The Fish Market San Diego
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Fish Market Restaurant

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Historic Old Town Alexandria eatery serving fresh, wild-caught, and fair trade seafood in a 200-year-old warehouse since 1976.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The Fish Market San Diego

Fish Market Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Old Town Alexandria eatery serving fresh, wild-caught, and fair trade seafood in a 200-year-old warehouse since 1976.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The best and freshest seafood in Northern Virginia, served in a scenic, historic setting."

TIP

Ask for Server Recommendations

Servers can offer great insights on drinks and dishes, especially unique items like spiced shrimp.

Consider Indoor/Outdoor Seating

Indoor seating offers AC but can be dim. Outdoor seating provides great people-watching opportunities.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11:30AM

Cuisine

American Seafood

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(703) 836-5676

Address

105 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wild-Caught & Fair Trade Seafood

Wild-Caught & Fair Trade Seafood

Experience the freshest, sustainably sourced seafood with a strong commitment to ocean protection. Enjoy Chesapeake Bay specialties.

The Best Seafood Restaurants in Old Town Alexandria15 Best Restaurants in Alexandria VA You Must Try
Historic Warehouse Charm

Historic Warehouse Charm

Dine in a beautifully renovated 200-year-old warehouse, offering a unique and historic ambiance for your meal.

The Best Seafood Restaurants in Old Town AlexandriaWhat to do in Old Town Alexandria
Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

A welcoming spot for families, complete with kid-friendly touches like cartoon cups and crayons to keep younger guests entertained.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Did you know DC is home to the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the U.S.? Since 1805, the Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf has been serving up the freshest seafood straight from the water to your plate 🦀✨. From steaming hot blue crabs and oysters shucked right in front of you, to shrimp, lobsters, clams, and fried fish baskets… it’s a foodie paradise 🌊. Whether you’re here t...
@spill.the.snack
2.2K likes • 148.2K views

Ask for Server Recommendations

Servers can offer great insights on drinks and dishes, especially unique items like spiced shrimp.

Consider Indoor/Outdoor Seating

Indoor seating offers AC but can be dim. Outdoor seating provides great people-watching opportunities.

Kind of fishy over here. #washingtondc #dc #washingroncheck #dcfoodie #fishmarket #wharfdc #dcfood #seafoodmarket
@triphacksdc
3.9K likes • 72.5K views
Jessie Taylor Seafood at The Wharf DC. I love a good fish market and this is a seriously large and in charge selection of fresh catch! Walking down the row of fresh seafood made my jaw drop but right across was the hot stuff, freshly steamed shellfish, delicious soups and oysters and clams freshly shucked. #foodie #washingtondc #dc #dmv #diningout #gwu #fish #seafood #freshcatch #fyp
@goringrills
187 likes • 18.5K views

Kid-Friendly Touches

Perfect for families with young children who will enjoy cartoon cups and crayons provided.

Enjoy the Waterfront View

Sit outside on the balcony for a lively atmosphere and great people-watching along King Street.

overall: food delicious 🤤 vibes chill 😎 music ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 Check them out if you’re ever in the area!! #CapCut #shellfishmarketdc #shellfishmarket #washingtondc #dctiktokers #foodreview #seafood
@waneeduh
53 likes • 582 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Ask for Server Recommendations

Servers can offer great insights on drinks and dishes, especially unique items like spiced shrimp.

Consider Indoor/Outdoor Seating

Indoor seating offers AC but can be dim. Outdoor seating provides great people-watching opportunities.

Kid-Friendly Touches

Perfect for families with young children who will enjoy cartoon cups and crayons provided.

Enjoy the Waterfront View

Sit outside on the balcony for a lively atmosphere and great people-watching along King Street.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Fish Market Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria is celebrated for its fresh, wild-caught seafood and historic ambiance set in a renovated warehouse. Diners praise the flavorful dishes like fried oysters and crab cakes, as well as the family-friendly atmosphere and waterfront views. However, some reviews mention occasional service inconsistencies and a dimmer interior lighting.

"After a long day of exploring Old Alexandria, the Fish Market was the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. I was alone and had the choice of dining inside, outside, or in the bar. I chose inside to take advantage of the air conditioning. It was a bit dim, but very relaxing. Alex was my server and he did an excellent job. He was very attentive and pleasant. I did notice that others had to wait at the hostess deak for a while before they were acknowledged. Ever had the option to sit where they pleased. I ordered the Violet Skies drink, which was refreshing and perfectly mixed. I also had the Chesapeake Fried Oysters upon the recommendation of another server, and they were just as she described; lightly breaded, cooked to perfection, and melted in my mouth. Exactly what I was looking for. Living in Seattle, WA for over 45 years, I’ve had my fair share of fried oysters, and these did not disappoint. I highly recommend the Fish Market!"

Candy Morrison

"The restaurant has a long-standing tradition, having been established in 1976. The menu is diverse, with many dishes made from seafood. There are very few options with beef, pork, or chicken. The flavors are very much in the American style, with a few Mexican dishes as well. Prices are reasonable — around $25 per person. Some staff members were very enthusiastic, though a few were not particularly friendly."

