You might not think of a steakhouse when you crave seafood. But while Ruth’s Chris Steak House is famous for its sizzling steaks, its seafood menu is just as impressive. Rooted in New Orleans, where Ruth Fertel bought Chris Steak House in 1965, Ruth’s Chris serves Creole-inspired shrimp, Louisiana seafood gumbo, Maine lobster, Chilean sea bass and jumbo lump crab alongside its signature steaks.

The short answer: Yes, Ruth’s Chris is a great choice for seafood lovers. Seafood highlights include the Chilled Seafood Tower, Sizzling Crab Cakes, New Orleans-style Barbecued Shrimp, Seared Ahi Tuna, Louisiana Seafood Gumbo, Garlic Crusted Sea Bass, Salmon & Shrimp, Lobster Mac & Cheese and a broiled cold-water lobster tail you can add to any entree.

This guide walks you through the best seafood on the Ruth’s Chris menu, from chilled appetizers and New Orleans classics to ocean entrees, surf-and-turf add-ons and wine pairings. Whether you skip the steak entirely or pair it with a lobster tail, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy an unforgettable seafood dinner.

What Seafood Is on the Ruth’s Chris Menu?

Here’s a quick look at the seafood you can order at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Menu items and availability may vary by location, so check your local menu before you visit.

  • Appetizers: Chilled Seafood Tower, Sizzling Crab Cakes, Shrimp Cocktail, Shrimp Remoulade, Spicy Shrimp, Barbecued Shrimp, Seared Ahi Tuna and Calamari
  • Soup: Louisiana Seafood Gumbo
  • Entrees: Garlic Crusted Sea Bass and Salmon & Shrimp
  • Surf and turf: Tournedos & Shrimp
  • Entree complements: Lobster Tail, Cajun-dusted Shrimp, Oscar-style crabmeat and Bourbon Street barbecued shrimp
  • Signature side: Lobster Mac & Cheese, with optional jumbo lump crabmeat
  • Ruth’s Happiest Hours: Fish and Chips

What Seafood Appetizers Does Ruth’s Chris Serve?

Start your meal with an incredible variety of chilled and hot delicacies. Seafood starters are a great way to share a taste of everything with the table before your entrees arrive.

Chilled Seafood Tower

The Chilled Seafood Tower is an absolute feast and a showstopper for celebrations. It’s packed with Maine lobster, jumbo shrimp and colossal lump crabmeat, plus market-fresh chilled seafood. The tower is offered in sizes for two or four, so it works equally well for a date night or group dinner.

Shrimp, Three Ways

Shrimp lovers have plenty to choose from.

For a cool, classic start, the Shrimp Cocktail and Shrimp Remoulade feature chilled jumbo shrimp with your choice of Creole remoulade sauce or New Orleans-style cocktail sauce.

If you prefer a little heat, the Spicy Shrimp is lightly fried and tossed in a spicy cream sauce with a tangy cucumber salad.

Then there’s the Barbecued Shrimp, a true New Orleans classic. Despite its name, it isn’t made with barbecue sauce. Instead, the shrimp are sautéed in white wine, garlic butter and spices for a rich, savory sauce that’s made for dipping.

Sizzling Crab Cakes

If you’re looking for a slightly heartier appetizer, try the Sizzling Crab Cakes: two jumbo lump crab cakes served in rich lemon butter. They arrive sizzling, just like Ruth’s Chris’s famous steaks.

Seared Ahi Tuna and Calamari

For something lighter, the Seared Ahi Tuna is complemented by a spirited sauce with hints of mustard and beer. The Calamari is lightly fried and served with a sweet and spicy Asian chili sauce, making it an easy appetizer to share.

What Is Louisiana Seafood Gumbo at Ruth’s Chris?

Ruth’s Chris was born in New Orleans, and that heritage shines in the Louisiana Seafood Gumbo. This New Orleans classic is a warm, comforting way to start your meal, especially on a cool evening. Pair a cup of gumbo with a salad for a lighter dinner or enjoy it before a seafood entree.

What Are the Best Seafood Entrees at Ruth’s Chris?

The chefs at Ruth’s Chris Steak House have curated a selection of seafood entrees that hold their own against any premium steak.

