The world’s most scrumptious seafood destinations

From Japan to France, here are the eight cities around the world that travellers rate highest for seafood.*

Hakodate, Japan

In the city of Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido, you’re never far away from tip-top seafood. This is one of Asia’s finest destinations for the fruits of the sea – especially fresh squid. The place to seek out your lunch is Hakodate Asaichi (the morning market), where you can survey tanks full of live catches, pick out your favourite and have it cooked up for you then and there.

When it comes to places to stay, look no further than La Vista Hakodate Bay, just a few blocks from the morning market. This seafront hotel has panoramic views over the city and the sea and its own hot springs.

Cancale, France

For seafood-lovers, Cancale means oysters. In fact, even the uninitiated would be hard pressed to name anything else about this little seaside town, which is little more than a short strip of excellent seaside restaurants and oyster stalls. But what oysters they are – freshly caught, tasty and oh-so-succulent.

For the chance to wake up to views over the oyster beds at low tide, Metairie Du Vauhariot Vue Mer has got you covered. Or you can relax in the quiet garden at Le Chatellier.

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Fish is everywhere in Kota Kinabalu, a Malaysian city in the northern part of the island of Borneo. King prawns are a speciality – in the city’s surrounding seas, they’re especially chunky, buttery, and juicy. It’s hard to choose the best prawns in town, but Welcome Seafood and New Gaya Seafood both compete for the award of serving the tastiest crustaceans.

For a luxurious stay in Kota Kinabalu, check out Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, a swanky resort complete with prime beachfront location.

Alexandria, Egypt

While falafel and fuul are Egypt’s staple bites, Alexandria’s seafood can more than hold its own. With the Mediterranean right on its doorstep, the city is perfectly placed for an abundance of fresh fish. For down-to-earth traditional fare, head to one of the restaurants next to the Abu al-Abbas Mosque – or treat yourself at Fish Market Restaurant, where the fresh seafood is complemented with sea views.

Right on the seafront, the massive Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria At San Stefano is a slice of opulence, with chandeliers in the dining room and a two-storey spa.

Oban, UK

Nowhere in the UK does seafood quite like Oban. This Scottish town has seafood-lovers flocking in like ravenous barracuda round a bucket of chum. Many head straight for Oban Seafood Hut, a rough-and-ready shack on the pier, dripping in homespun charm and wafting out all manner of scrumptious smells; the scallops and langoustine are unmissable. However, if you prefer something a little more upmarket, check out The WaterFront Fishouse or Ee-usk.

Oban has plenty of homely guest houses. MacKays is famed for its friendly staff, free sherry and breakfasts of scrambled eggs and Scottish salmon.

Mui Ne, Vietnam

The seafood eateries of Mui Ne are known as ‘bo ke’; no-frills seafood joints that serve up enormous king prawns and juicy scallops, usually accompanied by a garnish made from salt, pepper and lemon juice. However, if you want something a little more refined, Cay Bang is Mui Ne’s longest-running restaurant and the seafood – which you can select from their tanks – is out of this world.

Take your pick from a clutch of resorts, like Mia Mui Ne Resort or The Cliff Resort & Residences, both located right on the beachfront.

Sapporo, Japan

On every menu and market stall in Sapporo, you’ll see a selection of succulent crab. There are a few main varieties: horsehair crabs, king crabs, snow crabs and hanasaki crabs – all delicious in their own way. There’s a knack to eating them, though – to see how to do it, steal a glance at the way the locals around Nijo Market skilfully wield their crab scissors.

Stay at the Century Royal Hotel Sapporo, with smart rooms, comfy beds and a top-floor restaurant specialising in seafood.

Jimbaran, Indonesia

Seafood dinners are dreamy enough, but what about candlelit seafood dinners right on the beach? That’s what the fishing village of Jimbaran offers in spades. At restaurants like Made Bagus, the freshest of fresh fish dishes are drizzled with a spicy sauce, before being grilled on an open barbecue. Once you get to the beach, just follow your nose.

The village is packed with chilled-out places to rest your head, from big resorts to quiet villas. One of the best is Temple Hill Residence Villa, where each house comes with its own pool.

**These properties were chosen due to their popularity with Booking.com guests who endorsed the destinations for ‘Seafood’.