10 Low-Key Indiana Restaurants With Outrageously Fresh Seafood

I never thought I’d find seafood this good in Indiana. Growing up in the Midwest, I assumed fresh fish was something you only got near the coast.

But after years of exploring hidden spots across the state, I’ve discovered restaurants that prove location doesn’t limit quality. These low-key places source their seafood carefully, often flying it in daily or working with trusted suppliers who prioritize freshness.

From family-run markets with attached kitchens to unassuming spots in strip malls, Indiana has more to offer seafood lovers than most people realize. I’ve eaten my way through countless fish fries and shrimp baskets to bring you this list of ten restaurants where the seafood tastes like it just left the ocean.

1. Caplinger’s Fresh Catch – 7460 N Shadeland Ave, Ste 400, Indianapolis, IN 46250

Caplinger’s has been my go-to spot for years when I’m craving seafood that actually tastes fresh. The restaurant sits in a strip mall on Shadeland Avenue, and honestly, you might drive right past it if you’re not looking.

But step inside and you’ll immediately notice the seafood case up front, packed with fish on ice that looks like it was just caught.

The menu changes based on what’s available, which tells you everything about their commitment to quality. I’ve had their grilled salmon more times than I can count, and it’s never been dry or fishy.

Their shrimp dishes are equally impressive, whether you get them fried or grilled. The portions are generous without being overwhelming.

What makes Caplinger’s special is the family-run feel. The staff knows their seafood and can tell you exactly where each fish came from and how it was caught.

They’ll also give you honest recommendations based on what came in that day. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a weeknight dinner when you don’t want anything fancy but still want quality food that respects your taste buds and your wallet.

2. Parker’s Seafood Kitchen – 525 S Branson St, Marion, IN 46953

Marion isn’t exactly known as a seafood destination, but Parker’s changes that conversation completely. This small restaurant on Branson Street brings coastal flavors to north-central Indiana in ways that surprise first-time visitors.

The building itself is modest, but the food coming out of that kitchen rivals places I’ve eaten at in coastal cities.

Their catfish is phenomenal, crispy outside and flaky inside, seasoned just right without overpowering the fish itself. I’ve also tried their crab cakes, which have more crab than filler, a detail that matters more than most restaurants realize.

The sides are classic Southern comfort food that pairs perfectly with seafood. Their coleslaw has just enough tang to cut through fried dishes, and the hush puppies are addictive.

Parker’s keeps things simple and does them well. You won’t find an overwhelming menu here, just a focused selection of seafood done right.

The prices are reasonable for the quality you’re getting, and the service is friendly without being intrusive. It’s the kind of place locals treasure and visitors stumble upon by accident, then make a point to return to whenever they’re passing through Marion again.

3. Santiago’s Seafood Market – 7857 Michigan Rd, Unit B, Indianapolis, IN 46268

Santiago’s brings a Latin American approach to seafood that you won’t find at most Indiana restaurants. Located on Michigan Road, this combination market and restaurant offers both fresh seafood to take home and prepared dishes to eat there or carry out.

The space smells like fresh fish and cilantro, which immediately signals you’re in for something different.

I always get their ceviche when I visit. It’s bright, acidic, and packed with fresh seafood that’s clearly been handled with care.

The shrimp cocktail is another standout, served Mexican-style with avocado and a tomato-based sauce that has just enough kick. Their fried whole fish is impressive too, crispy and seasoned with spices that add complexity without overwhelming the delicate fish flavor.

The market side lets you buy fresh seafood to prepare at home, and the staff is incredibly helpful if you’re not sure how to cook something. They’ll give you recipes and cooking tips without making you feel like you’re asking dumb questions.

Santiago’s proves that fresh seafood can come with cultural flair, and their approach to fish feels authentic rather than adapted for Midwestern palates that might prefer everything bland and safe.

4. Broad Ripple Seafood Market – 882 E Coil St, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Tucked away on a side street in Broad Ripple, this seafood market has been serving the neighborhood for years with consistently fresh fish and simple preparations that let the seafood shine. The market itself is small, but the selection is impressive for a landlocked state.

You’ll find everything from salmon and tuna to more adventurous options depending on the season.

Their prepared food is where this place really excels. The fish tacos are legendary among locals, with grilled or fried fish, fresh toppings, and a sauce that ties everything together perfectly.

I’ve also had their poke bowls, which feature sushi-grade tuna that’s remarkably fresh. The salmon dishes rotate based on what’s available, but I’ve never been disappointed regardless of preparation method.

What I appreciate most is the market’s commitment to sustainability. They post information about where their seafood comes from and how it was caught or farmed.

The staff knows their products intimately and can answer detailed questions about sourcing. Prices reflect the quality, but you’re paying for fish that was swimming recently, not sitting in a freezer for months.

It’s a neighborhood gem that treats seafood with the respect it deserves.

5. The Fish Stand – 423 N Ewing St, Seymour, IN 47274

Seymour might seem like an unlikely place for exceptional seafood, but The Fish Stand proves that fresh fish can thrive anywhere if someone cares enough to do it right. This unpretentious spot on Ewing Street keeps things straightforward with a menu focused on quality rather than quantity.

The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, the kind of place where you order at the counter and find a seat.

Their fried fish is outstanding, with a light batter that doesn’t overshadow the fish itself. I’ve tried both the cod and the catfish, and both were flaky and moist inside with a satisfying crunch outside.

The grilled options are equally good for days when you want something lighter. Their shrimp baskets are generous, with plump shrimp that taste sweet and fresh rather than rubbery or fishy.

The Fish Stand also does a great job with sides. The french fries are crispy, the coleslaw is fresh and crunchy, and the tartar sauce tastes homemade.

