Da Nang is more than just a beautiful beach city; it is a culinary paradise, especially for seafood lovers. Positioned perfectly on Vietnam’s central coast, with a deep-water port and a strong fishing tradition, the city offers some of the freshest and most diverse seafood experiences in Southeast Asia. For any traveler planning a visit, the question of where to eat seafood in Da Nang quickly becomes a top priority.

This comprehensive guide will take you on a deep dive into Da Nang’s seafood scene. We will explore the different types of dining experiences, guide you through the local ordering etiquette (the famous “cân ký” method), and shine a special spotlight on one establishment that is setting a new standard for quality, freshness, and service: Kim Seafood.

🌊 Da Nang’s Seafood Landscape: More Than Just a Meal

Da Nang’s proximity to the East Sea means that the seafood here is not just fresh; it’s live. Most reputable restaurants feature massive arrays of glass tanks teeming with crabs, lobsters, snails, and various species of fish, allowing you to choose your meal just moments before it is prepared. This “live-to-table” approach is the cornerstone of the Da Nang seafood experience.

The Golden Trio: Where Seafood Restaurants Cluster

When seeking where to eat seafood in Da Nang, you will notice that the best venues tend to cluster in a few key areas, each offering a slightly different vibe:

1. Vo Nguyen Giap Street (Beachfront Strip): This is the main artery running parallel to My Khe and Pham Van Dong beaches. Restaurants here, such as the famous Bé Mặn or Mỹ Hạnh, offer the classic, bustling, large-scale seaside dining experience. They are highly popular with both tourists and large local groups, known for their sheer volume and variety.

2. Ho Nghinh/Hồ Nghinh Street Area: Located slightly inland from the main beach road, this area offers a blend of large, traditional spots and more modern, refined restaurants. It’s often a bit easier to navigate than the main beachfront strip while still providing excellent quality.

3. Local Alleyways and Neighborhood Gems (e.g., Nam Danh): For a truly authentic, budget-friendly, and slightly hidden experience, some of the best spots are tucked away in local neighborhoods. These places, like Năm Đảnh, are cherished by locals and offer an incredibly authentic taste of coastal Vietnam.

The Art of “Cân Ký”: Ordering by Weight

For first-time visitors, the process of ordering seafood in Da Nang can seem intimidating, but it is wonderfully simple and guarantees freshness. This is the “cân ký” (weighing by the kilogram) method:

1. The Selection: You approach the live tanks and select your preferred seafood—a mud crab, a tiger prawn, a specific kind of clam, or a whole fish.

2. The Weighing: A staff member will net your selection and weigh it on a calibrated scale right in front of you. The price is determined by the weight (per kilogram, or ký).

3. The Preparation: You then instruct the staff on how you want each item cooked. This is the fun part!

   • Crab (Cua): Hấp bia (steamed with beer), rang me (stir-fried with tamarind sauce), or rang muối (stir-fried with salt and chili).

   • Prawns/Shrimp (Tôm): Nướng muối ớt (grilled with salt and chili), hấp nước dừa (steamed with coconut water), or rang tỏi (stir-fried with garlic).

   • Clams/Snails (Nghêu/Ốc): Xào me (stir-fried with tamarind), hấp sả (steamed with lemongrass), or nướng mỡ hành (grilled with scallion oil).

   • Fish (Cá): Hấp xì dầu (steamed with soy sauce), nướng giấy bạc (grilled in foil), or deep-fried and served with a dipping sauce.

Knowing these few phrases is key to unlocking the best seafood experience Da Nang has to offer. The transparency of the cân ký method ensures you know exactly what you are paying for, a major reason why this city is a top contender for the best seafood in Vietnam.

⭐️ Spotlight: Kim Seafood – The Da Nang Dining Benchmark

While many restaurants on Vo Nguyen Giap street offer a great experience, one establishment is quickly distinguishing itself by blending traditional Vietnamese freshness with an unparalleled standard of cleanliness, comfort, and service that is highly sought after by international travelers and families: Kim Seafood.

If you are asking where to eat seafood in Da Nang but prioritize a clean, comfortable, and seamlessly managed dining experience without compromising on the authentic live seafood quality, Kim Seafood should be at the very top of your list.

