If the idea of seafood appeals to your group but the thought of grilled salmon or tuna sashimi turns your stomach, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many diners enjoy the atmosphere and flavors of seafood restaurants without being fans of fish. The good news? There are plenty of crave-worthy alternatives on the menu, and crab often steals the spotlight.
Here’s what to order at a seafood restaurant when fish isn’t your thing, plus tips on where to find great options and how to save with rewards apps.
Start with Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a go-to starter for anyone looking to ease into seafood. These golden, pan-seared patties are made from lump crab meat and minimal filler, offering sweet, delicate flavor without the strong taste or texture of fish. Most are served with remoulade or aioli and pair perfectly with a light salad or fries.
Look for restaurants that prepare them in-house, such as Legal Sea Foods or Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, where the crab quality is top-notch.
Order Shrimp-Based Dishes
Shrimp is mild, versatile, and shows up in everything from pasta to tacos. For a hearty option, go for shrimp scampi, shrimp and grits, or crispy coconut shrimp. These are flavorful but unlikely to trigger the aversions people often associate with “fishy” seafood.
Places like BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse feature shrimp pasta and combo platters that make great alternatives. You can earn cashback with a BJ’s Restaurant gift card to make your meal even more affordable.
Crab Mac and Cheese or Crab-Stuffed Dishes
If you’re craving comfort food with a seafood twist, look for crab-topped mac and cheese or crab-stuffed chicken, shrimp, or flounder. These dishes incorporate the subtle sweetness of crab into rich, creamy formats that feel more indulgent than traditional fish entrées.
Chains like Red Lobster offer seasonal crab combinations and loaded sides. You can buy a Red Lobster gift card online with cashback for added savings.
Try Lobster or Scallops
Lobster tail, bisque, or roll-style sandwiches are another solid option for seafood skeptics. Like crab, lobster has a naturally sweet, mild flavor and is typically served with butter, lemon, or creamy sauces that enhance rather than overpower it.
Scallops are also worth a try—they’re tender and have a rich, slightly sweet flavor when seared properly. They’re often served over risotto or with roasted vegetables for a well-rounded entrée.
Skip Fishy Flavors by Choosing Fried or Cream-Based Options
If you’re especially sensitive to the taste or smell of fish, choose preparations that tone it down. Fried items, creamy sauces, and bold seasonings (like Cajun spice or garlic butter) can mask residual “seafood” notes and make dishes more approachable.
Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta can help you earn cashback on delivery or pick-up orders when trying out new seafood restaurants at home.
Cashback Tips for the Seafood Hesitant
Dining out doesn’t have to cost a fortune—especially if you’re still experimenting with what you like. With Fluz, you can earn cashback with a BJ’s Restaurant gift card or get a discount on Red Lobster with Fluz and pay with it just like a regular gift card. If your go-to spot isn’t listed, Fluz also offers virtual cards with cashback on Apple Pay and Google Pay. Start browsing options at the Fluz home page.
Final Takeaway
You don’t have to love fish to enjoy a night at a seafood restaurant. With crab, shrimp, lobster, and other non-fishy favorites on the menu, there’s something for everyone—even the seafood skeptic. Add in cashback perks and rewards programs, and you’ve got more than just a meal—you’ve got a delicious deal.
