Are you ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey through the coastal paradise of Florida? Look no further as we unveil the ultimate guide to the best seafood restaurants that will surely tantalize your taste buds to no end. From succulent shrimp to delectable crab legs, prepare to indulge in an array of extraordinary dishes that capture the essence of this stunning coastal region. Whether you’re a Florida local or a visitor searching for the ultimate seafood experience, this article is your one-stop destination for uncovering the hidden gems sprinkled along the mesmerizing coastal stretches of the Sunshine State. Get ready to savor every bite and discover your new favorite seafood haven!
1. Miami
Miami is a vibrant and diverse city known for its stunning beaches, exciting nightlife, and of course, its seafood. When it comes to seafood restaurants in Miami, Joe’s Stone Crab is a must-visit. Located in the heart of South Beach, Joe’s Stone Crab has been serving up fresh and delicious seafood since 1913. Their stone crab claws are a local delicacy and a favorite among locals and tourists alike. In addition to their famous stone crabs, Joe’s also offers a variety of other seafood dishes, including grilled fish, lobster, and shrimp.
Another popular seafood spot in Miami is Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Fish Market. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up fresh seafood for over 50 years. Located on the Miami River, Garcia’s offers a casual and laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh catches of the day. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including fish tacos, grilled shrimp, and their famous fish sandwiches.
If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, Captain Jim’s Seafood Market and Restaurant is the place to go. Located in North Miami, Captain Jim’s is a hidden gem that offers some of the best seafood in town. They specialize in fresh, locally sourced seafood and offer a variety of dishes, including fish and chips, fried shrimp, and their popular seafood platter.
2. Key West
Key West is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, colorful architecture, and lively atmosphere. When it comes to seafood, the island has some incredible options. One of the best seafood restaurants in Key West is Hogfish Bar & Grill. Located on Stock Island, just a short drive from downtown Key West, Hogfish Bar & Grill offers a unique and relaxed dining experience. Their menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including their famous hogfish sandwich, which is a local favorite.
Another great seafood spot in Key West is Conch Republic Seafood Company. Located on the Historic Seaport, Conch Republic is known for its fresh seafood, lively atmosphere, and waterfront views. They offer a variety of seafood dishes, including conch fritters, lobster bisque, and their popular seafood paella.
If you’re looking for a more casual seafood dining experience, Half Shell Raw Bar is the place to go. Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, this iconic seafood joint has been serving up fresh seafood for over 30 years. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and their famous lobster roll.
3. Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and delicious seafood. When it comes to seafood restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, there are some standout options. Southport Raw Bar is a local favorite that has been serving up fresh seafood since 1973. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Southport Raw Bar offers a casual and laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy seafood with a view. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including raw oysters, steamed clams, and their famous fish dip.
Coconuts is another popular seafood spot in Fort Lauderdale. Located on the waterfront, this tropical-themed restaurant offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood while taking in stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including coconut shrimp, grilled snapper, and their popular seafood pasta.
For a more upscale dining experience, Blue Moon Fish Co. is a great choice. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Blue Moon Fish Co. offers a fine dining atmosphere and a menu featuring a variety of seafood dishes. Their menu changes seasonally to ensure the freshest ingredients, and some standout dishes include their macadamia-crusted snapper and their lobster bisque.
4. Naples
Naples is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, top-notch golf courses, and of course, its incredible seafood. When it comes to seafood restaurants in Naples, there are some hidden gems worth exploring. USS Nemo is one of those gems. Located a short drive from downtown Naples, USS Nemo offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is known for its modern and creative seafood dishes, including their famous miso-glazed sea bass and their lobster tempura.
Grouper & Chips is another popular seafood spot in Naples. Located in the heart of Old Naples, this casual and laid-back restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood options. As the name suggests, their grouper dishes are a local favorite, but they also offer other seafood options like shrimp, scallops, and fish tacos.
If you’re looking for a more casual and lively atmosphere, Old Naples Pub is a great choice. Located on Fifth Avenue South, this lively pub serves up delicious seafood and an extensive beer selection. Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including fish and chips, shrimp scampi, and their famous lobster roll.
5. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, thrilling NASCAR races, and delicious seafood. When it comes to seafood restaurants in Daytona Beach, there are some notable options. One of the best seafood spots in town is Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club. Located right on the beach, Ocean Deck offers a casual and fun atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including crab cakes, shrimp scampi, and their famous fish tacos.
Aunt Catfish’s on the River is another popular seafood restaurant in Daytona Beach. Located on the Halifax River, this family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious seafood for over 30 years. Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including their famous all-you-can-eat catfish, peel-and-eat shrimp, and their popular seafood platter.
If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant with a bit of history, Racing’s North Turn is a great choice. Located right on the beach, this historic restaurant was once a famous race track where NASCAR legends raced. Today, Racing’s North Turn offers a casual and nostalgic atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood and learn about the history of racing in Daytona Beach. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including crab cakes, blackened mahi-mahi, and their famous Daytona Beach clam chowder.
