Sunshine, sea breezes, and a fresh catch on your plate—Pinellas County, FL, spins the perfect trifecta for seafood lovers. If you’ve ever wandered the Gulf coast with a rumbling stomach and a craving for fresh shrimp, juicy oysters, or perfectly grilled fish, you know the search for the right spot can lead to some memorable meals…and a few disappointments. I once set out with a friend for just “one plate of grouper” and lost track of time as we sampled our way around town, from humble shacks hidden under palm trees to bustling spots just off the shore.
Finding the best seafood in Pinellas County doesn’t have to be hit or miss. Whether you’re after a classic crab boil, inventive sushi, or that legendary beach-caught flavor, this region serves up treasures for every kind of taste. In this guide, you’ll discover the top places locals and seasoned visitors keep returning to—spots where the fish is always fresh, and the memories last long after the plates are cleared. Dive in; your next favorite meal is waiting on this coastline.
1. Red Lobster
Red Lobster on Ulmerton Road is a reliable stop for anyone searching for classic seafood in Pinellas County. The moment you walk in, the aroma of fresh-baked Cheddar Bay Biscuits almost steals the show, but it’s the main courses that keep you coming back.
Red Lobster’s fresh catch selections give you a sense of the sea’s best, prepared with just the right touch—no fuss, simply well-cooked fish. During my last visit, I went straight for the grilled salmon—delicate, flaky, and just the right amount of seasoning.
If you’re with family or a group, the Admiral’s Feast is a crowd-pleaser, offering a little taste of everything. For those after a local favorite, the wood-grilled shrimp brings Gulf coast flavor straight to your table.
2. Grant’s Crabs, Seafood & Grille
Grant’s Crabs, Seafood & Grille is tucked away on Starkey Road but always draws a hungry crowd. This spot delivers fresh-from-the-boat seafood with a friendly, no-frills vibe. Each visit feels like you’ve discovered a local secret—one that just happens to serve some of the best crabs in the county.
I first popped in for their well-known crab, and ended up chatting with folks at the next table about which platter hits hardest. The answer was unanimous: their signature blue crab platters and grouper sandwiches never disappoint.
If you want to taste the Gulf, try the steamed shrimp with house seasoning. For a true Pinellas experience, Grant’s seafood boils deliver plenty of flavor with generous portions. Every plate feels like a summery catch right off the dock.
3. Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood
Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood on Seminole Boulevard is where things get messy—in the best way. This place is all about seafood boils, piled high, loaded with spices, and served right at your table. Kitschy bibs aside, you’ll find diners cracking shells and swapping tips for getting the most out of a crab leg.
My last visit turned into a friendly contest over who could shell the most shrimp while the house seasoning’s aroma filled the air. Try the snow crab and shrimp combo in their signature blend—the sauce clings to everything and leaves you wanting more.
Hungry Crab’s blue crab platters take the Gulf flavor up a notch. Dip, crack, and savor—this spot makes dinner feel like a hands-on celebration of Pinellas’ best seafood.
4. Island Fish
(727) 595-8777Call
Island Fish sits just off Indian Rocks Road and feels like a throwback to laid-back, old Florida. Freshness is the rule here, with daily catches delivered straight from the docks and prepared without pretense. Each visit feels unrushed, as if you’re hanging out at a friend’s seaside grill.
The first time I ate here, it was the grilled grouper sandwich that caught me off guard—perfectly flaky, lightly seasoned, and capturing the spirit of local waters. You taste the coast in every bite.
Island Fish’s blackened mahi-mahi is another standout: seared with just enough spice but never overwhelming the fish itself. If you’re in the mood for something simple and genuine, Island Fish is the real deal for Pinellas County seafood.
5. J & K Seafood Shack
(727) 392-2700Call
J & K Seafood Shack feels like a blast from the past in all the right ways. This is a genuine Florida fish shack, run by folks who clearly care about local flavor. With fish piled high on ice and fishermen arriving daily, the freshness sets it apart from anywhere else in Pinellas County.
One afternoon, I watched a catch go straight from display to fryer—no middleman, no delay. The taste told the story: the fried mullet and grouper sandwiches are both crunchy and tender, showcasing the quality of what’s landed locally.
If you want a sample of the sea, go for the grilled shrimp or the blackened snapper. Each order captures the simplicity and charm of Gulf seafood, done right and without gimmicks at J & K Seafood Shack.
