There is a getaway aspect to dining at Real Seafood Co. that makes the whole experience even richer.

It’s located on the banks of the Maumee River and affords those seated in the majority of the restaurant’s booths and tables a view of the Toledo skyline. Pleasure craft and large ships coming and going from Lake Erie are constants.

And it’s like dining in a picturesque lodge. The flames from a large gas fireplace were ideal on a cold night, and large potted palms elevated for all to see also catch your eye. There’s whimsy, too, with a lobster more than 20 feet long hanging from the high ceiling, and just above the wrought iron railing adorned with seahorse figures in the balcony.

Parking is easy and free, and it’s nice to have a hassle-free encounter, too.

Bill of Fare

Sam & Charlie's stands test of time

The personable waiters on both our visits were very knowledgeable in regard to menu questions. They were able to share how menu items are prepared and help us determine entree choices.

I was debating between the Georges Bank sea scallops ($41.99) and miso glazed sea bass ($42.99), and was told the scallops provide a special “mouth-watering” taste treat, while the sea bass also was excellent but “more filling.”

The sea bass with ginger-soy and wasabi oil ended up being a great choice. It was pan-seared to perfection with a flaky but moist texture — as well as a lightly crispy touch on top. My server spoke with chef Paul Cerveny when I asked about the miso glaze, and he relayed that it’s made with fermented soy beans and a wheat paste.

It was served on a bed of brown rice and sauteed spinach that was lightly creamy and quite savory. The miso glaze also delightfully contributed to the taste of the rice.

The roasted cedar plank maple glazed Atlantic salmon ($28.99) from the Bay of Fundy, located where New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Maine meet, was moist with a lightly sweet maple glaze.

It came with coleslaw (Wish-Bone Italian dressing and blue cheese are nice touches) and choice of a side. The baked potato with butter and sour cream went well with this entree.

You can choose a cup of soup or the house salad instead of the coleslaw for a $4.99 upgrade, and I opted for the salad. It was mixed spring greens with onion, tomato, and feta cheese, and was excellent. The soft, crunchy croutons are my favorite kind.

Bill of Fare

Hidden Damascene Grill serves up excellent Mediterranean

I also opted for a bowl of creamy New England clam chowder ($8.99) that hit the spot and had an abundance of clams.

For lunch I was tempted by the lunch menu’s Maine-style chilled lobster roll ($29.99) but went with stuffed Atlantic salmon ($31.99) and loved it. It was rich, moist, and flavorful. And the crab, shrimp, mushroom, and spinach stuffed into it with a lemon butter sauce was quite a tasty topper.

The Lake Erie walleye ($28.99) was thick, sweet, and mild — a great selection.

All seafood is purchased from Foley Fish of Boston and New Bedford, Mass., which rush delivers quality seafood to restaurants.

Seven-grain bread comes with all meals and is another highlight on a menu that doesn’t miss.

We shared a good-sized slice of key lime pie ($8.99) that was smooth, sweet, and tart — a perfect ending.

The Real Seafood Co. also features a large bar area with a full selection of wine, liquor, and beer.

This gem eatery has been a fine-dining fixture in Toledo since expanding from the original location in Ann Arbor in 1999. There also are Real Seafood Co. restaurants in Bay City, Mich., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Naples, Fla.

First Published March 23, 2023, 1:00 p.m.