Unmatched Freshness and Selection

The moment you walk into Kim Seafood, you are greeted by rows upon rows of pristine, well-maintained glass tanks. This is not a rough-and-tumble market stall; it’s a showcase of the ocean’s bounty.

• Pristine Tanks: The water quality and tank maintenance are noticeably superior, which is vital for keeping the seafood—especially sensitive items like geoduck or large lobsters—in peak condition. This dedication to care translates directly to a better-tasting, fresher product.

• Diverse Menu: While they excel at the Vietnamese classics, Kim Seafood also offers a wider array of specialty items and preparation methods. You can find everything from local mantis shrimp (tôm tích) and different varieties of crab to exotic lobsters and unique local fish, all ready for the cân ký process.

• Transparent Pricing: Their commitment to fairness is evident in their clearly displayed, up-to-date pricing, helping eliminate the common tourist worry about unexpected costs.

Setting a New Standard for Comfort and Service

Many traditional seafood houses prioritize volume over comfort. They can be hot, loud, and sometimes overwhelming for those unused to the high-energy Vietnamese dining scene. Kim Seafood addresses this directly:

• Cleanliness and Comfort: The restaurant space is remarkably clean, bright, and modern. It offers both vibrant outdoor seating and large, air-conditioned private rooms that are perfect for big family gatherings or those seeking respite from the tropical heat.

• Bilingual, Attentive Staff: The staff at Kim Seafood is highly praised in reviews for being friendly, attentive, and often bilingual (English is common). They are excellent at guiding first-timers through the cân ký process, helping choose appropriate quantities, and recommending the best local preparation methods for each specific type of seafood. This level of¹ service transforms the potentially confusing ordering process into a relaxing, enjoyable culinary adventure.

• A Korean-Friendly Ecosystem: Notably, Kim Seafood has gained immense popularity among Korean travelers (one of Da Nang’s largest tourist demographics). They cater to this market with specialized menu items, comfortable nước đá (iced water/tea) service, and a general atmosphere that merges local flavor with international dining standards. This adaptation is a testament to their commitment to diverse tourist needs.

Kim Seafood’s Signature Dishes (Must-Try Recommendations)

When dining at Kim Seafood, be sure to ask for:

• Grilled Lobster with Cheese (Tôm Hùm Nướng Phô Mai): A decadent, rich dish where fresh lobster meat is blanketed in a creamy, savory cheese sauce and grilled to perfection. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

• Steamed King Crab (Cua Hoàng Đế Hấp): A classic preparation, allowing the sweet, clean flavor of the high-quality crab meat to shine. Dipped in the restaurant’s signature chili-salt-lime mixture, it is a quintessential coastal experience.

• Grilled Snail/Clams with Scallion Oil (Ốc Hương/Sò Điệp Nướng Mỡ Hành): An incredibly addictive, smoky dish where the seafood is grilled and topped with a sizzling mix of chopped scallions and oil, served with crushed peanuts.

The experience at Kim Seafood is not just about the food; it’s about the seamless blend of local freshness with an international standard of service and dining comfort, securing its place as a top recommendation for where to eat seafood in Da Nang.

Location and Opening Hours for Kim Seafood

• Ad⁵dress: A2. 01 Ly Nam De, An Hai Trung, Son Tra, Da Nang, Vietnam

• Opening Hours: Typically 10:00 – 23:00 (It is always best to check their official page for the latest times).

🗺️ Beyond the Spotlight: Other Exceptional Da Nang Seafood Spots

While Kim Seafood offers a superb blend of quality and comfort, Da Nang is vast, and your taste might lead you elsewhere. Here are other highly-regarded options when considering where to eat seafood in Da Nang:

1. Hải Sản Bé Mặn (Be Man Seafood)

• Vibe: Bustling, local, no-frills, quintessential Vietnamese seafood quán (eatery).

• Why Visit: It’s famous for a reason. Be Man is a highly energetic, massive open-air operation offering some of the freshest and most reliably delicious seafood at reasonable prices. Expect noise, crowds, and plastic chairs—it’s an authentic experience.

• Must-Try: Gỏi cá mai (raw fish salad, a local delicacy), and the tamarind-stir-fried crab.

• Location: Often cited on Võ Nguyên Giáp Street, near the northern end of My Khe Beach.

2. Hải Sản Năm Đảnh (Nam Danh Seafood)

• Vibe: Extremely local, hidden-gem pricing, tucked away in an alleyway.

