Shells Seafood - Tampa — Restaurant in Tampa

The food was good, especially for takeout/to-go.

THE SERVICE; I didn't give stars here for service because of not actually eating in and being served, but the service I did get on the phone was good. The service at the front on arrival was sorely lacking, in that there were hardly any people there at the later hour I visited - around 8:30 p.m. on a thrasher Thursday (I didn't actually see any diners, for that matter), but the lady employees weren't all that concerned that a customer had arrived and was obviously standing at the hosts stand, looking around to figure out what to do next. They were off a bit to the side, having a conversation, and they looked at me, but they didn't even put up a hand to acknowledge me or that they or anyone would come to me at any point. It was like their conversation on the clock was more important than their job. After about 2 (feels long) minutes of me standing there feeling foolish and unwelcome, one of them finally, literally yelled across the restaurant to announce my presence to another employee... perhaps the server who took my order or would be taking my money? I don't know. Couldn't see. But then another employee came rushing out. Now, THIS man was as friendly as could be and was quick about things! So I gave him a good tip, considering it was just 2 takeout plates. They do rely on that.

THE FOOD: It was tasty. I'm from Charleston, SC, where we really know what good food and especially seafood should look and taste like. This was pretty good, all things considered. Not Charleston quality, but gets close on most counts. I had salmon, crab cakes, rice, and asparagus. I always hesitate on crab cakes. Those are not good at 90% of places. The salmon was good but a touch dry. I attribute that to being a to-go thing. The crab cakes actually had lumps of crab... not loads of filler. Quite good, south of Maryland! And actually better than most I've had (except in Baltimore), even in Charleston. Asparagus is just that, but could've cooked a little longer. However, it was nice, fresh, plump asparagus. It was the rice that surprised me. What was described and what it is are not quite the same. It's kind of like a chicken broth-cooked rice with some toss-ins, but it'll do for filling you up. I had dinner and lunch the next day from this meal. Also worth getting is that chocolate cake for 2. It is a big piece (although this piece seemed to be cut in a way that was cooked toward the middle of the cake, so part seemed to be missing or left behind). It's really moist, fudgy, rich, and has a lot of ganache-quality frosting. It really is enough for 2. The ice cream that comes with it, though? Terrible! It's about the equivalent of one small scoop, but the real issue with this ice cream is its taste... as in, there IS none. It had no flavor whatsoever. Neither of us could taste anything from it. It was just like cold cream. We couldn't and didn't eat it. For it to be worth the full $20, I hope they'll spring the extra $2 to buy a carton of ice cream with flavor that would be enough for a whole cake worth of slices.

THE PRICE: I thought it was reasonable for what I got.

ATMOSPHERE: I didn't dine-in, so I can't speak of that. The entry atmosphere was fine and looked like typical Florida, I suppose? Hence, 4 stars there. If I was picking decor and an atmosphere, this wouldn't be it for me. But then again, I'm not Florida. 🙂

Yes, I know I write long reviews sometimes, but I appreciate complete info when I can find it and hope to share the same with you. If this helped you, give it a like. Have...

Today, my mom and I discovered a seafood haven that redefines casual dining: Shells Seafood. After this unforgettable experience, I can confidently say that Shells is setting the bar so high, it’s no wonder competitors like Red Lobster are struggling to keep up.

We began our meal with the half-pound of peel-and-eat shrimp, and let me just say—these were pure perfection. The shrimp were expertly steamed, succulent, and served with a rich, buttery dipping sauce that elevated every bite. With seven shrimp in the portion, it was just the right amount to share and left us eagerly anticipating the next course.

For the main event, we opted for their iconic Shrimp Pasta, the dish that put Shells on the map—and for good reason. One taste, and it was clear why this dish has earned its legendary status. The pasta was bathed in a luscious, buttery sauce with just the right amount of seasoning, creating a symphony of flavors that was both indulgent and comforting. To top it all off, our wonderful server, Yadi, offered freshly grated cheese right at our table, adding an extra layer of decadence to an already spectacular dish.

The service was impeccable, with our food arriving in under 15 minutes—a rarity in itself. The restaurant’s vibe was equally impressive, striking the perfect balance between casual and inviting. It’s the kind of place where everyone feels welcome, whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal.

One detail that stood out was the attention to dietary inclusivity, with gluten-free options clearly marked on the menu—a thoughtful touch that deserves recognition.

In every aspect—service, quality, and atmosphere—Shells Seafood delivered a 10/10 experience. It’s a place I’ll be recommending to everyone I know, and one I can’t wait to revisit. If you’re craving fresh, flavorful seafood in a warm, welcoming setting, Shells is the...

Came to Shells tonight with the family and orders a BOWL of clam chowder for $8.95. My dad ordered a CUP of clam chowder at the same time which is $4.95. I decided to do an experiment with the portions between the two clam chowders and asked our server for the same exact bowl they use for the cups. Long story short, my BOWL (keep in mind, it’s supposed to be a bigger portion) measured out to be LESS than the CUP which is supposed to be a smaller portion. I then ask for the manager (Sarah) and she immediately gets rude telling me that they gave extra to my dad and they measure the clam chowder by a ladle. I transferred my clam chowder from the BOWL to the empty CUP prior to her coming to the table and when she arrived I showed her the CUP and asked her if that’s the proper amount, to which she responded with “Yes”. I then told her, that is my BOWL that I transferred into the cup and she argued with me and said “that’s not correct at all” (pretty much calling me a liar) and I then responded with “yes it is” and poured it back into the “big bowl” which then filled it back up. I grew up coming to this place and it’s sad that they are ripping people off by charging double the amount for chowder that’s supposed to be a bigger portion and it is less than the cup portion. At this point, the manager got rude and said she’ll just take my chowder away and grabbed it and walked off mid conversation. Sad the route this restaurant has gone. To top it off, the fish dad ordered (which he ordered ALL THE TIME) came out very overcooked. Guess they have officially lost a customer… not that it matters to...