Detroit’s Finest Fish: Must-Try Seafood Spots

July 11, 2024
Pigalle

Photo courtesy of Bar Pigalle

​​Metro Detroit is home to some of the best seafood restaurants outside of the coastline of the United States. Although we’re hardly landlocked, sometimes it can be difficult to find a place offering fresh and delicious seafood dishes. From casual to fancy, these restaurants are taking seafood to the next level. Whether you’re craving sushi, shellfish, or fresh-caught fish, you’ll want to try these local spots… 

VOYAGER

600 Vester Street, Ferndale 

Voyager is one of Metro Detroit’s top spots for all things seafood. Their seasonal menu is always updated to fit what’s fresh for the time of year. The oysters from the east and west coasts are a go-to, as are the seafood towers for groups. Other stand-out items include the hot crab dip served with sourdough, smoked trout salad with local greens, pan-seared scallops, and the catch of the day fish and chips. Regardless of season, the menu is always packed with fish, shellfish, and more seafood than one could imagine. The commitment to quality and freshness makes Voyager a popular one for seafood for good reason.

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BAR PIGALLE

2915 John R Street, Detroit

Bar Pigalle is serving up modern French fare and cocktails inside a historic Brush Park building. There is quite a selection when it comes to seafood options, all being nothing short of spectacular. On the raw menu, you’ll find oysters, caviar service, and ora king salmon crudo. Continuing to the chilled selections, the prawn cocktail features radish, iceberg lettuce, and cocktail vinaigrette. As for the warm entrees, consider the mussels with green garlic oil and shallots, the Eagle Creek trout with capers and confit sunchoke, or the olive oil poached halibut in a tomato consomme. The overall ambiance is sophisticated yet inviting, making it a perfect spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings with friends.

bowl of scallops from bar pigalle - seafood
Photo courtesy of Bar Pigalle

GOBLIN SUSHI

35925 Gratiot Avenue, Clinton Township

21876 23 Mile Road, Macomb

2547 Bagley Street, Detroit

Goblin Sushi is a local favorite for sushi lovers, serving up delicious creations made from high-quality and fresh ingredients. For specialty rolls, check out the Dragon Roll (shrimp tempura, crab stick, and barbecue eel), Spicy Tuna, Yellowtail + Scallion Roll, and the Alaksa Roll (crab salad, salmon, and eel sauce). Most of your favorite sushi roll ingredient combinations can be found as bowls as well, or you can build your own. Not sure where to start? Check out the Penguin and Panda Trays, which offer a variety of rolls and sauces to try.

STREETSIDE SEAFOOD

273 Pierce Street, Birmingham

For a spot that has been around for decades, Streetside Seafood is the place to be. Proprietor of Roberts Restaurant Group, Bill Robers, shares, “It’s rare that restaurants make it even a few years, but Streetside Seafood has been in downtown Birmingham for nearly 30 years, and that’s a testament to our incredibly fresh seafood, creative dishes, and our stellar hospitality. You really have to be exceptional to reach that level of longevity. We’re so grateful that our guests enjoy the food and experience, and we love that we’ve become such a staple in the community.” Start your meal with the sesame-crusted tuna, spicy buffalo shrimp, or crab cakes appetizer. For soups, the lobster bisque and chilled cucumber with crab are excellent choices, and for entrees, there really is something for everyone. From crab claws and shrimp cocktails to Great Lakes perch, oven-roasted whitefish, and blacked fish tacos, Streetside Seafood has your next seafood meal waiting. 

oven roasted whitefish from streetside seafood.
Photo courtesy of Streetside Seafood

OAK & REEL

2921 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit

Oak & Reel brings a touch of Italian flair to its seafood dishes. With an oak-burning hearth, house-made pasta, and the freshest seafood available, Oak & Reel has all the boxes checked for an amazing meal. On the menu, you’ll find options like octopus with radicchio and grilled grapes, tuna tartare, and oysters to start. There is also halibut, wood-fired orata (gilt-head bream), and pan-roasted Dover sole. As for fresh pasta, the Spaghetti di Mare features calamari, lobster, and mussels, while the Lumache has squid ink, shrimp, and crab. Oak & Reel’s culinary experiences are sure to impress any crowd. 

LILY’S SEAFOOD

410 South Washinton Avenue, Royal Oak

In Royal Oak, Lily’s Seafood offers a delightful blend of seafood and craft beers in its family-friendly spot. Their menu is a seafood lover’s dream, featuring everything from New England clam chowder and blue crab spinach dip to smoked salmon mousse and steamed mussels, all before getting to the entree menu. From there, you can find sandwiches like the Southwest-style tuna burger, crab cake sandwich, and smoked salmon Rueben. As for main meals? These range from a crustacean bouillabaisse feast to salmon ravioli, shrimp and scallop scampi, and beer-battered Alaskan cod platters. The laid-back environment, paired with a diverse and delicious menu, makes Lily’s Seafood a perfect spot for family dinners or casual outings with friends.

BESA

600 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, Besa is known for its modern take on Mediterranean cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients. As for appetizers, the swordfish belly kabobs, ahi tuna crudo, and taramasalata (caviar, olives, and koulouri bread) all stand out. The elegant dining space sets the stage for a memorable meal, featuring dishes like prawns scampi, and sea scallops with local bacon and mashed potatoes. Besa’s innovative menu and chic ambiance make it a top choice for seafood enthusiasts seeking a refined dining experience.

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on June 29, 2023, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.

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