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In my two decades of traveling across the globe, the quaint seafood restaurants in Florida remain as some of my favorites. As a Florida native, I’ve gone from coast to coast to sample some of the Sunshine State’s best.
From big culinary cities to quaint fishing villages, Florida is known for its top-rated seafood restaurants. You can find them scattered across the state, serving up delectable dishes of fresh, locally caught cuisine. Whether you have a craving for snapper, grouper, lobster, and conch, or prefer mussels and rock shrimp, seafood lovers will find an array of delicacies to choose from, including Florida local’s seasonal favorite – stone crab claws.
Highlighting a combination of upscale restaurants and beloved hole-in-the-wall joints, these are some of the best seafood restaurants in Florida.
Star Fish Company, Cortez
One of Florida’s best Gulf Coast seafood restaurants, Star Fish Company Dockside Restaurant in Cortez is a no-frills restaurant that keeps it simple. A seafood market and restaurant in one, here you’ll find dishes like Wild Alaskan Salmon, Mahi Mahi Sandwich, Gulf Shrimp, and even Stone Crab Claws. Choose from a side of coleslaw, cheese grits, or french fries and soak up the Gulf Coast views.
Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer, Destin
A great spot for casual, family-friendly seafood fare, Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer in Destin is a locally-owned and operated restaurant, popular for its “hook and cook” cuisine. You’ll find a wide array of steamed and boiled shellfish platters in this sophisticated southern fish house, while snow crab, lobster, and mussels are also a huge hit.
Dixie Crossroads, Titusville
Serving great-tasting seafood for over 30 years, Dixie Crossroads in Titusville is a local favorite. From affordable seafood sandwiches to high-end seafood combos, the menu here is diverse enough to cater to any budget. Come hungry and indulge in the Dixie Spectacular, which comes with 1 Maine lobster, 1 dozen rock shrimp, 1/4 lb scallops, and 1/2 lb. crab legs.
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House, Destin
Located on the Destin harbor, Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House showcases their sensational “Gulf to Table Southern Cuisine” on its four decks that tier down to the water, offering panoramic views of the harbor. Listen to live entertainment and enjoy the coastal cuisine and Southern favorites like Corn and Crab Chowder, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and fresh oysters.
Flagler Fish Company, Flagler Beach
Located just a couple blocks off the Atlantic, Flagler Fish Company in Flagler Beach offers more than 20 types of fresh fish and seafood daily. Seafood lovers will delight at the tuna, salmon, Chilean sea bass and lobster, while both indoor and outdoor dining make it an ideal post-beach family dinner spot.
DJ’s Clam Shack, Key West
If you’re looking to indulge in an overstuffed lobster roll or steamed clams, DJ’s Clam Shack in Key West is the place to go. Located on Duval St. in Key West, this small shop offers a blend of Southern and Northern flavors in its cuisine. It was even featured on the tv show “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” on the Food Network.
Hunt's Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant, Panama City
A Panama City institution, Hunt’s Oyster Bar has been serving Apalachicola oysters to hungry locals for over 50 years. Laidback and family-run, the menu offers an array of other seafood choices, from grouper sandwiches to grilled crab cakes. A legendary dive with a friendly atmosphere, come here to sample some of their famous three cheese Cajun baked oysters.
Walt's Fish Market, Sarasota
Considered a Sarasota landmark, Walt’s Fish Market is popular for their fresh-off-the-dock cuisine. They have a huge selection of choices, from conch fritters to mussels and oysters, but you can’t miss out on sampling their famous smoked mullet spread. With outdoor seating and live music at its tiki bar, the on-site fish market ensures you’re getting the freshest seafood.
O'Steens Restaurant, St. Augustine
Located on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, O’Steens has found the perfect recipe with its delicious seafood offerings and laid-back, fun atmosphere. A favorite for both locals and visitors alike where long lines are a constant, this over 50-year-old seafood joint is known for its fried shrimp, while Minorcan clam chowder and a side of hush puppies also go down well.
Owen's Fish Camp, Sarasota
Bringing in the Bay’s local fish every day, Owen’s Fish Camp in Sarasota blends fresh seafood with Southern classics and craft beer. An ode to Old Florida with boiled roadside peanuts as a side, you’ll find Southern hospitality here in addition to an array of enticing seafood menu items, from Fried Soft Shell Crab sandwiches to Pecan Crusted Trout and Low Country Boils for two.
Up the Creek Raw Bar, Apalachicola
A laid-back restaurant in the small town of Apalachicola, Up the Creek Raw Bar is nestled along the Scipio Creek Channel where you can enjoy oysters in the covered open-air decks overlooking the water. A local seafood joint that are considered experts in succulent oysters, you’ll find them raw, steamed, and served with minced shallot and habanero pepper.
Stewby's Seafood Shanty, Fort Walton Beach
Located in Fort Walton Beach, Stewby’s Seafood Shanty is a small take-out and dine-in seafood restaurant with locally sourced seafood options. With oysters from Apalachicola, shrimp from the Choctawhatchee Bay and some of the best Seafood Gumbo in the state, it’s easy to see why this is place is such a local favorite.
Pensacola Fish House, Pensacola
The place to go to enjoy upscale dockside dining, the Pensacola Fish House is just steps from the Historic Seville Square. An award-winning restaurant with an inventive menu, their famous Grits a Ya Ya are a Southern specialty with smoked Gouda cheese grits and sauteed Gulf shrimp. Wash your meal down with a cocktail at the spacious Deck Bar next door overlooking the water.
Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant, Atlantic Beach
Catching and preparing fresh, local seafood, Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant is nestled in the historic Mayport Village. A family-owned and operated business, you can browse through the market delicacies and choose from an array of delicious crab, scallops, and mahi-mahi, then have it cooked to your taste for a pleasant meal overlooking the water.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Longboat Key
A perfect place to enjoy on one of Florida’s sunny days, the casual waterfront dining at Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is hard to beat. Located on Sarasota Bay in Longboat Key, they are known to have some of the best grouper sandwiches on Florida’s West Coast. Pair your yellowfin tuna or salmon dinner with million-dollar views on the dockside patio.
