Wondering where the best places are to get seafood in Venice? If you find yourself craving the succulent flavors of the sea, then consider yourself lucky to be in southwest Florida– a hidden gem where the seafood isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of coastal living. Imagine sitting by the waterfront, the gentle sea breeze playfully tousling your hair, as you gaze out over the serene waters that are the source of the culinary treasures on your plate.
Where To Get The Best Seafood in Venice
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Venice is a beautiful city with stunning white sand beaches and warm weather year-round. If the thought of these beautiful sights isn’t enough to entice you to visit, the incredible food should do the trick. Venice is the perfect place to have a fresh and delicious seafood meal that you can’t get anywhere else. If you are in the area and craving a satisfying meal, keep reading to find out the best places to get seafood in Venice, Florida.
Best Places for Seafood When Dining Out:
Here in Venice, the seafood is more than just food; it’s a story of tradition and passion. Each dish served is a testament to the local fishermen who rise with the sun, venturing into the embrace of the Gulf to bring back the freshest catch. Whether it’s the tender, succulent shrimp, the robust flavor of perfectly grilled grouper, or the delicate sweetness of stone crabs, every bite is a symphony of flavors that captures the essence of the ocean.
Dockside Waterfront Grill
509 Tamiami Trl, Venice, FL 34285
(941) 218-6418
docksidewaterfrontgrill.com
If you wish to dine under a huge tiki hut with a beautiful harbor view, then Dockside Waterfront Grill is your best option. Not only does Dockside Waterfront Grill have daily fish selections to satisfy your cravings, but it also provides great entertainment. You can listen to live music while enjoying one of the best places to get seafood in Venice, Florida. In fact, you also get a bit of history with your meal as you dine in the historic Fisherman’s Wharf Marina.
Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House
482 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey, FL 34229
(941) 770-3337
www.deeplagoon.com
You know those times when you have a slight appetite but can’t eat an entire meal? Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House is perfect for those moments as they have a wide variety of small plates to
choose from during their happy hour from 2-5pm daily. Small plates include Shrimp, Fish & Scallop Ceviche, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Volcano Shrimp, Oyster Rockefeller, Clams or Mussels Sorrento or Crab Rangoon for between $6-$9 and craft drafts, bottle beer, wines and well liquor drinks are on special as well! The best part is you can enjoy your small plate and drinks on the patio, right on the water.
Red Grouper Tavern
345 Commercial Ct Venice, FL 34292
(941) 483-3809
Nestled near Jacaranda and I-75 in the former Ping’s restaurant location, Red Grouper Tavern opened the day before Hurricane Ian and is taking the area by storm with their fresh seafood dishes including whole lobsters that are LIVE until you order your dinner. They partner with local fisherman in Fort Myers and Naples to bring as much local seafood in as possible with the rest being flown in daily. They also have a full service bar to make your meal complete.
Pelican Alley
1009 Albee Road West, Nokomis, FL 34275
(941) 786-3616
www.pelican-alley.com
This is a restaurant of historical significance to the Venice/Nokomis area as before it became Pelican Alley in 1981, it existed as a fish house since the early 1900s. After Hurricane Irma forced a complete rebuild, Pelican Alley came back better than before with a beautiful glass bottom floor to see the sea life below. With a large lunch and dinner menu, there’s something for everyone!
Pop’s Sunset Grill
112 Circuit Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275
(941) 488-3177
www.popssunsetgrill.com
Another historic restaurant in our area, Pop’s Sunset Grill has been a local favorite for decades. With beautiful fire pit tables and a tiki bar on the water, this is a taste of Old Florida. Now serving breakfast and brunch on the weekends, there’s a huge menu to satisfy your seafood cravings.
Tarpon Point Grill & Marina
121 Playmore Dr, Venice, Fl, FL 34293-7508
(941) 423-9616
www.tarponpointmyakka.com
Enjoy your meal along the beautiful Myakka River at this restaurant on this historic marina. Formerly known as the Myakke River Oyster Bar, new ownership came in and shook things up in an amazing way! With outdoor seating that can handle a crowd and serving up locally sourced ingredients in their dishes, add this to your list for best seafood in Venice. They have a bar, live entertainment and a nice size menu featuring various seafood dishes, sandwiches, burgers, pastas and more.
