If you’re traveling to St. Pete, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy quality seafood during your vacation. Given the city’s proximity to the ocean, fresh fish is a staple on most menus in the area.
Discover local favorites that are sure to please with their sumptuous selection of seafood dishes!
Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish
Ted Peters officially opened the Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish restaurant St. Pete in 1951, and it has been a family affair ever since.
Whether you come for lunch or dinner, make sure you try the German Potato Salad, originally created by Ted Peters’ mother and the Fish Spread created by Ellen Peters.
The restaurant and its patrons go back five generations!
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
Head to the St. Pete Pier for delicious seafood at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. Enjoy the views of Tampa Bay and downtown St. Pete while munching on Yucatan Shrimp with Colombian chilies and fresh cilantro, or the Shrimp Ceviche Cocktail tossed in a Florida citrus marinade.
In addition to the seafood, Doc Ford’s boasts an impressive list of premium rums you can order neat, on the rocks, or in one of their signature cocktails such as the Sanibel Sunset or Doc’s Cure.
400 Beach Seafood & Taphouse
Guests can experience award-winning coastal cuisine by chef Ana Granucci at 400 Beach Seafood & Taphouse on Beach Drive in St. Pete. Open for lunch and dinner, savory seafood selections include the Pei Mussels with grilled focaccia, Blackened Shrimp & Grits with bacon lardons, and the New England Lobster Roll on a toasted brioche bun.
There is also a brunch buffet every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring items like Key West pink shrimp and Alaskan snow crab at its seafood bar.
Mullet’s Fish Camp & Market
Head to South St. Pete’s neighborhood joint, Mullet’s Fish Camp & Market, where the party’s in the back! Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere while noshing on fresh seafood with a twist.
You can choose from over 15 types of fish that are paired with house-made sauces, like Cajun-fried cod paired with the house slaw, or your choice fish sauteed Florida Man-style with citrus-herb butter.
Don’t forget to try one of their signature cocktails, like the Ship of Fools or the Irish Goodbye.
4th Street Shrimp Store
Come to the Fourth Street Shrimp Store for delicious seafood in a casual, funky atmosphere. Even though the restaurant opened in 1984, the building it resides in was built in 1928, making it a historic St. Pete landmark.
The small seafood market has now grown into a large locale that can accommodate parties from two to 20!
You’ll get quality seafood here, like the Mahi Taco Bowl with blackened mahi and mango salsa or keep it simple with a pound of snow crab drowned in butter.
RumFish Grill
Come to RumFish Grill in St. Pete to eat cutting edge seafood next to live fish! A vast 33,500-gallon aquarium built by the hit show TANKED on Animal Planet makes up an entire wall of the dining room. This massive tank houses an array of tropical fish, eels, and even stingrays.
While you’re admiring the fish, you can also enjoy some Fresh Shucked Oysters, each plate served with its own specialty sauce. Or feast on Tempura Battered Trout with a side of wasabi whipped potatoes.
Of course, there’s a whole host of delicious rum cocktails, like the 1944 Mai Tai and Fish Tanked which comes with its own keepsake glass!
The Getaway
Offering a family-friendly dining experience, The Getaway in Tampa prides itself on its local fish and produce.
Open for lunch, dinner, and Saturday/Sunday brunch, menu favorites include the Ahi Tuna Nachos made with sushi-grade tuna, pineapple, and guacamole, the Bahamian Conch Fritters served with a house made cocktail sauce, and the Crispy Lobster Tacos.
There is also a menu of tantalizing cocktails that guests can enjoy at one of the tiki bars, like the Coconut Breeze Cooler or the Pelican Guava Punch.
A kids’ menu is available too, with popcorn shrimp offered as one of the selections.
Plan your next trip to St. Pete for a culinary seafood adventure!
What’s your favorite restaurant in St. Pete? Tell us in the comments!
