One of the enviable perks of living in Tampa Bay is our prime access to seafood. Gulf waters are home to a year-round bountiful harvest. From the blue crabs that fed the cigar factories of Ybor City to the grouper whose sandwich has become part of our culinary culture, our beautiful bay with its temperate climate is a fisherman’s paradise. Enjoy a Tampa tradition or a new take on coastal cuisine. Both fine dining and casual joints are excellent options for enjoying the plentiful seafood that the area has to offer, and we’ve rounded up the best for you to bite into.
Shrimp & Co. Restaurant
Shrimp & Co. is where Ybor, and Tampa, go for casual, delicious and unfussy seafood. Po’boys, crisp fried fish, bayou oysters and steam pots brimming with whole crawfish and blue crabs are what you can expect at this joint, which opened in 2009. The flavors and blends are inspired by New Orleans Cajun cooking and Caribbean flair.
“Being family-owned and operated creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel like part of our family,” says Buse Boztepe, general manager. “The savory-filled shrimp empanadas are a standout choice on our menu, plus our crab sauce is a distinct and delicious addition to any seafood dish.”
2202 E. 7th Ave., Tampa
(813) 374-0192 | shrimpandco.com
The Pearl
A beautiful recent addition to the Water Street neighborhood, The Pearl is Tampa’s latest destination for chef-inspired seafood, fresh oysters and craft cocktails. The expansive menu in this restaurant, tavern and the oyster room includes options to satisfy any seafood lover, with entrees like arctic char, broiled lobster tail and an ever-changing catch of the day.
“Everything is made from scratch and accompanied by genuine hospitality in a warm, comfortable atmosphere,” shares Olivia Giesler, executive chef. “Our tavern and restaurant feature an eclectic selection of menu items, from hot to chilled oysters to braised short ribs and fresh seafood, to handcrafted cocktails, and house pies made daily.”
823 Water St C100, Tampa
(813) 709-7776 | thepearlrestaurant.com
Mullet’s Fish Camp
Mullet’s Fish Camp & Market isn’t a restaurant, it’s an adventure. In a laid-back location in South St. Pete, it’s worth visiting for the wide selection of fish, shrimp and shellfish, cooked your way. Pick a fish and pick a style like blackened, fried, grilled or cajun fried. Eclectic styles include The Florida Man (citrus-herb butter), The Bobby Lee (hoisin-ginger-garlic-butter), and The Joe Dirté (house-made Dirté sauce). If that doesn’t sell you, classic seafood apps and sides cooked to perfection include grouper and mahi nuggets, smoked fish spread and peel ‘n eat shrimp.
3901 6th St S., St. Petersburg
(727) 205-6313 | mulletsfishcamp.com
Buoy’s Waterfront Bar and Grill
With a picturesque location on the water, diners enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Blind Pass and the gulf while feasting on fresh seafood appetizers and entrees.
“Buoy’s Waterfront stands out as the premier seafood destination on St. Pete Beach for both locals and tourists alike,” shares Jeff Hyde, operations manager at Buoy’s. “Buoy’s commitment to sourcing only the freshest, locally-caught seafood, paired with an innovative menu and impeccable service creates an unrivaled dining experience that truly showcases the essence of coastal living.
Steps from the beach, dining at Buoy’s will make anyone feel like they’re on vacation.
677 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach
(727) 939-2369 | buoyswaterfrontbar.com
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