Mother Ocean Seafood Market — Restaurant in Asheville

If you want the BEST shrimp po boy, Cajun fries and remoulade sauce as compared to New Orleans & Miami styles, this is the place for it! The shrimp was SUPER fresh as if it was caught the same day and delivered right here to Asheville. No rubber texture or that weird frozen taste to the shrimp after it was fried. Again, this was FRESH. Size of the shrimp was extra large and an overflowing portion amount. Breading was perfectly seasoned and didn’t flake off easily as most do. The sauce was perfectly distributed and tasted amazing with a little horsey kick (or what seemed like to me). There was also the pickled red onions, large lettuce leaf and good amount of pickles on as filler. The brioche bun was toasted on the inside, flavorful, buttery and didn’t fall apart throughout consumption while handled. It was a SOLID bun! Now on to the fries… Hand cut, fried just right (not oily, limp, soggy or burnt), perfectly seasoned with cajun and fry seasoning. They definitely have a kick to the fries! You have a choice to either put the remoulade on your po boy, dip it the po boy or dip your fries in them. I suggest ALL OF THE ABOVE! As you can tell, I came here for one thing only. But there was so much more to eat and purchase. This was a 10/10 experience for me. I will most certainly be back to try other menu options out and spread the word...

I don’t write reviews like this often, but what happened here can’t go unaddressed.

I used to be in a wheelchair, and I had a service dog who helped me navigate everyday life. I still have a service dog with me today—he goes everywhere I go, and without him, I wouldn’t be able to function normally in society. I’m deeply thankful for him.

So when I heard that a combat veteran walked into this business with his fully trained service dog and was yelled at by the owner, Sam, in front of his wife and other people—I was furious.

That wasn’t just rude. That was a violation of federal ADA law. You’re only allowed to ask two questions. Instead, Sam humiliated this veteran—someone who served this country—and treated him like a problem.

Let me be clear: This was disgusting. It was unlawful. And it was personal.

I’ve lived that life. I know what it means to depend on a service dog. And I’ll never forget this act of disrespect—not just toward that veteran, but toward everyone who lives with dignity, strength, and struggle.

Sam, you owe that man—and every veteran like him—a public apology. Until then, your business has no honor, and it damn sure doesn’t...

Mother Ocean Market is proof that the best food often comes from the most unexpected places. What appears to be a basic fish market with simple tables transforms into a culinary revelation once you taste the food. Service was very fast.

The lobster roll alone is worth the visit. Generously packed with fresh, tender lobster meat, it's clear they don't skimp on quality or quantity. The accompanying coleslaw was a standout side – crisp, well-seasoned, and the perfect complement to the rich seafood.

The fish and chips deserves equal praise. The portion size is impressive, and the execution is flawless – perfectly crispy exterior giving way to flaky, moist fish inside. The fries are exceptional, clearly hand-cut and cooked to golden perfection.

Mother Ocean Market has earned a permanent spot on our dining rotation. It's exactly the kind of hidden gem that makes North Asheville's food scene so special – a place where expectations are exceeded and quality speaks louder than flashy décor. If you're looking for authentic, delicious seafood without the pretense, this is your spot.

Highly recommended dishes: Lobster roll,...