Garlic Crusted Sea Bass

The Garlic Crusted Sea Bass is one of the most popular seafood dishes on the menu. Tender Chilean sea bass is topped with a crunchy panko-garlic crust and finished with lemon butter and fresh baby spinach. The result is buttery and flaky on the inside and golden and crisp on top.

Salmon & Shrimp

For a bit of everything, the Salmon & Shrimp entree features a broiled and lightly blackened salmon fillet with three large shrimp and barbecue butter. It’s a satisfying, flavorful choice for guests who want a hearty seafood plate.

How Do You Make Surf and Turf at Ruth’s Chris?

Can’t decide between steak and seafood? You don’t have to. Ruth’s Chris offers several entree complements that turn any steak into a surf-and-turf dinner, and they can be added to seafood entrees too.

  • Lobster Tail: a 5-ounce cold-water lobster tail, Cajun-dusted and broiled
  • Shrimp: six additional Cajun-dusted shrimp
  • Oscar: lump crabmeat, asparagus and béarnaise sauce
  • Bourbon Street: New Orleans-style barbecued shrimp

If you want surf and turf built right in, the Tournedos & Shrimp from the Signature Filets section pairs two 4-ounce filet medallions with Cajun-dusted large shrimp.

Is the Lobster Mac & Cheese Worth Ordering?

Absolutely. Seafood belongs on the side, too. Ruth’s Chris’s signature Lobster Mac & Cheese combines tender pasta, succulent lobster meat and a creamy white cheddar sauce.

For an even more indulgent side, you can add three ounces of jumbo lump crabmeat. It’s generous enough to share and pairs beautifully with both steak and fish.

Can You Order Seafood During Ruth’s Happiest Hours?

Yes. Looking for a more casual way to enjoy seafood? Ruth’s Happiest Hours runs seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the bar and lounge areas, and the menu includes crispy Fish and Chips along with handcrafted cocktails and wines. It’s a great option for after-work drinks or a pre-dinner bite. Happy Hour menus may vary by location.

What Gluten-Free Seafood Options Does Ruth’s Chris Offer?

Guests following a gluten-free diet can choose from a dedicated gluten-free dinner menu that includes several seafood dishes, such as the Chilled Seafood Tower, Shrimp Cocktail, Shrimp Remoulade, Seared Ahi Tuna (without the sauce), Barbecued Shrimp (without the toast point), Salmon & Shrimp, and the lobster tail and shrimp entree complements. Please note that Ruth’s Chris kitchens are not gluten-free, so let your server know about any allergies or dietary needs before you order.

What Wine and Cocktails Pair Best with Seafood at Ruth’s Chris?

The right drink enhances these ocean flavors beautifully. If you enjoy wine by the glass, the crisp Sancerre from Comte de la Chevalière pairs wonderfully with any fish dish, and the Archetype Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand brings bright citrus notes that complement shrimp and ahi tuna.

For richer dishes like lobster, crab cakes or sea bass in lemon butter, try a glass of Rombauer Chardonnay.

For a classic sparkling option, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut brings a delightful brightness to the Chilled Seafood Tower and other rich shellfish.

Whispering Angel rosé from Provence is another refreshing choice for lighter seafood.

Cocktail lovers can opt for a Wild Berry Sidecar, made with Rémy Martin VSOP cognac, Cointreau and fresh blackberries, or a citrusy Hibiscus Lemon Drop. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, the Sunset Serenade zero-proof cocktail mixes a non-alcoholic gin alternative with cranberry, rosemary, lemon and Fever-Tree blood orange ginger beer. Havana Nights, made with a non-alcoholic rum alternative, lime and cinnamon, is another zero-proof favorite.

If you’re not sure what to order, your server can offer a variety of excellent recommendations.

How Do You Build the Perfect Seafood Dinner at Ruth’s Chris?