Nokomos Sunset Hut
690 Tamiami Trl S, Nokomis, FL 34275
(941) 488-1324
www.nokomos.com
Overlooking Dona Bay with boat access, Nokomos Sunset Hut is an experience all it’s own. Alongside the perfect view of the sunset with live entertainment on the water, the menu has some unique offerings that you have to try. They also offer a Happy Hour from 2-5pm!
Unique Cuisine
200 Tamiami Trail N, Venice, FL 34285
(941) 716-7553
https://www.uniquecuisinefl.com/
This amazing spot lives up to their name with a Unique menu that marries Asian cuisine with a variety of flavors to challenge your tastebuds. Every bite is a delight! They offer a few unique dishes you need to experience:
- Tropical Poke Bowl: garlic jasmine rice with avocado, microgreens, scallions, yum yum sauce and a cilantro aioli (or a fire-up sauce for those who like it hot), you can order this with ahi tuna or watermelon!
- Unique Wonton Nachos: topped with ahi tuna on top of fried wontons served with scallions, serrano peppers, yum yum sauce and cilantro aioli
- Mesoamerica Shrimp: hand wrapped fried shrimp wrapped in egg roll wrappers and served with a housemade guacamole and salsa
- Fried Frog Legs: while technically not seafood, this dish is seasoned with lemon grass and garlic for a punch that deserves a look. It’s served with an herbal asian verde sauce.
- Ginger Cashew Salmon: the star entree is fresh Chilean Salmon with stir fry veggies, coconut rice noodles and a creamy ginger-cashew sauce that you’ll dream about.
- *Note* If you happen to see the Fish Fry on their specials board, GO FOR IT. These thick and flaky filets are delicately battered and fried, seasoned well and served with their signature fries and cilantro aioli sauce. It shouldn’t be missed!
Looking for The Best Fish Fry?
h, the quest for the best fish fry in Venice, Florida – a journey that’s as much about the experience as it is about the food. Picture this: It’s a laid-back Friday evening, the sun is painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, and you’re on a mission to discover where the locals flock for that golden, crispy, perfectly fried fish. Think delicate fillets of flaky white fish, encased in a light, crispy batter, fried to perfection. Accompany these with a side of golden fries, creamy coleslaw, and a squeeze of fresh lemon for that perfect zing. Each bite is a crunchy, juicy delight, a true testament to the art of the perfect fish fry.
- Hotel Venezia Restaurant & Bar – AYCE on Fridays – Atlantic Haddock Fish fried, baked or blackened with house made hush puppies, french fries and tartar sauce.
- Norma Jeans – Cod Fish Fry
- Wee Blew Inn – Wednesday and Friday after 4 pm – Cod Fish Fry with soup or salad and two sides
- Snowbirds Grille – Haddock Fillet with Carolina Slaw and Housemade Chips
- Shamrock Cafe – Friday
- British Open Pub
- Pop’s Sunset Grill – Friday – AYCE Fish and Chips
- Darrell’s Restaurant
- Pelican Alley – Snapper in tempura batter with fries and slaw
- Dockside Waterfront Grill – Atlantic Haddock with fries and slaw
- Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House – Choice of Tripletail or Hogfish with fries and coleslaw
- Tarpon Point Grill & Marina – Cod filet, served with fries, island slaw and tartar sauce
- Red Grouper Tavern – made with Fresh North Atlantic Cod
Let’s not forget about the community fish fries, often held at local churches or community centers, where the sense of community is as satisfying as the food. These events are not just about eating; they’re about coming together, sharing stories, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life in Venice. Watch our Venice Foodies Facebook page for updates about these local pop ups!
Looking for Lobster Rolls in Venice?
The pursuit of the perfect lobster roll in Venice, Florida, is like embarking on a treasure hunt in this quaint seaside town. There’s something undeniably enchanting about the blend of fresh, succulent lobster, a touch of creamy dressing, all cradled in a buttery, toasted bun that makes this dish a must-try for seafood aficionados.
