Hunting for the best seafood in Clearwater, FL feels a bit like a treasure dive—you know there are gems below the surface, but you need a good map to find the real standouts. Clearwater sets the scene perfectly. With the Gulf glinting in the background and sea breezes in your hair, the promise of fresh-caught grouper or shrimp grilled just minutes from the boat tempts even the most jaded palette. Whether you’re winding down after a salty day on Pier 60 or escaping the bustle for something epic yet simple on a plate, this coastal town is primed to impress.
After several seasons tasting my way from bustling docks to tucked-away spots with views worth lingering over, I can say with complete ease: You have options, and many are worth every minute. I still remember that first snap of perfectly seared mahi-mahi at a beachside bar, eaten with sandy toes and zero regrets. From casual fish shacks to upscale grills, Clearwater’s seafood scene is a blend of skill, local flair, and honest-to-goodness flavors. Get ready to follow your appetite—Clearwater delivers a meal worth savoring.
1. Saltys Island Bar & Grille
Set right on Gulfview Blvd, Saltys Island Bar & Grille is where bright island flavor meets laid-back beach style. The deck catches the best breezes in town, and the salty tang in the air never lets you forget you’re steps from the water. My first bite of their blackened grouper sandwich made a believer out of me—fresh, flaky, cooked just right.
Saltys stands apart for its easygoing service and menus that please every appetite. You’ll find creative twists on classics, but nothing too fussy. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices don’t feel like afterthoughts.
The real star? Their seafood platters, with shrimp, scallops, and local fish grilled or fried. Pair the coconut shrimp with pineapple salsa if you want a taste of Clearwater sun on your plate. It’s honest, unfussy, and exactly what a beachside meal should be.
2. Salt Cracker Fish Camp
Salt Cracker Fish Camp nails the “dockside cookin’” vibe without trying too hard. Spend five minutes at a waterfront table here and you’ll understand—the place hums with local spirit, great views, and the scent of something delicious on the grill. My first visit turned into a long afternoon, watching boats drift by as I worked my way through their signature seafood tower.
It’s the mix of southern comfort and genuine freshness that makes Salt Cracker stand out. The “You Catch. You Clean. We Cook.” deal is pure Florida fun. It rewards whoever’s hauled in their own fish, but the menu’s packed even if you show up empty-handed.
The low country boil is a hit—piles of shrimp, potatoes, and corn with all the flavor you want after a sun-soaked day. Or order the grouper cakes for a local specialty with a crispy finish. Seafood here feels fun and unfussy, just how Clearwater likes it.
3. The Salty Crab Bar & Grill North Beach
The Salty Crab Bar & Grill North Beach feels like Clearwater’s front porch. Just steps from the sand, this spot captures the easygoing spirit of the Gulf with breezy patios and upbeat live music. On my last visit, I lingered long past lunch, caught in the laid-back rhythms and friendly energy that make meals here memorable.
You’ll spot plenty of variety, but seafood lovers get the best deal. The menu draws locals and visitors alike for their Bairdi crab legs—sweet, tender, and so good dunked in warm butter. The grouper tacos nod to local waters, served with slaw and salsa that cut the richness just right.
If you want something fried, don’t skip the hand-breaded shrimp. The crisp coating is seriously craveable, and it’s hard to beat fresh shrimp with that view. The Salty Crab keeps things relaxed, flavorful, and utterly Clearwater.
4. Crabby’s Bar & Grill
Crabby’s Bar & Grill sits right where you want to be—steps from Clearwater’s stunning sands, with a breeze on the patio and plenty to catch your eye. On my last visit, the sun was setting, and every table was clinking glasses over baskets of fresh seafood, creating a vibe that felt equal parts vacation and home.
The menu puts local favorites front and center, especially the Bairdi crab legs and grouper sandwiches. Both are crowd-pleasers for good reason: the crab legs arrive perfectly steamed and sweet, while the grouper is flaky and loaded with Gulf flavor. Their mahi tacos bring a welcome zip with fresh cilantro and slaw.
This place stands out for unfussy, memorable meals—you get all the highlights of the Gulf in one laid-back setting. Grab an outdoor seat, order the catch of the day, and savor the flavors that keep this spot buzzing.
5. Bait House
Bait House is a local legend, perched unpretentiously on the dock where fishermen haul in the day’s catch. First-time visitors often double-take at the setting—a weathered shack with picnic tables—before biting into some of the freshest seafood in Clearwater. I realized quickly that the simplicity is no gimmick. It’s the real deal, and every meal here hums with that authenticity.
What sets Bait House apart is how close you are to the source. You can practically watch your fish arrive before it hits the grill. Their catch of the day sandwich never disappoints—crispy on the outside, tender inside. The fish tacos, wrapped in warm tortillas and paired with just the right zing of slaw, are another local favorite.
