New England-based seafood restaurant brings ‘If it isn’t fresh, it isn’t Legal!” promise to Chicagoans

Chicago – (July 31, 2024) – Legal Sea Foods, the renowned New England-based restaurant brand, opens the doors of its flagship restaurant in Chicago, located along the Chicago Riverwalk in Historic Marina City at 315 & 317 N. Dearborn Street. The new restaurant features two levels and sweeping riverfront views for an elevated dining experience.

With 70 years of expertise in sourcing and preparing seafood, Legal Sea Foods is bringing its industry-leading standards to Chicago. Every species of seafood is meticulously sourced and processed, then delivered directly to the Chicago location, starting with the best catch.

“Legal Sea Foods is bringing our top-quality seafood-forward dining experience to Chicago,” said Matt King, President & COO, Legal Sea Foods. “What Legal Sea Foods is to the seafood experience is analogous to what Chicago is to the steakhouse experience. Seafood is our passion. We serve it up in a way that celebrates its distinct flavors and honors the spirit of the New England fishing community."

Executive Chef Ozzy Amelotti, formerly of The Metropolitan Club and Carnivale, is at the helm of the extensive menu:

• Award-winning New England Classics: Start with New England Clam Chowder, named the best clam chowder by “Boston Magazine”¹ and served at nearly every presidential inauguration since 1981, followed by the restaurant’s signature Crab Cakes and the impressive Half Pound Maine Lobster Roll.
• Extensive raw bar, sushi and native East-Coast oysters: A full sushi menu is available with handcrafted rolls, sashimi and sushi bowls. Crisp, clean, in-season oysters are delivered fresh to the restaurant. There is no better place to enjoy these delicacies than at the stylish upper-level raw bar overlooking the Riverwalk.
• Chicago Exclusives: Chef Ozzy married Chicago’s specialty ‘DeJonghe’ bake with Boston’s beloved scallops for his signature dish, Scallops DeJonghe. Lake-Michigan-caught white fish are also featured as mains.
• Modern Takes: Salt & Vinegar Crusted Icelandic Cod and Hoisin Glazed Norwegian Salmon bring bold new flavors. Expect seasonal sharables such as this summer’s Tuna Poke Nachos.

• Fish and Chips: It would not be a seafood restaurant without Fish and Chips, and no one does it better than Legal Sea Foods. Pollock, a white fish abundant in the Gulf of Maine, is prepared using our proprietary gluten-free breading. In fact, all fried seafood at Legal is gluten-free. 

The chef-inspired all-day menu will be featured on the lower river-level restaurant space, in an upscale casual environment that is unique to Legal Sea Foods. Upstairs, guests will discover a 30-seat Oyster & Sushi Bar where they can enjoy innovative small plates and raw bar favorites with a fantastic river view. Both spaces are connected inside by way of a spectacular grand staircase. 

“We have a modern New England vibe,” said King. “Our space is bright and welcoming, just like our team. We are eager for Chicagoans to get the full Legal Sea Foods experience, which has only been enhanced by the Marina City location. The sweeping views of the Chicago River and architecture of the city elevate the culinary experience.”

The space – and food – is best enjoyed with a craft cocktail in hand from the drink’s menu developed by Christian Gianaris, National Beverage Director, PPX Hospitality Brands. Much like the food menu, the beverage selection features classics, modern takes, and local favorites.

Legal Sea Food’s signature favorite is Legal Red and White Sangria. A true craft cocktail, these juicy wine-based drinks are thoughtfully mixed with flavorful spirits. Modern takes include the Spicy Cucumber Margarita featuring Ghost Tequila and the non-alcoholic Blackberry Burlesque.

The drink menu showcases 32 wines sourced from around the world, and Chicago-based Spiteful Brewing is supplying a big and bold New England-style hazy IPA. There is plenty of room in the two-floor 10,000-foot space to enjoy a libation. The restaurant features two bars: the upper-level Oyster & Sushi Bar and the river-level main dining room bar.

Legal Sea Foods Chicago is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit chicago.legalseafoods.com.

About Legal Sea Foods

Established seventy years ago as a fish market in Cambridge, MA, Legal Sea Foods has evolved into a culinary institution along the East Coast. Operating 27 restaurants, its own production facility, and an innovative eCommerce platform, shop.legalseafoods.com, the brand has solidified its position as a leader in the seafood industry. Committed to a sustainable future and renowned as pioneers of quality and safety in seafood, Legal Sea Foods blends the rich heritage of New England’s coastal fishing industry with a modern approach, reflecting its progressive home. The iconic tagline, “If it isn’t fresh, it isn’t Legal!”, underscores its unwavering commitment to seafood excellence.

Serving over 40 varieties of fresh fish and shellfish year-round, Legal Sea Foods menu highlights quintessential New England fare including the iconic New England Clam Chowder—recognized as a menu staple served at nearly every Presidential Inauguration since 1981. Beyond culinary excellence, Legal Sea Foods actively engages with local communities, forging partnerships with organizations to address pressing issues such as ocean conservation and community welfare. To learn more about Legal Sea Foods, visit legalseafoods.com, and view our official opening announcement on Instagram.

[1]“2024 Best Clam Chowder,” Boston Magazine, June 2024, https://www.bostonmagazine.com/best-of-boston-archive/2024/legal-sea-foods-15/

Media Contact:
David Prather, Zeno Group for Legal Sea Foods
david.prather@zenogroup.com