Inspector Picks: Five Best Seafood Restaurants

AAA/Inspector 46

Hemenway's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar

Providence, Rhode Island

AAA Inspector 46: This long-standing city hallmark is well known for their expertly prepared fresh seafood and fish in an upscale atmosphere with attentive service.

The classic atmosphere is impressive with mahogany paneling and a wall of windows offering serene views of the river, city skyline and flower-filled park. A wide variety of fresh local seafood graces the menu, as do preparations of Angus steak, farm-raised chicken and pasta. The clear broth clam chowder and stuffed clams are signature starters. Let the professionally trained staff help you make the best choices from the vast raw bar menu or choose your own lobster from the three-tiered tank. Metered street parking is available, as is discounted parking at the garage next door with validation from the restaurant.

AAA/Inspector 24

Atlanta Highway Seafood Market

Gainesville, Georgia

AAA Inspector 24: Not fancy, but everything I had was delicious! Straight from the water, cooked to perfection then to my plate, it doesn't get any better than that.

Ok, so it's easy to miss, the parking lot is small and they close at 7 p.m. In spite of all that, this little seafood market/restaurant is PACKED every day! This is family run with a friendly staff and some of the best Gulf shrimp and crawfish this side of Shreveport. Most of the seafood comes from the Gulf of Mexico and the owner/chef will prepare your choice any way you'd like it. All plates come with fries and slaw on the side.

AAA/Katie Broome

Ivar's Acres of Clams

Seattle, Washington

AAA Inspector 31: While seafood is never cheap in Seattle, this place has a great waterfront location and when I go for lunch, I check out the two-item combo options.

A virtual landmark, this Seattle tradition has served the waterfront area since 1938. Among good choices are the renowned "acres of clams" (two pounds of local Manila clams in a garlic-white wine broth), cioppino, fish and chips and other fresh items. The creamy Northwest-style clam chowder is a favorite. Locals and tourists alike love the picturesque water views and all of the interesting boat traffic that passes by just outside the dining room and the waterfront deck.

AAA/Inspector 55

The Paper Canoe

Duck, North Carolina

AAA Inspector 55: I enjoy the relaxed setting, the fabulous sunset views, and the sophisticated food made with local seafood at this wood-clad cottage.

Fabulous sunset views over the sound can be seen while enjoying delicious meals featuring locally sourced seafood and produce. The menu changes with the season, but some constants include wood-fired pizzas with gourmet toppings, wild catch-of-the-day, brick oven-roasted chicken, clams in smoky bacon and tomato broth, and duck confit.

Tautog's

Virginia Beach, Virginia

AAA Inspector 55: My favorite casual seafood spot at the beach for fresh fish such as their tuna, flounder, or the potato-chip encrusted mahi.

In a historic cedar-shingle cottage with a wide veranda that provides lots of open-air seating, this small spot presents a casual menu of fresh and tasty seafood, as well as some land specialties. Specialties include she-crab soup, stuffed flounder steamed in a bag and Benny's oysters.