Best Seafood Restaurants in Tampa

Besides having great fishing spots, Tampa Bay is also known to have some of the best seafood restaurants in Florida. Since it’s close to the waters, you can easily find eateries that serve sea creatures all over the place.

However, some of the finest and most recommended seafood places in Tampa Bay are Catch Twenty Three, Shells, Rusty Pelican, Oystercatchers, Taste of Boston, Big Ray’s Fish Camp, and Blue Sea Seafood Market and Restaurant.

Catch Twenty Three

Catch Twenty Three boasts dishes done with Caribbean and Latin-style cooking. All the seafood they serve are guaranteed to be freshly-caught and flavorful.

Here, you can have a whole yellowtail snapper, sauteed crab cakes, coconut shrimp, creole paella, lobster bisque, Chilean sea bass, stuffed grouper, and more. Likewise, steaks are also on their menu. However, if you’re looking for a light meal, you can also opt for one of their seafood sandwiches or a few of their sushi varieties.

People who enjoy dining in on places that offer a tropical vibe alongside some casualness would love Catch Twenty Three. It’s a great seafood restaurant for families, but also has a bar and an outdoor patio for individuals without any kids.

Shells

Shells has been around for more than 30 years. It’s made out of seafood restaurant chains that serve local favorites.

Shells’ highlight is its simplicity and focus on serving high-quality local seafood in a cozy place. Here, you can order classic favorites such as clam chowder, spicy buffalo shrimp, seafood siciliano, mahi mahi sandwich, and sea scallop skewers.

Likewise, you can opt for deep-fried shrimps, scallops, or any other fish on the menu for that day. They also feature king crab and snow crab alongside a variety of desserts and sides.

People under a budget, especially those with kids, will benefit from visiting Shells. High quality local seafood doesn’t have to be expensive, and Shells itself proves that.

Rusty Pelican

Rusty Pelican is another excellent classic seafood restaurant in Tampa Bay. Besides the fresh seafood, its highlight is a marvelous and scenic ocean view.

When dining here, you’ll have a feast for both your stomach and your eyes. This often results in Rusty Pelican being booked for quite a lot of events, including weddings, conferences, birthdays, and parties.

Among their most popular dishes are short rib empanadas, snapper ceviches, filet mignon, Atlantic salmon, and Biscayne burgers. However, they also have a variety of alcohol and sushi for people who appreciate them.

Individuals who enjoy staring at a great view while eating will love Rusty Pelican the most. If you have the budget for it, visit the Rusty Pelican at least once to see what the fuss is about.

Oystercatchers

Similar to the Rusty Pelican, Oystercatchers boasts an amazing view as well. It’s strategically placed by the edge of Old Tampa Bay and within a lush surrounding.

The best seafood you can order in Oystercatchers are golden calamari fries, super premium oysters, pecan wood grilled grouper, chili lime roasted chicken, and tuna poke. They also have desserts such as key lime pie and coconut cheesecake alongside a kid’s menu.

To make the most out of your visit, try going to Oystercatchers during sunset. There, you’ll be presented with a marvelous sight of the sun setting on Tampa Bay’s waters.

Taste of Boston

Taste of Boston is a casual, cozy, and simple seafood eatery in Tampa Bay. Its highlight is that all its dishes are influenced by New England cooking.

You can order classics such as fried calamari, mozzarella sticks, clam chowder, Ceasar salad, fish and chips, fish tacos, and clam strips here. Likewise, you can opt for other dishes like fried pickles, lobster roll, or clam roll.

People who enjoy outdoor eateries will love Taste of Boston. It’ll also help if you love classic local food with a twist and a to-go feel when you’re eating.

Big Ray’s Fish Camp

Big Ray’s Fish Camp specializes in locally-made fresh and traditional Tampa Bay dishes. It’s a small restaurant with only four indoor tables alongside a few outdoor tables.

Big Ray’s Fish Camp’s bestsellers are deviled crabs, grouper cheeks, grouper Reuben, and key lime pie. However, they also serve meals like deep-fried oysters and onion rings alongside a couple of sandwich varieties.

Individuals seeking traditionally-cooked Tampa Bay seafood will enjoy Big Ray’s Fish Camp. Similarly, you’ll get to enjoy eating in this restaurant even under a budget.

Other Things to do in Tampa Bay

Of course, once you’re satisfied and full from eating in the best seafood restaurants within Tampa Bay, aim to fish. Fishing is one of the best things you can do in Florida, and Tampa is one of the finest fishing spots you’ll encounter.

More importantly, if you choose to book a fishing charter for your next fishing adventure, you’ll be guaranteed a smooth, memorable, and awesome fishing experience.