If you’re on the hunt for the best oysters in St. Petersburg, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a fan of freshly shucked shellfish at a coastal fish market or you prefer to enjoy them with a glass of bubbly at a downtown raw bar, St. Pete has a spot for every oyster enthusiast. From plump and briny to sweet and delicate, these local gems are serving up some of the freshest eats around.
This is a quick selection of our go-to spots. Where should we visit next? Let us know your favorite spot so we can include it in the guide:Â contact@tampabuzz360.com.
Hookin Ain’t Easy
3660 22nd Ave S
Don’t let this unassuming Gulfport seafood market fool you. Beyond the cases of fresh oysters, crabs, lobsters, and more is a charming food truck and outdoor bar that brings the tiki vibes to you. Pair your raw dozen oysters with a glass of wine or ice cold beer and relax in their jungle oasis. Still feeling peckish? Try their Smoked Wahoo Fish Dip and the Grouper Sandwich, which is one of the best in the area. With their market on-site, don’t hesitate to pick up some fish for home.
Doc Ford’s
610 2nd Ave NE
It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or out-of-towner, Doc Ford’s on the St. Pete Pier is a must for local seafood. You can order Fresh Gulf Oysters shucked to order and chilled from their shellfish bar. Or go for their Yucatan Baked Oysters marinated with their signature Yucatan Sauce and baked with a creamy Manchego cheese topping. Whatever you order, you’re bound to enjoy it with the beautiful waterfront views of downtown St. Pete and Tampa Bay.
Rumba
6445 4th St N
Rumba is one of our top picks for all things seafood, and they have the freshest catch you’ll find thanks to having their own fleet of boats going out every morning. As with everything else at Rumba, the oysters deliver exactly what you’re looking for. Get a half dozen freshly-shucked oysters, get them baked, or pair them with a refreshing tropical cocktail. You can’t go wrong here.
Barbouni
2701 Central Ave
Owners of Baba, Bodega, and Bar Chica, Debbie and George Sayegh opened up Barbouni back in 2023. Located next to Baba, this restaurant and raw bar is affectionately named after the Greek fish, red mullet. Oysters come with all the fixings here, including bagnarotte, shug cocktail, and mignonette. A full caviar service and over 50 tinned fish plates from around the world round out the Barbouni experience. With only 9-seats in the restaurant, you’ll enjoy dinner with a view of the raw bar where you can watch the chefs shuck.
*Note – Barbouni is closed until March while it hosts the Basque pop-up Barra Barra.
Looking to expand your dining horizons? These picks in St. Pete Beach and Safety Harbor are worth the trip!
The Helm Provisions & Coastal Fare
7736 Blind Pass Rd, St. Pete Beach
Located in St. Pete Beach off the Corey Causeway, The Helm is your one-stop-shop for a collaborative raw bar, restaurant, and market experience. Their raw bar serves shellfish from Florida and the eastern seaboard so that you can take your pick from House Oysters, Boutique Oysters, Steamed Clams Casino, and Chilled Shrimp. Pair your order with any of their bubbly or white wine options, and be sure to stop by their market on your way out. They not only sell oysters by the dozen, but they also have a fresh catch of the day, grouper, mahi mahi, flounder, and more.
The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
305 Main St, Safety Harbor
If you’re willing to make the drive up to Safety Harbor, The Tides should be first on your list when it comes to seafood. Awarded the Best Local Market and Best Seafood Market, this is the top place around to pick up ingredients for home. Just don’t forget to grab a nosh while you’re there. Their raw bar features oysters in addition to tuna tartare and an impressive seafood platter complete with oysters, snow crab clusters, lobster tail, shrimp, and more. In their market, you’ll find everything you need for a night in or a day out.
