What You Should Order in a Seafood Restaurant

We’ve all heard the saying, “Never order seafood on Mondays.” That’s because restaurants receive fish deliveries on Tuesdays and Fridays, so Mondays could mean the dish you’re ordering has been sitting around for days.

Look at the menu of the best waterfront restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area to see if they offer details about where their seafood is sourced. This includes naming the species, where it was caught, and who the restaurant’s wholesaler is.

Seafood Specials

Many diners who visit seafood restaurants tend to favor shrimp and salmon. They’re the two most common types of fish consumed in the United States, meaning seafood restaurants focus on these dishes more than others. That means they are paying attention to the rest of the ocean’s options. Check the special menu to see what seafood dishes are being offered.

If the restaurant lists the specific fish species, where it was caught, or even the name of the fisherman who brought in the catch, that’s a good sign that they are conscious of seafood sustainability. Additionally, looking for a list of seasonal seafood items is another good way to ensure the restaurant buys fresh fish at its best.

Another red flag is seeing menu items listed without a price. This can mean that the restaurant uses a default market price to cover its costs, leading to overcharges for diners.

Whether going to a ritzy steakhouse or a dine-in chain that serves overly fried chicken and tacos, dining out can often be excessive in sodium, calories, portions, and price tag. Seafood, however, is generally a healthier option, especially when the right dishes are chosen. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious seafood dishes that even people who dislike the taste of fish can enjoy.

Raw Bar Items

Some seafood restaurants offer a raw bar with a selection of shellfish and fish. A raw bar may include oysters, clams, quahogs (hard clams), and other varieties of bivalves. It may also feature a variety of cured seafood, such as ceviche and thinly sliced octopus (octopus carpaccio). Condiments for the raw bar may include cocktail sauce, lemon juice, lime zest, and pepper.

Some of the best raw bar items in a seafood restaurant are prepared so diners can enjoy the natural flavor of the seafood. Raw sardines and hamachi are commonly served with a simple sprinkling of salt. Grilled or fried seafood is another option, though diners should know that the fat content of heavily battered or fried foods can add up quickly.

Restaurants offering a raw bar may have a menu specifying where each seafood type is sourced. This helps diners avoid foods that have been exposed to environmental pollutants. 

A good seafood restaurant should know where its seafood is coming from and have the equipment to store it properly. Diners with dietary restrictions or food allergies should be sure to communicate their needs to their servers. It’s also a good idea for diners to order local seafood whenever possible, as this will ensure freshness and sustainability.

Seafood Towers

Seafood towers are one of the most visually appealing seafood dishes. Not only do they feature a variety of raw and cooked shellfish, but they also offer a great opportunity for restaurants to showcase their specialty seafood offerings. These multi-tiered seafood platters are perfect for special occasions and can be made beforehand.

The best seafood restaurants are fearless in going big on their towers. 

A good seafood restaurant should combine fresh and frozen items with building towers. They should also include cocktail sauce, sour cream, and lemon wedges for guests to serve themselves. Ideally, the restaurant should also have a selection of dipping sauces like tomatillo cocktail sauce, sambal chutney, and Thai chili mayonnaise.

While the American seafood palate favors shrimp and salmon, a true seafood restaurant will feature various fish and shellfish. Look for restaurants offering different kinds of ceviches, escargots, and even smoked oysters.

Fish Fillets

The way a fish is filleted has a big impact on its flavor. When chefs have the right technique, they can harvest filets that are full of meat and seasoned to perfection. A restaurant that cuts its filets can be a good sign, as it values quality and is trying to avoid wasting food.

Seafood restaurants should offer a variety of ways to prepare fish, including baked, grilled, fried, and sauteed. The menu should also describe the type of fish and how it will be prepared. Mild fish, like cod, must be prepared carefully, as strong sauces can overpower their delicate flavors. Stronger fish, such as tuna and salmon, can handle bolder seasonings.

Many people think seafood restaurants serve healthy choices, but some hide unhealthy items in the name of “healthy.” For example, clam chowder is often made with heavy cream. This may make the dish creamy and taste good, but it could be healthier.

Choosing the right dish from a seafood menu takes some detective work. Look for signs that the restaurant is concerned about freshness, such as avoiding salt and heavy seasonings. Also, ask the server where the fish originated and whether it is farm-raised or wild-caught. It’s an important question to ask, as some types of fish are contaminated with mercury, which can lead to changes in vision and motor control, reports Healthline.

*This is a collaboration post