Clearwater Seafood Restaurants: 7 Spots for Fresh Flavors, Local Cuisine

Part of any memorable beach vacation is digging into fresh seafood, and those vacationing in Clearwater know how to do that well. In fact, they have access to dozens of restaurants that feature local catches infused with creative flavors. To sample some of the best food in the Gulf, check out these top Clearwater seafood restaurants in Florida.

Top Clearwater Seafood Restaurants: Find Fresh Dishes, Fun Atmospheres

Salt Cracker Fish Camp

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Salt Cracker Fish Camp serves fresh foods paired with waterfront views. The restaurant offers three levels of outdoor dining and ranks among the top Clearwater seafood restaurants for great service and food.

Early risers start the day with Southern-style favorites such as shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, or fisherman’s Benedict. For lunch and dinner, select from raw oysters, Lowcountry seafood boil and grouper cakes. Want to eat your catch? Salt Cracker allows guests to bring their own cleaned fish to the restaurant, and they’ll prepare and serve it.

Rumba Island Bar and Grill

Immerse in the Caribbean Islands at Rumba Island Bar and Grill. Home to one of the largest rum bars in Clearwater, Rumba serves lunch and dinner in a lively tropical atmosphere. The restaurant features island-inspired cuisine complemented with live music and good vibes.

For starters, order calamari or smoked fish spread. Then select from sandwiches and seafood such as coconut shrimp, island seafood platter, or seafood lafitte. For those who prefer non-seafood options, Rumba serves steaks, ribs, chicken, barbecue and other hearty favorites.

Marina Cantina

Ranked among the best new Clearwater seafood restaurants, Marina Cantina serves Mexican cuisine on two levels that overlook the bay. For marina views, sit on the roof and enjoy the breeze.

Marina Cantina and Tequila Bar opens for brunch, lunch and dinner. Its menu features fresh seafood combined with traditional Mexican flair. Popular options include: tacos with grouper or octopus, red snapper, lobster enchiladas, and spicy mojo tuna. In addition, the restaurant serves 100% agave tequila, so order a margarita for the ultimate foodie experience.

Salty’s Island Bar and Grille

Salty’s Island Bar and Grille has been featured on the Cooking Channel and won local awards for best appetizer during Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week. In addition, diners can sit indoors or outside under bright umbrellas.

This top spot serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with each menu offering local seafood. For breakfast, try crab-cake eggs Benedict or a healthy smoothie. Those visiting during lunch and dinner find a baked oyster bar, grouper or shrimp tacos, seafood combos, and fish entrees.

Clear Sky Cafe

With a focus on gourmet food without steep prices, Clear Sky Cafe allows visitors to sample flavors from Asia, France, Italy and other countries. Whether early morning or dinnertime, Clear Sky Cafe has several options worth trying.

Start the day with a Benedict, omelet or hot skillet. Feel free to order a bloody Mary or mimosa as well. Lunch and dinner welcome guests to try New Orleans shrimp and grits, Maine lobster, and fresh catches. Top options include grouper, salmon and sea bass. Or try these seafood favorites in salads or delivered on hearty sandwiches. Clear Sky also has nearly 12 pizza options.

Island Way Grill

Island Way Grill overlooks Mandalay Bay and offers an upscale environment. This hot spot also ranks among the best Clearwater restaurants for brunch and accommodates groups up to 200 guests.

Open for lunch and dinner, Island Way has both small and large plates. Lunch items include shellfish, clams, mussels and oysters. Dinner selections range from Florida Keys lobster tails, jumbo crab cakes and fresh catches delivered by their own fleet of boats. Although the restaurant has a full menu of seafood, diners also rave about the sushi. In fact, Island Way has a separate sushi menu with nearly 50 roll options and cold sake.

Columbia

For over 110 years, Columbia has been owned and operated by the same family and ranks as the oldest restaurant in Clearwater. This upscale spot among the best Clearwater seafood restaurants features Cuban and Spanish decor that celebrates culture and history. While enjoying artwork, gaze out large windows or dine outdoors for waterfront views.

Head to Columbia for lunch or dinner. Find a large selection of Cuban and Spanish-inspired dishes that feature fresh seafood. Top dishes include crab and shrimp, red snapper, mahi mahi, and grouper. After filling up, browse souvenirs. Visitors can even buy Columbia Restaurant Spanish Cookbook and hand-painted ceramics.

Can’t wait to taste fresh seafood? Search Clearwater Beach vacation rentals and visit the area. Then check out Pier 60, one of Clearwater’s top attractions.