6. St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and delicious seafood. When it comes to seafood restaurants in St. Augustine, there are some standout options. Salt Life Food Shack is one of those options. Located just steps from the beach, Salt Life Food Shack offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including fish tacos, shrimp and grits, and their famous Ahi tuna nachos.
The Columbia Restaurant is another popular seafood spot in St. Augustine. Located in the historic district, this iconic restaurant has been serving up delicious Spanish and Cuban cuisine for over 100 years. Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including paella, grilled salmon, and their famous 1905 Salad.
For a more casual and laid-back atmosphere, The Black Molly Grill is a great choice. Located on Vilano Beach, this beachfront restaurant offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood with stunning views of the ocean. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including fish tacos, oysters, and their popular seafood boil.
7. Clearwater
Clearwater is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and incredible seafood. When it comes to seafood restaurants in Clearwater, there are some top-notch options. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is one of the most popular seafood spots in town. Located right on the beach, Frenchy’s offers a casual and lively atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including grouper sandwiches, shrimp po’ boys, and their famous stone crab claws.
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar is another must-visit seafood restaurant in Clearwater. Located right on the beach, Palm Pavilion offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood while taking in breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including blackened mahi-mahi, coconut shrimp, and their popular seafood platter.
If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant with a Mexican twist, Marina Cantina is the place to go. Located in the Clearwater Marina, this waterfront restaurant offers a vibrant and festive atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood and delicious Mexican cuisine. Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including shrimp ceviche, fish tacos, and their famous seafood enchiladas.
8. Sarasota
Sarasota is a charming coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and delicious seafood. When it comes to seafood restaurants in Sarasota, there are some standout options. Owen’s Fish Camp is one of those options. Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Owen’s Fish Camp offers a casual and rustic atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a Southern twist. Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including fried oysters, blackened mahi-mahi, and their famous seafood boil.
Indigenous is another popular seafood spot in Sarasota. Located in the Towles Court Artist Colony, this farm-to-table restaurant offers a fine dining atmosphere and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally to ensure the freshest seafood, and some standout dishes include their grilled octopus, seared scallops, and their famous seafood stew.
For a more casual and laid-back seafood experience, Captain Brian’s Seafood Market and Restaurant is a great choice. Located on Siesta Key, this waterfront restaurant and market offers a variety of fresh seafood options. You can choose from their catch of the day specials or select your own seafood from the market and have it prepared to your liking. Some standout dishes include their fresh grouper sandwiches, peel-and-eat shrimp, and their popular seafood platter.
9. Pensacola
Pensacola is a coastal city known for its stunning beaches, historic downtown, and delicious seafood. When it comes to seafood restaurants in Pensacola, there are some notable options. Fisherman’s Corner Seafood Restaurant is one of those options. Located in the historic district, Fisherman’s Corner offers a casual and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood in a laid-back setting. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including blackened redfish, shrimp and grits, and their famous seafood gumbo.
Joe Patti’s Seafood Company is another must-visit seafood spot in Pensacola. Located on the water, this seafood market and restaurant offers a unique dining experience. You can browse the market and choose your own seafood, and then have it cooked to your liking in their restaurant. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including crawfish etouffee, grilled snapper, and their popular seafood platter.
If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant with a beachfront location, Flounders Chowder House is a great choice. Located right on the beach, this lively restaurant offers a casual and fun atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including crab cakes, blackened mahi-mahi, and their famous seafood chowder.
10. Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, diverse dining scene, and delicious seafood. When it comes to seafood restaurants in Jacksonville, there are some standout options. Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant is one of those options. Located on the water, Safe Harbor offers a casual and laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood with waterfront views. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including peel-and-eat shrimp, blackened grouper, and their famous seafood platter.
The Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar is another popular seafood spot in Jacksonville. Located in the historic district of Avondale, this upscale seafood restaurant offers a fine dining atmosphere and a menu featuring a variety of seafood dishes. Some standout dishes include their pan-seared scallops, grilled swordfish, and their famous oysters Rockefeller.
For a more casual and local seafood experience, Singleton’s Seafood Shack is a great choice. Located along the St. Johns River, this waterfront seafood joint has been serving up fresh seafood since 1946. Their menu features a variety of seafood options, including fried shrimp, grilled fish sandwiches, and their popular seafood platter.
In conclusion, coastal Florida is a seafood lover’s paradise, and these restaurants in Miami, Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, Clearwater, Sarasota, Pensacola, and Jacksonville offer some of the best seafood experiences in the state. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, casual beachfront spots, or hidden gems, these seafood restaurants have something for everyone. So pack your appetite and get ready to indulge in the freshest and tastiest seafood Florida has to offer.
