Want to taste the best seafood the world has to offer? Be sure to check out a few of these top destinations. Each one has garnered a reputation as a coastal cuisine capital, reeling in thousands of passionate seafood-loving foodie travellers every year. This post will explain exactly why each one is renowned, as well as listing a few delectable dishes you need to try if you decide to visit.
Hokkaido, Japan
Japan is renowned for its seafood dishes like sushi and tempura, and you can try delicious examples of these dishes all across the country. However, the northern island of Hokkaido is in a league of its own. Its cold, nutrient-rich currents produce some of the sweetest and most pristine seafood on Earth. While this gets shipped across Japan, visiting Hokkaido allows you to taste it as its freshest.
Whereabouts in Hokkaido should you visit to taste this seafood? Otaru City is a good choice for high-end sushi, while Sapporo is home to the historic Nijo Market where you can find everything from crab to scallops.
Top seafood dishes to try:
- Kaisendon: Wholesome rice bowls that contain fresh sashimi including salmon, uni (urchin) or ikura (salmon roe).
- Crab soup: A rich miso soup made with crab legs of one of ‘three major crabs’ (snow, king or hairy).
- Jumbo scallops: Also known as ‘hotate’, distinctively large scallops deliver an intense umami flavor.
Maine, USA
The rocky Atlantic coastline of Maine is known for one particular seafood: lobster. The cold waters here are the perfect breeding ground for these crustaceans, and Maine lobster is exported all around the world. However, visiting this state allows you to try it freshly-caught.
There are various towns worth visiting for Maine lobster including Georgetown, Bernard and Portland. Maine transport is well-connected making it easy to travel around this state.
Top seafood dishes to try:
- Maine lobster roll: A classic New England sandwich containing lobster meat dressed with mayonnaise, celery and lemon juice.
- Maine lobster stew: Ideal in winter, this creamy soup typically contains lobster and lots of onion.
- Clam chowder: Another American hearty soup that uses clams.
Galicia, Spain
This Northwestern Spanish region is sometimes referred to as ‘Green Spain’ for its verdant landscape and it is the famous destination of the Camino del Santiago pilgrimage. It’s also often revered as the seafood capital of Europe.
Towns like Vigo and A Coruna have top end ‘marisquerias’ (seafood restaurants) with amazing ocean views. Seafood dishes are typically paired with the region’s famous white wine, Albarino.
Top seafood dishes to try:
- Pulpo a la Gallega: Boiled octopus is a unique delicacy in this region – often served with sliced potatoes, olive oil and paprika.
- Navajas (razor clams): These clams are known for their delicate and sweet taste.
- Percebes (goose barnacles): One of the most prized (and expensive) seafood dishes in the world. They’re a bit alien-looking, but intensely flavorsome.
Lima, Peru
Peru’s waters are abundant with fish as a result of the plankton-rich Humboldt Current. As a result, this country has some incredible seafood. The country’s coastal capital, Lima, is particularly worth visiting for its famous spicy fish dish, ‘ceviche’.
Neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco have some of the best restaurants. Most Peruvians eat seafood dishes at lunch rather than for dinner, as this is when the fish is freshest.
Top seafood dishes to try:
- Ceviche: The national dish of Peru consists of raw fish and lime, often seasoned with chilli, onions and cilantro.
- Arroz con mascicos: A Latin American version of paella containing shrimp, mussels, clams or squid.
- Tiradito: Sashimi-like strips of raw fish in a spicy, citrusy sauce.
Brittany, France
Seafood is enjoyed all across France, however it is a major part of Breton cuisine. Shellfish is particularly popular within this region.
Brittany’s 1,700 mile coastline sports many picturesque fishing villages where you can try freshly-caught seafood. Towns like Cancale are meanwhile world-famous for their oysters, while Brest is renowned for its crab dishes.
Top seafood dishes to try:
- Cancale oysters: Known for growing in some of the world’s strongest tides, these oysters have refined salty taste.
- Cotriade: Sometimes known as ‘Breton fish stew’, this rustic dish often contains mackerel or hake prepared with potatoes and leeks.
- Moules Marinieres: This dish consists of mussels steamed in garlic, butter, white wine and parsley, often served with fries.
Singapore
Over 130,000 tonnes of seafood is consumed every year in Singapore. The historic trade hub imports most of this, but also has a vibrant fishing industry of its own. Stringent food safety standards result in the seafood eaten here being very high quality.
You’ll find excellent seafood restaurants all across Singapore. Geylang and Lau Pa Sat are two areas where you’ll find the best selection of places to eat. Make sure to check out some of Singapore’s other famous non-seafood dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and bak kut teh.
Top seafood dishes to try:
- Chilli crab: Singapore’s signature crab dish uses a spicy tomato based sauce often thickened with egg.
- Black pepper crab: This is another popular crab dish that uses a sticky pepper-based glaze.
- Sambal stingray: This dish consists of grilled stingray over charcoal topped with tasty sambal paste.
Port Lincoln, Australia
Home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fishing fleet, Port Lincoln in Australia exports fish all around the world. It’s particularly known for its premium species like bluefin tuna.
You’ll find many great seafood restaurants in this city – particulalry near the coast. Seafood tasting tours are a great way to try lots of different restaurants in the city. Check out this guide to some of the best places to stay in Port Lincoln if you’re thinking of visiting.
Top seafood dishes to try:
- King George whiting: A highly prized flaky fish that is often pan fried in a lemon butter sauce.
- Bluefin tuna: This is another highly prized fish available in many Port Lincoln restaurants known for its juicy meat.
- Coffin Bay oysters: These oysters are larger than you average oysters and have a clean oceanic flavor.
Last Updated on May 6, 2026
