Best Seafood Restaurants in University Village
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Alegrias Seafood
High-volume Nayarit-style seafood platters in a loud, festive room.
Notable Picks
8.6
Alegrias Seafood is a Nayarit-style mariscos house where platters of langostinos, whole fried snapper, and ceviches land on big tables in a loud, BYO-friendly room. Locals use it for celebratory seafood feasts when they want serious shellfish, big portions, and a rowdy West Town atmosphere without heading downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chapuzon Del Mar mixed seafood platter, Whole fried red snapper (huachinango), Langostinos Estilo Nayarit
What makes it special: High-volume Nayarit-style seafood platters in a loud, festive room.
8.3
Mariscos La Costa focuses on Mexican seafood—think shrimp empanadas, whole fried fish, and aguachile—served in a lively Ashland Avenue dining room. It’s a go-to for groups who want micheladas, big shared platters, and coastal-style flavors without leaving West Town. Consistently strong reviews highlight generous portions and bold seasoning more than polished service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Empanadas, Whole Fried Fish with Shrimp, Mixed Ceviche Tostada
What makes it special: Seafood-forward Mexican plates and micheladas built for sharing and celebrations.
Worthy Picks
7.7
The Boil Cajun Seafood brings a Gulf-style boil format to East Ukrainian Village, with bags of crab, shrimp, and clams tossed in garlicky Cajun butter. It’s a bibs-on, hands-in dinner built around sharing, where tables fill with plastic-lined trays, shell piles, and plenty of seasoning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-your-own seafood boil with crab and shrimp, Char-grilled oysters, Garlic butter Cajun noodles
What makes it special: Cajun-style seafood boils with customizable spice and sauce levels.