
Chicago’s Chinatown is another great spot for seafood lovers seeking authentic Chinese cuisine. Known for its impressive variety of Chinese restaurants, Chicago’s Chinatown offers many delicious seafood options, including traditional Cantonese and Szechuan-style dishes.
One of my favorite places to visit in Chicago is Triple Crown Restaurant, which offers a fantastic selection of Chinese seafood dishes. The steamed fish with black bean sauce is a standout. The fish is always fresh and tender, and the black bean sauce adds a perfect umami flavor that elevates the dish. Additionally, their lobster and crab dishes are always a crowd-pleaser, prepared with a blend of spices that enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.
For a more unique experience, check out Seafood City in Chicago, a seafood market and restaurant that offers fresh seafood platters and Chinese-style dishes. Whether you prefer lobster, clams, or shrimp, this spot is perfect for those who want to enjoy a wide variety of seafood in traditional Chinese cooking styles.
6. Seafood Dishes to Try at Chinese Restaurants
While visiting these fantastic Chinese restaurants, there are a few dishes I always make sure to try. The salt and pepper crab is a must-have at many of the restaurants I’ve mentioned, as it’s a flavorful dish that lets the freshness of the crab shine. Additionally, dishes like lobster with ginger and scallions, fish in black bean sauce, and shrimp with garlic and chili are staples that should be on your radar. Whether you're visiting a Cantonese, Szechuan, or fusion restaurant, these classic seafood dishes are always a safe bet.
Chinese seafood is a culinary experience unlike any other, and it’s something that every seafood lover should indulge in. Whether you’re in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or any other city with a strong Chinese food scene, you’ll find an abundance of amazing seafood options that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