• Why Visit: Known for being incredibly affordable and frequented almost exclusively by locals. All dishes are fixed-price, simplifying the ordering process compared to cân ký, though the selection may be slightly more limited than the larger venues.

• Must-Try: Ốc hút (snails prepared in a spicy, coconut-milk broth) and garlic-fried scallops.

• Location: Tucked away on Trần Quang Khải Street. Finding it is part of the adventure!

3. Hải Sản Mộc Quán (Moc Quan Seafood)

• Vibe: Modern, cozy, with a rustic Vietnamese design.

• Why Visit: Moc Quan offers a clean, stylish atmosphere that appeals to those looking for a slightly more polished dining experience than the massive open-air spots. They focus heavily on quality and presentation.

• Must-Try: The fresh tuna sashimi/salad and their robust seafood hotpots (lẩu hải sản).

• Location: Tô Hiến Thành Street.

4. Hải Sản Mỹ Hạnh (My Hanh Seafood)

• Vibe: Established, large-scale, often mentioned in tourist guides.

• Why Visit: A long-time player in the Da Nang seafood scene, My Hanh is a large, well-organized restaurant often recommended for its extensive menu and reliable quality. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a structured, large-restaurant environment.

• Must-Try: Their various fish preparations, such as steamed grouper or deep-fried fish with fish sauce.

• Location: Võ Nguyên Giáp Street.

💡 Essential Tips for Your Da Nang Seafood Feast

To ensure your seafood experience is a resounding success, keep these expert tips in mind:

1. Timing is Everything

The freshest catches are typically brought in early morning. The best time to dine at the live-seafood restaurants is during the peak hours of the evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM). By this time, the tanks are fully stocked, and the kitchens are operating at full capacity. Arriving too late (after 9:00 PM) may mean a smaller selection and slower service as staff wind down.

2. Learn a Few Key Phrases

While places like Kim Seafood have excellent English-speaking staff, knowing the following will greatly enhance your local interaction:

English	Vietnamese	Pronunciation	Meaning
Kilogram	Ký	Kee	Unit of weight
Fresh	Tươi	Tooi	For freshness check
Steamed	Hấp	Hup	Cooking method
Grilled	Nướng	Noo-ung	Cooking method
Tamarind	Me	Meh	A popular sauce flavor
Salt & Chili	Muối ớt	Mooy Ut	A popular grilling flavor

3. Don’t Skip the Sauces

Vietnamese seafood is often prepared simply (steamed or grilled) to highlight its natural sweetness. The true magic lies in the dipping sauces. Look for:

• Muối Ớt Chanh: The classic blend of salt, chili, and lime juice.

• Mắm Gừng: A sweet and savory ginger-fish sauce mixture, perfect for white fish or certain snails.

• Tương Ớt: Local chili sauce, often sweeter and thicker than Western varieties.

4. Ask About the Specials

Always inquire if there are any seasonal or specialty catches that day. Local restaurants often have unique fish or crustaceans available only for a short time, offering the true “catch of the day.”

5. Rice and Sides are Necessary

Balance your feast with a side dish. Cơm chiên tỏi (garlic fried rice) or mì xào hải sản (seafood fried noodles) are perfect complements that help soak up the delicious sauces and provide a satisfying end to your meal.

✅ Conclusion: Your Da Nang Seafood Quest Awaits

The journey to discover where to eat seafood in Da Nang is one of the most rewarding culinary adventures you can undertake in Vietnam. Whether you choose the bustling, authentic energy of a traditional beachfront quán or the sophisticated, high-quality experience offered by a modern establishment like Kim Seafood, you are guaranteed a meal of incredible freshness and flavor.

Da Nang’s coastal heritage shines brightest on the dining table. Use this guide to confidently navigate the tanks, master the cân ký method, and indulge in the freshest ocean bounty prepared in traditional Vietnamese style.

Contact Details:

Fanpage: Here

Address: Kim Seafood, A2.01 Ly Nam De, An Hai Trung, Son Tra, Da Nang, Vietnam.

Phone: 0916111143

Opening Hours: 10:00  – 23:00

Email: kimseafood@gmail.com

By providing clear and accessible contact information, Kim Seafood ensures that anyone seeking the best seafood in Da Nang can plan their visit effortlessly.