Are you someone who loves classic seafood and prowls every city looking for the freshest catch? Or are you a fabulous foodie who loves new and unique flavors? No matter what kind of food lover you are, you are bound to find something to your liking on this list of the best seafood in Tampa.
Tampa has been quietly growing as a gastronomic destination in the US, so we’ve put together a short guide on where to go and what to get seafood-wise. You can’t go wrong with any of these places. Bon appetit!
Big Ray’s Fish Camp $$
6116 Interbay Blvd., Tampa, FL 33611
*Dine-in *Takeout
If you are looking for good seafood, then look no further. Big Ray’s Fish Camp is regularly featured in “best of” listicles and for good reason! The seafood here is sweet, flavorful, and fresh. The dishes are the classic fare you might expect from an unpretentious fish camp, so don’t expect any fancy tablecloths but do expect excellent food.
Want to order what the locals eat? Get its grouper sandwich. Big Ray’s is one of the best places to get it in Florida!
The restaurant is open Tuesday from 11 AM – 4 PM, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 AM – 3 PM, and again from 5 PM – 9 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM – 9 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM – 8 PM. Big Ray’s Fish Camp is closed on Monday.
Ocean Prime $$$$
2205 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
*Dine-in *Curbside Pickup
Tied for the best seafood restaurant in Tampa in 2020 by Tampamagazines.com, Ocean Prime prides itself on serving mouth-watering dishes with only the best locally sourced ingredients. This spot is an upscale dining experience with a great view of the water.
Try the sea bass which comes on delectable mashed potatoes. Customers also rave about the lobster bisque and the truffle fries. It also has awesome cocktails so come here if you really want to indulge!
Ocean Prime is open to serve you Monday – Friday 12 NN – 10 PM, Saturday from 3 PM – 10 PM, and Sunday from 5 PM – 9 PM.
Salt Shack On The Bay $$
5415 W Tyson, Tampa, FL 33611
*Dine-in *Takeout
Also tied for the best seafood restaurant in Tampa, Florida by Tampamagazines.com, Salt Shack on the bay is quality seafood in a laid-back setting. This hidden gem is right on the water of Rattlesnake Point.
Its offerings are Caribbean-inspired and fresh-caught. Get the grouper bites and the fish tacos, or go for more inspired offerings like the coconut curried shrimp and the conch chowder. It also offers local beers on tap.
The restaurant is open Tuesday – Thursday from 11 AM – 10 PM, Friday – Saturday from 11 AM – 11 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM – 9 PM. It’s closed on Mondays.
Oystercatchers $$$
2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa FL33607
*Dine-in *Takeout
Oystercatchers is a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion. Situated right on the water, Oystercatchers is a great place to have afternoon drinks or dinner. Get a table outside if you can and watch the sunset over the bay.
Its seafood is fresh and flavorful, and the dishes are prepared perfectly. Try the lobster mac and cheese, which features a whole lobster tail and claw meat, or the lobster and crab bisque.
Oystercatchers is open Monday to Saturday for lunch from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Sunday Brunch from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Dinner is served from Sunday to Thursday from 5:30 PM – 9 PM, and from Friday to Saturday from 5:30 PM – 10 PM. Seating on the patio is on a first come first serve basis. Check out the website for bar hours.
The Rusty Pelican $$$
2425 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
*Dine-in *Curbside Pickup *No Contact Delivery
The Rusty Pelican is a good place to go if you are looking for a twist on the regular seafood fare. It has something for everyone to enjoy, from sweet and savory seafood fusion to American flavors to prime cuts of meat with perfect presentation. No matter what you get, The Rusty Pelican does not disappoint!
If you are dropping by, you can’t go wrong with its house specialties, the lobster and shrimp risotto and the blackened swordfish.
Dinner is served at The Rusty Pelican every day from 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM. The bar is open from 4 PM – 9:30 PM. Bunch is served on the weekend from 10:30 AM – 2 PM. Happy Hour is Monday to Thursday from 4 PM – 6:30 PM.
Shells Seafood $$
202 S Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 33609
2101 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
*Dine-in *Curbside Pickup *Delivery
Shells Seafood has been around since 1985, so you know they’re doing something right. It was founded on the commitment to serving seafood that isn’t too fancy or pricey – Shells is a casual restaurant where you can get great flavorful and fresh seafood at more affordable prices. Instead of paying for frills, you’re paying for good quality.
This place has delicious creamy pastas, and its clam chowder gets glowing reviews. It also offers New Orleans-inspired seafood creations that are a must-try.
Shells Seafood is closed on Mondays. It’s open for service from Tuesday to Thursday from 4 PM – 9 PM and Friday to Saturday from 4 PM – 10 PM, and on Sunday from 12 NN – 9 PM.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood $$$$
4400 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
*Dine-in *Curbside Pickup
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is a dressy place to celebrate an occasion, with great food and live music to keep you coming back for more. The lobster mashed potatoes are especially popular, and the yellowtail sashimi is out of this world – don’t miss either if you are giving this place a try.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is open from Monday to Thursday from 4 PM – 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 4 PM – 11 PM, and Sunday 4 PM – 9 PM.
Ulele $$$
1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
*Dine-in *Curbside Pickup
Pronounced “You-lay-lee”, Ulele is a restaurant like no other. Featuring native-inspired dishes, and intricate flavors, this spot is sure to have you coming back for more!
Don’t know what to order? Try the perfectly-seasoned seared fresh sea scallops, alligator hush puppies, and the crab mac and cheese. We are also intrigued by the native chili!
Ulele is open from Sunday to Thursday from 11 AM – 10 PM and from Friday to Saturday from 11 AM – 11 PM.
Final Thoughts
Tampa should not be discounted as a foodie’s dream. There are tons of local options for interesting new flavors and classic stand-bys depending on what you feel like. There is also a range of pricing and ambiance that you can choose from. Tampa has every kind of seafood imaginable just waiting for you to come and sample!