Looking for new spots to try? During Dining Month, Lori Fredrich is dishing out must-tries in 20 different dining categories, from brunch to BBQ and everything in between. Here's what she's recommended so far!

These days, enjoying fresh, high quality seafood in the Midwest is far easier than in the past. That’s good news for seafood lovers (including me) who want to enjoy great fish and shellfish dishes in between trips to the coast. That said, sourcing matters; and it comes at a cost (as the adage states: “You get what you pay for). Fortunately, if you choose well, your experience will be well worth the splurge.

Here are five local restaurants that take care to deliver some of the best of the sea.

Outlaw Oyster 

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2675 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 808-0481
6517 W. North Ave.,  (414) 897-7453
outlawoysterwi.com
Serving: Oysters, seafood
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If you want good quality seafood without the pretense, there's a new spot on the radar. Outlaw Oyster has been making waves since it first popped up at Crafty Cow in East Tosa last February. Since then, it’s evolving from a cheeky little oyster bar experiment into a full-on neighborhood hangout.

But behind the fun is mindful sourcing of oysters from small farms (four selections daily) and the components for seafood-based sandwiches, shrimp cocktail, smoked fish dip, buttery lobster rolls and even a towering seafood platter stacked with lobster claws, shrimp and oysters.

The goal was to create an approachable (and fun) spot to bring a date, hang out with friends or simply enjoy the better things in life in a fun, casual environment.  And it's come to pass, with a second location moving into the Bay View Crafty Cow in September.

Harbor House

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550 N. Harbor Dr., (414) 395-4900
bartolottas.com/harbor-house
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Pristinely sourced seafood has been a longtime hallmark at this restaurant, where lake views make the experience all the more noteworthy (you might even forget you’re not dining on the coast).

As for their seafood selection, you’ll always find a lovely slate of carefully sourced fresh oysters (often varieties from both the East and West coast), along with standards like shrimp and crab cakes. Move into the entrees section and you’ll find accessible, seasonal fish preparations like pan-seared scallops with squash risotto, roasted cauliflower and maple-apple cider reduction; or grilled whole branzino stuffed with lemon and herbs and served with seasonal fingerlings and broccoli. 

Looking for a more casual take? Happy hour is a great time to take in the best of Harbor House in a more casual manner. Another option? Grab a seat at the bar and indulge in a lobster roll. They offer both a chilled Maine-style option with Old Bay mayo and celery or a warm Connecticut-style roll with nothing more than butter to gild the sweet lobster lily.

St. Paul Fish Company

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400 N. Water St., (414) 220-8383
6200 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 200-9909
stpaulfish.com
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If you’d prefer a more casual environs, you’ll find it at St. Paul, where you can choose between the bustle of the Public Market in the Historic Third Ward or the spacious rustic crab shack vibe at The Cannery, their dine-in eatery near the Mequon Public Market. Either way – since both locations double as a fish markets – their expertise is sourcing great fish.

Visit and you’ll find casual staples like oysters on the half shell, steamed mussels or clams and their popular New England-style lobster roll. But you’ll also find a slew of grilled fish options, along with popular items like pan-seared jumbo day pack scallops served with rice, vegetables and a choice of sauces. In Mequon, you can even get New England-style crab, lobster or seafood boils. 

Lupi & Iris

777 N. Van Buren St.,  (414) 293-9090
lupiandiris.com 
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Seafood is among the stars at Lupi & Iris where the menu takes inspiration from the French and Italian Rivieras. Dishes are fresh, clean and classic, which means they depend all the more on the quality of the seafood.  

Wood-grilled octopus is enhanced by romesco sauce. Creamy risotto bejeweled with shrimp and mussels pulls flavor from housemade seafood brodo. Meanwhile, high quality sea bass is baked in parchment with white wine, vegetables and persillade.

Even the simplest dishes exhibit balance and technique. Take for instance their sweet, delicate Dover sole, which is fileted tableside and served with earthy mushrooms, cauliflower, potatoes, lemon and persillade.

Third Coast Provisions

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724 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 323-7434
thirdcoastprovisions.com
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Third Coast Provisions offers guests both an opulent dining experience (gorgeous, but not intimidating) and a menu of thoughtful, seasonal dishes, including a variety of seafood options.

Starters include fresh oysters served on the half shell with nuoc cham mignonette; halibut crudo is flavored with peaches and mint; and crab potholes bathed in warm garlic herb butter and served with house sourdough.

Meanwhile, seasonal entrees are infused with global inspiration that plays out in dishes like roasted sea scallops with lemon-ricotta risotto and heirloom tomatoes; or Great Lakes walleye with golden coconut curry, crispy rice and seasonal vegetables.