Best Seafood Restaurant in Pigeon Forge TN: Get Hooked on These Must-Try Eats!
Finding a place that nails fresh seafood in the middle of the Smoky Mountains might sound like a stretch—but trust, seafood restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN are full of delicious surprises. Whether it’s buttery crab legs, perfectly fried catfish, or a Cajun boil that leaves your fingers messy and your soul happy, the options are anything but basic.
After a long day of roller coasters, mini golf, and begging the kids not to touch everything in the gift shop, all anyone really wants is a satisfying meal that doesn’t feel like a chain restaurant rerun. That’s exactly what makes hunting down the best seafood restaurant in Pigeon Forge TN feel like a mission worth taking seriously.
So, keep scrolling and get ready to shell-ebrate big bites and even bigger vibes at the most fin-tastic seafood restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN — it’s about to get reel-y good!
Where You Go When You Just Want Really Good Seafood
Harpoon Harry’s Crab House – Pigeon Forge
Dive into a seafood-loving fever dream at Harpoon Harry’s Crab House – Pigeon Forge, a massive two-story riverfront restaurant that’s part swanky lodge, part beach shack fantasy. One look at the Blue Crab Stuffed Flounder drizzled in lobster sherry cream or the Cajun Shrimp & Grits served with cheddar stone-ground grits, and it’s pretty clear why this place consistently ranks among the best seafood restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN.
Don’t sleep on the Grouper Sandwich or the Love of the Sea steamer platter, which comes stacked with clams, mussels, shrimp, and a generous cluster of snow crab. Little ones are covered too, with kid-approved bites like hand-breaded shrimp, fish & chips, and cheesy alfredo fettuccine.
Pair it all with one of their 15+ signature cocktails — the Shark Bite or Crawfish Bloody Mary are both a whole moment. Whether you’re here for the river views, the food coma, or just to say you tried frog legs in the Smokies, this spot delivers big on all fronts.
Huck Finn’s Catfish
Make room for crispy-fried everything and all-you-can-eat vittles at Huck Finn’s Catfish, a no-frills, all-flavor Southern seafood institution. The hushpuppies are bottomless, the catfish is golden and cornmeal-crusted, and the shrimp? Piled high and cooked to order with a side of Boom Boom sauce that deserves its own fan club.
Huck Finn’s offers plenty of surf and turf combos too — think grilled shrimp and fried catfish on one plate or trout served your way (grilled or fried, thank you very much). The Huck Finn’s Catfish kids’ menu hits the mark for picky eaters, featuring catfish strips, chicken fingers, and a fried shrimp plate that might steal a few bites from the adults.
Sides like homemade mashed potatoes, baked white beans, and slaw come with every adult meal, so no one leaves without a full belly. If you’re looking for comfort food that feels like a warm hug from your Southern grandma, this is your go-to spot.
Storming Crab
Ready to get messy in the best possible way? Head to Storming Crab, where the seafood boils arrive in oversized bags dripping in garlic butter, Cajun seasoning, or their house blend that’ll have you licking your fingers between bites.
Inside those glorious bags, you’ll find everything from snow crab legs and crawfish to shrimp with the heads still on — spicy, steamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Tucked inside the vibrant and family-friendly space, Storming Crab knows how to do atmosphere too, with bibs, gloves, and mallets all part of the fun. The Storming Crab kids’ meals are straightforward and crowd-pleasing — fish sticks, fried shrimp, or chicken nuggets served up with fries and a drink.
For the grown-ups, the Combo Fried Basket lets you double down with two picks like calamari and fried scallops. Bring napkins, bring friends, and maybe wear a shirt you don’t mind sacrificing — it’s worth it.
Where You Treat Yourself Because You Deserve It
Bullfish Grill
Treat yourself to a night of elevated comfort food at Bullfish Grill, a polished lodge-style spot that easily stands out among seafood restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN. The menu leans hearty and flavor-forward, especially with dishes like the Pistachio Encrusted Trout topped with sriracha herb butter or the Pimento Shrimp & Grits loaded with sautéed peppers, mushrooms, and bacon.
