Experience AZ magazine is Arizona’s go-to travel and adventure guide, showcasing the best places to eat, stay, shop, explore and experience across the state. Here are five must-try seafood restaurants in Arizona, as featured in the latest issue of Experience AZ.
Bluewater Grill
Since opening in Newport Beach in 1996, Bluewater Grill has become a beloved family of seafood restaurants dedicated to pristine, sustainably sourced seafood. Each location reflects the spirit of its origin, offering a relaxed, coastal-inspired setting where friends and families gather to share meals and make memories. The menu celebrates the ocean’s bounty with both classic preparations and modern twists. Partnerships with local fishermen ensure freshness and sustainability. More than great seafood, Bluewater is about connection — between guests and staff, fishermen and chefs, and the community that makes every location feel like home.
Opened in 2002 by José and María Maldonado, this Sinaloan-style seafood cantina in Central Phoenix is known for its bright décor and extensive menu featuring ceviches, aguachiles, seafood towers and whole fried fish. Celebrated for its bold flavors, festive ambiance and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a Valley favorite for seafood lovers.
With three Valley locations, Buck & Rider is all about freshness and craftsmanship. Seafood is flown in daily from the coasts and pairs beautifully with hand-cut steaks and a lively raw bar. Warm service, creative cocktails and a polished-yet-relaxed vibe make it a local go-to for any occasion.
Downtown Tucson’s Charro Steak & Del Rey fuses mesquite-grilled steaks with fresh, sustainable seafood in a historic and lively setting. Southwestern flair meets steakhouse tradition, with tableside touches, handcrafted cocktails and a celebratory, distinctly Tucson atmosphere.
Bringing ocean-fresh flavor to the desert, family-owned Chula Seafood is known for direct-from-the-boat quality. The menu features poke bowls, tacos, smoked fish and rotating specials, all centered on sustainable catches. Bright, casual and welcoming, it’s a must-visit for seafood fans across the Valley.
