Top Seafood Platters That Are Made to Be Shared

There’s something about seafood that just begs to be shared. Maybe it’s the hands-on dipping, the “pass me that scallop” energy, or the way everyone lights up when a towering platter hits the table, glistening with fried golden goodness or perfectly broiled filets.

When it comes to group dining at seafood restaurant in Suffolk —whether it’s a big birthday bash, a family night out, or just a Friday feast with friends—there’s no better centerpiece than a seafood spread built for sharing. The flavors, the variety, the sheer fun of it all? It hits every note.

Here’s a round-up of seafood platters and dishes that were clearly designed with sharing in mind—and they all happen to come from one seriously group-friendly spot near Suffolk, Virginia: Decoys Seafood.

The Decoys Seafood Platter

This is the one people talk about. The Decoys Seafood Platter is basically a greatest-hits album of coastal flavor. It comes loaded with fresh flounder, large sea scallops, wild-caught shrimp, and the house’s specialty crab cake—and you can get it broiled or fried. No substitutions, because honestly? It’s perfect the way it is.

This platter doesn’t just feed—it wows. It’s ideal for two (or more, if you’re doing apps too), and it checks every box: flaky, buttery fish, crispy edges, bold seasoning, and that signature Decoys freshness.

ESVA Style Seafood Buckets (The Crowd Pleasers)

These aren’t your average seafood baskets. ESVA (Eastern Shore of Virginia) style seafood is all about light breading, fresh-off-the-boat quality, and that old-school flavor that doesn’t need fancy sauces to be incredible.

Picture this: a galvanized pail stuffed with lightly battered seafood—your choice of shrimp, scallops, or oysters—served up with coleslaw and hand-cut fries. It’s nostalgic. It’s satisfying. And yes, it’s made for passing around the table.

These buckets are casual, messy in the best way, and 100% share-worthy.

Fried Flounder

Crispy. Delicate. Flaky. The Fried Flounder at Decoys doesn’t hide behind breading. It’s lightly fried to let the natural sweetness of the fish shine, and it comes with two sides—great for splitting if someone’s craving surf and someone else wants fries and slaw. Classic never goes out of style, and this one proves it.

Pan Seared Scallops

For something a little richer, the Pan Seared Scallops bring the decadence. Topped with a blackened parmesan butter and laid gently over creamy parmesan risotto, it’s paired with a fresh vegetable medley that keeps the whole dish balanced.

It’s not a massive platter, but it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to slice into pieces and hand around the table just so everyone gets a bite.

Crab Cakes (Because Sharing Is Caring)

Two generous crab cakes, barely held together by filler, with just enough seasoning to let the blue crab flavor come through. Served broiled or fried, these are the kind of cakes people reach for before asking. Best move? Cut them up and pass the plate before someone claims both.

Blackened Salmon with Shrimp Over Risotto

This dish has layers. An eight-ounce blackened salmon filet, topped with three sautéed shrimp, all served over parmesan risotto and finished with housemade béarnaise. It’s got richness, spice, and a pop of freshness from the veggie medley. More of a “cut and share” kind of dish, but trust—worth the effort. And the best part, you can order it at your favorite dine in seafood restaurant near me.

Miso Glazed Mahi Mahi

A little sweet, a little smoky, a little unexpected. The Miso Glazed Mahi Mahi is grilled to perfection, brushed with a silky glaze that compliments the fish without overpowering it. Add your choice of two sides, and this makes a stellar main for those who love sharing something a little different.

Jambalaya Pasta (Spicy Crowd Favorite)

Not traditional “seafood platter” territory, but Jambalaya Pasta earns its spot on this list. A full-on flavor bomb packed with andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, onions, and peppers all tossed in a creamy Cajun sauce. Topped with parmesan and served on a bed of linguini, this one disappears fast.

Not a lot of people order pasta to share—but this one changes minds. Just set it in the middle, pass out forks, and go to town.

Surf N Turf (For the “Both” Crowd)

Sometimes the group splits down the middle—seafood lovers on one side, steak fans on the other. The Surf N Turf solves that fight. A 12 oz Certified Hereford ribeye plus your choice of shrimp, scallops, or crab cake makes this dish the peace treaty you didn’t know you needed.

Pair it with two sides and watch it vanish one bite at a time.

Don’t Forget the Ribeye

Okay, it’s not seafood—but for the one friend who’s “not big on fish,” the Signature Ribeye is a life-saver. Thick, juicy, perfectly grilled—no one’s getting left out.

Wrap-Up: Seafood Was Meant to Be Shared

There’s something about dipping a crispy shrimp in sauce while someone across the table is slicing into flounder that just makes dinner feel… fun. Seafood platters are communal by nature, and at a place like Decoys Seafood in Suffolk, VA, they’re built with that in mind.

Whether it’s a family dinner, a group of coworkers letting loose, or friends catching up over drinks and hush puppies, these dishes weren’t made for one fork—they were made for the whole table.

So pull up a chair, grab a lemon wedge, and start passing plates. That’s how memories are made.