Best of 13 oysters in Philadelphia
Oysters in Philadelphia have a rich history, with the city once known as the oyster capital of the world. Among the many seafood options available, oysters in Philadelphia are a popular choice due to their freshness and variety. Local restaurants and markets offer a range of oyster types, from briny to sweet, giving foodies and seafood lovers a chance to savor the flavors of the sea in this bustling city.
1. Devon Seafood Grill
Sustainable seafood, Cozy atmosphere, Full bar with creative cocktails

The seafood at this establishment is not to be missed, particularly the oysters and lobster bisque. Freshness and quality are evident in every bite, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience. The oysters, in particular, were a standout – plump, flavorful, and utterly delightful.
To complete the meal, be sure to save room for dessert and a glass of wine. The dessert options are equally impressive, and a glass of wine is the perfect way to round out the meal. Whether you're a seafood lover or simply enjoy dining out, this restaurant is sure to exceed your expectations. Overall, the exceptional food and welcoming atmosphere make it a place that we can't wait to return to.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
2. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks
Sustainable seafood choices, fresh fish flown in daily

The oysters served were fresh and tasted delicious, but the service during the meal left something to be desired. There was a significant delay in the delivery of the oysters, which took over 25 minutes to arrive.
Unfortunately, the service did not improve after the food was served. When the oysters arrived, there were no plates or forks provided, which added to the inconvenience and frustration of the dining experience. This lack of attention to detail and poor service significantly detracted from the overall enjoyment of the meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Rooftop
- Budget-Friendly Eats
3. Ocean Prime
Modern, upscale seafood restaurant and lounge

The oysters at this location are a standout, with their perfect shucking allowing for optimal enjoyment. Their freshness is apparent in every bite, making for a delightful meal experience.
Freshness and deliciousness are the hallmarks of the oysters served here, making them a definite highlight of any meal. They were expertly prepared, with each one being perfectly shucked to enhance their taste and overall enjoyment.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Italian Cuisine
- High-End
4. Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
Elegant ambiance with a rooftop bar and live music

The oysters served were a delight, featuring a distinctive combination of tarragon mignonette and cocktail sauce. The oysters were freshly shucked, showcasing their high quality, and had a wonderful flavor that made them a standout part of the meal.
Overall, the oysters were a memorable component of the dining experience. Their freshness was evident, and the combination of flavors from the tarragon mignonette and cocktail sauce added an extra element of enjoyment. Diners would be remiss to pass up the opportunity to savor these delicious oysters.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
5. Chart House
Waterfront dining with stunning views of the Delaware River

The oysters served during the meal were incredibly fresh and tasty, making for a standout dining experience. Guests enjoyed the delicious flavor and high quality of the oysters, which were a definite highlight of the meal.
However, there were some issues with the service during the meal. The pacing was a bit slow, which caused some delays and inconvenience for the diners. Despite the excellent oysters, the subpar service detracted from the overall dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Dinner
- Celebrations
6. The Olde Bar
Historic building, once a former bank; Live music on select nights

My boyfriend and I recently visited The Olde Bar, a restaurant in South Philly, in an attempt to try something new and branch out from our usual Oyster Bar. However, our experience fell short of our expectations. We were quickly seated at a tiny table outside, which was not ideal. The menu offered a variety of options, and we opted for oysters and clams on the half shell, two bowls of turtle soup, a Caesar salad, deviled eggs, and crab fries.
Despite the disappointing seating arrangement, the food at The Olde Bar was quite good. In particular, we enjoyed the oysters, which were only a dollar each, and tasted fresh and flavorful. My boyfriend, who is from South Philly, had been to The Olde Bar before and highly recommended their oysters. It was a great experience for me to try this local favorite and get a taste of the city's culinary scene. Overall, while the service and seating could use some improvement, the delicious oysters make The Olde Bar worth a visit.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Happy Hours
7. Royal Boucherie
Located in a historic building, features a rooftop bar, offers brunch on weekends

Upon visiting the establishment, the server provided excellent service by ensuring we received extra fresh oysters. She was professional and approachable, making herself available to us whenever needed. The oysters themselves were a delight, being fresh and delicious – an ideal beginning to our meal.
Throughout the evening, the service remained attentive to our needs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The quality of the oysters, coupled with the excellent service and ambiance, contributed to an overall positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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8. Anastasi Seafood
Cozy and intimate atmosphere, Focus on sustainable seafood, Great selection of wines

