Eat Oysters, Save the Bay
Looking for a reason to order another round of oysters on the half shell? We’ve got a great one.
When you dine out in St. Pete-Clearwater, your seafood craving can actually help protect our beautiful coastal ecosystem. Local restaurants are turning discarded oyster shells into vital ecological assets—and all you have to do to help is pull up a chair and order!
Tampa Bay Watch's Shells for Shorelines
Tampa Bay Watch is a dedicated program to preserve and restore the local ecosystems surrounding St. Pete-Clearwater through community-driven restoration projects. The Shells for Shorelines program is a recycling service that collects discarded oyster shells, cleans them and reuses them in shell bags and vertical oyster gardens throughout the area.
Where to grab a table (and do some good)
Want to be part of the sustainability movement while enjoying some of the best coastal dining in Florida? Support the local businesses that are committed to protecting our shorelines.
Next time you are craving seafood, grab a table at one of these participating restaurants:
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The Original Crabby Bill’s
The Original Crabby Bill'sRead MoreAn Indian Rocks Beach institution for over 40 years, Crabby Bill's is the definition of a laid-back, family-friendly Florida seafood joint. Pull up a chair for no-frills, ultra-fresh catches where you can shuck oysters to your heart's content, knowing every single shell is headed back to protect the Gulf
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The Helm Provisions & Coastal Fare
Learn More (opens in new tab)Part boutique seafood market and part breezy coastal eatery, The Helm offers a beautifully curated, nautical-chic dining experience right on St. Pete Beach. Whether you are dropping in for their wildly popular weekend brunch or an elegant evening out, grabbing a dozen fresh-shucked oysters from their raw bar perfectly sets the tone for a memorable, ocean-friendly meal—all while supporting the restoration of our local waterways.
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Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille St. Pete PierDon't miss dining at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille at the St. Pete Pier.
Learn MoreWith two incredibly popular St. Pete locations, Doc Ford’s is a heavy-hitter in coastal conservation—donating over 14,000 pounds of oyster shells to the program in a single year! Indulge in their famous Yucatán baked oysters topped with Manchego cheese, or order them raw alongside a signature Caribbean Rim cocktail.
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The Tides Market
Learn MoreRecognized by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide, this husband-and-wife-owned spot north of St. Pete is part bustling neighborhood seafood market and part full-service Southern-inspired eatery. Don't miss their rotating selection of boutique raw oysters or their rich Oysters Bienville baked with house andouille and shrimp.
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The Don CeSar
Learn MoreKnown worldwide as the historic "Pink Palace," this luxury beachfront resort brings five-star elegance to sustainable tourism. Ordering oysters at The Don CeSar allows you to take in the breathtaking 1920s architecture and world-class hospitality while doing your part to protect the local environment.
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Hookin’ Ain’t Easy Seafood Co.
Learn More (opens in new tab)A true hidden gem in South St. Pete, this family-owned seafood market and outdoor cafe offers a completely relaxed, "Old Florida" backyard oasis vibe. Order fresh catches directly from the onsite food truck, grab a drink at the tiki bar, and enjoy live music with sand under your feet.
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The Island Grille & Raw Bar
Learn MoreTucked away just north of Fort De Soto Park, The Island Grille is an island-inspired sanctuary featuring a top-tier raw bar. It’s the perfect place to drop in for a post-beach cocktail and a dozen fresh oysters while watching the sun drop below the horizon at the marina.
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The Oyster Bar
Learn More (opens in new tab)A downtown St. Pete neighborhood favorite since 1999, The Oyster Bar recently opened its stunning new home in the Grand Central District. Fusing casual fine dining with a legendary oyster happy hour, you can grab a seat right at the raw bar to watch the master shuckers at work.
Learn more about Shells for Shorelines
Visit the Tampa Bay Watch website to learn more about the process of transforming discarded oyster shells from local restaurants into valuable ecological assets.