Not sure where to start? Here are a few easy ways to plan your meal:

  • Light and Fresh: Seared Ahi Tuna, then Garlic Crusted Sea Bass with a glass of Sancerre
  • New Orleans Classics: Louisiana Seafood Gumbo and Barbecued Shrimp, then Salmon & Shrimp
  • Celebration Dinner: Chilled Seafood Tower for the table with Veuve Clicquot, then your favorite entree with a lobster tail and a side of Lobster Mac & Cheese
  • Classic Surf and Turf: Filet topped Oscar-style or paired with a broiled lobster tail

Treat Yourself to a Seafood Dinner Tonight at Ruth’s Chris

As you can see, Ruth’s Chris is not just about the steak! From chilled shellfish and New Orleans classics to buttery sea bass and broiled lobster tail, there’s a seafood dish for every craving and occasion. Booking ahead is the best way to secure your table, especially on weekends, holidays and special occasions.

Reserve your table at a Ruth’s Chris near you on OpenTable today:

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ruth’s Chris Steak House serve seafood?

Yes. Ruth’s Chris serves a wide range of seafood, including Chilean sea bass, salmon, lobster tail, jumbo shrimp, jumbo lump crab cakes, seared ahi tuna, calamari, Louisiana seafood gumbo and a Chilled Seafood Tower with Maine lobster, jumbo shrimp and colossal lump crabmeat.

What is the best seafood dish at Ruth’s Chris?

The Garlic Crusted Sea Bass is a guest favorite, featuring Chilean sea bass with a panko-garlic crust, lemon butter and baby spinach. For sharing, the Chilled Seafood Tower is the ultimate seafood indulgence.

Can I add seafood to a standard steak order?

Yes. You can add a 5-ounce Cajun-dusted, broiled cold-water lobster tail, six Cajun-dusted shrimp, Oscar-style lump crabmeat with asparagus and béarnaise, or New Orleans-style Bourbon Street barbecued shrimp to any entree.

Does Ruth’s Chris have surf and turf?

Yes. Order the Tournedos & Shrimp, which pairs two 4-ounce filet medallions with Cajun-dusted shrimp, or create your own surf and turf by adding a lobster tail, shrimp or crabmeat to any steak.

How big is the lobster tail at Ruth’s Chris?

The lobster tail entree complement is a 5-ounce cold-water tail that is Cajun-dusted and broiled. It can be added to any entree.

Is there a seafood soup on the menu?

Yes. Ruth’s Chris serves Louisiana Seafood Gumbo, a true New Orleans classic.

What is New Orleans-style barbecued shrimp?

Despite the name, New Orleans barbecued shrimp isn’t made with barbecue sauce. At Ruth’s Chris, the shrimp are sautéed in white wine, garlic butter and spices for a rich, savory sauce.

What kind of fish does Ruth’s Chris serve?

The regular dinner menu features Chilean sea bass, salmon and seared ahi tuna. The Ruth’s Happiest Hours menu also includes Fish and Chips.

Does Ruth’s Chris have a seafood tower?

Yes. The Chilled Seafood Tower includes Maine lobster, jumbo shrimp, colossal lump crabmeat and market-fresh chilled seafood, and it is available in sizes for two or four people.

Does Ruth’s Chris have gluten-free seafood options?

Yes. The gluten-free dinner menu includes seafood such as the Chilled Seafood Tower, Shrimp Cocktail, Salmon & Shrimp, and lobster tail and shrimp add-ons. Ruth’s Chris kitchens are not gluten-free, so please tell your server about any allergies.

Does Ruth’s Chris have seafood during happy hour?

Yes. Ruth’s Happiest Hours runs daily from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the bar and lounge areas, and the menu includes Fish and Chips. Offerings may vary by location.

What wine pairs best with seafood at Ruth’s Chris?

For fish and shrimp, try a crisp white like the Comte de la Chevalière Sancerre or Archetype Sauvignon Blanc. Richer dishes like lobster and crab cakes pair well with Rombauer Chardonnay or Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne.

Is Ruth’s Chris a good choice if someone in my group doesn’t eat steak?

Absolutely. With seafood appetizers, a seafood gumbo, sea bass and salmon entrees and lobster mac and cheese, guests who don’t eat beef can enjoy a full, satisfying meal.

Do I need a reservation for dinner at Ruth’s Chris?

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, holidays and special occasions. You can reserve your table at any of our 11 Ruth’s Chris locations in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee on OpenTable.

Menu options may vary by location.