Lam Dong Lequang

"We had a good experience at The Fish Market Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. The food was fresh and flavorful, with a wide variety of seafood options to choose from. I had the jerk shrimp tacos, which were absolutely delicious. I also had the lobster bisque which wasn’t the best I’ve had since it was a bit thin, but it was still very tasty. My wife ordered the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl. The tuna wasn’t alive, but it did seem like it was swimming in sauce! It was creamier than expected. A bit much.

We sat outside on a balcony overlooking busy King Street, which made for great people-watching and added to the charm. Prices were very reasonable, around $25 to $30 per person. The staff was friendly and attentive, especially our waitress, who was maybe even a little too attentive at times, but it was appreciated.

Overall, this is a great spot for a casual seafood meal in a lively, historic setting. We would definitely go back."

Keith Pierce

What People Like

Fresh, wild-caught seafood
Historic warehouse atmosphere
Family-friendly options

What People Dislike

Occasional dim interior lighting
Inconsistent service

Frequently Asked Questions

They specialize in fresh, wild-caught, and fair trade seafood, including Chesapeake Bay oysters, crab cakes, shrimp, lobster, fish and chips, and daily specials.

The Best Seafood Restaurants in Old Town Alexandria15 Best Restaurants in Alexandria VA You Must Try

Yes, it's known for being family-friendly, offering cartoon cups and crayons for children.

The restaurant is housed in a historic 200-year-old warehouse. Inside seating can be dim but relaxing, while outdoor seating offers great people-watching.

The Best Seafood Restaurants in Old Town AlexandriaGoogle Review

While seafood is the focus, they do offer some non-seafood options like filet mignon, chicken, and burgers. Dietary accommodations like gluten-free are noted.

Alexandria's Best Seafood Restaurants in WashingtonGoogle Review

Yes, The Fish Market is well-known for its fresh Chesapeake raw oysters.

The Best Seafood Restaurants in Old Town AlexandriaAlexandria's Best Eats25 Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

Prices are considered reasonable, with most entrees around $25 to $30 per person.

Google Review+1

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This Fish Market has been an Old Town favorite since 1976, offering wild-caught, fair trade seafood including its famous crab cakes, raw Chesapeake oysters, and fish n’ chips plus seafood-focused soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, tacos, and platters. Located in a spacious 200-year-old warehouse, the Fish Market’s five different dining rooms include kid-friendly to romantic settings. Fish Market was also recently in the news as a recipient of the Barstool Fund.

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The historic Fish Market Restaurant & Raw Bar was once an actual fish market and now features an extensive menu of quality seafood dishes. There are a number of seafood restaurants in Alexandria, but you won’t find fresher fish or colder beer than at the Fish Market. Start with clam chowder—it’s made with a secret recipe that’s been delighting customers since the historic Alexandria restaurant opened in 1976 in a building that once housed an actual fish market.

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We love the Fish Market, which as you might guess specializes in fresh seafood. You’ll find everything from clam chowder to lobster rolls to oysters on the menu, but if you’re looking for a local delicacy don’t miss the crab cakes. Chesapeake Bay blue crab is primarily associated with Maryland, but Virginia also borders the Chesapeake Bay and therefore serves the same tasty broiled or fried crab cakes as well!

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The fish market raurant in historic old town Alexandria Virginia, offers the best and freshest seafood in northern Virginia. Whether you are looking for the freshest of raw Chesapeake oysters, great clam chowder, Maryland crab cakes, daily specials, fish ‘n chips or grilled fresh catch, the fish market has it all. And for the landlubber in you, we also feature filet mignon, chicken, and burgers.

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With more than 400 seats spread across five dining rooms, sea folk and landlubbers alike may enjoy treats from Poseidon's domain at this Old Town Alexandria spot. There are dishes for those who prefer land animals but seafood is the main attraction here. House specialties include fresh whole Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs, dill seared salmon and fried fish Pontchartrain.

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You can enjoy your seafood guilt free when eating at The Fish Market because their seafood is always wild caught and they are committed to protecting the environment. The Fish Market is one of the old-town Alexandria restaurants that are located inside a 200-year-old warehouse. They serve up the best Chesapeake Bay seafood dishes and have delicious and world-famous crab cakes.

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The Fish Market—if you find yourself free on a Monday night, definitely check out The Fish Market’s low country boil for $15—it comes with hush puppies!. Otherwise, The Fish Market is a great place to get Chesapeake Bay seafood right near the waterfront in a cool setting—it’s in a warehouse that’s over 200 years old!

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Anchor Bar at Fish Market: Catch all NFL games, college football and local teams’ games at the Fish Market’s Anchor Bar, complete with fresh seafood, two bars and 16 high-def TV screens, plus weekday happy hour specials and NFL Sunday deals with a “Primetime Eats” menu.

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105 King StAlexandria, VA 22314(703) 836-5676 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. This famous local business was established in 1976, serving fresh local oysters, other fried and grilled seafood, and salads.

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