Rockville MD's Best Seafood [Updated 2025]

Whether you’re a lifelong seafood lover or just looking to try something new, Rockville has a delicious bounty waiting for you. After diving into the vibrant culinary scene, I’ve reviewed 12 top locations that showcase everything from mouthwatering crab cakes to fresh shucked oysters.

With years of tasting, critiquing, and savoring the best flavors this town has to offer, I promise you’re in for a treat. Trust me, these spots aren’t just serving fish; they’re crafting experiences that will have you coming back for more. Let’s explore the treasures of Rockville’s seafood scene together!

Juicy Seafood

Highlights
Fantastic, attentive service
Incredibly fresh oysters
Perfectly cooked snow crab
Fun and vibrant atmosphere
Refreshing, well-balanced drinks

Juicy Seafood in Rockville MD is nothing short of a culinary adventure! The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a fun and vibrant atmosphere that sets the stage for a delightful dining experience. The charm of the place, paired with the fantastic, attentive service, made me feel like I was in the company of old friends.

I couldn’t resist starting with their incredibly fresh oysters. Each one was a burst of briny goodness, showcasing the quality of the seafood they serve. As I dove into the main dish, the perfectly cooked snow crab took center stage. It was so tender and flavorful that I couldn’t help but savor each succulent bite.

To complement my meal, I ordered one of their refreshing, well-balanced drinks that perfectly paired with the flavors of the seafood. Overall, my visit was not just about the food but also about the joy of sharing such a delightful experience with friends. If you're in Rockville and craving seafood, Juicy Seafood should definitely be on your list. I left feeling satisfied and eager to share this gem with everyone!

You might also want to check out the best seafood boil in Washington.

Feasty crab

Highlights
Poor food quality
Lack of freshness
Disorganized service
Bland and average taste
Unpleasant dining experience

Review of Feasty Crab in Rockville, MD

When I stepped into Feasty Crab, my anticipation was palpable. Sadly, the experience quickly hinted that something was amiss. The seafood, which I hoped would be the star of the show, fell flat with poor food quality and an unmistakable lack of freshness. Each bite was a reminder that freshness is key in seafood, and sadly, this place seemed to miss the mark entirely.

The service added another layer of disappointment; it felt disorganized and lacked the charm that often accompanies a good seafood joint. I was hoping for that warm, inviting atmosphere where the servers celebrate the menu, but instead, I encountered awkward pauses and delays that made the dining experience less enjoyable.

The flavors were equally bland and left me yearning for a kick that never arrived. What was meant to be an exciting culinary adventure turned into a rather average meal, quite the opposite of what I was looking for. Overall, my visit to Feasty Crab left me feeling unsatisfied, making it clear that if you’re searching for quality seafood in Rockville, you might want to navigate elsewhere. At least the decor was cheerful!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Waldorf MD.

O'Donnell's Market

Highlights
Fresh and delicious seafood
Best crab cake experience
Cozy neighborhood gem
Excellent service
Great takeout options

O'Donnell's Market is a delightful little treasure nestled in the heart of Rockville, MD, and I must say, my taste buds have rarely enjoyed such a culinary adventure! From the moment I stepped inside, the cozy ambiance enveloped me like a warm hug. The chatter of happy patrons hinted at the secrets hidden on the menu.

What truly stood out was their crab cake—a dish that alone would make the trip worthwhile. Honestly, it's no exaggeration to claim it might just be the best crab cake experience one can have in the area. Each bite was a perfect balance of fresh, lump crab mingled with just the right amount of seasoning.

Equally impressive was the service; the staff was attentive and genuinely passionate about their offerings, enhancing my overall dining experience. I also appreciated the great takeout options, making it convenient for seafood lovers on the go.

In my quest for the best seafood in Rockville, O'Donnell's Market unquestionably earns a top spot. If you find yourself in Rockville, do yourself a favor and indulge in this seafood haven!

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Urban Hot Pot - Rockville

Highlights
All-you-can-eat options
Reasonable pricing
Fun cooking experience
Variety of food options
Freezer full of ice cream

Urban Hot Pot - Rockville is a connoisseur's delight, where seafood aficionados can truly canvas the tastes of the ocean. Stepping inside, the exhilarating aroma of fresh, savory ingredients immediately captures your senses. What I found particularly appealing was the all-you-can-eat option, which encourages adventurous diners like myself to explore a cornucopia of seafood selections.

The pricing is remarkably reasonable; it’s almost too good to be true! Here, I dove into a treasure trove of shrimp, crab, and fish, all while enjoying the interactive cooking experience that hot pots offer. It's fun to gather around a bubbling pot with friends and family, crafting your personalized dish with everything from plump mussels to tender scallops.

But wait—there’s more! After feasting on your preferred seafood delights, make sure to save room for a visit to the freezer full of ice cream. This delightful treat ends your meal on a sweet note, leaving you with happy taste buds and a full belly. Overall, my adventure at Urban Hot Pot was a delightful blend of flavors and camaraderie, cementing its place among the best seafood spots in Rockville, MD!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Georgetown.

Hot Pot Kitchen

Highlights
Delicious grilled skewers
Impressive food variety
Clean and organized venue
Friendly and attentive staff
Fresh ingredients used

Hot Pot Kitchen in Rockville, MD, is a treasure trove of flavors! As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by a clean and organized environment that immediately set the stage for a delightful culinary journey. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, making me feel right at home as I perused the menu.

