The Best Seafood Restaurants in Tampa

From pro sports teams like the Buccaneers to exciting theme parks like Busch Gardens, Tampa has a little something for everyone. The same goes for the town’s dining scene, which contains a huge range of cuisines that appeal to visitors who flock to its beaches year after year. Tampa restaurants range from authentic Mexican in Ybor City to mom-and-pop Indian Eateries in North Tampa. The coastal city especially shines when it comes to seafood, offering an endless number of places to get fresh, flaky fish. The quantity of quality seafood restaurants in Tampa makes it hard to choose where to go. So where do the smartest, savviest diners eat out? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We’ve looked at thousands of restaurants to find the favorite places among OpenTable’s expert, seasoned diners. Book a table at the best seafood in Tampa tonight. Your stomach and your taste buds will thank you!

The OpenTable Team

14 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	Sardinia Sarasota, Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails, Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Italian, Seafood…
Neighborhoods:	Sarasota…

Sardinia Sarasota

$$$$

Italian

Sarasota

4.8

1083 reviews

Another local restaurant that shines for Italian food and some of the best seafood in Tampa and its suburbs is Sardinia. With a focus on Sardinian cuisine, Sardinia features a menu of handmade pasta dishes, seafood, and fresh fish. Diners rave about choices like Octopus carpaccio w/ arugola and bottarga and Mussels and clams in vermentino and tomato. They prepare the fish Sardinian style: in the oven. So expect a slightly charred, roasted flavor complemented by fresh organic vegetables and herbs. Sardinia is just minutes from beautiful Siesta Beach.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails

$$$$

Seafood

Sarasota

4.7

1851 reviews

For some of the most beautiful waterfront dining in the Tampa area, head to Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails. The restaurant is on the marina at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, so you can enjoy unforgettable views of yachts of the crystal clear blue ocean and yachts coming and going as you eat your meal. On the menu here, fish is the star. Some of the house specialties include the whole fried snapper and linguine and clams, which are rich with smoked bacon and a sage butter sauce. Since this is a hotel restaurant, you can expect a casual and inviting atmosphere that welcomes guests of all attires. Order a handcrafted cocktail when you come: they feature fresh seasonal fruits and other local ingredients (there’s a reason that the restaurant features them in its name).

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.

$$$$

Seafood

Sarasota

4.7

4339 reviews

For some of the best seafood in Tampa and nearby beach towns, there’s Duval’s. Duval’s has a large menu of both seafood and non-seafood options, so you can bring a non-fish eater here and they’ll be happy with their meal. Some of the best fish options on the menu included the Blackened Ahi Tuna steak and the Grilled Scottish Salmon. The restaurant also boasts inventive twists on seafood ingredients, like the Siesta Key Rum-Glazed Calamari and Creamy Dijon Mussels. The bar at Duval’s is a social gathering spot, so come here if you want to meet locals and unwind. You can order from the bar menu that features smaller bites like fish bite sliders and po’ boys with shrimp or oysters.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cafe Amici

$$$$

Italian

Sarasota

4.7

723 reviews

Café Amici is an Italian restaurant that has outstanding seafood options. Located in the heart of downtown, Café Amici is a local classic, and its reputation as one of the best spots to dine in town has withstood the test of time. The menu has Italian favorites like eggplant rollatini and bruschetta al pomodoro. It also has a host of great fish options, including salmon and artichoke and linguine alle vongole (with Littleneck clams). Expect a bustling trattoria atmosphere when you come here to dine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Capital Grille - Sarasota

$$$$

American

Sarasota

4.8

2254 reviews

The Capital Grille has a reputation for being one of the best chains for steak and seafood across North America. It doesn’t disappoint in Sarasota, where diners can enjoy gourmet food in an upscale, white tablecloth atmosphere. There’s a huge range of seafood options to choose from when you dine here, from the jumbo lump crab cocktail to the cast iron garlic shrimp to the tuna tartare, and beyond. Make sure you order a glass (or a bottle) of wine when you eat here, since the restaurant has a stellar wine list. The Capital Grille is in Sarasota at the Mall at University Town Center.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Fleming's Steakhouse - Sarasota

$$$$

Steak

Sarasota

4.7

1592 reviews

Another great chain that is famous for steak—but also seafood—is Fleming’s. Also a great spot for a special occasion, Fleming’s serves up a huge range of seafood and fish dishes in an upscale, formal atmosphere. For some of the best seafood in Sarasota, opt to order the barbecue Scottish Salmon fillet, the miso glazed Chilean Seabass, or the Colossal Cold Water King Crab Legs. Fleming’s is conveniently located in Sarasota, just minutes from Siesta Key.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ophelia's on the Bay

