Some seafood dishes could easily be deemed as comfort food because they are so satisfying and familiar to restaurant patrons. If you will be heading out to a seafood restaurant and prefer a meal that is a little more hearty and fulfilling, it can definitely be helpful to know what to look for on the menu. Take a look at a few important things to know about finding comfort food–level seafood at a restaurant. 

A Look at Common Seafood Comfort Food Dishes 

Seafood comfort food is a dish that is made with seafood and is considered to be comforting and nostalgic. Some examples of seafood comfort food include:

• Cioppino: This hearty Italian stew is made with a variety of seafood, including fish and shellfish. 
• Crab cakes: These savory cakes are made with crab meat, bread crumbs, and spices and may be served with dipping sauce.
• Fish and chips: This classic British dish is made with fried fish and chips. It is typically served with a side of tartar sauce.
• Lobster bisque: This creamy soup is made with lobster stock, cream, and vegetables. It is often served as a starter or light meal.
• Shrimp scampi: This Italian dish is made with shrimp, garlic, and white wine. It is often served over pasta.
• Fish tacos: These popular Mexican tacos are made with fried fish, cabbage, and salsa. 

Ingredients Often Used in Seafood Comfort Food 

Common ingredients used in seafood comfort food include:

• Seafood: Salmon, cod, tuna, shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops, clams, mussels, oysters, and other shellfish.
• Dairy: Milk, cream, butter, cheese.
• Grains: Rice, pasta, bread.
• Vegetables: Potatoes, corn, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, basil, thyme, and parsley.

Many of the best restaurants will use locally sourced ingredients to up the nostalgia factor even more. For example, if you are visiting a restaurant in Maine, they may have seafood dishes prepared using locally harvested clams or lobster, both of which are said to have unique flavors according to where they are harvested. 

The next time you head to a good local seafood restaurant, be sure to keep an eye out for comfort food on the menu. These dishes are often served with warm, crusty bread or rice and are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Reach out to a restaurant like The Scotsman Public House for more information.