Best seafood in India is coastal and city-specific: Mumbai for Malvani and Konkan fish rooms, plus modern dining that treats seafood seriously; other hubs grow in our directory as coverage expands. This guide starts with Mumbai, India’s densest fish-restaurant shortlist on FishRestaurants.com.
Evergreen: [how to choose a seafood restaurant](/blog/2026-08-12-how-to-choose-a-seafood-restaurant) · [Best fish for frying](/blog/2026-08-18-best-fish-for-frying) · [Best fish for grilling](/blog/2026-08-12-best-fish-for-grilling).
Live hubs: [India directory](/fish-restaurants/india) · [Mumbai](/fish-restaurants/india/mumbai).
India seafood at a glance
| City | Strength | Order first | Directory | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Mumbai | Malvani, Konkan, modern seafood | Pomfret, surmai, prawn fry | Mumbai listings |
Mumbai — Malvani fish and modern rooms
Top-rated seafood-leaning rooms in our Mumbai directory:
Gajalee
[Gajalee](/fish-restaurants/india/mumbai/gajalee) · 4.3 (9,800+ reviews)
Mumbai seafood institution energy — multiple branches, consistently fish-forward branding.
Order: tandoori pomfret, prawn fry, or the Malvani thali if offered.
Best for: reliable Mumbai seafood without fuss.
Chaitanya Assal Malvani - Dadar
[Chaitanya Assal Malvani - Dadar](/fish-restaurants/india/mumbai/chaitanya-assal-malvani-dadar) · 4.5 (11,000+ reviews)
Malvani in the name — coastal spice, coconut, and serious fish plates.
Order: surmai (kingfish) curry or fry; add prawns if the kitchen is busy.
Best for: authentic Malvani seafood heat.
The Bombay Canteen
[The Bombay Canteen](/fish-restaurants/india/mumbai/the-bombay-canteen) · 4.5 (10,700+ reviews)
Modern Indian dining — scan seasonal seafood mains and small plates.
Order: whatever fish special highlights local catch.
Best for: date nights and creative plates.
Yauatcha Mumbai
[Yauatcha Mumbai](/fish-restaurants/india/mumbai/yauatcha-mumbai) · 4.5 (9,600+ reviews)
Dim sum and seafood overlap — strong for steamed fish and shellfish formats.
Order: steamed fish, prawn dumplings, and light seafood starters.
Best for: Cantonese-style seafood in Mumbai.
Afzal Mao Restaurant
[Afzal Mao Restaurant](/fish-restaurants/india/mumbai/afzal-mao-restaurant) · 4.1 (11,500+ reviews)
High local volume — good when you want what Mumbaikars actually order.
Order: fry or curry with named fish; skip anonymous “fish thali” if species is hidden.
Best for: budget-friendly seafood lunches.
What to order in India (Mumbai focus)
- Pomfret — tandoori or fry; classic Mumbai plate
- Surmai / kingfish — Malvani fry or curry (kingfish guide)
- Prawn fry — spice-forward starter (prawns guide)
- Crab masala — confirm live weight in season (crab guide)
- Bombil fry — Mumbai breakfast seafood culture (when fresh)
How to choose in India (quick checklist)
- Coastal cuisine naming — Malvani, Konkan, Chettinad seafood
- Named fish — pomfret, surmai, rawas, not only “fish curry”
- Busy local lunch — turnover matters in hot climates
- Spice is not a mask — fresh fish can take heat; tired fish hides in gravy
- Browse [Mumbai listings](/fish-restaurants/india/mumbai) before you book
FAQ: best seafood India
Which Indian city is best for seafood on FishRestaurants.com today?
Mumbai has the deepest shortlist in our directory. Coastal cities will grow — start at [India hub](/fish-restaurants/india).
What is Malvani seafood?
Coastal Maharashtra cuisine — coconut, kokum, and bold spice with fish and prawns. Try [Chaitanya Assal Malvani](/fish-restaurants/india/mumbai/chaitanya-assal-malvani-dadar).
Is fried fish common in India?
Very — pomfret and bombil fry are classics. Species tips: [best fish for frying](/blog/2026-08-18-best-fish-for-frying).
*Last updated: August 2026. Ratings and hours change — confirm on each restaurant page.*