Oysters were an important food source in all coastal areas where they could be found, and oyster fisheries were an important industry where they were plentiful.

Oysters are generally an expensive food in places where they are not harvested, and often they are eaten only on special occasions, such as Christmas. In the United States today, oysters are most often cooked before consumption, but there is also a high demand for raw oysters on the half-shell typically served at oyster bars. Canned smoked oysters are also widely available as preserves with a long shelf life. Raw oysters were once a staple food for the poor in many countries with coastal access such as the United Kingdom of Britain and along the East Coast of the US and are thus still easily found in any areas bordering a sea/ocean. Oysters are commonly eaten raw in France in bars and as a 'bar fast food' but the home use tends to be mixed with a large usage in cooking - steamed or in paella or soups.