From Key West to Tampa Bay, Florida offers some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste on the east coast. And the city of Fort Lauderdale is no exception. There are a number of trendy restaurants in Fort Lauderdale offering the best salmon, crab cakes, stone crabs and more. If you want the best seafood in Fort Lauderdale, you must visit one of the following locations.
Boatyard
Boatyard is a Ft. Lauderdale institution, everything you need to know about it is in their credo, “Eat Local, Be Coastal.” Located minutes from the beach, Boatyard takes advantage of its proximity to the Atlantic by serving fresh-caught delicacies at its peak. Boatyard’s menu us contemporary American, yet offers steaks in the event you choose to pass on signature seafood.
Catfish Deweys
Established in 1984, Catfish Deweys is a family-owned seafood restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale serving high-quality dishes at family-friendly prices. The ambiance is laid-back but elegant, making it an ideal destination for date night, a casual lunch or family outing. As its name suggests, farm-raised catfish is the restaurant's specialty, but Cat Fish Dewey's menu is full of possibility. Cat Fish Dewey's, located in Oakland Park, takes advantage of its menu's diversity by offering several all-you-can-eat specials depending on the night. Specials range from shrimp to stone crabs, and of course, catfish. And if you aren't quite in the mood for seafood, on Wednesdays, the restaurant offers all-you-can-eat BBQ Baby Back ribs.
Coconuts
With autumn upon us and winter on the way, eating outside in South Florida becomes a more pleasant experience. So, what better time to pay a visit to Coconuts, one of Ft. Lauderdale's premier waterfront restaurants. Coconuts excels at crafting an atmosphere capturing South Floridian leisure. Whether you drove your car, rode your bike, or pulled up in a boat and docked, Coconuts has a vibe that is casual and inclusive. And not to mention a menu that is delicious. Popular selections include conch fritters, the coconut shrimp platter and jambalaya. Also, Tuesdays and Fridays are paella nights and worth a visit.
Cafe Seville
Another family-owned restaurant in Oakland Park, Cafe Seville serves traditional Spanish cuisine and seriously sexy seafood. Because its menu is Latin rather than solely seafood oriented, the restaurant's menu is diverse. But whether you order the Calamaris Rellenos as an appetizer or the Salmon Mallorca from the seafood section of the menu, you won't be disappointed with Cafe Seville's offerings. And due to their combination of flavorful dishes and warm atmosphere, you'll be compelled to make a return visit fairly soon.
Southport Raw Bar
After serving Ft. Lauderdale for over 40 years, Southport Raw Bar 's digs and decor have undergone a bit of wear and tear. But you don't establish yourself as a South Florida institution unless you do a few things right. And what South Port Raw Bar does well, it arguably does better than anyone else. From raw oysters to clams, seasoned shrimp, clams and scallops, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better selection. And as a bonus, most of the dishes are affordably priced, too. There's no better place to kick back with flip-flops to dig in at this laid-back seafood restaurant in F. Lauderdale.
Kelly's Landing New England
New England probably offers the best seafood in America. So, it makes sense that Kelly's Landing New England decided to serve New England style seafood in Ft. Lauderdale, the seafood capital of the southeast. Taking a step into Kelly's Landing feels like taking a step into a northern port restaurant. From the decor to the feel, it captures the region's understated but identifiable ambiance. And if seafood is your jam, they have you covered. Tuesday's special is called "Two for Tuesday," where customers dine on two one-pound lobsters for $25 or two two-pound lobsters for $30.
Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant
What’s in a name? Everything when it comes to Billy’s Stone Crab. If you want to sample the best seafood in Ft. Lauderdale, you must have stone crabs. And if you’re going to have stone crabs, this is the place to go. Located in Hollywood, Billy’s Stone Crab is a fixture in the community and serves up some of the best stone crabs you’ll ever have in South Florida. Billy’s offers indoor and outdoor seating on the first floor and a fine dining section on the second floor. Oh, and unlike most restaurants, Billy’s also features a market where you can buy a fresh catch to cook up in the comfort of your home.
Pirate Republic Bar, Seafood & Grill
As the name suggests, Pirate Republic Seafood and Grill is a themed restaurant. The Pirate Bowl is among the restaurant’s signature dishes, and it’s a treat. The bowl is a mixed seafood delight; the fixings include clams, calamari, shrimp, and mussels in butter, garlic, and white wine broth. Dine like a pirate at Republic!
Blue Moon Fish Co.
Another award-winning restaurant located near the beach (Lauderdale by the Sea), you won’t regret visiting these folks. Blue Moon Fish Co. offers an upscale experience, one you won’t forget. In addition to being a top-notch seafood restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale, Blue Moon Fish Co. also has an outstanding brunch, a buzzing happy hour and wine dinners.
Sampling Ft. Lauderdale’s seafood is a requirement for natives and tourists alike. But if you want to know where the best seafood restaurants in Fort Lauderdale are, start with any of the places we've listed above for a unique and satisfying experience! Be sure to register on 954area to stay connected to everything local including, restaurants, things to do in Ft. Lauderdale, events and much more. It's FREE.
