The history of Shells began in 1985 when my father, a Swiss Gourmet Chef, saw the need for a seafood restaurant that focused primarily on quality, service, and value instead of a fancy atmosphere and high prices.
Our detailed attention to top quality product, attentive service, and competitive pricing led to the restaurant being voted runner up for the 1989 Small Business of the Year Award and winning the vote for the #1 seafood restaurant in Tampa 15 years in a row.
30 years later our mission is still to serve only the finest quality ingredients prepared by experts in a fun, casual atmosphere. You've discovered the best place for seafood in the neighborhood. So, come on in, sit back, relax and prepare to find out what real Florida seafood is all about.
- John Christen

Great Casual Seafood
Our Fishtory

Find Your Nearest Location
With five locations in the Tampa area, you're sure to find a Shells near you!
Brandon
115 E Brandon Blvd
Brandon, FL 33511
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Lakeland
5125 S Florida Ave
Lakeland, FL 33813
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North Tampa
2101 E Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33612
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South Tampa
202 S Dale Mabry HWY
Tampa, FL 33609
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St. Pete Beach
7081 Gulf Blvd
St Pete Beach, FL 33706
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Recent Reviews
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“The shrimp & scallop pasta is AMAZING. It is the whole reason I go to Shells, the sauce is so creamy and yummy and their seafood is always fresh. Their lobster bisque is also top notch & delicious. And the towering chocolate cake to top it all off makes for a perfect evening. 10/10 recommend.”
“The food is great and the service is even better! Enjoyed ourselves.”
“I loved it so much I had to go back for it again! Everything tastes fresh and the sauce is good, but not overwhelming.”
“Amazing food! Great service! Delicious desert! Wonderful environment. Highly recommend it :)”
“I ate here in 2001. The baby lobster pasta is one of the best dishes I've ever had in any seafood restaurant. Simply delicious!”
“It was just right”
“The shrimp & scallop pasta is AMAZING. It is the whole reason I go to Shells, the sauce is so creamy and yummy and their seafood is always fresh. Their lobster bisque is also top notch & delicious. And the towering chocolate cake to top it all off makes for a perfect evening. 10/10 recommend.”
“The food is great and the service is even better! Enjoyed ourselves.”
“I loved it so much I had to go back for it again! Everything tastes fresh and the sauce is good, but not overwhelming.”
“Amazing food! Great service! Delicious desert! Wonderful environment. Highly recommend it :)”
“I ate here in 2001. The baby lobster pasta is one of the best dishes I've ever had in any seafood restaurant. Simply delicious!”
“It was just right”
“The shrimp & scallop pasta is AMAZING. It is the whole reason I go to Shells, the sauce is so creamy and yummy and their seafood is always fresh. Their lobster bisque is also top notch & delicious. And the towering chocolate cake to top it all off makes for a perfect evening. 10/10 recommend.”