I really wanted seafood (specifically raw oysters) when I was in Tampa recently and found this place on Yelp with good reviews. The menu had so many tempting choices but I finally settled on the baby lobster pasta (as well as the oysters) and I’m so glad I did. It was so flavorful without being heavy like many creamy pastas tend to be. I pleasantly surprised by the amount of lobster they included in the dish. I expected them to skimp like most places but there was way more than expected and it balanced out the pasta really well. The oysters were fresh and enjoyable too. My daughter had the shrimp pasta which seems to be what they’re famous for. I expected it to be just another shrimp scampi type dish but it was also beyond our expectations. You can’t go wrong with either dish. Our waitress Trinity was attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. I’ll definitely go back the next time I’m in Tampa. The restaurant ranks in my top three for lifetime great meals

Delicious, hometown seafood restaurant that has fantastic happy hour specials as well as many fresh catch of the day options! The Mandarin Coleslaw is absolutely amazing and a must try!

Blackened Salmon Felix medium rare was PHENOMENAL. Some of the best salmon I've had out. Clam chowder is one of my favorite things, but whenever lobster bisque is on the menu, I try that. Well, our server (Fallon) let me try both and I actually got the chowder over the bisque this time. Lots of clam, VERY tender, and large pieces of FLAVORFUL bacon. Incredible. (But! I AM coming back for that bisque. Such a buttery flavor, it was pretty incredible too.) Fallon was extremely attentive, while not being overbearing which is tough to balance. And the calamari was fried to perfection. Everything was right. SO right. We'll be back.

Food was on point. I asked for a dozen oysters, half raw and half lightly steamed. They did exactly as asked on the lightly steamed. Usually when you ask for it to be lightly steamed, they cook it all the way. The clam chowder was the highlight and the best I have ever had. The cioppino was delicious, but was missing something. I think a little vermouth would have put it over the top. Service was average that's why I gave the 4 stars. I had to keep asking for stuff or wait until he came back out of the kitchen to be noticed.

I always try to make a point to stop at Shells Seafood when flying in or out of Tampa. I know I should be going to sandwich shops and getting Cubans and whatnot, but Shells is just too good to pass up. Lots of fresh seafood and a ton of pasta dishes to choose from. These dishes are perfectly paired with a cup of creamy, homemade clam chowder. The service is top=notch, and the employees work in perfect synchrony. If our server was ever busy, another server, busser, or even manager would check in on us and clear plates or ask if we wanted refills. Great experience from top to bottom.

We came after reading a review talking about Juan's service. Everything was on point! Waited less than 5 min for a large group and Juan ended up being our server when we got seated. Service exceeded expectations and the food was extraordinary. We were so impressed, well done!

We had a fantastic experience at Shells seafood. The host (Greg I believe) was joyful and pleasant. The service from Sam was top notch, and the whole atmosphere was very welcoming. It was also the best seafood we had all trip. This diner is a must when in Tampa. We will be back.

We have been here many times, going back to when this location first opened & we’d come here for Q105 events or for dinner with friends. The food has always been incredible. Tonight was an especially fantastic experience. Genesis was terrific. Brought drinks out quickly, as well as my clam chowder and a dish of lemons for my water. Our entrees were next, and as delicious as always. Husband loves his fried shrimp. I tried the crab cake appetizer. The crab cakes were better than expected, with a side of greens, tomatoes and mandarin oranges and a little honey mustard. Yummy! In the past I’ve enjoyed their grouper, snow crab, and coconut shrimp. All of it has been fantastic. I can’t believe I’ve not reviewed Shells before this! It’s epic!

Visiting from out of town from another coastal city/region. Service was friendly and attentative. Food was great, the clam chowder and onion rings were Amazing! Should have gotten a bowl of chowder lol. Enjoyed our dining experience, and Shell's lived up to all the previous 5 Star reviews here. Adding mine. Will return again next time back in Tampa, FL

The food was fantastic!! Came for a quick bite with s friend of mine and we were not disappointed! We also got some raw Oysters not pictured which were HUGE and tasted amazing. We were also just in time for happy hour drinks and the drinks were very tasty as well! I will definitely be returning next time I am in the area

Service was on point. I had the lobster linguini, with the creamy butter sauce, and that was pretty darn tasty. Oysters weren't too bad and the blackened red snapper was good.

this is the best tasting seafood I’ve ever had in my life! I will definitely be back for more! 🥰❤️

I ordered the shrimp & scallop pasta and it was fantastic! Our waiter was also amazing! I also recommend getting the Salmon Felix entree and the coffee cake dessert. Everything was cooked to perfection!

I missed going to Shells in Miami! So when I saw it in Tampa, I could not resist going! They still have the best seafood, and their food is still delicious! The service was quick and very pleant server. The portions of the food were very generous for the price. Please come back to MIAMI 🙏

I love this place. Great food and a great staff. It's an older place which I don't mind since, for good Seafood for a fair price compared to other places.

