Best Seafood in Siesta Key: 10 Must-Try Restaurants

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy.

If you’re looking for the best seafood in Siesta Key, you’ve come to the right place!

Here you’ll find our favorite restaurants for seafood lovers of all kinds!

Whether you’re a fan of fresh fish, succulent shrimp, savory crab legs, or looking for the ultimate Siesta Key oyster bar, we’ve got you covered.

Read on and discover our absolute favorite seafood restaurants in Siesta Key!

Table of Contents

The Best Seafood in Siesta Key

Situated in the Gulf of Mexico, Siesta Key is renowned for its beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets.

But did you know that this little island paradise is also home to some of the best seafood around?

In fact, one of the best things about Siesta Key is the abundance of ultra-fresh, ocean to table seafood.

In fact, you can find fresh seafood just about anywhere, from high-end restaurants to casual fish markets.

1. Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB)

Siesta Key Oyster Bar | Address: 5238 Ocean Blvd. (located in the heart of Siesta Key Village)

Our favorite place to grab fresh seafood in Siesta Key is at Siesta Key Oyster Bar (known to many as SKOB).

As the name suggests, this restaurant is one of the best spots for fresh oysters, but there are plenty of other seafood selections on the menu as well.

In addition to raw and baked oysters, you can also enjoy house favorites such as grouper bites with signature remoulade, and the Siesta Key extravaganza which offers blackened Mahi, jerked shrimp, 2 crab cakes, and 2 sides of your choice.

The fish tacos, chipotle lobster tacos, and “Fresh Catch of the Day” are also excellent options!

Along with great food, SKOB has a fun, laid back atmosphere with a commitment to excellent customer service.

There’s live music on the outdoor, covered patio, and dollar bills lining the ceiling and walls that you’re welcome to add a dollar to!

Due to its popularity, wait times to be seated can be long at SKOB (but are totally worth it). And though they do not take reservations ahead of time there is a wait-list upon arrival for which you can then hop to nearby Daiquiri Deck for a pre-dinner cocktail while you wait.

Oyster lovers will definitely want to take advantage of the daily happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm where you can enjoy $12 a dozen house oysters everyday!

2. Big Water Fish Market

Big Water Fish Market | Address: 6639 Midnight Pass Road

Big Water Fish Market is a boutique-style retail fish market and restaurant that specializes in fresh, wild-caught Florida seafood.

With its fishing-memorabilia-covered walls, Big Water is loved by both locals and visitors alike, and has maintained an excellent reputation since its opening in 2011!

Favorites here included their renowned grouper sandwiches, fish tacos, and lobster rolls, all praised for their freshness and flavor.

The market also offers a selection of specialty spices, sauces, and products to complement your seafood choices.

With its friendly atmosphere, plenty of parking, and commitment to quality, Big Water Fish Market is a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts in Siesta Key.

3. Spearfish Grille

Spearfish Grills | Address: 1265 Old Stickney Point Rd.

Spearfish Grille, located at Safe Harbor Marina, is a seafood lover’s dream, offering some of the freshest local catches on the Gulf Coast.

Their daily specials feature fish caught within 24 hours ensuring a true dock-to-dish experience. Selections often include: hog fish, grouper, and amber jack.

Signature dishes like the grilled hog fish with ginger-lime butter, sushi nachos, and coconut shrimp showcase bold island flavors.

Spearfish Grille has both indoor and outdoor seating in a casual, tiki-style setting – complete with marina views and live music everyday!

Plan ahead as Spearfish Grilles does not take reservations, and on evenings with nice weather or during peak tourism, wait times to be seated can be long here.

4. Clayton’s Siesta Grille

Clayton’s Siesta Grille | Address: 1256 Old Stickney Point Rd.

Clayton’s Siesta Grille is a lesser talked about restaurant in Siesta Key that is quickly becoming a favorite of both Siesta Key regulars and beach-goers alike.

You’ll love the ambiance here as it teeters between casual and fine dining and prides itself for it friendly and attentive staff.

Oh…and Clayton’s takes reservations!

What truly sets Clayton’s apart as one of the best seafood restaurants in Siesta Key?

For $18 per person, you can bring in your fresh catch of the day by 4 PM and let their talented chefs transform it into a delicious, chef-prepared masterpiece!

Whether you reeled in snapper, grouper, or mahi-mahi, your fresh fish will be perfectly cooked to your liking—grilled, blackened, or fried—and served with 2 of their mouthwatering sides and homemade sauces.

It’s the ultimate way to savor your fishing adventure.

Beyond the “hook & cook” experience, Clayton’s features Fresh Catch market price fish, Macadamia Crusted Grouper, salmon, and scallops.

Clayton’s is also known for their braised beef short rib, filet mignon, gourmet pizzas, fish taco’s and a great burger.

5. The Cottage

The Cottage | Address: 153 Avenida Messina (located in the heart of Siesta Key Village)

Tucked in the heart of Siesta Key Village, The Cottage is one of the best restaurants in Siesta Key overall, as well as serves up some of the freshest seafood on the island.

From just-caught Gulf grouper and buttery lobster tails to plump shrimp and savory scallops, every dish bursts with coastal flavor.

Their creative menu features favorites such as tuna poke, ceviche, and signature fish tacos.

Pair it all with tropical cocktails under the stars on their charming patio.