6. Taste of Punjab Indian Cuisine Taste
(727) 545-4103Call
Taste of Punjab Indian Cuisine Taste offers a twist to Pinellas County’s seafood scene. This spot blends classic Indian spices with the freshest catches, creating dishes you won’t find anywhere else in the area. The menu is packed with flavor, catering to both seafood fans and lovers of Indian cuisine.
My most memorable meal here was the fish curry—rich, fragrant, and layered with spices that brought out the best in the local fish. The shrimp masala takes the same approach, simmering plump Gulf shrimp in a velvety, tomato-based sauce.
If you want something lighter, try the fish tikka. Everything is aromatic, well-balanced, and a welcome change for anyone craving something beyond the expected Pinellas flavors.
7. O.E.C. Japanese Sushi & Hibachi
O.E.C. Japanese Sushi & Hibachi on Walsingham Road brings a fresh spin to seafood in Pinellas County with a menu as vivid as its sushi platters. The atmosphere hints at tradition, but the presentation is as lively as the hibachi grill flares at each table.
I remember my first visit—watching the chef transform simple ingredients into artful sushi rolls. The spicy tuna roll and shrimp nigiri were standouts, with every bite packed with ocean-fresh flavor.
O.E.C. is great for those who love variety. The hibachi seafood combination lets you try scallops, shrimp, and salmon, all cooked to order, each with its own pop of seasoning. For a little indulgence and a lot of freshness, this spot belongs on any Pinellas seafood tour.
8. China 1
China 1, tucked into the Indian Rocks Shopping Center, proves that great seafood doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. This is the place for quick, satisfying takeout that never skimps on flavor. With an inviting, no-fuss vibe, it’s the perfect go-to after a long day on Pinellas’ beaches.
One evening, in need of comfort food, I grabbed the shrimp with broccoli—steamed perfectly and delivered in a light, savory sauce. The shrimp were fresh, and the portion generous enough for lunch the next day.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the seafood combination with mixed vegetables. Every bite is packed with just enough ginger and garlic to make the flavors pop, showcasing how China 1 keeps seafood classic but never boring.
9. Advantage Foods
Advantage Foods on 66th Street may look unassuming, but it’s where Pinellas County insiders go for premium wholesale seafood. There’s an old-school market feel to the place—bustling, friendly staff, and cases packed with the day’s haul. You’re just as likely to spot a chef picking up supplies as a local getting ready for a weekend cookout.
The appeal? You can buy fresh fish, shrimp, or shellfish by the pound, and there’s always someone ready to offer advice about what’s best that week. I stopped in for clams one afternoon and left with enough snapper and shrimp to inspire an impromptu seafood feast at home.
Ask about their daily specials—whatever is moving fastest is bound to be the freshest, reflecting the honest flavors of the Gulf.
10. Shomi Sushi & Seafood
(727) 400-5535Call
Shomi Sushi & Seafood on Walsingham Road stands out for its blend of fresh sushi and inventive seafood plates, all served in a laid-back, modern space. This isn’t your average neighborhood sushi bar; each bite feels as if a chef is showing off just for you.
I discovered their spicy tuna roll on a whim, and it quickly became my go-to for the sheer freshness and subtle heat. The specialty rolls, especially those with local grouper or shrimp, highlight what Pinellas County seafood can do with the right touch.
If you’re in the mood for something warm, try the shrimp tempura or miso-glazed fish. These showcase Shomi’s knack for balancing tradition and creativity, always with high-quality ingredients at the core.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Pinellas County known for?
Pinellas County shines with Gulf grouper, shrimp, blue crab, and local oysters. These favorites show up on menus throughout the area, capturing the taste of the coast in every bite.
Where can I find the freshest seafood in Pinellas County?
Fresh-caught seafood is found all over, especially at family-owned shacks and markets. Spots like Grant’s Crabs, Island Fish, and J & K Seafood Shack are local favorites for straight-off-the-boat quality.
Are there good options for sushi and Asian-inspired seafood?
Absolutely. O.E.C. Japanese Sushi & Hibachi and Shomi Sushi & Seafood both serve top-notch sushi and seafood dishes that highlight local catches with creative flair.
What should I order if I’m new to Pinellas seafood?
Start with the grouper sandwich, crab boil, or blackened mahi-mahi. These dishes reflect the coastal flavors that Pinellas does best.
Can I buy fresh seafood to cook at home?
Yes. Advantage Foods and neighborhood seafood markets offer a rotating selection of fresh fish, shrimp, and shellfish—perfect for a home seafood feast.