St Pete Beach is a place where the salt air blends with the promise of great seafood. It’s not just the pull of the Gulf that brings people here; it’s the thrill of discovering a table set with grouper so fresh it almost tells you its own story, shrimp that snap with flavor, and crab so tender you forget everything else. I still remember sitting by the water, fork in hand, realizing half the fun is guessing which local haunt will crack your code for the best catch of the day.
This guide isn’t built on hearsay. Each spot featured here offers seafood prepared with skill, a sense of place, and real local flair. Whether you’re a fan of open-air shacks, white tablecloths, or somewhere in between, there’s a plate here with your name on it. The following list pulls together the top picks for seafood in St Pete Beach, so you’ll know exactly where to drop anchor for your next meal.
1. Snappers Sea Grill
Tucked on Gulf Boulevard, Snappers Sea Grill stands out for its blend of big city bistro polish and Florida coastal charm. The moment I walked in, polished service and a menu dotted with Gulf favorites set the mood right. You get the sense that every detail, from presentation to portion, gets real attention here.
Fresh is the central theme: try the blackened grouper or the snapper Hemingway for bright, unmasked flavors that let the quality seafood speak. Locals often rave about the Chilean sea bass, and after one forkful, I understood why. The plate arrived with crisp, colorful vegetables and a balance that didn’t overpower the fish.
Snappers is as friendly to special diets as it is to seafood lovers. It’s a spot you can count on for quality, consistency, and genuine local flavor.
2. Shells Seafood Restaurant St Pete Beach
Shells Seafood Restaurant keeps things lively with an atmosphere that’s casual, upbeat, and built for seafood lovers who want value without compromise. During my last meal here, locals chatted across tables and platters of steaming seafood made their way through the dining room in a steady rhythm. You instantly get drawn in by the energy and delicious aroma of what’s to come.
The kitchen shows off with simple, bold flavors. The peel-and-eat shrimp are always a safe bet—briny, sweet, and never rubbery. Another top choice is their linguine with clam sauce for its generous helping of perfectly cooked shellfish. If you want something classic, the grilled fish platters offer the Gulf’s best, cooked to order each time.
Shells makes seafood feel easy and approachable without ever skimping on freshness or flavor. It’s a St Pete Beach staple you’ll want to revisit.
3. Shrimpys Blues Bistro
Shrimpys Blues Bistro brings together the flavors of Florida and New Orleans with style. Here, the only thing fresher than the Gulf seafood is the view from the waterfront patio. I once watched dolphins playing in the channel while savoring my meal, a reminder that you don’t need to choose between ambiance and quality.
The kitchen prides itself on wild-caught, never farm-raised seafood, and that makes a difference in every bite. Try the Cajun shrimp and grits, a dish that pops with spice and creamy richness, or sample the blackened grouper—crisp outside, flaky within. Their daily catch specials highlight what’s best and freshest, delivered straight from the Gulf.
Shrimpys’ fusion of Southern coastal favorites with Florida flair keeps things vibrant. If you want both bold flavors and honest freshness, this is your spot.
4. MadFish St Pete Beach
MadFish St Pete Beach is instantly recognizable by its retro diner vibe and inventive menu. Walking through the door feels like a throwback, but the food is fresh and bold. Each plate comes out looking like it got extra attention in both flavor and presentation—no corners cut.
The house favorite here is the grilled Florida grouper, expertly prepared to enhance its natural flavor. Paired with seasonal veggies, it reflects MadFish’s focus on local, quality ingredients. If you’re leaning adventurous, their fish special changes with the day’s best catches and creative sauces.
This spot manages to keep things upscale yet relaxed, celebrating seafood without being stuffy. Each visit is a reminder of how creative cooking can take a familiar fish dinner to another level.
5. Crabby Bill’s St. Pete Beach
Crabby Bill’s St. Pete Beach offers that classic, toes-in-the-sand seafood experience with a genuine laid-back vibe. There’s no need to dress up; it’s the sort of spot where sandy flip-flops are right at home. I’ve lingered over sunsets on the rooftop with a plate of fresh local catch, watching the sky turn every shade of orange and gold.
The focus here is on freshness and simplicity. Go for the steamed shrimp platter or the grilled grouper sandwich—two local favorites that sum up “good eatin’” with no fuss, just lots of flavor. You get big portions and the kind of straightforward cooking that lets the seafood shine.
Crabby Bill’s is as relaxed as the Gulf breeze and proud of its no-frills appeal. For honest seafood steps from the water, it’s tough to beat.
