We’ll take a simple, fresh-caught fish sandwich over a fancy, overpriced seafood tower any day. Before you start defending the world of lobster thermidor and oysters Rockefeller, hear us out. You won’t have to fight for a reservation on a Friday night, and the atmosphere is far more relaxed. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving some perfectly grilled shrimp, here are Fort Lauderdale’s best spots for seafood.
15th Street Fisheries
$$ | (954) 763-2777 | WEBSITE
The menu at this Fort Lauderdale waterfront staple is a mix of fresh seafood and American classics, with standouts like lobster/crab roll, fish spread, ceviche, and cheddar jalapeño crispers, all mingling in perfect harmony. The food is delicious and satisfying, but it’s the little details we really appreciate most: the homemade bread that arrives warm, the gift shop offering food to feed the Tarpon fish, and the $12 glasses of wine from their extensive list. And yes, it’s connected to a dock.
Kids can feed the huge Tarpon fish right outside, so plan accordingly.
Boatyard
$$$ | (954) 525-7400 | WEBSITE
Weekend brunch at Boatyard is the restaurant equivalent of that one friend who effortlessly hosts the perfect waterfront gathering. The lively Fort Lauderdale spot has impressive tequila bottles lining the bar and stoneware plates that the tiny devil on your shoulder will try to convince you to admire just a little too long. That Monaco Egg Croissant is going to immediately convince you to abandon your avocado toast aspirations.
There will likely be a wait after 11am, but it moves quickly, and you can always stare at the dinner menu while you wait and wonder if it’s weird to come back later for the Bronzino. (It’s not.)
Hott Leggz
$$ | (954) 771-5151 | WEBSITE
When this casual seafood spot in Fort Lauderdale opened a few years back, it catered primarily to sports fans looking for a place to catch UFC fights, but these days, it feels like the entire neighborhood is grabbing a table inside. Families with kids enjoying the vegetarian options squeeze into booths next to regulars who are banking on the extensive alcohol list to get them through the evening.
The off-menu Chicago beef sandwich with Italian sausage, sweet peppers, and American cheese is one of the best in town, but if you’re feeling more seafood-focused, go for a standout peel-and-eat shrimp deal or the gator bites.
Pirate Republic Seafood Restaurant
$$ | (954) 761-3500 | WEBSITE
Fort Lauderdale is ground zero for over-the-top seafood. Which is why we’re all about Pirate Republic Seafood Restaurant, a (you guessed it) pirate-themed spot right on the water. And when we say pirate-themed, we really mean that friendly parrot. Sure, you can get churasco steak and shrimp here, but if you’re not loading up on these chef’s kiss garlic shrimp and rolls, then you aren’t doing this place justice. They’re also open for dinner, ideal for those stunning sunset views over the water.
Kelly’s Landing New England Seafood
$$ | (954) 760-7009 | WEBSITE
There’s something about a rustic seafood joint that warms people. Maybe it’s something about the clam chowder and the fried Ipswich belly clams sizzling that gets people to unwind. Whatever it is, Kelly’s Landing has it. Come to this Fort Lauderdale spot in its strip mall setting to sit in a cozy booth that feels just right.
It’s an ideal place to enjoy generous portions or plan a dinner over their famous lobster, onion rings, and excellent New England specialties that satisfy completely, including that fresh, delicious seafood.
Shuck Boys Oyster Bar
$ | WEBSITE
In a hypothetical Seafood Showdown scenario, we’d nominate Shuck Boys Oyster Bar to represent Fort Lauderdale. This all-day oyster bar is catnip for lobster-roll-loving locals who stop by on weekend afternoons to share plates with friends and watch every oyster being shucked. Arrive before the dinner rush to order off the seafood-heavy menu, including buttery lobster rolls and silky Aji Mami oysters garnished with mignonette.
Shuck Boys has ample high-top tables, as well as stools at their raw bar, where you can peruse the chalkboard specials while waiting for baked oysters.
SUGAR BAE 😍 RESTAURANT
Something about Sugar Bae Restaurant casts a magical spell over Fort Lauderdale. This welcoming Haitian eatery is the kind of place where families go after a long day to share grilled fish platters until they’re happily satisfied. And from the moment you walk in, that respectful, community-focused feel remains.
Everyone at one of the cozy tables is chatting with friendly staff like Suzie, enjoying made-to-order meals, or filling up on that standout grilled fish served with shrimp, rice, plantains, salad, and pikliz. Yes, many find it the most flavorful they’ve ever had, and it’s an accurate description.
J. Alexander’s Restaurant
$$ | (954) 563-9077 | WEBSITE
With its sleek dark wood interior and warm lighting, J. Alexander’s feels like a polished neighborhood gem, but that’s also because it’s consistently excellent without being pretentious. Locals have kept this spot on Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene thriving for years, so there’s always a welcoming buzz. The food is what you’d expect from a top-tier seafood and steakhouse: perfectly cooked mahi-mahi, prime rib that melts in your mouth, and shrimp cocktail served fresh and chilled.
But you’re here for the creative daily specials like the apricot glazed pork chops and the Steak Maui—dishes that arrive beautifully plated and steaming hot. The portions are generous enough to justify the reasonable prices, and servers like Dion, Lena, and Rhiannon make every visit feel special with their attentive, friendly service. Even on busy nights, the staff handles everything smoothly, with managers ensuring everything runs perfectly.
Whether you’re a regular or returning after years away, J. Alexander’s remains that reliable spot where the cocktails are delicious, the desserts hit the spot, and you leave already planning your next meal.
