Local Seafood Markets

The Emerald Coast naturally offers countless varieties of fish and seafood at our disposal. But we can’t all be anglers. Some of us need the help and convenience of a professional. Local seafood markets are like the fairy godmother of all things good from the Gulf. With one trip, you can find everything from deveined shrimp and precooked crab legs to grouper and wahoo fillets.

Joe Patti’s Seafood Company, Pensacola

A Pensacola institution since 1931, Joe Patti’s Seafood Company pairs fresh Gulf seafood with a lively waterfront market experience. From just-caught fish and shrimp to oysters and house-made specialties, the selection is as impressive as it is fresh. Stock up on gourmet provisions, too, for an easy coastal feast. Located at 524 S. B Street, Pensacola. For more information, visit JoePattis.com.

  Market 30A, Inlet Beach

Part café, part gourmet market, Market 30A brings together the best of both worlds in a relaxed, coastal setting. Located in Santa Rosa Beach, this locally loved spot offers everything from fresh sandwiches and salads to grab-and-go provisions perfect for a beach day or sunset picnic. Inside, shelves are stocked with specialty foods, curated wines, and coastal-inspired goods, while the café menu highlights simple, elevated fare made with quality ingredients. Whether stopping in for a morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, or provisions for the day ahead, 30A Market captures the easygoing spirit and flavor of life along 30A. Located at 13063 U.S. Highway 98, Inlet Beach. For more information, visit DestinIceMarket30a.com.

Photo courtesy of Market 30A

Navarre Seafood Market, Navarre 

An unassuming shack from the outside, Navarre Seafood Market offers a wide variety of fish and seafood including clams, oysters, whole crabs, crab legs, and various local-catch species that they buy from commercially licensed fisherman from the area. Naturally, the selection changes with whatever is available and in season, giving this deceptively simple little place a level of authenticity that comes from personally knowing the fisherman who bring in the fish. Located at 8104 Navarre Parkway, Navarre. For more information, visit NavarreSeafoodMarket.com.

Gulf Coast Seafood,  Fort Walton Beach 

Known for crawfish and shrimp, Gulf Coast Seafood offers a great selection of local seafood and fish at fair prices. Among their offerings are mullet, snapper, oysters, crabs, and other tasty gems that teem in the waters off the shores of Destin and Fort Walton Beach, brought in fresh for the staff to clean and prep for customers. The market also offers ready-to-eat meals and event catering, bringing locally sourced seafood prepped to perfection and ready to enjoy. Located at 51 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. For more information, visit GulfCoastSeafoodFortWaltonBeach.website.

Photo courtesy of Visit Panama City Beach

Sexton’s Seafood Market, Destin 

Locally owned and operated for more than 40 years, Sexton’s signature blue and white building is a landmark for fish and seafood lovers in Destin. They pride themselves on competitive pricing and high-quality, delicious product, from various types of shrimp and every imaginable species of Emerald Coast’s finest fish, all displayed in a clean, white-tiled market-like space that offers an open view of their operations. Fresh, local catches are brought in daily and sold both retail and wholesale to local restaurants. Located at 601 Harbor Boulevard, Destin. For more information, visit SextonsSeafoodMarket.com.

  Buddy’s Seafood Market, Seagrove, Panama City Beach 

With two locations in Seagrove and Panama City Beach, Buddy’s Seafood specializes in wild-caught Florida shrimp that they offer steamed and seasoned to order, as well as locally caught fish, including grouper, snapper, mahi, and others depending on seasonality and availability. They also offer a takeout steam bar and a selection of prepared items made in-house, including key lime pie, cocktail sauce, tuna and crab dip, and gumbo. Located at 5231 E. County Highway 30A, Seagrove, and 111 S. Arnold Road, Panama City Beach. For more information, visit BuddysSeafoodMarket.com.

Fature image: Photo courtesy of Market 30A