This is no-frills, genuine waterfront dining, and it’s unforgettable for anyone willing to dig in and get their fingers a little messy.
6. Rumba Island Bar & Grill
Rumba Island Bar & Grill brings a splash of the Caribbean to Clearwater, mixing tropical vibes with a menu that’s anything but ordinary. The energy is always high, with live music and colorful décor that sets the mood for something memorable. My visit started with reggae in the background and ended with a craving to come back—no small feat in a city packed with choices.
What makes Rumba stand out is its creative twist on seafood. If you’re here, try the island-grilled mahi—chargrilled and topped with house-made mango salsa. It’s light, bright, and full of the flavors you want near the coast. Their seafood platters deliver variety, pairing local catches with plantains and coconut rice for a real island touch.
For a taste of something a little different that’s still rooted in Clearwater, Rumba is a favorite worth bookmarking.
7. Cabanas Coastal Grill
Cabanas Coastal Grill feels like a little beach holiday, whether you settle into the covered patio or snag a breezy table by the bar. The bright setting immediately sets the stage for a relaxed, tasty meal. My stop here started with a cold drink and a lingering look at the Gulf—not a bad way to transition from beach to dinner.
What makes Cabanas shine is a menu that balances classics with clever seasonal specials. Their Signature Seafood Pasta brims with local shrimp and fresh-caught fish, all tossed in a just-right sauce. The grilled Gulf grouper is another standout—simple, perfectly seasoned, and served with garden-fresh sides.
The atmosphere is casual but thoughtful, making it easy to settle in and enjoy a meal that tastes like the best of Clearwater without any fuss.
8. Crabby’s Dockside
Crabby’s Dockside rises above the crowd—literally. Three stories of open-air seating give you sweeping views of boats cruising by and the Gulf unfolding in every direction. My dinner here stretched into evening as the sky shifted colors, and I didn’t want to leave.
This place has the classic Clearwater charm, but it’s the menu that really reels you in. The crab-stuffed grouper is a showstopper—fresh fish wrapped around sweet crab, baked until perfect, and finished with a zesty sauce. If you want something simple, the peel-and-eat shrimp brings that beachside feeling right to your plate.
Every dish at Crabby’s Dockside feels like it’s made for lingering sunsets and good company, all with a view that refuses to be ignored.
9. Caretta on the Gulf
Caretta on the Gulf is Clearwater’s idea of luxury: floor-to-ceiling windows frame the surf while creative, seasonal seafood graces your plate. My last visit stretched from a sparkling sunset to the dramatic reveal of stars. This is the spot when you want to dress up dinner but keep the ocean close.
What sets Caretta apart is its devotion to fresh, organic ingredients and an elegant touch in every dish. The sushi selections showcase the kitchen’s skill, but the seared local grouper steals the show—delicate, expertly seasoned, and never overpowered by its accompaniments.
Pair your meal with one of their thoughtfully curated organic wines. Caretta delivers the kind of refined seafood experience that feels both special and utterly Clearwater.
10. Ocean Hai
Ocean Hai brings a fresh, bold twist to the Clearwater seafood scene. Its seafood-driven Asian fusion menu manages to be inventive without losing the beachside vibe. When I visited, the blend of familiar Gulf flavors and unexpected pairings woke up my palate in the best way possible.
The kitchen, overseen by Chef Nana Darkwah, leans hard into local sourcing, and it shows. Their seafood hot pot offers a warming mix of shrimp, scallops, and Gulf fish simmered in a fragrant broth—a little comfort and a lot of flavor. If sushi’s more your speed, the fresh roll selections are both artful and loaded with local fish.
Ocean Hai’s combination of skill, style, and Clearwater ingredients means every meal feels like an experience worth repeating.
More Things to Try in Clearwater, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Clearwater, FL famous for?
Clearwater is known for its fresh Gulf grouper, snapper, and shrimp. Many spots also serve local crab and oysters, all caught from nearby waters.
Is there good seafood for people with special diets in Clearwater?
Absolutely. Most top seafood restaurants in Clearwater offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, marked clearly on their menus.
Can I get fresh-caught fish prepared at local restaurants?
Yes, some places, like Salt Cracker Fish Camp, offer a “You Catch. We Cook” option. Bring your cleaned catch, and they’ll turn it into a tasty meal.
What are the best seafood dishes to try in Clearwater?
Don’t miss the blackened grouper sandwich, seafood platters, crab legs, and local fish tacos. These dishes spotlight the area’s robust flavors and local flair.
Are Clearwater’s seafood restaurants family-friendly?
Most are very family-friendly, with kids’ menus, casual atmospheres, and staff who know how to keep everyone happy.
