Best Oyster Places in Florida

Last Updated on February 21, 2024

Did you know that there are over 100 different species of oysters in the world? Some of these can be cooked and eaten, but some, like the pearl oyster, are just harvested for their pearls.

They also contain vitamins A, C, D, and B-12. But where can you find the best oysters in Florida?

We wanted to share some of our favorite places to get the best oysters in Florida. If you have any more favorites, let us know in the comments or on any of our social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or Pinterest.

Best Oysters in Florida

Note: The state of Florida is currently in an oyster shortage until 2025 due to the Fishing and Wildlife Commission suspending oyster harvesting in Apalachicola.

The hope is that the five-year pause will bring the species back, which was dwindling from overharvesting before the halt in 2020. Oysters may be more expensive than usual, or harder to find.

Hole in the Wall Seafood Market & Raw Bar, Apalachicola

If you have been following Authentic Florida for a while, you know one of our favorite destinations is Apalachicola, Florida’s Oyster Republic. There are several incredible restaurants in Apalachicola, but the one we never miss is Hole in the Wall Seafood Market & Raw Bar.

A family-owned seafood restaurant and oyster bar. They specialize in fresh Apalachicola oysters, local shrimp, and grouper caught by their own commercial fishing fleet.

Hole in the Wall Seafood Market & Raw Bar Address: 23 Avenue D, Apalachicola, FL

Dave’s Oyster Bar & Grill – Gulf Breeze

Dave’s Oyster Bar in Gulf Breeze prides itself on being “all about oysters”. They serve a variety of oysters including steamed, baked, fried, raw, specialty, and more.

If you can’t choose, you need to try the oyster sampler. Not only are the oysters fantastic, but Dave’s also has a variety of other seafood and non-seafood options on the menu.

Dave’s Oyster Bar & Grill Address: 4699 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – Clearwater

The “Frenchy’s” brand has multiple restaurants and businesses, but you need to head down to Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill in Clearwater for the best oysters. They also offer open-air beachfront dining right on the Gulf of Mexico where you can see some amazing views and enjoy live music daily from local artists.

Not only do they have delicious oysters, but they’re also famous for their She Crab soup, Rum Runners, and other traditional Floribbean-style dishes. No trip to Clearwater is complete without a stop at Frenchy’s. 

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill Address: 7 Rockaway St, Clearwater, FL

Hunt’s Oyster Bar – Panama City

Hunt’s Oyster Bar in Panama City has been family-owned for 51 years by the Hunt family – Tina, Christie, Randy, and Sissy. Their specialty is the famous Apalachicola Oysters, and you can pick up a bag or bucket to-go.

They come in multiple ways such as raw, fried, steamed, baked, cajun baked, three cheese, three cheese cajun, three cheese jalapeno, and jalapeno cajun.

Hunt’s Oyster Bar Address: 1150 Beck Avenue, Panama City, Florida

Indian Pass Raw Bar – Port St. Joe

Indian Pass Raw Bar in Port St. Joe has a very historical past. It was constructed to take advantage of the highway traffic from the new highway built in 1929.

In the early 30’s Mrs. Gypsie McNeill began serving noon meals and catered dinner parties at the store, and the raw bar also started in 1986.

Indian Pass Raw Bar Address: 8391 Highway C-30A, Port St. Joe, FL

Lee & Rick’s Oyster Bar – Orlando

Lee & Rick’s Oyster Bar in Orlando has been serving the Central Florida area as the first restaurant of its kind in the area for 70 years. It started in 1950 as a nine-stool establishment that only served oysters in Orlando.

Lee and Rick ran the restaurant out front and raised their family in the back, which was their home. (They also had another location in Maitland). Today, Lee & Rick’s is operated by their oldest son and his family.

They pride themselves on friendly personalized service, quality of food, and maintaining their reputation as a local favorite.

Lee & Rick’s Oyster Bar Address: 5621 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando, Florida

Phillipi Creek Oyster Bar – Sarasota

Family-owned Phillipi Creek Oyster Bar in Sarasota is “The Place to Go” for fresh local seafood. In fact, they’ve even been voted “Best of the Best” Raw Bar & Seafood Restaurant 16 years in a row.

Phillipi gets its name from Fernando D. Phillippi, who sailed his ship the “Philly P” in 1569 to the area and constructed his winter home in 1604 – which is still the restaurant’s location today.

He was last seen in 1619 during Hurricane Maria, but some say a ghostly version of him can be seen sailing up the creek on moonlit nights.

Phillipi Creek Oyster Bar Address: 5353 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL

Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar – Cape Canaveral

The story of Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar began with Bernard Fischer in 1948 when he opened one of the first restaurants in Cocoa Beach called Bernard’s Surf.

His nephew Rusty eventually built Rusty’s Seafood Bar & Oyster Bar in 1992, where he and his sons Rhett & Rusty run the restaurant in Port Canaveral. They pride themselves on fresh, homemade food and drinks and an inviting and relaxing atmosphere.

Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar Address: 628 Glen Cheek Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL

Smokin’ Oyster Brewery – Fort Myers Beach (Temporarily Closed)

Smokin’ Oyster Brewery, also known as “S.O.B.’s”  in Fort Myers Beach has been serving happy customers since 1997 and has grown to become a Fort Myers Beach icon that locals and tourists alike love and enjoy. While you’re there, you’ll notice a small boat behind the bar.

This was originally meant for escaping a hurricane with some delicious crabs, island bread, or burgers. Today it displays its many bottled beers, wine, and liquor to make its famous tropical drinks. They also come in a bucket souvenir. Make sure to stop by and enjoy the live nightly music and of course the delicious oysters.

**Temporarily closed while they rebuild after hurricane damage.

Smokin’ Oyster Brewery Address: 340 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL

Shucking Oysters with Authentic Florida

If you are having oysters at home, don’t forget JB’s Sopchoppy Sauce (a Florida original).

Map of the Best Oysters in Florida