National Oyster Day was August 5, and if you’re still 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: info@ilovetheburg.com
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Hookin Ain’t Easy
3600 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.
Sea Salt
183 2nd Ave N
A downtown favorite, Sea Salt has been bringing locally farmed ocean-centric cuisine to St. Pete for years. Their impressive raw bar boasts an extravagant Seafood Tower, Tartares, and, naturally, their Oyster Sommelier’s Choice, served with cocktail sauce and horseradish. Stop by to check out their daily oyster list for the current selection. Go a step beyond the raw bar and order their Miso Baked Oysters, packed with a shiso panko crunch, for some extra texture.
Sammy’s Seafood Market
2875 46th Ave N
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or hosting for a larger crowd, you can’t go wrong with fresh oysters from Sammy’s. Their commitment to sourcing fresh seafood from local fishermen, shrimpers, crabbers, and environmentally friendly fishers shines through every piece of seafood sold here. In order to be sold at Sammy’s, each fresh fish has to pass their quality assurance inspection and tagged with a key card. Once tagged, you can trace your fish from catch to plate. Pretty cool, huh? 
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.
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.
Oyster Shucker Craft & Draft
650 Corey Ave, St. Pete Beach
At a restaurant called Oyster Shucker, you know you’re guaranteed a wide selection of shellfish. With Gulf, East Coast, and West Coast oysters, you can mix and match or try their BBQ Baked Oysters, topped with chorizo and green apple. Want a boozy accompaniment? Order their Oyster Shooter. Located right off the water, you’ll be taking in the sea breeze and sounds of the waves in no time.
ADVERTISEMENT
