MomSkoop
Sebastian, Florida is a coastal gem where fresh seafood reigns supreme. Tucked along the Indian River Lagoon, this charming town offers seafood lovers an impressive array of dining options that showcase the Atlantic’s bounty. From casual waterfront shacks to upscale dining establishments, Sebastian’s restaurants serve up everything from just-caught fish to perfectly prepared shellfish that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
1. Capt Hiram’s Resort: Riverside Feasting with a View
Perched right on the Indian River, Capt Hiram’s combines stunning waterfront views with mouthwatering seafood creations. Their crab-stuffed mushrooms burst with savory flavors that perfectly complement the coastal setting.
Locals rave about the Cajun popcorn shrimp – crispy, spicy bites that pair wonderfully with their tropical cocktails. The seafood pasta, loaded with fresh catches of the day, represents the ultimate comfort food with a Florida twist.
Live music often fills the air as boats dock at the marina, creating a lively atmosphere that epitomizes Sebastian’s laid-back charm. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset while savoring ocean treasures.
2. Sebastian Saltwater Marina Restaurant: Fresh Catches in a Picturesque Setting
Family-owned and cherished by locals, Sebastian Saltwater Marina Restaurant delivers authenticity with every bite. The seared scallops, caramelized to perfection, showcase the chef’s dedication to highlighting natural flavors rather than masking them.
Maritime decor adorns the walls while large windows frame postcard-worthy views of bobbing boats and gliding pelicans. Their signature crab dip, creamy and generous with lump crabmeat, disappears quickly from every table.
After your meal, stroll along the adjacent docks where fishing boats unload the very catches that might appear on tomorrow’s menu. This direct-from-boat-to-plate philosophy explains why regulars return week after week.
3. Squid Lips: Overwater Dining with Casual Flair
Suspended above the gentle Indian River waters, Squid Lips offers a dining experience that feels like eating on a boat without the seasickness! Their Baja fish tacos feature the perfect balance of flaky white fish, crunchy cabbage, and zesty sauce that captures Florida’s coastal fusion cuisine.
Cool breezes flow through the open-air structure while pelicans dive nearby, adding natural entertainment to your meal. The lobster-and-crab cake sliders present a luxurious twist on a casual favorite, packed with sweet meat and minimal filler.
Children love watching the fish swim below through gaps in the deck while parents appreciate the relaxed atmosphere that welcomes sandy feet and sun-kissed faces.
4. Mulligan’s Beach House: Family-Friendly Seafood Fun
Morning sunshine streams through Mulligan’s windows, making their breakfast with crab benedict a bright start to any day. Colorful beach-themed decor creates a cheerful atmosphere that instantly puts everyone in vacation mode, even if you’re a local.
Their mango shrimp combines tropical sweetness with perfectly cooked seafood, embodying Florida’s distinctive coastal cuisine. Families particularly appreciate the kids’ menu that introduces young palates to seafood without overwhelming them.
The outdoor patio offers prime viewing of manatees that occasionally visit the adjacent waters. Key West crab cakes here are mostly crab with just enough binding to hold together – exactly as purists prefer them.
5. Mo-Bay Grill: Caribbean-Inspired Seafood Delights
Reggae rhythms and aromatic spices greet you at Mo-Bay Grill, where Jamaican influences transform Sebastian seafood into something extraordinary. Their jerk-spiced mahi-mahi delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweet that transports diners straight to the islands.
Hidden in a modest shopping plaza, this gem surprises first-timers with its explosion of flavors and vibrant atmosphere. The coconut shrimp here isn’t the overly sweet version found elsewhere – instead, it offers subtle complexity with housemade mango chutney.
Regulars know to save room for the rum cake, a fitting finale to a meal that celebrates the cultural connections between Florida and the Caribbean. Weekend crowds prove this spot’s popularity, making reservations highly recommended.
6. Crab E Bills: Market-Fresh Seafood in Historic Setting
Housed in Sebastian’s historic 1927 fishing supply building, Crab E Bills combines seafood market freshness with dining simplicity. Glass counters display the day’s catch – from local snapper to stone crabs – which can be purchased to take home or prepared on-site.
The rustic atmosphere, complete with fishing artifacts and old photos, provides a glimpse into Sebastian’s maritime heritage. Their seafood chowder, thick with chunks of whatever was caught that morning, changes slightly each day while maintaining its rich, satisfying character.
Fishermen often stop by to sell their catch, creating an authentic experience where you might chat with the very person who caught your dinner. For the purest seafood experience in Sebastian, this no-frills spot stands unrivaled.
7. Fishack: Casual Dockside Dining with Local Flair
Yellow-striped umbrellas and picnic tables set the scene at Fishack, where unpretentious surroundings let the seafood shine without distraction. Their blackened grouper sandwich has achieved legendary status among locals who appreciate the thick cut of fish and perfect seasoning.
Pelicans perch hopefully on nearby pilings as servers deliver heaping platters of peel-and-eat shrimp seasoned with Old Bay. The smoked fish spread, made in-house daily, pairs perfectly with cold beer and represents Florida’s fishing heritage on a plate.
Staff members often know regulars by name, creating a neighborhood hangout vibe rare in tourist areas. Their hush puppies – crispy outside, fluffy inside – have sparked friendly debates about whether they’re even better than the seafood they accompany.
8. Riverside Café: Sports Bar Meets Seafood Haven
Sports memorabilia and fishing trophies share wall space at Riverside Café, where catching the game doesn’t mean sacrificing seafood quality. Their oysters – served raw, steamed, or baked with creative toppings – arrive fresh daily and disappear just as quickly.
The wraparound deck offers 270-degree water views where dolphins occasionally make appearances during your meal. Televisions broadcast the day’s games while the kitchen prepares their famous seafood boil buckets brimming with crab legs, shrimp, potatoes, and corn.
Weekend brunches feature crab cake benedicts and shrimp omelets that cure even the most persistent hangovers. The lively bar scene attracts a mix of boaters, anglers, and locals who appreciate good seafood without fancy pretensions.
9. The Tiki Bar & Grill: Island Vibes with Seafood Twists
Palm fronds rustle overhead at The Tiki Bar & Grill, where barefoot elegance meets creative seafood preparations. Their coconut mahi-mahi tacos, topped with pineapple salsa, capture the essence of tropical flavors while highlighting the freshness of local fish.
Thatched roofs and island music create a vacation atmosphere that makes even a quick lunch feel like an escape. The grilled octopus with citrus marinade showcases the chef’s willingness to venture beyond typical Florida seafood offerings.
Sunset happy hours feature discounted conch fritters and rum runners that draw crowds of both tourists and locals. Sand between your toes is practically expected at this laid-back spot where the ocean’s bounty meets Caribbean-inspired cooking techniques.
10. Sebastian Lobster & Crab House: Shellfish Specialists
Steam rises dramatically when platters arrive at Sebastian Lobster & Crab House, where shellfish reigns supreme. Their signature whole Maine lobsters come with drawn butter and lemon, presented simply to highlight the sweet meat’s natural perfection.
Plastic bibs and shell crackers signal the delightfully messy experience ahead as diners prepare for battle with snow crab clusters and king crab legs. The restaurant’s commitment to quality shows in their refusal to serve frozen lobster tails – everything arrives fresh or not at all.
Corn on the cob and red potatoes soak up the seasoned boil liquid, becoming flavorful accompaniments to the star shellfish. A hand-washing station with lemon wedges stands ready for post-meal cleanup, acknowledging that the best seafood experiences are often the messiest.