MomSkoop
Florida’s coastline serves up some of the freshest seafood in America, drawing both tourists and locals to its many restaurants. Whether you’re craving stone crab, grouper sandwiches, or perfectly fried shrimp, the Sunshine State delivers ocean-to-table dining at its best. From Miami Beach to Key West, here’s your guide to the most beloved tourist spots and secret local haunts for unforgettable seafood meals.
1. Joe’s Stone Crab – Miami Beach’s Century-Old Legend
Since 1913, this Miami Beach institution has been cracking those coveted stone crab claws that keep celebrities and food lovers coming back year after year. The restaurant operates seasonally (October to May) when stone crabs are harvested, creating an air of anticipation each fall.
While the signature mustard sauce remains a closely guarded secret, the impeccable service from tuxedo-clad waiters hasn’t changed in generations. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so expect a wait – locals know to visit the take-out market next door for the same delicious fare without the line.
Don’t miss their key lime pie, widely considered among the best in Florida.
2. Estiatorio Milos – Mediterranean Flair on South Beach
Walking into Milos feels like being transported to a Greek island, with its airy white decor and stunning display of fresh fish on ice. This upscale South Beach establishment lets you select your own catch before it’s prepared with Mediterranean simplicity – just sea salt, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon.
The restaurant’s signature dish might be the paper-thin, crispy fried zucchini and eggplant tower served with tzatziki. Prices run steep, but savvy visitors take advantage of the lunch special, offering three courses of the same exceptional quality at a fraction of dinner prices.
Reservations are essential, especially during peak season when tourists flock to this seafood sanctuary.
3. Coral Reef Restaurant – Dine with Fish at Disney’s Epcot
Where else can you enjoy blackened mahi-mahi while actual mahi-mahi swim past your table? This underwater-themed restaurant inside Disney’s Epcot offers a 280,000-gallon aquarium view featuring over 4,000 sea creatures, making it a hit with families and marine enthusiasts alike.
The menu blends Florida seafood classics with international influences, reflecting Epcot’s world showcase theme. Kids marvel at the colorful fish, sharks, and occasional scuba divers who wave while swimming by, creating magical Disney moments between bites.
Though requiring park admission, this unique dining experience regularly books months in advance – a testament to its popularity among Disney-bound seafood lovers.
4. The Rusty Pelican – Miami’s Skyline Views and Seafood Towers
Perched on Key Biscayne with floor-to-ceiling windows, The Rusty Pelican offers perhaps the most spectacular Miami skyline views of any restaurant. Sunset transforms the dining room into a golden-hued paradise as boats glide across Biscayne Bay below.
Their legendary seafood tower arrives at tables like an edible sculpture – tiers of Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab, oysters, and jumbo shrimp that practically demand Instagram photos. The restaurant underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2011, elevating both the space and menu to fine dining status.
Brunches here have become a Miami tradition, featuring bottomless mimosas and lobster benedict that draw celebratory crowds every weekend.
5. Shell’s Seafood – Orlando’s Tourist-Friendly Catch
Located conveniently near Orlando’s theme park corridor, Shell’s has mastered the art of serving fresh seafood to exhausted tourists seeking a break from character dining. Their all-you-can-eat snow crab legs special draws lines on weekends, while the Maine lobster rolls transport New England flavors to the Sunshine State.
The nautical-themed interior features fishing nets, buoys, and porthole windows that create an immersive maritime atmosphere without feeling kitschy. Children receive coloring sheets shaped like fish and crayons upon arrival, making it a family-friendly option after long park days.
Their key selling point? Reasonable prices for fresh seafood in an area notorious for tourist traps.
6. Chowder Ted’s – Jacksonville’s Hidden Shack
Blink and you’ll miss this weathered wooden shack on the backroads between Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville. Local fishermen unload their catches directly at the dock behind the restaurant, ensuring seafood rarely sees the inside of a freezer.
The signature red chowder – a tomato-based alternative to New England’s creamy version – comes loaded with chunks of local fish, shrimp, and crab. Plastic chairs, paper plates, and picnic tables set the unpretentious tone, while dolphins occasionally make appearances in the adjacent inlet.
Cash only and no website means this gem remains primarily discovered through word-of-mouth, exactly how the regulars prefer it.
7. Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish – South Pasadena’s Smoky Secret
Time stands still at this 1947 roadside institution where the smoking techniques haven’t changed in decades. The unmistakable aroma of smoldering red oak fills the air as local mullet transforms into a bronzed delicacy unlike anything in Florida’s more touristy areas.
The smoked fish spread – a creamy concoction perfect on saltines – has inspired countless imitations across the state. Beer comes in bottles, sides are simple (German potato salad and coleslaw), and the open-air seating reminds you this is old Florida at its most authentic.
Fourth-generation family members still work the smokers, preserving traditions that pre-date modern refrigeration when smoking was necessary for preservation rather than flavor.
8. Cap’s Place – Lighthouse Point’s Boat-Access-Only Legend
Florida’s oldest restaurant requires commitment – you’ll need to catch their shuttle boat from the mainland to reach this former 1920s rum-running speakeasy. The building itself, constructed from timbers salvaged from shipwrecks, tilts slightly with the island’s shifting sands.
Signed photos of Winston Churchill and other historical figures who dined here line the walls of this National Register landmark. The hearts of palm salad uses palm harvested on-property, while the seafood comes from waters visible through the windows.
Dinner reservations include boat transportation, creating a complete experience that feels more like time travel than simply dining out.
9. The Whale’s Rib – Deerfield Beach’s Food Network Favorite
“Triple D” fans recognize this beachside joint from its feature on Guy Fieri’s show, but locals have treasured it since the 1970s. License plates and fishing equipment cover nearly every inch of wall space in this deliberately scruffy establishment that prioritizes food over frills.
Their “Whale Fries” – thin-sliced potato chips served with homemade “whale juice” (a tangy pink dipping sauce) – achieve the perfect balance between crispy and chewy. The blackened mahi sandwich arrives overstuffed on fresh Cuban bread, representing Florida seafood at its unpretentious best.
Despite Food Network fame, prices remain reasonable and the no-reservations policy keeps the vibe democratically first-come, first-served.
10. Star Fish Company – Cortez Fishing Village’s Dockside Treasure
This cash-only market-turned-restaurant sits directly on Sarasota Bay in one of Florida’s last authentic fishing villages. Your grouper sandwich comes from boats visible from the outdoor seating area, where brown pelicans and seagulls provide dinner entertainment.
Styrofoam containers hold perfectly fried seafood baskets accompanied by hush puppies that locals consider the area’s best. The unassuming building connects to a working fish market where you can purchase the day’s catch to cook yourself.
Despite being featured in countless Florida travel guides, Star Fish maintains its old-Florida charm – a remarkable feat in an area increasingly dominated by luxury developments and chain restaurants.