Whether you’re craving a light seafood bite or a full-on feast, The Cottage delivers a true taste of Siesta Key’s vibrant, fresh-from-the-sea dining scene.

You don’t want to miss this place!

Best seafood in Siesta Key; steak and lobster

6. Siesta Key Summer House Steak and Seafood

Summer House Steak & Seafood | Address: 149 Avenida Messina

One of the best places to find seafood served in a more elegant setting is Siesta Key Summer House!

Also known as, Summer House Steak & Seafood, this must-visit eatery is perfect for those who want to enjoy a classic surf and turf dinner.

Located in the heart of Siesta Village, their menu features a wide variety of both steak and seafood items, all of which are absolutely delicious.

We highly recommend the crab cakes, as they are some of the best we’ve ever had.

Other popular menu items include the seared scallops, shrimp scampi, and filet mignon.

The steaks have a lobster tail upgrade available, making it the perfect surf and turf option. (Hint: The seared diver scallops also make for a lovely steak addition!)

Steaks are hand-cut and then cooked on a 1200-degree Montague Grill, so you can enjoy the juiciest meat possible.

Siesta Key Summer House also has an amazing wine list and must-try key lime pie!

7. Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar

Captain Kurt’s Oyster Bar | Address: 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd.

If you’re a fan of fresh fish, then you’ll definitely want to check out Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar.

This local favorite serves up a wide variety of seafood-focused dishes, all of which are sure to please the palate.

If you only get to try one item, make it the clam chowder.

The Captain’s clam chowder is an award-winner, having secured the coveted 1st place prize at the Great Chowder Cook off in Newport, Rhode Island, among other accolades.

Some of our other favorite menu items include the crab, crab cakes, and of course the fresh oysters.

Captain Curt’s is also known for its live music in the evenings, as well as the fun Sniki Tiki Bar they offer.

The tiki bar is open until 2 am and has a beautiful outdoor tropical setting.

It is one of our favorite spots to stop and enjoy a cold beer or two!

The Lobster Pot seafood restaurant in Siesta Key

8. The Lobster Pot

The Lobster Pot | Address: 5157 Ocean Blvd.

The Lobster Pot restaurant is also located on Ocean Blvd in the heart of Siesta Key Village and is a fun family-run eatery with a seafood-heavy menu.

This spot is best known for its lobster, and there are plenty of options featuring this sweet meat!

Two must-haves from the menu include the lobster bisque, which is a Taste of Sarasota award-winner, and the baked stuffed lobster dutchess, another award winner.

Baked lobster mac and cheese and lobster ravioli will also be loved by the entire family.

For those who want to try something outside of lobster, there are several options for fish dinners, which can be served fried, grilled, blackened, or boiled.

9. Daiquiri Deck

Daiquiri Deck South Siesta Key | Address: 1250 Stickney Point Rd.
Daiquiri Deck Siesta Key Village | Address: 5250 Ocean Blvd.

The Daiquiri Deck (2 locations in Siesta Key!) is one of the best bar-food style places to grab seafood for those who want to enjoy a delicious Florida seafood meal with a view.

This Ocean Boulevard spot is best known for its ample outdoor seating and delicious daiquiris, but the food menu is definitely worth exploring as well.

If you are craving oysters, this is definitely a spot worth checking out.

You can enjoy a selection of cold water oysters raw, steamed, or baked.

$9 Oyster shooters (a cold water oyster freshly shucked then served in a shot of Tito’s Vodka, with Bloody Mary Mix & topped with fresh cracked pepper) are also available.

The other seafood options are endless, but some of our favorites include shrimp tacos, grouper sandwiches, conch fritters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and blackened Mahi bites.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, the salads are also a fantastic option.

We love the Key West Mahi salad and the lump crab and shrimp seafood cobb salad.

In the mood for some fun drinks?

Daiquiri Deck offers a daily happy hour from 3 pm to 7 pm. You can enjoy a half-price souvenir cup as well as discounts on alcohol.

Bringing the whole family? Don’t worry, those under 21 can partake in some delicious virgin daiquiris!

10. Owen’s Fish Camp

Owen’s Fish Camp | Address: 516 Burns Ct #7030, Sarasota, FL

Owen’s Fish Camp is a unique seafood restaurant located in nearby downtown Sarasota.

Located right on a beach in Sarasota, Owen’s Fish Camp is named after Owen Burns, who was the original developer of Sarasota, Florida.

This spot is best known for its Southern-style seafood dishes with a twist.

In addition, the casual atmosphere (and backyard tire swing!) make this a great family dining experience.

One of the most popular menu items is the shrimp and grits, which come with spicy smoked sausage.

Another fan favorite is The Murph’s famous bloody mary oyster shooters.

For those who want to enjoy a more traditional seafood dinner with a spin, the fried catfish is breaded in cornbread for a southern twist, then served with spicy collards and grits.

If you happen to have those in your party who aren’t seafood fans, there are still plenty of delicious offerings.

The Really Good Burger is made with pimento cheese, and the pulled BBQ pork on a bun has a delicious slaw topping.

Conclusion

These seafood restaurants are some of the best that Siesta Key, Florida has to offer!

No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something delicious.

Do you have a favorite seafood spot in Sarasota or Siesta Key?

Let me know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed reading our article on the best seafood in Sarasota and Siesta Key, check out our related posts:

Siesta Key, Florida:

Sarasota, Florida:

The surrounding area:

*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.