Prices are incredibly reasonable considering the quality. This is the kind of local restaurant that deserves more recognition but probably prefers flying under the radar, serving loyal customers who appreciate good seafood without pretension or inflated prices that come with trendier locations.

6. Slapfish – 11547 Yard St, Fishers, IN 46037

Slapfish brings a California-style approach to seafood in the heart of Fishers. The restaurant sits in a newer development on Yard Street, and the modern interior reflects a fast-casual concept that takes seafood seriously.

Unlike traditional fish restaurants, Slapfish focuses on sustainability and creative preparations that appeal to younger diners who want quality without formality.

Their fish tacos are my usual order, available with several different fish options and toppings that add layers of flavor and texture. The Clobster sandwich, made with sustainable lobster, is ridiculously good, with chunks of lobster in a buttery sauce on a toasted bun.

Their bowls let you customize your meal with different bases, proteins, and sauces, making it easy to eat here regularly without getting bored.

What sets Slapfish apart is their transparency about sourcing. They post information about where their seafood comes from and their commitment to ocean-friendly practices.

The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, happy to explain menu items or make recommendations. Prices are moderate for the quality and portion sizes.

It’s a refreshing take on seafood dining that proves you don’t need white tablecloths and high prices to serve fresh, responsibly sourced fish that tastes incredible.

7. The Fish Shop – 910 S State St, North Vernon, IN 47265

North Vernon’s Fish Shop operates with a simple philosophy: get fresh seafood, prepare it well, and serve it at fair prices. This no-frills spot on State Street has been doing exactly that for years, building a loyal following among locals and travelers passing through on Highway 50.

The building is unassuming, but the food inside speaks volumes about the owner’s commitment to quality.

Their fried fish dinners are classic Midwest comfort food done right. The fish is fresh, the breading is crispy without being greasy, and the portions are substantial.

I’ve also had their grilled options, which prove they’re not just relying on batter to mask mediocre fish. Everything tastes clean and fresh, with seasoning that enhances rather than hides the natural flavors.

The Fish Shop also sells fresh seafood to take home, which is convenient for a town this size. The staff is helpful and friendly, treating customers like neighbors rather than transactions.

Prices are very reasonable, especially compared to what you’d pay in larger cities for similar quality. It’s the kind of local restaurant that becomes part of the community fabric, serving families who return week after week because they know exactly what they’re getting and it’s always good.

8. Bartlett’s Fish Camp – 12 On the Lake, Michigan City, IN 46360

Michigan City sits right on Lake Michigan, so you’d expect good seafood, and Bartlett’s delivers with a lakeside location that feels almost coastal. The restaurant’s address, literally On the Lake, tells you everything about the setting.

Large windows overlook the water, and during warmer months, outdoor seating lets you eat with the breeze coming off the lake.

The menu focuses on fresh catches prepared with techniques that respect the fish. I’ve had their pan-seared walleye multiple times, and it’s consistently excellent, with a perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky meat underneath.

Their salmon is equally impressive, whether you order it grilled or blackened. The shrimp dishes showcase plump, sweet shrimp that taste nothing like the rubbery versions served at chain restaurants.

Bartlett’s also offers a raw bar when oysters are in season, bringing a touch of coastal dining to Indiana. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between casual and upscale, comfortable enough for families but nice enough for special occasions.

Service is attentive without being overbearing. Prices reflect the quality and location, but you’re paying for genuinely fresh seafood in a beautiful setting.

It’s worth the drive to Michigan City if you want seafood with an actual view of water.

9. J’s Lobster & Fish Market – 906 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202

J’s Lobster & Fish Market on Carrollton Avenue brings New England-style seafood to Indianapolis with an authenticity that’s hard to find in the Midwest. The market features live lobster tanks, fresh fish on ice, and a prepared food counter serving everything from lobster rolls to clam chowder.

Walking in feels like stepping into a coastal fish market, complete with the briny smell of fresh seafood.

Their lobster rolls are the real deal, packed with chunks of lobster meat lightly dressed in mayo and served on a buttered, toasted bun. I’ve also tried their fish and chips, which feature thick pieces of cod in a light, crispy batter that stays crunchy.

The clam chowder is creamy and loaded with clams, tasting like something you’d get in Boston rather than Indianapolis.

The market side allows you to buy fresh seafood to cook at home, with staff who actually know how to prepare what they’re selling. They’ll give you cooking instructions and recipe ideas, making it less intimidating to try cooking seafood yourself.

Prices are higher than some other spots on this list, but you’re paying for premium products like live lobster and day-boat fish. For seafood lovers who miss coastal markets, J’s fills that void remarkably well.

10. Kona Jack’s Fish Market & Sushi Bar – 9413 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46260

Kona Jack’s combines a full-service fish market with a sushi bar and restaurant, creating a seafood destination on North Meridian Street that serves multiple needs. The market section features an impressive array of fresh fish, shellfish, and specialty items you won’t find at regular grocery stores.

The restaurant side offers both cooked seafood dishes and an extensive sushi menu prepared by skilled sushi chefs.

I’ve eaten here many times, sometimes getting poke bowls from the market, other times sitting down for a full meal. The sushi is consistently fresh and well-prepared, with creative rolls alongside traditional options.

Their cooked fish dishes are equally impressive, whether you order grilled mahi-mahi or pan-seared scallops. Everything is prepared with attention to detail that shows respect for the ingredients.

The staff at Kona Jack’s is knowledgeable about both the market offerings and the menu items. They can recommend wines that pair well with seafood, suggest cooking methods for fish you’re buying to take home, or explain the difference between various types of tuna.

Prices are on the higher end, reflecting the quality and the upscale atmosphere. But for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to exceptional seafood, Kona Jack’s delivers an experience that justifies the cost with freshness and preparation that rival coastal cities.