Real Seafood Company: A Premier Destination for Fresh, Quality Seafood and Elegant Dining in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 24 Dec 2025 09:51
TL;DR: Real Seafood Company Seafood Boil is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Ann Arbor
Real Seafood Company is an acclaimed contemporary seafood restaurant celebrated for its premium fresh fish and seafood sourced from diverse waters including New England, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. The establishment boasts a refined yet inviting atmosphere, making it an excellent place to meet up with friends for a memorable dining experience. One highlight is their signature dishes such as the Chilean Seabass, which is marinated overnight, seared, and served with ginger soy sauce and wasabi aioli, providing a rich and flavorful taste that seafood lovers appreciate. The Parmesan Encrusted Flounder is another popular choice, featuring a delicate crust topped with lemon caper beurre blanc. Beyond seafood, the menu caters to a broad audience, offering top-grade steaks like Filet Mignon, grilled chicken dishes with creamy risotto, and various plant-based and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can find something delicious. The restaurant's commitment to quality is reinforced by its long-standing relationships with fishermen and seafood purveyors, some spanning over 40 years, guaranteeing the freshest daily catches delivered multiple times per week. The ambiance, complemented by professional, knowledgeable waitstaff, and scenic views—such as river vistas and downtown lights at night in some locations—create an ideal setting for casual gatherings or special celebrations like birthdays.
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What people think of Real Seafood Company, based on reviews
As of recent, Real Seafood Company holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1918 reviews.
Reviews from guests highlight that Real Seafood Company generally receives strong praise for its fresh and flavorful seafood, excellent service, and inviting atmosphere. Positive reviews often mention standout dishes like the seafood appetizers, fresh oysters, and well-prepared entrees such as sea bass and scallop risotto. Many reviewers appreciate the attentive, professional waitstaff and the elegant yet comfortable ambiance, describing the dining experience as outstanding and recommending the restaurant for both casual and special occasions. The availability of diverse menu options, including top-grade steaks and accommodating dietary preferences, also garners favorable remarks. Some reviewers, however, point out concerns with pricing, notably about the cost of certain items like oysters being higher than comparable venues. A few critiques mention over-seasoning in dishes or variations in recipe authenticity, especially in certain locations. Others note portion sizes relative to cost as an area for improvement. Despite some negative feedback on these specific issues, the overall consensus remains positive, with patrons frequently returning due to quality food, excellent service, and the warm, inviting environment. This balance suggests that while there may be areas for refinement, Real Seafood Company successfully delivers a satisfying and memorable seafood dining experience.
How to reach Real Seafood Company
341 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
FAQ about Real Seafood Company, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Ann Arbor, Michigan
When looking for the perfect spot to gather with friends or family, Real Seafood Company stands out as an exceptional choice. This contemporary seafood restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere that balances polished casual dining with a warm, welcoming vibe perfect for group meetups. Whether you seek a lively evening out or a relaxed afternoon brunch, this location caters to all occasions with its thoughtful design and attentive service. With a solid 4.3-star rating from over 1900 reviews, guests consistently praise the freshness and flavor of the seafood, along with the accommodating staff who skillfully handle groups both large and small. The blend of premium, sustainably sourced fish and shellfish from New England, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico ensures that every dish is a celebration of the ocean’s finest. Plus, Real Seafood Company’s emphasis on quality, sustainability, and local ingredients makes it a responsible and tasty choice. From intimate gatherings to festive parties, this restaurant promises memorable dining experiences that your friends will appreciate, making it an ideal rallying spot for joy, flavor, and connection.
Real Seafood Company offers several experiences that elevate a simple meal into an engaging group event. First, its menu caters impressively to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, featuring fresh oysters, lobster, shrimp, and creative seafood dishes alongside vegetarian and gluten-free options. This variety allows everyone in a group to find something they enjoy without compromise. The restaurant also has a lively raw bar with happy hour specials that attract groups who want to enjoy quality drinks with light, delicious bites in a vibrant social setting. The spacious indoor dining areas provide an open yet intimate atmosphere where groups can comfortably converse and celebrate, while the outdoor patio spaces—complete with their own fully stocked bars and scenic views—allow guests to enjoy Florida’s pleasant weather or a peaceful waterfront ambiance. The staff’s expertise in managing large parties means that groups won’t feel rushed or overlooked, with attentive service ensuring smooth, seamless dining. Additionally, private or semi-private seating options exist for those seeking a more exclusive experience. Real Seafood Company’s ambiance, menu diversity, and customer-first approach make it a natural destination for groups who want a blend of lively fun and relaxed comfort.
The menu at Real Seafood Company is carefully curated to support the needs of groups by offering dishes that provide sharing potential as well as individual satisfaction. From fresh oysters available by the half dozen or dozen to twin lobster tails with classic accompaniments, the selection encourages shared plates that foster interaction and enjoyment. Guests love the creative preparations, such as perfectly cooked yellowfin tuna and other chef-inspired specials that showcase the flavors of the sea without overwhelming simplicity. Vegetarian options and gluten-free dishes ensure that guests with dietary restrictions still feel included and satisfied. The seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce add quality and variety that keep each visit exciting. Groups can enjoy the range from appetizer samplers to hearty entrees and delicious sides like garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. Moreover, happy hour and daily specials allow groups to try several items affordably while enjoying cocktails crafted to complement their meals. This balance of high-quality seafood, versatile options, and sharing-friendly dishes enhances group dining, making it easy and enjoyable for everyone to have a great meal together.
The atmosphere at Real Seafood Company masterfully blends sophistication with casual comfort, creating a space where groups feel both special and at ease. Inside, the décor features dark oak wood surfaces, brass accents, and Mediterranean tile finishes that evoke a coastal yet refined vibe. This setting supports lively conversations without overwhelming noise, striking an ideal tone for socializing. Outdoors, the patio area offers a relaxed environment with views of the Coconut Point fountain, enhanced by a fully stocked bar that invites casual mingling under the open sky. The restaurant also provides amenities specifically conducive to group events such as reservations to secure your spot, on-site parking for convenience, and wheelchair accessibility to accommodate all guests. For families or groups with children, the menu and seating are child-friendly, ensuring everyone is welcome. The combination of attentive table service, a bustling raw bar during happy hour, and the ability to accommodate both small and large groups makes Real Seafood Company a versatile venue. Whether celebrating a birthday, hosting a work gathering, or simply catching up with relatives, the ambiance and facilities support a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Real Seafood Company’s reputation as a high-quality seafood restaurant arises from its steadfast commitment to sourcing the freshest ingredients from trusted suppliers worldwide. Its focus on sustainability ensures that all seafood and shellfish offerings meet rigorous environmental standards, which appeals to conscientious diners. The culinary team’s skill in preparing each dish to highlight natural flavors without excess adornment has won praise across locations, reflecting the brand’s consistent dedication to excellence. Reviews commonly highlight the quality of fish like yellowfin tuna and lobster, often describing the dishes as flavorful and perfectly cooked. The restaurant’s attention to detail extends beyond food to service, with guests noting prompt and friendly staff who enhance the overall dining experience. Multiple locations, including a new site in Coconut Point, demonstrate the brand’s expansion and consistent appeal. Real Seafood Company’s blend of freshness, flavor, sustainability, and service reliability builds trust among patrons, positioning it as a prime choice for seafood lovers who want both quality and consistency when dining out with their friends or families.