The 5 Best Seafood Restaurants Around Vail Valley

Fresh oysters on the half shell, delicate slices of sashimi and expertly prepared fish bring coastal flavors to the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Throughout the Vail Valley, seafood restaurants offer everything from traditional lobster and crab dishes to Japanese specialties, creative sushi rolls and globally inspired preparations. The Best of Vail Valley recognizes seafood restaurants that give residents and visitors opportunities to explore distinctive flavors and culinary traditions far from the ocean.

Joy Sushi

Joy Sushi brings Japanese cuisine to West Vail, offering a dining option for guests seeking sushi and other seafood-focused specialties. The restaurant emphasizes Japanese preparations that highlight the flavors and textures of fish, with sushi providing a different experience from traditional grilled seafood entrées.

Montauk Seafood Grill

Montauk Seafood Grill has served seafood in Lionshead Village since 1987, building a menu around fresh fish, shellfish and classic coastal preparations. Its raw bar features rotating oyster selections, Maine lobster tails, Alaskan crab and a chilled seafood tower with an assortment of shellfish and ahi tuna poke. Among the chef's specialties are herb-crusted Alaskan halibut with lemon beurre blanc, barbecued Scottish salmon with a ginger-soy glaze and seared ahi tuna accompanied by a rock shrimp and vegetable stir-fry. Diners can also select grilled fish or shellfish with their choice of sides and house-made sauces.

Mountain Fish House

Mountain Fish House & Oyster Bar in Edwards brings a coastal-inspired dining experience to the mountains, combining fresh seafood with an approachable neighborhood atmosphere. Founded by Brian Nolan and Lily Doran, the restaurant serves oysters from its raw bar alongside lobster rolls, seafood salads, chowder and other specialties. Its suppliers include Seaview Lobster Co., Bangs Island Mussels and Taylor Shellfish Farms, reflecting an emphasis on sourcing quality ingredients. The restaurant also offers a selection of wines, specialty cocktails and beers.

Hooked Beaver Creek

Hooked Beaver Creek takes an unconventional approach to seafood dining, allowing guests to select whole fish and choose from multiple raw and cooked preparations. The restaurant receives fresh fish from around the world, with selections changing according to availability, and its chefs can prepare a single fish as sashimi, ceviche, nigiri or cooked dishes. Other menu choices include a Maine lobster roll, tuna poke bowl, fried oysters and seafood entrées prepared with sweet miso glaze, citrus chili ponzu or coconut crust.

Matsuhisa

Matsuhisa Vail showcases the culinary style of chef Nobu Matsuhisa, combining traditional Japanese techniques with Peruvian influences. Its signature dishes include yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, black cod with sweet miso and seafood preparations featuring scallops, shrimp and lobster. Guests can explore sushi and sashimi selections or enjoy multiple courses served family-style, allowing them to sample different flavors and textures throughout the meal. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine program overseen by beverage director Andreas Harl, with selections ranging from Burgundy vintages to California wines.

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