Oceanfront Flavors: Florida's Best Fish Restaurants

Nothing pretentious: that could be the motto of the classic Florida fish market. Outdoor seating, cold drinks, a relaxed atmosphere, and freshly caught seafood are the ingredients that define this culinary tradition. From north to south, these restaurants—many with decades of history—offer an experience that combines flavor, scenery, and authenticity.

Northeast

Palms Fish Camp Restaurant, Jacksonville
A Jacksonville staple since 1950, Palms Fish Camp serves only seafood caught by local fishermen. Its deck overlooking Clapboard Creek and the Timucuan Ecological Reserve is as charming as its menu, which even allows you to cook your own catch of the day.

Aunt Kate's, St. Augustine
Founded in the early 20th century, this family-run restaurant on the Tolomato River retains its historic essence and Old Florida charm. Must-try items include alligator tail and fried green tomatoes with lime.

Central East Coast

High Tides at Snack Jack, Flagler Beach.
On the same beach since 1947, it remains a popular hangout for surfers and locals. Perfect for watching the sunset with a cold beer and a classic fish dish.

JB's Fish Camp, New Smyrna Beach
Freshness guaranteed: crabs are cooked live and clams are sourced from the local lagoon. Their outdoor deck is picture-perfect at sunset.

The Old Fish House Bar & Grill, Grant
With over a century of history, this former fish processing center now offers local cuisine overlooking the Indian River Lagoon, live music, and the occasional dolphin sighting.

Northwest

Schooners, Panama City Beach
combines beach, music, and fresh seafood. Every evening, diners count down before firing a cannon in honor of the setting sun—a local tradition that kicks off the party.

Lynn's Quality Oysters, Eastpoint
One of the Gulf Coast's best-kept secrets. A market, bar, and restaurant all in one, it offers unpretentious yet excellent Apalachicola oysters, blue crabs, and the catch of the day.

Floyd's Shrimp House, Fort Walton Beach
Located on the boardwalk, this restaurant is known for its fresh Gulf fish. Its "Captain's Platter" combines the best: shrimp, oysters, and local fish.

West Coast

Dixie Fish Company, Fort Myers Beach.
Founded in 1937, it maintains its original spirit and boasts one of the best oceanfront terraces in Fort Myers. Perfect for sampling fresh shrimp to the beat of live island music.

Peace River Seafood, Punta Gorda
Located in a 1927 cottage, it's famous for its fresh crabs and relaxed atmosphere. Newspaper-covered tables and a parrot on the porch add to the charm.

Owen's Fish Camp, Sarasota
A place with a Southern soul: porches, fire pits, swings, and homemade fish fries. The experience is as homey as it is delicious.

The Bait House, Clearwater Beach
Since the 1940s, this pier has preserved the spirit of Old Florida. Winner of the Traveler's Choice Award, it combines fishing, dining, and local traditions.

Lazy Flamingo, Bokeelia
A marina-front hideaway featuring “The Pot”—beer-steamed clams and oysters—and the grouper sandwich, perfect for enjoying with a sunset view.

South

Triad Seafood Market & Café, Everglades City.
Traveler's Choice winner, offering fresh stone crab (in season), key lime pie, and views of the Barron River. A no-frills classic, but full of flavor.

Hogfish Bar & Grill, Stock Island, Key West
Located next to Key West's shrimp docks, this restaurant is synonymous with local flavor: pink shrimp and the famous hogfish, a rare fish caught with a spear.

Alabama Jack's, Key Largo
Pure Old Florida incarnation: an overwater restaurant in the middle of Card Sound Road, with conch fritters, country music, and an atmosphere that hasn't changed in half a century.