Published On: 08.13.21 | 

By: Amber Sutton

5 must-try seafood dishes at Alabama restaurants

AlabamaSeafoodFeature

These are five Alabama seafood dishes you must try. (contributed)

Whether you’re visiting the Gulf or just grabbing a bite at your favorite local spot, you can find some amazing seafood throughout Alabama without having to look too hard.

In fact, deciding what to get from a menu filled with mouthwatering dishes is often the hardest part of sitting down to a seafood dinner. That’s why we’re highlighting five must-try seafood dishes you can find right here in our state.

From oysters any and every way to fine dining that’s been nationally recognized to catfish and hushpuppies, you can’t go wrong with the options on this list. These aren’t the only seafood dishes in the state worthy of your attention, but they’re a good place to start.

Scallops at Fisher’s Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina

27075 Marina Road in Orange Beach

Scallops at Fisher’s Upstairs in Orange Beach are on the 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama list. (contributed)

With less than a decade under its belt, Fisher’s Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina might be the newest restaurant with a dish on this list, but it’s made a name for itself across the region for more than its gorgeous views: Executive chef Bill Briand has been a semifinalist five times for Best Chef: South in the James Beard Awards.

Fisher’s seared jumbo scallops, which are served with roasted cauliflower and a salad of mint, parsley and shaved red onions, are as beautiful as they are delicious, and they’re a meal everyone should try at least once. You don’t have to take our word for it though – just ask the Alabama Department of Tourism, which included the dish on its list of “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.”

Seared Jumbo Scallops at Fisher’s Upstairs is one of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Captain’s Platter at Wolf Bay Lodge

20801 Miflin Road in Foley and 24131 Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach

The Captain’s Platter at Wolf Bay Lodge is a feast of Alabama seafood. (contributed)

Wolf Bay Lodge is a family-owned restaurant that has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike since it got its start in 1973. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu of fresh seafood dishes, like seafood gumbo, lump crabcakes and its fully loaded captain’s platter.

The captain’s platter is a meal fit for, well, a captain – and honestly, it could probably feed his whole crew, too. The platter includes a stuffed crab, sea scallops, Gulf shrimp, lobster tail and your choice of fish, all broiled to perfection. Not to mention, it’s served with your choice of side and the restaurant’s popular hushpuppies.

Snapper throats at The Bright Star

304 19th Street North in Bessemer

The Snapper Throats at the Bright Star are a favorite. (Bob Carlton)

With more than 100 years in business, The Bright Star is Alabama’s oldest restaurant and one of its most beloved – just ask the families who have made dining at the eatery a tradition for generations. Its most notable menu offerings include fresh seafood, famous pies and specialty Greek-style dishes.

Among those Greek dishes is the deep-fried snapper throats, which is one that the restaurant’s regulars can’t get enough of as well as one that customers new to The Bright Star might be a little confused by. The tender, flaky piece of fish is a rarity that’s hard to find anywhere else, making it one of the state’s most sought after, not to mention delicious, meals.

Catfish at The Ark Family Restaurant

13030 U.S. 78 in Riverside

Catfish is the star at The Ark Family Restaurant in Riverside. (Bob Carlton)

The Ark Family Restaurant has become a local institution in St. Clair County and garnered plenty of national acclaim, too, during its nearly 90-year history: Its raved-about catfish plate – and the delightfully crunchy hushpuppies that come with it – has a whole lot to do with that.

Sure, a catfish plate might sound like a meal you could sit down to at plenty of spots in Alabama, but most of those can’t compare to The Ark’s. A good reason for that? Not only does the restaurant have high standards for the catfish it offers, but it also makes sure to prepare it to each customer’s liking. Whether you prefer it fried or grilled and served as fillets, nuggets, strips or whole, The Ark has you covered.

100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die: The Ark shrimp and catfish dinner from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Oysters at Wintzell’s Oyster House

605 Dauphin Street in Mobile, multiple other locations

Oysters are in the name of Wintzell’s Oyster House, so you know they’re going to be good. (Sharon Steinmann)

While there are now Wintzell’s all over Alabama, the oyster house got its start in Mobile in 1938. Since then, it has become an iconic restaurant known for serving some of the state’s best oysters any way you like them – whether that’s fried, stewed or nude.

The fact that Wintzell’s elected to put “Oyster House” right there in its name should be a good indication of how serious they are when it comes to serving fresh oysters in every way imaginable, including chargrilled, Bienville, Rockefeller and raw. It’s that dedication to offering so many flavorful options that is likely what has kept customers coming back for decades.

Distinguished Young Women oyster-eating contest at Wintzell’s Oyster House in Mobile, Alabama from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.