A selection of twelve oysters were enjoyed, known for their freshness and great taste. The cost of these oysters was reasonably priced, and their presentation was expertly done. During certain hours, specifically Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 pm, customers can take advantage of the 'A Buck a Shuck' promotion, where all raw clams and oysters are only one dollar each. Additionally, cocktail and beer specials are available during this time.
In conclusion, the oysters offered were fresh and delicious with a affordable price and impressive presentation. The restaurant also provides special deals during their Happy Hour, which includes discounted oysters and clams, as well as cheap cocktails and beer. The Happy Hour takes place Tuesday through Friday, from 4 to 6 pm.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
9. Pearl's Oyster Bar
Extensive oyster menu, Chic atmosphere, Seafood focused

If you're looking for a tasty meal, consider the Fried Oyster Scramble. The oysters are cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of juice and flavor. The scramble paired well with the oysters, making for a delicious and satisfying dish.
During a visit to the Reading Terminal, I stopped for a quick lunch and was impressed by the Fried Oysters. These were no ordinary oysters - they were huge and juicy, full of flavor. If you're in the area and in the mood for seafood, the Fried Oysters are a must-try.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Rooftop
- Dinner
10. Vernick Fish
Seasonally-driven menu with locally sourced seafood

Fresh oysters are known for their variety and delightful taste. One popular oyster dish is Oysters Rockefeller, which originated in New Orleans, featuring creamy goodness. However, if you can't make it to New Orleans, consider trying Oysters Philadelphia, which packs a robust flavor without the heavy cream. Regardless of which oyster dish you choose, you are in for a real treat.
Vernick Fish is a highly-regarded restaurant recognized for its exceptional cuisine and top-notch service. Their menu boasts an impressive selection of dishes, from their delicious ceviche to their mouth-watering baked oysters and scallops with morels. If you're looking for a fantastic dining experience, Vernick Fish should be at the top of your list.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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11. Fishtown Seafood
Sustainable seafood, Local ingredients, Cozy atmosphere, Raw bar
Fishtown Seafood provides a wide selection of offerings for its customers, including salmon, shrimp, bluefin tuna, and various types of oysters. On Fridays, the oysters are particularly appealing as they are available for just a dollar each. This seafood spot is a beloved establishment in the neighborhood, known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff. In addition to a great oyster selection, Fishtown Seafood offers other delicious catches that are sure to satisfy any seafood lover.
Fishtown Seafood, a neighborhood gem, offers a diverse array of offerings such as salmon, shrimp, bluefin tuna, and oysters. The establishment's oyster selection is notable, and on Fridays, customers can enjoy oysters for only a dollar apiece. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, providing excellent service to patrons. With its wide selection of delicious seafood options, Fishtown Seafood is a must-visit for any seafood lover in the neighborhood.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Hidden Gems
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12. Seafood Unlimited
Sustainable sourcing, Cozy atmosphere, Raw bar

Happy Hour offers a treat for oyster lovers with buck a shuck oysters, serving them with a choice of cocktail or mignonette sauce. The bar setting is enjoyable, featuring a unique and eye-catching Zagar mosaic wall.
During this time, patrons can enjoy delightful dollar oysters and crispy veggie tempura, perfectly complemented by chilled martinis prepared by skilled bartenders. It's an excellent opportunity to relax and savor the offerings in a friendly and engaging atmosphere.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Hidden Gems
13. Loch Bar
Stylish nautical-themed setting with live music on weekends

The dishes at this establishment are expertly prepared, with several standout options. The Brussels sprouts are crispy and tossed in a delightful honey sriracha sauce. The pan-seared scallops are cooked to perfection and served with a flavorful basil and corn risotto. The fried oysters are also a popular choice.
During our visit, my dining partner and I shared the Oysters Rockefeller, which were delicious and plentiful with six served. We also tried the Cream of Crab Soup, which had a rich and creamy texture with a hint of sherry. However, the soup did not have a strong crab flavor, as the crab meat was scarce in the soup.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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