Seafood lovers can go all-in with the Fried Seafood Platter or Pan-Seared Crab Cakes, both rich, golden, and unapologetically indulgent. Kids get plenty of options too, from Fried Shrimp and Fish ’N Chips to cheeseburgers and grilled chicken with mashed potatoes.
For something to sip, the Mango Habanero Margarita and Bullfish Punch bring just the right amount of fun without going overboard. It’s the kind of place where you sit down hungry and walk out feeling like you just celebrated something—even if it was just making it through the day.
Local Goat
Feeling like something a little quirky-but-upscale? Local Goat is the kind of modern American spot where you can order Seafood Medley pasta packed with shrimp, scallops, and clams one minute, and then pivot to coconut shrimp or seafood bisque the next.
While known for craft food made from scratch, its seafood lineup holds its own—including seasonal salmon dishes, BBQ-style shrimp appetizers, and crowd favorites like the Bang Bang–style shrimp. Families will appreciate that kids can dive into simpler classics like grilled chicken, cheeseburgers, or mac and cheese before stealing bites of whatever seafood you ordered.
Drinks lean creative here, so pairing your meal with a local Tennessee draft or a fruit-forward cocktail feels perfectly on brand. Local Goat nails that sweet spot where date night energy meets vacation cravings, making it an easy win for anyone wanting flavor without fuss.
The Chop House
The Chop House brings a refined, supper-club vibe, and seafood fans will love how many options sit right alongside their steakhouse staples. Start with Crispy Calamari & Shrimp or a Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with house-made sauces before moving into entrées like Grilled North Atlantic Salmon, Baked Boston Schrod with dill caper sauce, or Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo loaded with lobster, crab, and shrimp.
If you want a little land-and-sea action, the Chargrilled Shrimp & Crab Cake plate or a perfectly cooked steak topped with a skewer of grilled shrimp makes a strong argument. The kids’ menu is stacked too, offering fish and chips, cheeseburgers, grilled chicken with mashed potatoes, and spaghetti for little diners who prefer familiar favorites.
Signature drinks like the Chop House Old Fashioned or Superfruit Wildberry Lemonade pair effortlessly with their seafood plates. With white tablecloth polish and a menu built for treating yourself, The Chop House makes every meal feel like a mini celebration.
Where You Didn’t Expect Seafood… But It’s Claw-some
Taco Ranch
Swing by for tacos, and stay because you accidentally discovered some of the most inventive seafood in town at Taco Ranch. While this wildly creative taqueria leans into globally-inspired flavors, its seafood section is low-key loaded—try the Chile Rubbed Snapper with chimichurri crema and Napa slaw or the Lobster & Avocado taco stacked with creamy poached lobster, arugula, and lemon dill vinaigrette.
Another standout is the Thai Chile Shrimp taco, which shows up dressed to impress with ambal aioli, padron peppers, and a tangy vinaigrette. You’ll also want to kick off your order with something from their “1st Things 1st” menu—Loaded Waffle Fries or Mexican Street Elote are not technically seafood, but they’re 100% delicious decisions.
For the kiddos, the kid-friendly menu has basics like chicken tenders and tacos, ensuring no one leaves hangry. It may not be the first place you’d look for Taco Ranch, but it’s claw-some once you do.
Timberwood Grill
Don’t let the lodge-style decor fool you! Timberwood Grill is here to surprise you with seafood that goes beyond your typical steakhouse sidekick. This mountain-style hangout, located at The Island, dishes up comfort classics like Fish ‘N Chips served with tartar sauce and crispy fries that will haunt your snack cravings later.
You’ll also find hearty seafood entrees like Bourbon-Glazed Salmon and Southern Shrimp & Grits, with the kind of smoky-sweet balance that feels right at home in the Smokies. Start with their Peel & Eat Shrimp or Grilled Shrimp Skewers if you want something lighter but still crave-worthy.
Kid favorites like fish sticks or popcorn shrimp make it easy to order for picky eaters, and grown-ups can sip from a full cocktail menu with local drafts, moonshine margaritas, and even a Smoked Peach Old Fashioned. It’s easy to see why Timberwood Grill is one of those places where you don’t expect seafood… but it totally shells out.
