Raw bars showcase the best and freshest seafood available. The options can include oysters, clams, shrimp, lobster and other locally caught treasures. Amazing raw bars can be found in a lot of places, but the ones by the water can’t be beat. If the ocean is right there, its guaranteed local freshness and a spot you must-visit!

Most Florida locations have year-round access to these delectable seafood options. So how do you find the best raw bar? We searched up and down the coast of the Sunshine State and found the top 12 restaurants with the best raw bars that you will want to try right away!

Top 12 Raw Bars in Florida

Ella’s Oyster Bar (Doral)

This cool restaurant is a treat! The menu is a mix of New England style seafood with a local Miami twist. The food is innovative with understated sophistication and of course locally sourced seafood and produce. Their raw bar is unmatched with incredibly fresh rotating oysters by the week, ceviche, seasonal crab and so much more! Delish!

Siesta Key Oyster Bar (Sarasota)

You can’t beat fresh oysters, cold beer and live music! This oyster bar combines them all. They offer elevated pub fare and have a great daily oyster happy hour that includes 50% off a dozen fresh house oysters. The location is right on the water and could not be more authentic to the area with the decor and overall vibe. This is the perfect spot for a fun brunch, lunch or dinner.

Half Shell Raw Bar (Key West)

This laid back spot is the original Key West Seafood Restaurant. It is perfectly situated right on the harbor with amazing views.  The fantastic local raw bar, conch ceviche and Key West peel-and-eat shrimp are just some of the highlighted menu items you will want to try. Their sunsets are not to be missed!

Phillippi Creek Restaurant & Oyster Bar (Sarasota)

Phillippi offers casual waterfront dining for lunch and dinner (they also have a happy hour!). They have indoor and outdoor seating. This restaurant has a lot of history. The location is the converted winter home of the Phillippi family that was built in 1604. The raw bar offered is local and fresh. All the food here is incredible. It definitely lives up to the hype as “the place to go” for seafood.

Papa’s Raw Bar (Lighthouse Point)

Papa’s is a well-known local spot for their incredibly fresh seafood and welcoming vibe. Along with the seafood they also offer locally inspired craft beers, handcrafted cocktails and a nice selection of wine. The raw bar area has an eclectic island style theme. They also have a “barrel room” which is a Caribbean style lounge with “good vibes” only!

The River Oyster Bar (Miami)

Looking for sustainably and locally sourced seafood in a cool bistro atmosphere? This restaurant is your spot! They take extra care to make sure everything they serve is up to their high standards and can be explained by the helpful and friendly staff. The seafood and raw bar are incredible, however if you are not a fan, they also offer grass-fed Florida beef, organic chickens and so much more! Bon Appetit!

Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar (Cape Canaveral)

Rusty’s has a history starting in 1948. The original in Cocoa Beach and then opening up a location in Cape Canaveral in 1992. The original was one of the first restaurants in the area. This inviting restaurant in Cape Canaveral continues the welcoming tradition and excellent food and drinks. Stop by for some oysters on the half shell, steak, mahi sandwiches  – just to name a few!

Southport Raw Bar (Fort Lauderdale)

Southport is one of the oldest raw bars in Fort Lauderdale. This iconic spot has incredible dock side views to go along with the phenomenal seafood. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. You will not want to miss out on this local favorite!

Indian Pass Raw Bar (Port St. Joe)

This local hangout that was ravaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018 is back in business and better than ever! This is a flip flops and tank tops kind of place with insanely fresh seafood and great company. This location has history dating back to 1903 and baked oysters that will knock your flip flops right off!

G&B Oyster Bar (Fort Lauderdale)

G&B is the sleek sister restaurant to beloved local spot Coconuts. The food is carefully sourced from the best of the best around the country and the wine and beer lists have also been specially selected. This is a great place for a casual upscale meal.

Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant (Panama City)

Hunt’s has a great atmosphere and fantastic oysters. Some say they are the best oysters in the area. The seafood is fresh and served from the Tarpon Dock Seafood Market. You will definitely want to stop by here to grab a bite the next time you are in Panama City!

Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar (Santa Rosa Beach)

This oyster bar has classic coastal cuisine and genuine southern hospitality. Located in the heart of 30A. They offer fresh seafood and a great raw bar, along with spectacular views and live music daily. So much to love about this spot!

Author

Hi, I'm Jen and I love to travel, go to the beach and write about all the places I have visited. I also have a bucket list of places I can't wait to try! I've visited Cape Cod every summer since I was a kid and now enjoy traveling to all great beach destinations, including Florida! I have worked in the travel industry for all of my career. I love sharing my experiences of different restaurants and places and helping travelers find the best fit for them!

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