Best Seafood Restaurants in Clearwater and St. Pete
The grouper is fresh, the stone crab claws are cracked that morning, and the shrimp have never seen a freezer. Here's where to eat seafood in Clearwater and St. Pete.
You're on the Gulf Coast. The water is right there. The grouper is fresh, the stone crab claws are cracked that morning, and the shrimp have never seen a freezer. Eating mediocre seafood here would be a choice, and we're not going to let that happen to you.
The Classics (Don't Overthink It)
Crabby Bill's — Indian Rocks Beach & Clearwater
A Gulf Coast institution since 1982. The original Indian Rocks Beach location is the one locals prefer — not fancy, menu is exactly what you expect (grouper, shrimp, stone crab in season, oysters), and it's consistently good. The grouper sandwich is the benchmark by which all others should be measured.
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill — Clearwater Beach
Probably the most famous seafood spot on Clearwater Beach, and for good reason. The original Rockaway Grill location is beachfront, the food is consistently fresh, and the frozen rum runners are mandatory. Expect a wait on weekends — get there early or put your name in and walk the beach.
The Crab Shack — St. Pete Beach
Old-school, no-pretense seafood in a waterfront setting. Buckets of crab, boiled shrimp, and cold beer. The kind of place where the paper on the table serves as a placemat and a garbage bag simultaneously. Go hungry.
Stone crab season runs October–May. If your trip overlaps, don't skip it — ask your Sea & City Rentals host which local spots have the best claws when you arrive. Groups staying at the Tampa waterfront home are a 30-minute drive from both the Indian Rocks Beach and Clearwater locations on this list — and the private dock means you can time a post-dinner sunset perfectly. Guests based at the walk-to-beach rental at Indian Rocks Beach can walk to Crabby Bill's original location in under 10 minutes.
The Elevated Options
Island Way Grill — Clearwater
Waterfront dining on the Intracoastal with a kitchen that takes seafood seriously. Chef-driven preparations, thoughtful wine list, and a dog-friendly patio. The mahi and stone crab (in season) are highlights.
Sea Salt — Downtown St. Pete
The most ambitious seafood restaurant in the St. Pete area. Chef Roger Radwan's menu showcases Gulf seafood alongside global influences. Make a reservation. Sit at the bar if you're solo and ask what's fresh.
The Castaway — St. Pete Beach
A waterfront institution with fresh catch specials that change daily, a raw bar, and a setting that reminds you why you came here. The whole Florida red snapper when it's available is exceptional.
Stone Crab Season (October–May)
If your trip overlaps with stone crab season, you are fortunate. Florida stone crab claws are harvested sustainably — only one claw is taken per crab, and they regenerate. The meat is sweet, dense, and unlike any other seafood. Served chilled with mustard sauce. One of the genuine regional delicacies of the Gulf Coast.
A Note on Fresh vs. Frozen
Ask. Any good seafood restaurant in this area will tell you exactly what's fresh local catch and what's not. The grouper, snapper, and mahi are frequently local and fresh. Locals ask. You should too.