Sarasota’s vibrant culinary scene owes much to incredible access to the ocean’s bounty, and nowhere is this more evident than at our local seafood markets. Forget generic grocery store offerings; the establishments we’re featuring are run by passionate individuals, often families, dedicated to bringing the freshest, most flavorful catches to your plate.
From the storied docks of Cortez to the lively shores of Siesta Key, one thing unites these markets: an unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting our local fishing community. They’re more than just places to buy dinner; they’re experiences rooted in genuine love for seafood.
Good news for seafood lovers who lack confidence in their kitchen prowess: These spots offer both premium selections for the home chef and expertly prepared takeaway or eat-in options. Whether you’re eager to tackle a fresh snapper whole or just prefer to savor your fish sandwich without lifting a finger, the four markets on this non-exhaustive list have you covered.
Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood
Rich Demarse is a different breed of seafood purveyor. Five years into his dream job as executive chef at the Sand Bar, one of our barrier islands’ most popular seafood destinations, Demarse had a chance encounter with a diehard crabber that ignited a new dream: to sustainably source treasures from the Gulf himself (the pinchy treasures in particular)! Demarse traded his chef’s coat for crab traps and, with his wife and business partner, Kim, embarked on a passion project that would become Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood.
What started as selling blue crab in the parking lot of a gas station near the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport quickly bubbled up into a Beneva Road storefront (but “crab drops” at the ExxonMobil on North Tamiami Trail are still a regular thing). The business’s Facebook page faithfully posts each day about what’s on offer: locally caught live crabs, cold-water lobster tails, Key West shrimp, fresh fillets with curious names such as Kitty Mitchell grouper and scorpionfish. Customers continue to benefit from Demarse’s gourmet expertise with his signature prepared items, including crab cakes, shrimp salad, chowder, and takeaway kits for a seafood boil at home.
Gulf Coast Crab and Seafood exemplifies a great commonality among great seafood markets: Their business is about getting spiritually rich by loving what you do, taking pride in your work, and bringing your customers some of the most mouthwatering eats in the world.
Gulf Coast Crab & Seafood
6986 Beneva Rd, Sarasota
941-921-4474
gulfcoastcrabandseafood.com
Star Fish Company
Star Fish Company stands as a living postcard from the heart of the historic fishing village of Cortez. Situated on one of Florida’s last working waterfronts, Star Fish Company began as a wholesale operation in the 1920s. After current owner Karen Bell took the reins in 1996, Star Fish Company evolved beyond just selling fresh catches, adding a small-but-mighty kitchen and smattering of picnic tables right on the dock. It doesn’t get more “on the water” than this.
Star Fish Company makes it its mission to support the local fishing community, featuring a healthy variety of fish brought in by the very boats moored outside. Visitors who choose to dine in do so al fresco, with panoramic views of the active commercial fishing fleet and mangrove islands beyond. Antics of gulls and pelicans provide quality entertainment. The menu is gloriously simple, with the seafood stars supported by a fantastic cast of sides. (Do not sleep on the cheese grits or hush puppies!) Star Fish Company is a place where “plain and simple” translates to truly memorable. Pro tip: Remember to bring your folding money to this cash-only establishment.
Star Fish Company
12306 46th Ave W, Cortez
941-794-1243
starfishcompany.com
Big Water Fish Company
Scott Dolan, owner of Siesta Key’s fresh catch destination, is big on transparency. With his meticulous sourcing methods, Dolan can share with curious customers of Big Water Fish Company the names of the fishermen he works with, even the coordinates where their purchase was hooked. Kitchen Manager Aaron Mobley started stocking the cases at Big Water while attending Riverview High School; now he’s entrusted with buying directly from local fishermen and wholesalers. By paying close attention to seasonal water temperatures, he ensures Big Water brings in the healthiest (and therefore tastiest) stuff. Big Water’s dedication to addressing concerns about seafood safety with integrity and honesty is a testament to passionate fishmongers everywhere.
Step into Big Water, and you’ll instantly catch its chill, unpretentious Caribbean vibe. Beyond the pristine retail market boasting a rotating selection of species from waters near and far, there’s a casual restaurant serving up hearty grilled fish sandwiches and delectable daily specials. Instead of the customary mullet, Big Water smokes colossal amberjacks for its smoked fish dip, lending a milder flavor to this seafood menu staple, which Dolan deems mandatory eating “by common Florida law.”
Big Water Fish Market
6641 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key
941-554-8101
bigwaterfishmarket.com
Fresh Catch Market and Grill
This Sarasota seafood gem is hidden in a shopping plaza on Tamiami Trail. Life in New England and one particularly delicious vacation on Mexico’s Isla Mujeres inspired the Provost family—Bob, Debra, and their son, Devon—to bring that unparalleled, just-caught seafood experience to South Sarasota.
Fresh Catch specializes in never-frozen, never-fried fish and shellfish, ensuring their pure and exquisite flavors shine through. Diners opting for the “fish plate” get to select their favorite catch straight from the display case, and each Provost has proudly lent their name to one menu item. Devon’s Maryland-style crab cake appetizer boasts jumbo lump crab and “no filler.” Bob—who you’ll often see cooking on the line—stakes his claim on the baked oysters with Parmesan and Romano cheeses and fresh Italian herbs. Debra, however, has arguably earned local legend status with her key lime pie, which represented the state of Florida on Yelp’s list of “50 states, 50 pies you need to try” last year. Fresh Catch embodies a relaxed atmosphere where every dish, from seasonal stone crab claws to their famous Lobster Roll Fridays with a Florida twist, celebrates the glory of seafood.
Fresh Catch Fish Market & Grill
7119 S. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
941-413-7133
freshcatchfishmarketandgrill.com
