How to Build the Ultimate Seafood Tower - As Seen on Gusto TV

Honestly? A little of everything from the sea. But it’s not just about piling things up, it’s about the right mix of textures, flavours, and freshness. Here's what we like to include on our towers (and what you’ll see in the video):

Freshly shucked oysters
Vera Cruz mussels
Tuna tartare
House-made ceviche
Jumbo cocktail shrimp
Crispy calamari or zesty fried shrimp
Shucked lobster or our house lobster pâté
Grilled flatbread, garlic butter, lemon wedges, hot sauce, and mignonette
Anything else you like – there are no wrong answers!

Whether you're serving two or twenty, it’s the kind of dish that gets people talking...and reaching for seconds. (Did you know, if you’re in Ottawa, you can shop online and have your seafood tower ingredients delivered? You can!)

Wondering how to build a seafood tower of your own? It’s easier than it looks...and way more fun. Here’s how we recommend you do it:

Start with a solid base. You’ll need a tiered platter or cake stand (metal or glass works great), or simply stack a few bowls or trays with crushed ice. Make sure it’s stable, you don’t want your tower tipping mid-toast.
Prep your seafood. Boil or steam your lobster, shrimp, and mussels ahead of time, then chill. Shuck oysters just before serving (or ask us to shuck them for you). Ceviche and tartare can be prepped earlier in the day and kept cold.
Build from bottom to top. Place your heavier items—lobster halves, crab claws, mussels—on the bottom tier. Move up with lighter pieces like shrimp, oysters, ceviche, and tartare.
Add your dips and garnishes. Tuck in small ramekins of cocktail sauce, mignonette, garlic butter, and hot sauce. Don’t forget fresh lemon wedges and sprigs of dill or parsley for a pop of colour.
Finish with crunch. If you’re including crispy elements like fried shrimp or calamari, add them at the last minute to keep them hot and crisp. Serve with aioli or remoulade on the side.
Keep it cold until serving. If you’re not serving right away, pop the whole tower in the fridge or keep it over crushed ice. Nobody likes lukewarm seafood.
Pour a drink and enjoy. Champagne, white wine, a crisp pilsner, or sparkling water with citrus. Whatever suits your seafood soirée. (Did you know we sell bottles of wine in the market to take home? Ask our team for a pairing suggestion!

If you’re curious about pricing, here’s a quick look at the towers we serve in-house at Pelican:

🦞 The Bobby Dazzler – $79
Our classic tower with oysters (12), mussels (12), tuna tartare, ceviche, and jumbo shrimp (8), plus all the sauces and extras.

🦑 Chi-Chi Rodriguez Super Ultimate – $99
Everything from the Bobby Dazzler, with crispy calamari and fried shrimp for extra crunch and variety.

🦐 The Orville Magoon Super Duper – $179
A feast: medium lobster, lobster pâté with grilled flatbread, 24 oysters, 12 mussels, tuna tartare, ceviche, jumbo shrimp—all the best bites in one towering presentation.

Each one is built fresh to order and designed for sharing. (You can book a reservation here if you want to skip building and get straight to eating!)

It all depends on what you include and how big you want to go. A basic seafood tower with a dozen oysters, a handful of shrimp, and some mussels can be built for around $40–$80 using fresh ingredients from our Market.

Add in lobster or higher-end seafood, and you’re looking at closer to $100–$150. Still, it’s a fun and luxurious experience to share at home - and the leftovers (if there are any) make for a great next-day seafood pasta or salad.

If oysters are part of your plan (they should be), you’ll want to check out this quick how-to from Emile. He walks through exactly how to shuck safely and efficiently - no fancy tools required.

🎥 Watch: How to Shuck Oysters

We love helping people explore seafood at home. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just trying something new, our team is here to help.

Reach out anytime - or better yet, stop by the Market and ask us in person. You can also DM us on Facebook, Instagram, X or YouTube with your seafood questions or ideas.

Start by watching the episode, then swing by Pelican’s Market to pick up everything you need. From oysters to lobster pâté, we’ll help you bring a little restaurant magic into your kitchen.