If you’re searching for top-tier seafood in Asheville, you’ve found your spot: Mother Ocean Seafood Market, located at 640 Merrimon Ave in North Asheville. Whether you’re grabbing a lobster roll for lunch or picking up fresh salmon, this place delivers on quality, flavor, and authentic hospitality.
How it started
Mother Ocean began life not in a storefront, but at tailgate markets and pop-up tents throughout Western North Carolina. By 2016, founder Sam Kosik recognized the demand was strong enough to anchor a brick-and-mortar location. He opened the current Merrimon Ave shop in March 2020—just as the pandemic hit. Undeterred, the business thrived and quickly became a go-to for fish lovers.
What you’ll find
From live lobsters and stone-crab claws to fresh filet-cuts of salmon, haddock, shrimp, alligator, crawfish—you name it, they can source it. Plus, they run a mini-eatery inside where the lobster roll is legendary. One visit and you’ll understand why.
A community story
Mother Ocean sources sustainably and supports local vendors—giving the WNC food scene a boost. More than just a market, it’s become a spot where folks talk, connect and eat together. During hard times, Sam & team persevered—anchoring their roots in Asheville and believing that fresh seafood belongs in the mountains just as much as the coast.
What we experienced
We stopped in for lunch and devoured a lobster roll that hit all the right notes: warm buttery bun, rich lobster meat, and a side of hush puppies. The friendly staff chatted with regulars like a neighborly deli. The atmosphere? Easy-going. The market? Fully stocked. The vibe? Authentic.
Why you should go
If you’re based in Asheville—or just passing through—the chance to eat seafood this fresh and flavorful so far from the coast should not be missed. Whether you’re dining in or taking dinner home, Mother Ocean offers a cuisine escape, a local connection, and serious taste. Add it to your “must-try” list.
📍 640 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
🔗 momavl.com
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