If you live in or near San Jose, CA, you already know the Bay Area is a foodie’s paradise. From casual crab shacks to upscale oyster bars, San Jose has no shortage of spots serving up the freshest catches of the day. Whether you’re craving buttery lobster, perfectly grilled salmon, or a plate of oysters on the half shell, there’s a seafood restaurant nearby ready to deliver. The hardest part? Deciding where to go first! To make things easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best seafood restaurants within a short drive of San Jose.
The Boiling Crab
When it comes to fun, messy, and absolutely delicious seafood, The Boiling Crab is a local favorite. Known for its Cajun-inspired seafood boils, this spot lets you roll up your sleeves and dig into bags filled with shrimp, crab, crawfish, or clams drenched in their signature seasoning blends. You choose your heat level, from mild to “fire,” and your sauce—garlic butter, lemon pepper, or the famous “Whole Sha-Bang.” The casual vibe makes it perfect for groups, and the freshness of the seafood shines through every bite. If you’re looking for flavor-packed seafood with a social atmosphere, this is the place to be.
Scott’s Seafood San Jose
For a more upscale dining experience, Scott’s Seafood in downtown San Jose delivers elegance and flavor in equal measure. Their menu highlights dishes like seared scallops, Chilean sea bass, and their ever-popular clam chowder. Scott’s is also known for its sustainable seafood sourcing, so you can feel good about what you’re eating. With its stylish dining room and rooftop views, it’s an excellent choice for date night or a celebratory dinner. Whether you’re enjoying oysters on the half shell or indulging in lobster tails, the restaurant takes pride in offering a refined experience rooted in freshness.
Claw Shack
If you’re craving a fun, casual atmosphere with plenty of flavor, Claw Shack in San Jose has you covered. This local gem is known for its seafood boils and fried baskets, featuring everything from snow crab legs to catfish. Their garlic noodles paired with buttery crab are a crowd favorite, and the Cajun fries make the perfect sidekick to any seafood feast. With generous portions, friendly service, and plenty of spice options, Claw Shack has built a loyal fan base among locals. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to revisit whenever the seafood craving strikes.
King’s Fish House
Just a short drive to nearby San Jose’s Oakridge Mall, King’s Fish House offers a wide-ranging menu perfect for seafood lovers of all kinds. Their raw bar features oysters, clams, and shrimp cocktails, while entrées range from fish tacos to cedar plank salmon. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing high-quality seafood from across the country, so you can sample East Coast oysters one night and Pacific halibut the next. King’s Fish House has a lively, approachable vibe, making it great for family dinners, casual nights out, or even a solo oyster binge at the bar.
The Fish Market
For fresh, reliable seafood in a relaxed setting, The Fish Market in Santa Clara (just minutes from San Jose) is a must-visit. This long-standing restaurant has built a reputation on its daily fresh catches, which rotate depending on what’s in season. You’ll find everything from Dungeness crab to swordfish, along with classics like cioppino—a hearty Italian seafood stew that’s especially popular with Bay Area diners. The Fish Market also doubles as a seafood market, so if you want to cook your own feast at home, you can grab the freshest fish right from their counter. It’s truly a one-stop shop for seafood enthusiasts.
Kickin’ Crab
Rounding out the list is Kickin’ Crab, another lively spot serving Cajun-style seafood boils that San Jose residents can’t get enough of. Much like The Boiling Crab, Kickin’ Crab emphasizes a fun, no-frills dining experience where your meal comes steaming in a bag. Shrimp, crawfish, crab, and lobster tails all make appearances, and you can pair them with sides like corn on the cob or Cajun fries. The flavorful sauces—especially the house garlic butter—take things to the next level. Kickin’ Crab is a great spot for groups who want to laugh, get messy, and enjoy some seriously tasty seafood together.
Wrap-Up
San Jose and its surrounding areas are bursting with seafood options, from upscale rooftop dining to laid-back crab boils that get your hands dirty in the best way. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh oysters, buttery lobster, or Cajun-spiced shrimp, there’s a spot within 30 minutes ready to deliver on flavor and freshness. Next time you’re craving seafood, skip the guesswork and check out one of these local favorites. And while you’re out exploring the best that San Jose has to offer, don’t forget that Lexus Stevens Creek is right here in town too—ready to help you cruise to your next seafood adventure in style.
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