The 10 Best Places to Get Fresh Fish in Sacramento

There are so many reasons to love Sacramento, but we are excited about one feature in particular. While the city is centrally located in the state of California, it still maintains a convenient distance from the Pacific Ocean. There is a certain freedom this proximity gives, which might not be familiar to landlocked states throughout the country.

To capitalize on our proximity to the fresh ocean breeze, sandy beaches and abundance of fresh seafood, we decided to highlight some of the best places in town to get fresh fish. Make it a point to get some fresh seafood prepared by expert local chefs this summer!

Seasons 52

Pause your shopping trip at Arden Fair Mall for some fresh seafood at Seasons 52. Your fish cravings will be satisfied, whether you get the Grilled Boneless Rainbow Trout, Cedar Plank-Roasted Salmon or the Sesame Grilled Salmon! Try their salmon paired with an Organic Myer Lemonade made with Crop Organic Vodka (pictured below).

Photos Courtesy of Seasons 52

Restaurant on the Delta King

What better place to enjoy seafood than along the water — or better yet, on top of the water? The Pilothouse Restaurant on the Delta King offers a unique dining experience, as you dine within the Delta King, a beautiful riverboat hotel with two restaurants, two professional theaters, and event spaces. The Pilothouse menus include a variety of options, with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood.

The Firehouse Restaurant

It seems as though The Firehouse Restaurant has everything mastered — from happy hour to date night. And their selection of fresh fish does not disappoint either! This fancy, romantic and historic restaurant serves up an incredible Skuna Bay salmon with cloud arborio rice and foraged mushroom in addition to various small seafood plates, including Pacific oysters granité.

Photo Courtesy of The Firehouse Restaurant

Joe’s Crab Shack

Joe’s Crab Shack is a well-known restaurant throughout the country, as they provide fresh seafood to various cities, no matter their distance from the ocean’s shore. Visit the Sacramento location for some shrimps, buckets of crab, cedar roasted salmon, and so much more!

Pearl on the River

We love taking in the most scenic portion of the Sacramento River on the outdoor second-story deck at Pearl on the River. But perhaps more importantly, their seafood is to die for. While Pearl on the River covers a few genres (including pizza, sandwiches, and pasta), try their delicious fish tacos or their grilled salmon with chilled Israeli couscous salad, asparagus, prosciutto, sun dried tomatoes, crispy shallots, meyer lemon butter, and dijon-thyme vinaigrette. What a mouthful — literally.

Photos Courtesy of Pearl on the River

Firehouse Crawfish

Firehouse Crawfish is a family-owned business serving up some of the freshest and most flavor-filled seafood in the Sacramento region. Their atmosphere is friendly and laid-back, making you feel the freedom to stuff your face with their delectable food. While Firehouse Crawfish specializes in crawfish, as can be implied by their name, they have just about anything your heart might desire in the seafood department.

Scott’s Seafood on the River

Scott’s Seafood on the River is another riverside restaurant offering some of the best seafood in town. In fact, Scott’s Seafood was voted the Best Seafood Restaurant in the area in 2015! Enjoy exceptional views on their outdoor patio — even with your dog in tow — and take in the flavor of their fresh and inventive dishes. Their selection is overwhelming — from their salmon sliders you can share as an appetizer, to the blackened tilapia with roasted corn-pasilla fritters, black bean puree, heirloom tomato pico de gallo, and avocado.

Photos Courtesy of Scott’s Seafood on the River

Crab City Restaurant & Desserts

The food at Crab City Restaurant & Desserts is served family style, which perfectly embodies their goal to treat every guest like family. Their menu is packed with bold Asian-Cajun flavors made with the freshest ingredients — from their appetizers to their shareable entrees. Don’t forget to accompany your meal with a drink (keeping in mind that happy hour is from 3–6 every day!) and to top off the night with one of their delectable desserts.

TableVine

You’ll feel as though you’ve escaped to wine country when you step into Table Vine, a downtown eatery located on the south side of Capitol Park. Their menu is subject to change on a daily basis to incorporate the freshest ingredients, but one thing remains constant — their ability to source and prepare an exceptional fish dish. Don’t miss their Moroccan-spiced salmon fillet, served with pine nut couscous and piperade.

Photos Courtesy of Table Vine 

The Waterboy

It’s always a good sign when a restaurant offers a daily fish special; this ensures that only the most fresh catch is served to guests. The Waterboy serves a special daily fish option, priced on an “as quoted” basis. The Waterboy is dedicated to incorporating fresh ingredients treated thoughtfully and utilized in their prime, which is evident with every item on their menu!

What is your favorite place to get fresh fish?

We’re always on the hunt for new places, so let us know your favorite hot spot in the comments below!