The food was so bad. Literally zero effort. Really expected more than bag shredded cheese and dry tortillas from a place with high ratings like this. I make better meals for myself when I wake up at 2am and need a snack.

Didn't know what to expect. Been to one near St. Pete Beach wasn't good. Gave this one a try very surprised! Tasty not salty perfect price point good taste of food fresh on point. Even their salad was nice didn't taste like chemicals l like fresh. Steamed shrimp delish very fresh tasting good size. We got the mixed seafood dish,not one complaint here. Cooked to perfection. . The waiter super sweet guy! In this economy I highly recommend this place.

Wow! We were just looking for a place to have dinner and now we have found THE PLACE! Everything we had (steamed clams the sauce was amazing) - raw oysters- New England clam chowder, lobster bisque, classic seafood pasta, and salmon grilled) was so crazy good! If you are in Tampa then you NEED to be eating here! Try the Gaspar Rum Punch as your drink! Wow! Just WOW!

I passed by Shells so many times before actually going to eat there. I found it very nice and cozy. The staff was warm and friendly. The food was amazing and delicious with great presentation and portion. I will definitely go back!

Great place. Awesome waitress. Beautiful fish tank we got to sit next to, and it really entertained our 4 1/2 year old grandson. The food was fantastic. The blackened trout was excellent. The salad with salmon was very good too. And the baby lobster pasta was to die for. The mixed fruit pie with vanilla ice cream was the perfect ending for desert !!!

I came here in 1985, the crowd was great. Long waiting lines, family & friends crowded tables, News papers for table cloths, peel & eat shrimp shells, crab legs shells, & clam shells all strewed on the table, deep bowls with bright red shrimp pasta loaded high up with succulent shrimp, plumpy crab legs piled up and sticking out of the plates, robust bttered corn, tons of hot fresh bread rolls, large icy cold beer mugs, no cellphones at all, people talking loud, waitresses with happiness rushing to the kitchen & back to the bustling crowded Dinning area with hungry & thirsty people. Yesterday I came back since then, I'm 60 years old and the dreadful change is not the same restaurant. I ordered the same shrimp pasta last night 07/22/2023 @ 7:30pm At $15.00 a plate, I received a pile of pasta 2 shrimps on the top and 3 more under the pasta. I presented the disappointment to the waitresses and she said " let me take it back to the kitchen" about 3 minutes later the pasta was cold and she replied "they counted the shrimp in the kitchen and forgot to put 11 shrimp" after she left I counted a total of 7 shrimps, not 11. Definitely not like 1985, shrimp pasta with a heaping pile of shrimp and buttery sauce at $9.95. I had to pay $15 plus tax % 25% tip for 7 shrimps, some pasta & little buttery sauce. Oh well, I will not come back. Look at the pictures provided for this restaurant. Notice the limited shrimps & other meats on the plates. Mostly pasta and rice. Cheap! Overpriced!

Once again Shells delivered 5 star service and food! Husband had his favorite - fried shrimp dinner & I had a bowl of clam chowder. Our friend had her favorite - fried clam dinner. Taylor was attentive and friendly. She brought our drinks right away, and our orders when they were done. Soup, potatoes and fried fish was hot and so very good. Coleslaw was cool and delicious, as always. We are coming here as often as possible. Everything- food and service - is exemplary!

Pleasantly surprised with a wonderful dinner at a great price and everyone was so nice and had a happy upbeat vibe, Linda was our waitress anf she was beyond fabulous! I will add the restaurant was very clean and it was noted by all of us. Thanks for a great dinner

Great place for seafood and more. Excellent service and food.

Really happy to find a local spot with good fresh seafood prepared in a variety of ways (too many around here only do fried). We had crab cakes, clam chowder, the salmon Felix, lobster and grilled shrimp. All were excellent. The service was very good, and the salted caramel cheesecake was awesomely decadent. We'll be back to try more dishes!

Our server was absolutely wonderful in explaining the menu. The food was delicious will definitely be returning.

Yes eat here. Best clam chowder I've ever had. Fella who makes it needs a raise and his own brand. Fried mushrooms are okay.

Simple, straight to the point. A board of daily fish special's, plus a modest menu with a lot of pasta seafood dishes, and a fair variety of other seafood dishes, a few chicken and she's for the no-fish eater in the family. On our visit they were out of grouper, so that was dissapointing. I had blackened snapper, it was perfectly prepared. We also had the smoked fish spread which is very good. Our order of paella was good. It didnt have the deep richness of paella that has been simmered all day, but it was fresh and bright flavors. Key lime pie from a local baker is a great finish.

First time going to shells. Food was amazing. Highly recommend the crab cakes. The service was outstanding and very attentive.

While visiting, I wanted to try new food spots out here in Tampa. The service was quick, and our waitress, Linda, was a pleasure to have. She held friendly conversation, paid great attention to our needs, and made sure that the tea was sweet to our liking. I ordered the Baby Lobster Pasta, and it was DELICIOUS. It was freshly cooked, and looked just as it appears in online photos. I would definitely eat here again, if I come back to visit the area.