Burgundy Square Cafe
Burgundy Square Cafe has one of the most variations of lobster that I’ve ever seen on a menu. They have won national competitions for their Lobster Roll! They have the New England, Connecticut and Maine style lobster rolls served with drawn butter and lemon, as well as a Jumbo Lobster Roll. They even have a Lobstah Bloody Mary. They have an incredible Lobster menu available on Wednesdays for $19.99 including:
- Lobster Bomb
- Lobster Mac & Cheese
- Lobster Roll
- Lobster Po-Boy
- Lobster Attack Melt
- Lobster Quesadilla
- Lobster Taco
- Lobster Alfredo
The Maine Line Food Truck
The Maine Line food truck, a local favorite in Venice, Florida, delivers an authentic taste of Maine with its standout lobster rolls. Owned by Kurt and Brenda, the truck brings classic New England flavors to the Gulf Coast, offering perfectly seasoned lobster rolls in two styles: warm with butter or with light mayo. Each roll is loaded with fresh Maine lobster, served with lemon, coleslaw, and chips, for around $23. For the truly hungry, their “Maine Maniac Mega Roll” features a full pound of lobster on a 12-inch roll. Other lobster-centric options include tacos, quesadillas, and even a lobster grilled cheese.
Other Places To Get Lobster Rolls:
- Red Grouper Tavern
- Seasonally – Papa’s Meat Market on Thursdays
- Dockside Waterfront Grill
- Nokomos Sunset Hut
Looking for the Best Grouper?
- Nokomos Sunset Hut– Grouper Sandwich – Key West Lime marinated Grouper encrusted and baked with lettuce, tomato and onion on a toasted Brioche bun
- Pelican Alley – Grouper Tempura, Broiled Grouper, Grouper Caesar Salad and Grouper Sandwiches!
- Dockside Waterfront Grill – Gulf Grouper Bites, Grouper sandwich, Grouper Reuben, Boom Boom Grouper Wrap or have it as an entree with soup or salad and two sides.
- Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House – Grouper Fingers, Grouper Oscar (Sauteed and served with rice, topped with crab meat, hollandaise, asparagus and bell pepper), Grouper Rockefeller (prepared with creamy sauteed spinach, applewood bacon, parmesan cheese and hollandaise served with mashed potatoes and veggies), and Black Grouper served blackened, broiled, fried or sauteed as a platter with two sides, a salad or a sandwich.
- Pop’s Sunset Grill – Grouper Reuben
- Tarpon Point Grill & Marina – Grouper Dinner, grilled, jerked, fried or blackened service with cilantro rice, two sides and tartar sauce.
Craving Lobster Bisque?
- Dockside Waterfront Grill
- Pelican Alley
- Red Grouper Tavern
- Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House
- Pop’s Sunset Grill
Where to find RAW oysters in Venice
- Dockside Waterfront Grill
- Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House
- Pop’s Sunset Grill
- Tarpon Point Grill & Marina
Want to try eating Alligator?
- Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House – Gator Bites fried and served with BBQ sauce
- Tarpon Point Grill & Marina – fried and served with housemade remoulade
Best Place To Purchase Seafood To Cook At Home
Venice isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to fall in love with seafood all over again. And who knows? You might just find your new favorite seafood haven tucked away in this picturesque corner of the Sunshine State. Stop by one of these markets and pick up something tasty to cook up at home.
Maggie’s Seafood
Sometimes we want to stay in for the night and make a yummy seafood meal at home. You can rival restaurant quality seafood meals by purchasing the freshest varieties of fish around. Maggie’s Seafood has the largest selection of local, fresh, and state-certified wild-caught seafood available. Keep in mind that Maggie’s Seafood is only open at the farmer’s market on Saturdays since they don’t have a permanent location.
Florida Finest Seafood
1939 Beach Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
Cut Right Seafood Inc
136 S Mccall Rd Unit C, Englewood, FL 34223
(941) 474-8877
www.cutrightseafood.com
This guide is always growing and changing! Is there a spot we don’t have listed? Tell me all about it by emailing: alyssa@venicefoodies.com
My MorMor’s Kitchen: Seafood Edition NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!
Mor Mor means “Mother’s Mother” in Swedish and my Mor Mor has been instrumental in the woman that I have become. I spent countless weekends in her kitchen, watching her cook, learning her recipes and shown a love that only a grandmother can give. This is the first in a series of small cookbooks, showcasing recipes from her collection that she put together in a binder for each of her children and grandchildren.
Who has the Best Shrimp n Grits in the vicinity of Venice, Osprey, Nokomis, Englewood, North Port?