$$$$

Contemporary American

Siesta Key

4.8

5160 reviews

Looking for the perfect place in Sarasota to celebrate a special occasion? Head to Ophelia’s on the Bay. This quintessential Sarasota classic promises to exciting things: unbelievable sunset views and unrivaled seafood dishes. The food here is exquisite, especially if you’re looking for fish. The menu has things like Poke of Sashimi Grade Yellowfin Tuna, Sauté of Tender Grilled Spanish Octopus, Gulf Grouper, and Shrimp and Scallop Gnocchi. Located on Siesta Key, this fancy white table cloth restaurant could not be more beautiful. Ask for a seat outside to take full advantage of the views.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Crow's Nest

$$$$

Seafood

Venice

4.7

3285 reviews

Party it up, enjoy the sunset, and eat delicious fish at the Crow’s Nest. This popular hangout offers great food and drinks, and has a waterfront location with unrivaled views. Come casual, since most people wander off the beach to refuel and hydrate. The menu at the Crow’s Nest has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a taste of the sea, opt for the Crows Nest Fish Spread. The Crow’s Nest overlooks Clearwater Beach, which helps account for its spectacular scenery.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Sarasota

$$$$

Steakhouse

Sarasota

4.8

1664 reviews

Ruth’s Chris in Sarasota might have Steak in its name, but people come here regularly for the outstanding seafood. This white-table clothed restaurant is great for special occasions, and it’s also a good spot if you want unforgettable food: especially if you love surf and turf. Order your prime filet here with a cold water lobster tail, which comes lightly seasoned with Cajun spices, salt, and butter. There are other seafood centric specialties of the house that diners rave about, like lobster mac and cheese and sizzling blue crab cakes. Ruth’s Chris is just south of Tampa proper in Sarasota.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Connors Steak & Seafood - Sarasota

$$$$

Steakhouse

Siesta Key

4.7

5766 reviews

For some of the best seafood in Tampa and its suburbs, you can’t overlook Connors. With locations in Sarasota and Fort Myers, Connors offers a dependably excellent seafood meal in an inviting, warm bistro-like atmosphere. There’s a huge amount of seafood to try here, from the lobster dip to the lobster and crab bisque to the Cajun red grouper. Don’t forget to order dessert when you’re done, because the key lime pie is famously decadent

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Riviera Dunes Dockside

$$$$

Contemporary American

Palmetto

4.1

636 reviews

Located in Palmetto is Riviera Dunes Dockside, one of the best spots in the area for seafood, cocktails, and a generally festive atmosphere. Riviera Dunes calls itself a social bar, because this casual spot for dining features a beautiful patio and a bar area where locals and visitors gather. Located at the Riviera Dunes Marina, you can enjoy yachts coming and going while you eat. You can also eat unforgettably fresh fish dishes, including “Just Caught,” a menu option where you choose your fish and the style you want it cooked. You can have grouper, salmon, mahi scallops or the catch of the day in a range of styles. Don’t forget to try the Jambalaya when you’re there because it’s the specialty of the house.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Clayton's Siesta Grille

$$$$

American

Sarasota

4.7

1549 reviews

In nearby Siesta Key (located off Sarasota) is Clayton’s, a local casual favorite for unforgettable seafood dishes. Clayton’s has a dive bar atmosphere inside. But the food is anything but sloppy, with options like jumbo coconut shrimp, fried calamari, and Prince Edward Island Mussels. Clayton’s is a family favorite because its bustling and friendly inside. And all the fried dishes are sure to please the palettes of even the pickiest eaters.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

$$$$

Seafood

Longboat Key

4.8

6692 reviews

Another Sarasota standout for outstanding seafood is Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Located at the end of Longboat Key, Dry Dock offers coastal cuisine in a laidback environment. Choose from salads topped with fish, pasta topped with fish, or sandwiches stuffed with fish. This is also a great option if you like beautiful sunset views, or watching boats come and go as you dine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cafe Gabbiano

$$$$

Italian

Siesta Key

4.7

2848 reviews

Looking for something light and fresh when dining in the Tampa area? Look no further than Café Gabbiano, a local favorite for Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. This is a white table cloth restaurant with a famous wine cellar, so choose it for a special occasion or a fancy night out. If you want seafood, there is no shortage of options on the menu. Choose dishes like linguine pescatora or squid ink shrimp fra diavolo. The restaurant has a kids menu so little diners will feel at home eating dinner here too.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Best Seafood Restaurants in Tampa

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