Ristorante DellaSantina
Tucked inside a charming Italian villa-style setting, Ristorante DellaSantina brings old-world flair and fresh-from-the-coast flavor together like they’ve been besties since Rome. The seafood here is flown in multiple times a week, and the dishes reflect that kind of freshness—from the silky Lobster Ravioli to the Frutti di Mare, a seafood pasta loaded with scallops, shrimp, mussels, and clams.
Fans of light, garlicky flavors will love the Scaloppine con Capellini with scallops in white wine sauce, or the classic Clams Fettuccine that lets the ingredients shine. Starters like Fried Calamari and Mussels in white wine sauce are a must, especially when followed by a glass from their lengthy wine list.
Littles are covered too, with pasta options and house-made meatballs that even picky eaters won’t argue with. You might come for the ambiance, but you’ll stay because Ristorante DellaSantina serves seafood like it’s their Roman Empire.
Which of These Will be a Shore Bet for Your Next Meal?
Exploring all these seafood restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN is basically a delicious challenge waiting to happen, especially once you realize just how many menus are worth eating your way through. Whether you’re craving catfish, crab legs, shrimp tacos, or lobster‑stuffed pasta, there’s truly no wrong answer when you’re hunting down the best seafood restaurant in Pigeon Forge TN.
As you start mapping out your trip, this is the perfect time to plan the fun stuff too—because nothing pairs better with great food than unforgettable adventures. That’s where securing vacation packages through Tripster becomes your secret superpower, bundling the good eats with even better savings.
From Pigeon Forge attractions, shows, and hotels to all the sightseeing and splurging in between, Tripster makes the entire getaway feel smoother and way more doable. Dive into planning now and get ready for a Smoky Mountain trip that’s as satisfying as that first bite of seafood!
What Are The Seafood Restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN FAQs?
Are there kid-friendly seafood restaurants in Pigeon Forge?
Definitely—spots like Huck Finn’s Catfish and Bullfish Grill offer kid menus with seafood options like fried shrimp and fish ‘n chips. These places also provide family-style seating and casual atmospheres.
Do seafood restaurants in Pigeon Forge offer non-seafood options?
Yes, almost every seafood restaurant in town has steak, chicken, or pasta dishes too. So if someone in your group isn’t a seafood fan, they’ll still find something delicious to enjoy.
Do seafood restaurants in Pigeon Forge offer non-seafood options?
Several places, like Local Goat and Bullfish Grill, offer gluten-sensitive menus or will accommodate substitutions when asked. It’s always a good idea to call ahead or mention dietary needs when seated.
Are reservations required for the best seafood restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN?
Some upscale or busy spots like The Chop House or Harpoon Harry’s recommend reservations, especially during dinner hours or peak travel seasons. For casual restaurants, you can usually walk in or call ahead to check wait times.
What seafood dishes are most popular in Pigeon Forge?
Fried catfish, grilled salmon, crab cakes, and Cajun seafood boils are some of the most loved dishes. You’ll also find fun twists like seafood tacos, lobster ravioli, and gator bites depending on where you go.
Are there seafood restaurants near The Island in Pigeon Forge?
Yes, Timberwood Grill is located right at The Island and offers several seafood options like fish and chips and fried shrimp. It’s perfect if you want a meal before or after shopping or riding the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
Can I get seafood to go or for delivery?
Most restaurants offer takeout, and several—like Taco Ranch and Storming Crab—provide online ordering or local delivery. If you’re staying in a hotel or cabin, this is a great option for a cozy seafood night in.
What’s the dress code like at seafood restaurants in Pigeon Forge?
Casual attire is perfectly fine at most places, though upscale spots like Bullfish Grill lean toward smart casual in the evenings. Just wear what feels comfortable for a night out in the Smokies.
Can I bundle restaurant visits with other activities during my trip?
You can’t bundle restaurant meals directly into vacation packages through Tripster, but you can save money on Pigeon Forge attractions, shows, and hotels and use those savings toward your dining plans. It’s an easy way to free up more of your budget for the seafood spots you want to try.