Sister Sara Crab House
$$ | (954) 870-7080 | WEBSITE
Sure, most of us can manage to steam some shrimp at home. But sometimes you just want to hand over the seafood boil, and Sister Sara Crab House is one of the best spots in Fort Lauderdale for it. They’ll load up your crab boil with shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn (yes, you read that right), or our favorite, the snow crab tub with garlic butter.
There are standout dishes like the perfectly seasoned fried shrimp or a grilled oyster that splits the table, and the whole experience is a lot more laid-back than the very hip music vibe that happens here on weekends.
Fins & Things Caribbean Seafood Bar & Grill
$$ | (954) 533-8746 | WEBSITE
It’s not unusual to find Caribbean food in strip malls, food trucks, or at beachside shacks. But a Jamaican spot that makes you forget you’re in Fort Lauderdale? That’s the real deal, or actually, the authentic one. Fins & Things has been dishing out island flavors for years, serving as a go-to for people who crave jerk spices and curry sauces, presumably for those who need a taste of Kingston without the passport. The food is way better than you’d hope.
Settle into one of the wooden booths, order the curried oxtail with its amazing sauce, and let the generous portions remind you why you’ll brave the chaotic service to come back.
Burlock Coast
$$$ | (954) 302-6460 | WEBSITE
Burlock Coast serves up the kind of beachfront seafood fantasy you’d see in a Florida travel brochure: soft lighting, tasteful decor, and people who look like they just stepped off a yacht ordering oysters and martinis. The good news? It can be your fantasy, too. This relaxed restaurant offers both patio and indoor seating, so snag a table facing the ocean where you can watch the waves while eating grilled octopus and sipping a pineapple puree martini.
G&B Oyster Bar
$$ | (954) 525-2421 | WEBSITE
Weekend evenings might be the best way to experience G&B Oyster Bar. Things are so lively, they dispense with the reservation system entirely, so you can stroll straight up to the host stand and grab a table without waiting approximately a million years. You might even get a seat at the bar. The mahi mahi and potato crusted snapper are great, but our go-to is always the birria langostino tacos with hush puppies on the side, and a key lime pie chaser.
Seafood is the most important meal of the day, and we are ready and willing to take advantage of that.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
$$$$ | (954) 468-3583 | WEBSITE
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is a Fort Lauderdale institution and a tentpole of the city’s upscale dining scene. Come Friday and Saturday evenings, the place will be full of people eating velvety yellowfin tuna sashimi and house shrimp cocktail. If you want to skip the crowds, head over on a weekday when the dining room empties a bit and snagging a high-top by the bar is almost guaranteed.
Coconuts
$$ | (954) 525-2421 | WEBSITE
Coconuts is a waterfront seafood spot in Fort Lauderdale serving crowd-pleasing dishes that actually live up to the hype. Think lobster rolls piled high with sweet meat, jambalaya packed with smoky sausage and shrimp, and scallops seared to a perfect golden brown. The menu is straightforward and reliable. Meals happen on a spacious covered patio overlooking the marina, filled with boats bobbing in the water and diners enjoying the lively atmosphere.
The staff is friendly and attentive, especially when you mention food allergies, and they get your food out fast and hot. Valet parking makes it easy to find a spot in the busy beach area. While the patio could use some music and some dishes can be a bit oily, it’s hard to complain when you’re digging into a bowl of chowder with salted ham or bacon or finishing with a slice of Key Lime pie.
Overall, Coconuts is a well-run restaurant that delivers tasty meals and a great view, making it a favorite for special occasions and visits when you’re in town.
Anthony’s Clam House & Grill
$$ | (954) 595-2104 | WEBSITE
At Anthony’s Clam House & Grill, the air smells like garlic and ocean brine, there are nautical touches throughout, and you’ll probably see a couple celebrating an anniversary with a bottle of Caymus. This is the kind of welcoming, classic seafood spot you want for a special night out. Order something standout like tender Mediterranean octopus, the rich veal parmigiana, PEI mussels in white wine, or clam pasta that’s perfectly al dente.
Quarterdeck Restaurants
$$ | (954) 524-6163 | WEBSITE
Quarterdeck Restaurants goes from a lively weekend hotspot to a relaxed weekday retreat. The fresh grouper and shrimp dishes taste so much better when you’re enjoying them on the outdoor patio without the weekend crowds. The watermelon margarita and consistent bar food hit the spot perfectly when you can just walk in and find a comfortable seat.
Rendezvous
$$ | (954) 797-0054 | WEBSITE
Rendezvous is an excellent seafood restaurant in Fort Lauderdale with a beautiful terrace where you can always find a great view. It’s pretty warm and inviting in here, so if you need to unwind before you enjoy a lively evening out, you can sit by the window and watch the scenery. Walk in any evening, and you’ll find a bunch of people eating huge shrimp and lobster linguini, very filling mahi tacos, and some of the best clam chowder in Florida.
Even Keel Las Olas
$$ | (754) 701-4895 | WEBSITE
This hidden gem is one of the few seafood spots in Fort Lauderdale that’ll remind you there used to be fishing boats docking along Las Olas instead of yachts. You’ll be wrapped in coastal charm once your couldn’t-give-a-hoot server arrives with briny oysters, a double smashburger, and a classic margarita. The menu—and flavors—are bold, so it’s best to show up with an appetite. Or just get to know the gaggle of sun-kissed couples sharing lobster rolls one table over.
