This Iconic Georgia Seafood Restaurant Has A Built-In Fish Market

With over 30 years of excellence under its belt, diners would probably flock to the Atlanta Fish Market even if it didn't have an enormous statue of a leaping fish out front. People make a ton of common mistakes when cooking fish, but it's hard to mess up seafood so fresh that it's almost still breathing. Still, if you are a truly hopeless cook, you can let them handle the preparation and take it home to serve your loved ones. This establishment is not only a top-shelf seafood market, as the name implies, but it's also a gorgeous restaurant serving up fish, lobster, crab, and other fruits of the ocean that are, as per its standard, less than 36 hours from having been caught. 

On the retail side, Pano's Food Shop is your destination for wild-caught fish, including tuna, salmon, swordfish, and black grouper from the nearby Gulf of Mexico. There's no need to employ the squeezing trick to ensure you're buying the best lobster, as the crustaceans come straight from New England. You can pick up both Maine- and Connecticut-style lobster rolls (buttery and warm versus cold with mayo, if you need a reminder), clam chowder, and prepared sides to bring home for lunch or dinner. Or, if it's a special occasion, make a reservation at the restaurant next door for a homey, yet elegant dining experience that you won't soon forget.

To make sure that it is serving the very best seafood on offer, the Atlanta Fish Market restaurant prints its menus twice a day to reflect seriously up-to-date information about its stock. When you dine in, you can expect all the variety that you get at the retail store, with tons of fish cooked to your preference: blackened, broiled, sautéed, or "Hong Kong style" in a pan-Asian-inspired rice bowl. Crab cakes, oysters, and old-school seafood towers are all on offer. There is also a small, tasteful selection of appetizer sushi, including rainbow rolls and tempura. 

On weekdays, you can pop in for lunch and enjoy many of the same entrees, along with a salmon BLT or fish and chips, among other lighter bites. As for aesthetics, the dining room is well-appointed without sacrificing comfort, while private rooms are available for your next celebration. The menu notes that the chef is happy to accommodate special requests based on the catch of the day.

A Yelp review encapsulated what diners love about the Atlanta Fish Market: " Great portions of fresh, really great fish. The sides were hot and good portions and we loved every part of this dinner and experience. Would recommend [it] and can't wait to go back!" On a TripAdvisor discussion of recommended restaurants in the Buckhead area, a commenter echoed that sentiment: "My vote is for the Atlanta Fish Market. It is pretty much the best seafood restaurant in Atlanta."