Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.

Oystercatchers

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
2900 Bayport Dr. Send to Phone
TampaFL 33607
813-207-6815 | Make Restaurant Reservations
Hidden among a natural landscape, this venue draws those seeking tastes from the Gulf of Mexico.

Cuisine

Open

Lunch Mon.-Sat., Dinner nightly, Brunch Sat.-Sun.

Features

* Click here for rating key

Dining room at Oystercatchers, Tampa, FLSituated on the shores of Old Tampa Bay, Oystercatchers is about as upscale as a fish house can get, having undergone a $4 million renovation. The 35-acre setting in a nature preserve offers some of the area's best views of the bay, and the food is on target in terms of preparation and freshness. Chef Kenny Hunsberger has overhauled the menu, most remarkably with the weekend brunch, an array of luxurious raw bar items, carving stations and traditional breakfast fare. At dinner, fish is the main attraction, the Gulf's finned bounty offered in a variety of preparations and with sophisticated sides (braised bok choy with sesame oil or caramelized fennel). The bar attracts a hip professional crowd with its stylish list of house cocktails and thoughtful wines-by-the-glass program. If mosquitoes are at bay, dine outside on the outdoor patio or deck, and try to plan your visit around sunset when the pinks, purples and oranges of the Florida sun melt into the Bay's shimmering water.

User Ratings & Reviews for Oystercatchers
Average rating    3
Reviews 1 - 3 of 31
Overpriced, underdelivered...don't make this mistake please
by sail6382 on 09/02/2008
 
So disappointed. Went for dinner on Friday night. It a very posh venue with beautiful views, but that is where my positives end. We would have done better by going to McDonalds. In fact, one of the sauces tasted like Big Mac Sauce that you would take from the packets and squeeze into a delightfully pretty bowl for show. My Swordfish was way overcooked and all sauces were brought on the side for tasting. This meant that the fish itself had no flavor and you had to work to make it taste good. When I am paying that much for a meal I expect it to be prepared for me. Another in the party ordered the Filet which tasted, no joke, like licking a campfire. The smoke flavor was so overpowering that you could not taste the meat. Had we been alone, we would have complained but with the company it was inappropriate. Honestly, I have had better fish and steak at places like Applebees. The crab cakes were edible but as an appetizer we were told was sufficient for four people, much too small. Also, we were told that the sides would be served family style, but they arrived on the plate so we did not share them. So incredibly dissapointed and it sucks that it was $150.00 for two people and a meal we hated.
 
Yeah Right
by mdavis on 08/25/2008
 
Three star at best. It's a bit pricey for yet mediocre food. I had the wild caught salmon. My date had the scallops. We thought the same for the $$ there should have been more food. The ambience is lovely over looking Tampa Bay at sunset. The service is great. The food had seen better days. I have had much better food at one of the local chain restaurants. I guess I expected a lot more for my buck. Good luck, I hear better things of Armani’s on the top of the Hyatt.
 
Oystercatchers Restaurant Wine Tastings!!!
by winelover13 on 08/13/2008
 
Oystercatchers Restaurant in Tampa has added Wine Tastings to their already impressive restaurant! I attended the most recent one "Tour of Tuscany" and it was absolutely amazing! It is held in their private dining room overlooking Tampa Bay - what a treat! It is hosted by Thomas DeLuca who is one of the managers and is the wine specialist for the restaurant. He pairs the wines (which have a different theme every week) with the most delicious cheeses I have ever tasted! He answered all of my questions and the questions of all the other guests with knowledge and experience! What a great time! We stayed for dinner after the tasting and found out that in doing so, we received 10% off of our dinner bill...
I WILL be returning for the next tastings!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The classes are Friday nights in August starting at 6:00PM... You have to check this out!!!
 
Weleda's new Pomegranate Body Care Line
Soothe

Whether you want a new hair regimen or new body care products, our favorite spa products will help you look and feel better. Check out Weleda's new Pomegranate Body Care Line, featuring organic pomegranate seed oil and more.

Libations!
Sip

We've reviewed libations of all sorts—everything from Top Wines, Top 10 Vodkas, Top 10 Spirits and Top 10 Prestige Cuvées to bottled water and fine tea from around the world.

Gift ideas!
Give

Looking for a gift? You'll find great ideas for foodies and fashionistas, globetrotters and gourmands. Our categories include Top 10 Valentine's Day Gifts, Top Spa Gifts and more. Nothing like the present!

Wine Country Cooking by Joanne Weir
Serve

Try out a new international cuisine or plan your next dinner party with help from our cookbook reviews. We've explored everything from desserts and sweets to books by famous chefs from around the world.

 
 


RESTAURANT AWARDS

Just published! Our annual restaurant issue features the Best Cheap Eats and our Top 40 U.S. selections, including including Corton in New York and more!