But let’s get to the star of the show – the seafood! The variety offered here is simply impressive. I couldn’t resist starting with the delicious grilled skewers, which were perfectly cooked and infused with robust flavors. Each bite was a delightful explosion, showcasing the fresh ingredients that Hot Pot prides itself on.

What truly stood out to me was their unique approach to seafood. It's not just about the catch of the day; it’s about creating an experience that tantalizes the taste buds. I was genuinely impressed with how effortlessly they balanced tradition with a modern twist.

If you're looking to indulge in a seafood experience that’s both fun and memorable, make sure to stop by Hot Pot Kitchen. It’s an adventure worth embarking on for any seafood lover in Rockville!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Silver Spring MD.

El Mercat Bar de Tapas

Highlights
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Unique and delicious seafood
Cozy atmosphere
Excellent patatas
Recommended for date nights

El Mercat Bar de Tapas offers a delightful fusion of seafood and Spanish culture that left me clamoring for more. As I stepped inside, I was welcomed by the friendly staff, whose knowledge about the menu made my choices even easier. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for an intimate gathering or a casual night out, which makes it an ideal spot for a date night.

Now, let's talk seafood! Their selections are not just unique; they showcase creativity in every dish. I savored the grilled octopus that was cooked to perfection—tender and flavorful with just the right amount of char. The portion was generous, too, inviting me to share but tempting me to keep it all to myself!

And I must emphasize the patatas, which paired wonderfully with the seafood offerings. Crisp on the outside and soft inside, they were a delightful companion to my main course.

In essence, if you’re in Rockville and looking for an unforgettable seafood experience, El Mercat Bar de Tapas is a destination that promises not just delicious food, but also a warm ambiance that will keep you coming back for more!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Bowie MD.

Il Pizzico

Highlights
Exquisite Veal Chop
Warm, professional service
Authentic Italian cuisine
Perfectly balanced Negroni
Unique dining experience

Il Pizzico in Rockville, MD, is a charming Italian gem that pleasantly surprised me during my quest for the best seafood in the area. As I stepped into the restaurant, I was immediately welcomed by warm, professional service that made me feel right at home. The atmosphere was cozy yet elegant, setting the stage for a delightful culinary experience.

Though Il Pizzico is not primarily a seafood restaurant, their menu showcases an array of exquisite dishes that highlight the freshness of their ingredients. I must say, the seafood options I tried were nothing short of exceptional. The seafood risotto was a beautifully balanced dish, with perfectly cooked rice enveloping tender shrimp and scallops, all bathed in a luscious broth that danced on my palate.

To wash it down, I indulged in their perfectly balanced Negroni, which complemented the meal beautifully. The unique dining experience at Il Pizzico transcended the ordinary—every bite felt rich in authenticity, reminiscent of a traditional Italian kitchen. If you're in Rockville and in the mood for a symphony of flavors, do not overlook this fantastic venue. Il Pizzico has certainly earned its spot among the best seafood offerings in town!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Bethesda MD.

Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet

At Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet, I dove into a sumptuous spread that's a seafood lover’s paradise! The all-you-can-eat concept made my taste buds dance with joy as I savored everything from fresh sushi to steaming hot pots brimming with incredible flavors. The ambiance was vibrant, and the service was attentive, making each visit feel special. The highlight was the diverse selection of seafood, which was not only fresh but also beautifully presented. If you’re on the hunt for a delightful culinary adventure in Rockville, Umi is undoubtedly a feast worth having!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Gaithersburg MD.

Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge

At Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge, the seafood offerings are a delightful journey for your palate. I was particularly impressed by the pan-seared scallops, expertly cooked to perfection with a golden crust. The accompanying saffron risotto was a luxurious touch, enhancing the dish's richness. I also savored their seafood gumbo, a hearty bowl brimming with fresh shrimp and fish that packed a flavorful punch. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it perfect for both casual outings and special occasions. If you're seeking a magnificent seafood experience in Rockville, Clyde's is definitely worth a visit!

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Chef Tony's Fresh Seafood

At Chef Tony's Fresh Seafood, I was greeted by a vibrant atmosphere that set the stage for a culinary adventure. The selection was impressive, highlighting both local and exotic catches. I dived into their signature crab cakes, and they were nothing short of heavenly—crispy on the outside and lusciously flaky within. The attentive staff truly augmented the experience, serving with knowledge and flair. I especially appreciated their commitment to freshness, with every bite reminding me of the ocean's bounty. If you're in Rockville, this gem is not to be missed—it’s a seafood lover’s paradise!

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Seasons 52

At Seasons 52, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a delightful dining experience. I indulged in their Miso Glazed Sea Bass, which was flawlessly cooked—crispy on the outside yet tender throughout. The dish was artfully plated and paired wonderfully with seasonal vegetables, making each bite a symphony of flavors. What truly impressed me was their commitment to fresh, sustainable ingredients, which shines through in every dish. If you're seeking seafood that feels both elegant and approachable, Seasons 52 is definitely a must-visit in Rockville, MD! ✨

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Waldorf MD.

Coastal Flats

During my recent visit to Coastal Flats in Rockville, MD, I was greeted with a delightful marine-themed ambiance that immediately set the stage for a fantastic meal. I indulged in their famous crab cakes, which boasted a perfectly crispy exterior and a succulent, flaky interior that danced on my palate. The shrimp and grits were a scrumptious twist; creamy, with a subtle kick that had me savoring every bite. Don't miss their key lime pie for dessert—it's a zesty finale! Overall, Coastal Flats is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts looking to dive into a flavor-packed experience.

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