7 Florida Seafood Restaurants Locals Swear By & 5 Tourists Can’t Stop Talking About

Florida’s coastline stretches for miles, bringing fresh catches straight from the ocean to your plate. Whether you’re a local who knows the hidden gems or a visitor chasing the best seafood experience, the Sunshine State has something special for everyone.

Get ready to explore restaurants where the fish is always fresh and the flavors are unforgettable.

1. Joe’s Stone Crab – Miami Beach

You won’t find stone crabs this good anywhere else in the world. Since 1913, this Miami Beach legend has been serving up claws that crack open to reveal sweet, tender meat that melts in your mouth.

Locals know to arrive early because the wait can stretch for hours during peak season. The mustard sauce is their secret weapon, perfectly complementing every bite.

When stone crab season opens in October, regulars mark their calendars like it’s a holiday.

2. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – Clearwater Beach

Picture yourself eating grouper sandwiches with your toes in the sand and the Gulf breeze in your hair. This laid-back spot captures everything locals love about beachside dining without the fancy price tag.

Their grouper is caught fresh daily, and the portions are generous enough to share. I always order the blackened version because the seasoning brings out incredible flavors.

Families flock here on weekends, and the casual vibe makes everyone feel right at home.

3. The Fish House – Pensacola

Perched right on Pensacola Bay, this restaurant offers views that rival the incredible seafood on your plate. Locals appreciate how they source fish from nearby waters, ensuring everything tastes ocean-fresh.

Their grits and grillades bring Southern comfort to every seafood dish they serve. The sushi bar surprises many visitors who don’t expect such quality in the Panhandle.

Sunset dinners here become memories you’ll talk about for years to come.

4. Rusty Bellies Seafood Grille – Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs brings Greek heritage to Florida’s seafood scene, and this spot honors that tradition beautifully. The sponge docks provide the perfect backdrop while you enjoy calamari that’s tender, never rubbery.

Local fishermen supply much of what appears on the menu each day. Their grouper piccata combines Mediterranean flavors with Florida’s favorite fish in ways that keep regulars coming back weekly.

Ask for a table on the deck to watch boats glide by while you eat.

5. Marker 88 – Islamorada

Keys locals guard this treasure like a secret, though its reputation has spread far beyond the island chain. Sitting over the water with tiki torches lighting the night creates an atmosphere that feels like paradise.

Their hogfish, when available, is the freshest you’ll ever taste because boats dock right behind the restaurant. The key lime pie finishes every meal with that perfect balance of tart and sweet.

Reservations are essential, especially during winter months.

6. O’Steen’s Restaurant – St. Augustine

Don’t let the humble appearance fool you because what happens in their kitchen is pure magic. This family-run spot has been frying shrimp to golden perfection since 1965, and locals line up before they even open.

Their datil pepper sauce adds a uniquely St. Augustine kick to everything on your plate. Cash-only and no-frills, this place proves that great seafood doesn’t need fancy presentations.

The fried shrimp here sets the standard that all others try to match.

7. Cortez Kitchen – Bradenton

Tucked in one of Florida’s last working fishing villages, this gem serves food that tastes like it came straight from the nets. The mullet here is smoked using techniques passed down through generations of commercial fishermen.

Locals appreciate how the restaurant supports the community’s fishing heritage while serving incredibly fresh catches. Their chowder is thick, creamy, and loaded with chunks of fish that practically melt.

Visiting here feels like stepping back to Old Florida’s simpler times.

8. Truluck’s – Multiple Locations

Tourists rave about this upscale chain because it delivers consistency and quality across every location in Florida. Their Florida stone crab comes from their own fisheries, guaranteeing freshness that impresses even the pickiest diners.

The atmosphere screams special occasion with dim lighting and attentive service that makes everyone feel pampered. I recommend the crab-stuffed flounder if you want to try something beyond the famous stone crabs.

Dress codes apply, so leave your flip-flops at the hotel.

9. The Boathouse – Disney Springs

Visitors staying at Disney World discover this waterfront spot and can’t stop posting pictures of their meals. The vintage amphicar rides before dinner create an experience that combines food with entertainment perfectly.

Their seafood towers piled high with shellfish make for Instagram-worthy presentations that taste as good as they look. Raw bar selections change daily, showcasing the best catches from Florida and beyond.

Reservations fill up fast, so book ahead before your vacation starts.

10. Monty’s Raw Bar – Miami

Every tourist guidebook mentions this Coconut Grove institution because it captures Miami’s tropical party atmosphere perfectly. Live music fills the air while you crack open oysters and watch yachts cruise by on Biscayne Bay.

The conch fritters are crispy outside and tender inside, seasoned with just enough spice to wake up your taste buds. Sunset happy hours here turn into impromptu celebrations with strangers becoming friends over shared platters.

Parking can be tricky, so arrive early or use rideshare services.

11. The Columbia Restaurant – St. Augustine

Tourists seeking history with their meals flock to Florida’s oldest restaurant, which has been serving since 1905. The Spanish-Cuban fusion brings unique flavors to seafood dishes that you won’t find at typical coastal restaurants.

Their 1905 Salad gets tossed tableside with a show that entertains as much as it tastes delicious. Snapper Alicante combines fresh fish with a rich sauce that showcases old-world cooking techniques.

The building itself is gorgeous, making every meal feel like a step back in time.

12. Bonefish Grill – Multiple Locations

Out-of-state visitors recognize this name and trust it for reliable seafood experiences throughout Florida. Their Bang Bang Shrimp has achieved legendary status, appearing on countless food blogs and social media feeds.

Wood-grilled fish selections let you taste the quality without heavy sauces masking the natural flavors. The casual atmosphere welcomes families and couples alike, with prices that won’t destroy your vacation budget.

Locations near tourist areas can get crowded, so call ahead for wait times.