Coast to Counter -  Every Day in North Asheville

Sustainably sourced seafood lands on Asheville plates daily at Mother Ocean Market. Expect the city’s freshest shrimp, oysters, and creative sandwiches—plus a rotating selection of premium fish and shellfish arriving twice a day, five days a week. 

With daily specials and seasonal catches, this is where real locals get their seafood fix.

Mother Ocean Market on Merrimon Avenue is Asheville’s go-to seafood fix, bringing the freshest fish and shellfish from the Carolinas straight to local plates. Whether it’s wild-caught shrimp, buttery lobster rolls, or their straight-up legendary oyster po’boys, this market and lunch counter serves up a blend of classic flavors and creative specials. 

Voted “Best Fresh Fish Seller” and “Best Seafood Lunch” in WNC multiple years running, Mother Ocean is the real deal for foodies and local chefs alike.

Mother Ocean isn’t just a grab-and-go market. There’s a full lunch and dinner menu Tuesday through Saturday—try baskets of peel-and-eat shrimp, crispy fish tacos, or a monster tuna melt. Everything is made with sustainably sourced seafood and served with heaps of local love, making this a must for Asheville seafood fans

Ask around and you’ll find plenty of Asheville regulars who swear by Mother Ocean for everything from grilling at home to weekday lunches that taste like a trip to the coast. People rave about the rotating menu (there’s always something new!) and the friendly, no-fuss vibe—plus easy parking and quick takeout on busy nights. It’s the kind of place where knowledgeable folks behind the counter remember your favorite catch and share honest tips about what’s best that day.

Mother Ocean Seafood Market

Savor Asheville, NC’s diverse and flavorful food and drink scene, packed with acclaimed restaurants, lively bars, cozy coffee shops, and innovative breweries. Whether you’re craving local farm-to-table cuisine, signature cocktails, craft beer, or fresh roasted coffee, Asheville delivers a culinary adventure at every turn. Sample creative menus from downtown gems to hidden neighborhood favorites, and discover community-driven farmers markets, vibrant food trucks, and everything in between. Find the best places to eat, drink, and experience Asheville’s thriving culture of taste—your ultimate guide to unforgettable meals, handcrafted drinks, and local eats in every corner of the city.

Coast to Counter - Every Day in North Asheville

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