Nestled in a 34-acre nature preserve on the shores of Tampa Bay is Oystercatchers restaurant, a seafood dining experience that should not be missed.
Combining stunning views with expertly prepared seafood straight from the Gulf of Mexico, Oystercatchers is a perennial Tampa favorite with a strong local following.
Conveniently located near downtown and the airport, the restaurant is part of Tampa’s Grand Hyatt Hotel, but it seems a world away as you pass the main hotel and navigate a short winding road to the restaurant that's set in lush, tropical landscaping.
At Oystercatchers, you can make lunch special with this delicious lobster grilled cheese, served with tomato dipping sauce — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
The food philosophy at Oystercatchers is to start with fresh and sustainable premium seafood and produce, prepare it perfectly and present it beautifully. Ingredients are sourced from local seafood suppliers and organic farmers whenever possible.
In addition, all of the herbs and many of the vegetables are picked from the on-site garden.
Oystercatchers is famous for its selection of wild and line-caught fish and shellfish served grilled, blackened or sautéed. Simply delicious!
However, there are also many sophisticated, composed dishes that shine a light on the creativity and expertise of Chef de Cuisine Michael Chong. Check out the Tataki Diver Scallops for a real treat!
What's the perfect meal without the perfect beverage? In addition to the expertly curated wine cellar, there's an innovative list of cocktails to choose from at Oystercatchers. Under the direction of chef Byron Gabel, they have been experimenting with infusing a variety of liquors for one-of-a-kind cocktails.
Examples include the Kentucky Grandma, made with a Jim Beam infused with honey and clementine rinds, and the Sweet Hot Margarita, which features a raspberry- and jalapeño-infused tequila.
Take a seat on the expansive patio at Oystercatchers to enjoy beautiful views of Tampa Bay — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers
Dinners become celebrations at Oystercatchers. Whether you dine in the casually elegant interior or opt for an al fresco experience on the outdoor patios, the expansive views and stunning sunsets are the perfect accompaniment to the delicious menu offerings.
They also offer private dining, with custom menus for groups up to 48.
Lunch is also popular, perfect for a power meal or visitors on a budget. The restaurant's menu now includes creative lunch-friendly options that are quicker to prepare and less expensive, while still incorporating premium ingredients.
Dishes to try include the lobster grilled cheese or the yellowfin tuna salad melt.
Perhaps the most popular time to dine is Sunday brunch. Most locals agree that Oystercatchers offers the best in town, hands down.
Brunch at Oystercatchers features an incredibly extensive buffet, and highlights include a raw bar complete with sushi, an omelet station that stars eggs Benedict smothered in lobster and a pasta station with an extensive selection of pasta types.
They don’t stint on favorite brunch libations, either. Guests can enjoy bottomless mimosas, sangria and Bloody Marys.
If you love Oystercatchers, you'll be happy to know it shares the spotlight at the Grand Hyatt with another popular Tampa restaurant: Armani’s. It's an elegant restaurant located at the top of the hotel, also offering stunning views and expertly prepared cuisine, but with more of a focus on Italian cuisine rather than seafood.
