Repeat visitors to the Golden Isles know this endearing stretch of Georgia’s coast is known for an abundance of fresh, local seafood. With a thriving shrimp industry in the historic port city of Brunswick and substantial fishing spots located throughout the islands, it’s no surprise that many restaurants serve up seafood dishes featuring fish caught that very day. Here are some of our favorite seafood restaurants in the Golden Isles with oceanic delights worth planning your trip around.
Top Seafood Restaurants on St. Simons Island
1. Georgia Sea Grill
With a reputation across the Golden Isles for delicious seafood, Georgia Sea Grill is located in the St. Simons Pier Village and serves up well-acclaimed seafood dishes like Satilla Ponds Fried Catfish and Bacon Smoked Salmon with all the classic Southern sides. Order the fresh catch and choose how you’d like it prepared – Cajun spiced, bronzed, or pan-roasted.
Don’t Miss: A lively happy hour to wind down or ramp up your evening every day from 5-6:30 pm.
2. Halyards
Featuring fish just caught off the Georgia coast and local produce, end the day with a master-chef seafood dish from Halyards. Start with some Fried Shrimp Tacos or Garlic Roasted Oysters on the half shell for the table, and choose from a range of intricate entrees. Dave’s Colombian Seafood Stew is perfect for clam and mussel lovers, and the Pastrami Baked Salmon Belly will have you coming back for more.
Don’t Miss: Creative nightly menu specials, and the mouthwatering Vanilla Crème Brulé!
3. Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar
For exceptional cuisine and service, head to the upscale Dorothy’s Cocktail & Oyster Bar. Get a taste of raw fresh seafood along with other coastal cuisine and dishes inspired by the owner and his wife’s travels to Southeast Asia. Try the Fire Roasted Fish with red curry or the tasty Shrimp Ceviche.
Don’t Miss: The original craft cocktails such as the Keemala Bungalow which has the flavors of ginger and Thai chili.
4. Iguana’s Seafood Restaurant
Bring the whole family to dine on the relaxing outdoor patio of Iguana’s Seafood Restaurant. Known for its delicious fried Wild Georgia Shrimp, Iguana’s is well-loved by visitors to the Golden Isles, also offering many specialty options among its seafood fare. And of course, order your favorite Southern sides like grits and hush puppies.
Don’t Miss: The shrimp appetizer platter gives you a chance to taste them all: fried, buffalo, bacon-wrapped, and coconut!
5. ECHO
From shrimp and scallops to salmon and grouper, ECHO at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort has many coastal dishes to curb your seafood cravings. Try the Golden Coast Seafood Paella featuring calamari and Sapelo clams, or keep it classic with the ECHO Shrimp & Grits.
Don’t Miss: The ocean views, Echo is the only oceanfront restaurant on St. Simons Island!
Top Seafood Restaurants on Jekyll Island
1. The Wharf
Delight in alfresco waterfront dining at The Wharf, one of Jekyll Island’s most popular restaurants. Start off with oysters on the half shell or peel-and-eat shrimp, followed by a Southern shrimp basket, fish fry, or Low Country Boil! Sip on a signature cocktail as you take in the sunset views.
Don’t Miss: Live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6-9 pm.
2. Driftwood Bistro
Choose from a vast selection of Southern cuisine featuring seafood at Driftwood Bistro. This low-country restaurant is the perfect stop for sweet and tender Wild Georgia Shrimp and Southern sides made from old family recipes. From Stuffed Flounder and Shrimp Creole to Catfish and Mahi-Mahi, you’re sure to find a dish on the menu that will leave you full and satisfied.
Don’t Miss: The made-from-scratch Georgia Bourbon Peach Cobbler.
3. The Reserve
Find plenty of treasures of the sea on the menu at The Reserve, located in The Westin on Jekyll Island. Signature dishes include the Reserve Seafood Platter, Georgia Redfish, and the Seafood Scampi. If seafood isn’t your thing, try something from the land like a ribeye or filet!
Don’t Miss: The fresh catch of the day, selected by the chef daily and prepared with local and fresh ingredients.
4. Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar
Although known for its artisanal flatbreads cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar’s menu features many seafood dishes along with the classics. Stop by after your Jekyll Island adventures and order the Seafood Stuffed Ciabatta with lump crab, crawfish, and pimento cheese to start. For your main course, choose from dishes of Redfish, Mussels, and sweet Wild Georgia Shrimp.
Don’t Miss: The rich and delicious Bread Pudding for dessert!
5. Beach House Restaurant & Tap Room
Enjoy a fresh seafood meal while sitting just yards away from the beach at Beach House Restaurant & Tap Room. The fun and charming environment makes for an enjoyable way to experience fresh, local seafood! Try the Beach House Boil with a pound of Wild Georgia Shrimp, or the Fish & Chips featuring hand-cut cod. Finish with one of their house-made desserts.
Don’t Miss: The full wrap-around bar with one of the largest draft beer selections in Southeast Georgia.
Top Seafood Restaurants in Brunswick
1. Mr. Shuck’s Seafood
For a relaxed meal and mind-blowing flavor, head to Mr. Shuck’s Seafood. Visitors come from all over to feast on blue crabs, snow crabs, shrimp, crawfish, low country boil, and more! You’re sure to be hooked at the first bite, and after you fuel up, take your friends and family to explore the historic port city of Brunswick!
Don’t Miss: The seafood feasts, are made up of hefty seafood servings along with sausage, potatoes, corn, and egg.
2. 1509 Brunswick
Treat yourself to a satisfying meal and stunning scenic views at 1509 Brunswick! Although a steakhouse, find plenty of oceanic menu items, like the grouper featuring bourbon pork trotter collard greens, and the salmon with toasted farro and roasted tomatoes. If you save room for dessert, the 1509 cookie is to die for!
Don’t Miss: The rooftop dining experience at Brunswick’s only rooftop restaurant.