Tampa Bay’s Best Seafood Spots

Aug 27, 2025 | Food

Living in Tampa Bay comes with plenty of perks, but few compare to the region’s access to some of the freshest seafood in the country. From blue crabs that fueled Ybor City’s cigar factories to the grouper sandwich that’s become a culinary icon, our waters tell the story of Tampa Bay’s food culture.Today, local chefs are blending tradition with creativity, offering everything from down-home po’boys to elegant oyster towers. Whether you’re craving a casual feast with friends or a refined dining experience, here are four standout spots serving the best seafood Tampa Bay has to offer.

Shrimp & Co. Restaurant – Ybor City

Address: 2202 E. 7th Ave., Tampa
Phone: (813) 374-0192
shrimpandco.com

Since opening in 2009, Shrimp & Co. has been Ybor’s go-to for unfussy, flavor-packed seafood. Their Cajun and Caribbean–inspired menu is all about comfort and authenticity: think po’boys, crispy fried fish, steam pots overflowing with blue crabs, and their signature shrimp empanadas.

General Manager Buse Boztepe highlights their unique crab sauce as a must-try addition to almost any dish. Family-owned and operated, Shrimp & Co. brings a welcoming, neighborhood vibe to every meal.

The Pearl – Water Street Tampa

Address: 823 Water St. C100, Tampa
Phone: (813) 709-7776
thepearlrestaurant.com

One of the newest additions to Tampa’s booming Water Street district, The Pearl combines chef-driven creativity with a stylish tavern atmosphere. The menu balances classic seafood favorites—like broiled lobster tail and rotating daily catches—with unique twists, from arctic char to hearty braised short ribs.

Executive Chef Olivia Giesler notes that everything is made from scratch, paired with craft cocktails and warm hospitality. Don’t miss their raw oyster bar or the house-made pies that finish the experience on a sweet note.

Mullet’s Fish Camp & Market – St. Petersburg

Address: 3901 6th St. S., St. Petersburg
Phone: (727) 205-6313
mulletsfishcamp.com

Mullet’s Fish Camp is less of a restaurant and more of a full-on coastal adventure. Guests pick their fish and style—blackened, fried, grilled, or even Cajun fried—then dive into bold flavors with fun names like The Florida Man (citrus-herb butter) or The Joe Dirté (signature sauce).

Beyond the mains, the menu shines with Florida staples like smoked fish spread, grouper nuggets, and peel ‘n eat shrimp. Casual, eclectic, and undeniably local, this is a St. Pete gem worth exploring.

Buoy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill – St. Pete Beach

Address: 677 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach
Phone: (727) 939-2369
buoyswaterfrontbar.com

At Buoy’s Waterfront, every meal comes with a view. Overlooking Blind Pass and the Gulf, this St. Pete Beach staple is known for sourcing local seafood and pairing it with an innovative menu of coastal favorites.

Operations Manager Jeff Hyde calls Buoy’s “the premier seafood destination on St. Pete Beach,” and with its blend of creative dishes, impeccable service, and laid-back beachside setting, it’s easy to see why.

A Taste of Tampa Bay

From Ybor to St. Pete Beach, Tampa Bay’s seafood scene celebrates the flavors of the Gulf with style and authenticity. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual crawfish boil or a fine-dining seafood spread, these local restaurants prove that the bay is more than just a backdrop—it’s the heart of our coastal cuisine.

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