6. Buoy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
Buoy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill delivers unbeatable views of Blind Pass and a menu that’s easy to love any time of day. Whether you land here for brunch or wind down at sunset, the vibe is relaxed and the service always hits the mark. I once snagged an outdoor table and watched boats drift by while my seafood arrived piping hot.
Freshness is front and center, and it shows in dishes like their blackened mahi or crisp fish tacos. The seafood is always cooked to order, which keeps the flavors bright and the textures spot on. If you’re hungry in the morning, their shrimp omelet starts the day with a kick of local flavor.
Buoy’s balances laid-back hospitality with food that feels both homemade and thoughtfully plated. Perfect for when you want real seafood with a view.
7. Rick’s Reef
Rick’s Reef takes the idea of a neighborhood spot and elevates it with truly fresh, house-made seafood and a warm local crowd. The first thing you’ll notice is how easy it is to make yourself at home, whether you’re on the breezy patio or inside keeping cool.
The menu leans hard into freshness—think blackened fish sandwiches with a crisp sear, or perfectly cooked shrimp baskets. On my visit, the grilled mahi was juicy and bright, served with veggies that tasted like they’d just been picked. Every sauce and side is made from scratch and it shows in the flavor.
Rick’s casual, everything-from-scratch approach turns a simple meal into something memorable. For an unfussy, satisfying seafood fix, this spot is a standout.
8. Rumfish Grill
Rumfish Grill dazzles with a massive aquarium running the length of the dining room, making it tough to decide what’s more eye-catching—the fish on your plate or in the tank. From my first visit, I was struck by the sleek, lively atmosphere and the menu’s creative spin on coastal classics.
The highlight here is the seared local grouper, cooked just right to show off its sweet, flaky texture. Another crowd favorite is the seafood pasta, where shrimp and scallops team up with fresh herbs in a savory sauce. The presentation, each time, hits that sweet spot between fresh and refined.
Rumfish is where polished dining meets a touch of local fun. It should be on your list if you like your seafood—and your ambiance—with a little showmanship.
9. Red, White & Booze (Sea Critters Cafe)
Red, White & Booze, also known as Sea Critters Cafe, is the kind of laid-back spot where waterfront dining meets local personality. I grabbed a table on the breezy patio and felt right at home as boats drifted by and laughter echoed from nearby tables. It’s unpretentious, but the seafood is anything but ordinary.
Start with their crab-stuffed mushrooms—they’re rich and packed with flavor, setting a tone for the meal. The blackened mahi sandwich is another standout, its spice level just right and the fish always fresh. Seafood platters rotate with the day’s catch, so you never know what seasonal surprise awaits.
Red, White & Booze nails the relaxed St. Pete Beach vibe while serving up honest, bold seafood favorites. It’s an easy choice for good eats and Gulf views.
10. Maritana
Maritana, tucked inside the iconic Don CeSar, blends understated elegance with a deep focus on fresh, local seafood. Dining here feels a bit like entering a private world—walls lined with shimmering aquariums and plates arriving with quiet precision. My experience was one part luxury, one part pure Florida flavor.
The kitchen crafts dishes that let the ingredients shine. Try the golden tilefish if it’s featured, or ask for the chef’s seafood special. Each bite reflects the kitchen’s commitment to quality and detail, from crisp vegetables to complex sauces that never overpower the seafood’s natural sweetness.
With an intimate feel and a menu that evolves with the Gulf’s bounty, Maritana is a treat for anyone who loves refined seafood in a serene setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is St Pete Beach known for?
St Pete Beach is famous for grouper, snapper, shrimp, and local Gulf catch like mahi-mahi. Many spots serve fish caught right off the coast, so expect fresh flavors and a variety of preparation styles.
Are there seafood restaurants with a waterfront view?
Yes, several seafood restaurants offer waterfront dining, including Buoy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill, Woody’s Waterfront, and Rumfish Grill. Sitting outside, you can savor fresh seafood while enjoying beautiful Gulf or bay views.
Can I find gluten-free or vegan options at seafood restaurants?
Absolutely. Many local seafood spots such as Snappers Sea Grill and Shells Seafood Restaurant offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan choices, so everyone can find something to love.
What are must-try seafood dishes in St Pete Beach?
Don’t miss the blackened grouper sandwiches, peel-and-eat shrimp, and fresh catch platters. Dishes change seasonally, so it’s worth asking about specials.
Do seafood restaurants in St Pete Beach serve locally caught fish?
Many restaurants pride themselves on serving locally sourced seafood. Ask your server about the catch of the day for the freshest options available.