How to Eat Oysters

Eating oysters shouldn’t be intimidating, but some, when presented with a salt or ice-laden tray topped with hand-shucked bivalves, may not yet know how to approach the situation. Fret not, for your oyster-loving bestie is here to help. A staple food of any seafood or fine dining establishment, oysters are a delight when you know what to do with them.

How to Eat Oysters Tray of Hand-shucked wild-caught New England Oysters on a silver tray covered in ice Mignonette Sauce

Above: Oysters from Canoe in Atlanta, GA

What Are Oysters

Harvested for both food and (sometimes) pearls, oysters have been a staple food for people around the world for thousands of years. Cooked, raw, grilled, seared, or as part of a seafood dip, they’re a popular appetizer year-round.

The Shipwright's Daughter Roasted Oysters with Sugar Kelp Furikake Butter, Lime, Cilantro Photographed by Luxury Travel Writer Annie Fairfax Mystic, Connecticut East Coast Fine Dining

Above: Oysters from Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic, CT

These bivalves, when sustainably harvested and responsibly farmed in the ocean, can be an excellent, sustainable protein with a major economic impact on local communities. Additionally, they’re an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and omega-3, while being low in calories! Read more about the nutrition information of oysters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Cajun-Style Roasted Oysters in American Adventure at Epcot Walt Disney World Food Guide by Annie Fairfax

Above: Cajun Oysters at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL

Best Time of Year for Oysters

Tradition states that the best time to eat oysters is during months with an ‘R’, September through April. Science backs this up, because while wild oysters mate during warmer months (May – August), the flavor decreases, and the risk of food-borne illnesses increases.

Lowcountry Oyster Company Oysters at Charleston Grill Inside Belmond Charleston Place Luxury Restaurants of the World by Annie Fairfax

Above: Oysters from Charleston Grill in Charleston, SC

How to Eat Oysters

Oysters are simple to eat, so don’t be intimidated. On the platter will be the shucked (halved) oysters, a vinegary mignonette sauce, perhaps a cocktail sauce, lemons, and tiny forks called oyster forks or cocktail forks. Use the oyster fork to ensure the oyster meat is lifted from the shell, otherwise the oyster may get stuck.

Next, add whichever accompaniments (if any) you’d like. I prefer mignonette sauce over other options, but if I’m eating more than a few, I definitely mix it up.

Bowen's Wharf Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival in Newport, Rhode Island New England Waterfront Summer Festival Photographed and Written by Luxury Travel Writer Annie Fairfax

Finally, knock back (or slurp) your oyster on the half shell, brine and all. Yum!

See? That was easy! Now, you’re an oyster-eating pro.

Above: Oysters from The Moorning in Newport, RI

Best Places to Eat Oysters in New England

Some of my favorite spots to knock back oysters in New England include The Mooring & Midtown Oyster Bar in Newport, RI, CRU on Nantucket, MA, and The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic, CT. They’re all fresh, sustainable, and delicious!