Although Florida may not be quite as well-known for its seafood as states like Maine or Alaska, it does offer fresh, delicious seafood in many of its cities. Whether you prefer grouper, flounder, stone crab, Mahi Mahi, or conch fritters, chances are you can find a restaurant in Florida that offers you high-quality options.
Many food websites have weighed in on which restaurants in Florida offer the best seafood. And many restaurants are recommended over and over again, as follows:
Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant, Mayport: This pick comes from cheapism.com which said that it was the best seafood restaurant in all of Florida. The site praised the waterfront view, and that much of the seafood was locally sourced. Reviewers say the food is affordable and delicious, but be prepared to wait because the restaurant's popularity means that it's often busy.
Big Ray's Fish Camp, Tampa: Located in south Tampa, don't expect a fancy place when you come to Big Ray's. It has more of a fish shack vibe. The grouper is a standout, and reviewers comment that although there are crowds, the staff is efficient and keep the line moving. One reviewer called it "ugly delicious" because, although the exterior isn't all that exciting, the food is.
Flagler Fish Company, Flagler Beach: This joint has served the community since 2005, and it's both a market and a restaurant. They offer a huge variety of fresh seafood daily, and reviewers almost universally praise the freshness of their meals and the family-friendly atmosphere.
Owen's Fish Camp, Sarasota: There can be a longish wait here because this restaurant is popular with both locals and visitors. However, there are picnic tables set up out back with live music to keep you entertained while you wait. The restaurant calls itself an "ode to old Florida living," because they serve both fresh seafood and southern classics. Reviewers say the food and the value are worth the drive and the wait.
Happy Snapper Seafood Restaurant, Orlando: This restaurant has a perfect five-star rating on both TripAdvisor and Yelp. Reviewers describe this as "a little hole in the wall" with outstanding seafood and reasonable prices. Not surprisingly, the snapper is a standout, and reviewers also mentioned the crab cakes quite often.
La Camaronera Fish Market, Little Havana, Miami: This place was founded by fishermen. And although it is unassuming, many reviewers say this is where the locals go because the joint offers "the best seafood in town." The conch fritters are mentioned over and over again.
Pompano Joe's, Destin: This place in north Florida is known for its reasonably-priced, Gulf seafood served right on the edge of the beach. Reviewers did recount a wait in some situations but felt it was worth the variety and quality. The calamari and the crab legs were mentioned repeatedly, as was the friendly staff.
JB's Fish Camp and Seafood, New Smyrna Beach: As weird as it may sound, this restaurant also rents kayaks and paddleboards (because they are right on the water,) but don't let that distract you from its popular food. Mashable calls it a classic dive that is "a little slice of old Florida." Reviewers indicate you can't go wrong with just about any food choice, and many enjoy the laid back vibe on the water with live music.
Comments / 2