By: One of the great perks of living in the Tampa Bay area is that we’re surrounded by natural bodies of water from seemingly all directions; the Tampa Bay, Hillsborough River, the Gulf of Mexico. You’d almost think we were an island if you’ve never looked at a map.
With this comes a great selection of seafood since it’s so easily accessible to us. Seafood restaurants abound in the bay area, but these are the ones worthy of distinction.
Mitchell’s Fish Market - Housed in Westshore Plaza, Mitchell’s is the place for an upscale seafood experience in Tampa. ”Fish any fresher would still be in the ocean” reads their slogan, so you can bet you’re getting the utmost best when it comes to quality seafood here. Enjoy an assortment of entrees and appetizers including raw oysters, Sam Adams beer-battered fish and chips, and garlic shrimp scampi.
Oystercatchers - Located in the Grand Hyatt in Downtown Tampa, Oystercatchers will do you right if you’re looking for a beautiful bay view in a modern, upscale environment. Oh yeah, the delightfully innovative and fresh seafood isn’t too bad either. Lobster macaroni and cheese? They’ve got it here and it’s supposedly divine. Other menu highlights include seafood mixed grill, black grouper, and whole roasted snapper.
Monstah Lobstah - For a taste of New England in a relaxed, affordable environment, you’ve gotta head out to Monstah Lobstah. Stop in on Tuesdays for all-you-can-eat snowcrab or Fridays for all-you-can-eat fried fish. Big screens line the walls of the restaurant so you can always enjoy the game with your meal. They advertise that there’s free beer provided with each meal as well. Other menu highlights include lobster rolls just like the ones in New England, lobster, and steamed clams.
Skipper’s Smokehouse - Skipper’s is the seafood joint to go to if you want some great entertainment with your meal. Enjoy delicious appetizers and entrees including crab-stuffed mushrooms, fried clams, Cajun-boiled crawfish, and smoked mullet while you catch some great, local musical talent on their outdoor Skipperdome stage. This place has been a Tampa institution for over 30 years now. Head out there for yourself and see just why.
Charley’s Steakhouse and Market Fresh Fish - If you want a classy, seafood dining experience, Charlie’s will provide. Charley’s is unique in their method of preparing fresh seafood and steaks as they use a wood pit that heats up to well over 1,000 degrees. Seafood entrees include yellow fin tuna, chilean sea bass, and Atlantic swordfish oak-grilled, blackened, or bronzed to your liking.
