According to recent numbers, over 10 million visitors flock to Fort Lauderdale each year. While we’re not known as a huge “foodie” destination, one thing I do think we really elevate is seafood. Today I’ll share with you my eight best seafood restaurants that I’ve been to numerous times over my 20+ years of living in the area.
Whether you are a resident looking for new recommendations, or one of the many tourists passing through, here’s my top places for seafood in the greater Lauderdale area. I do say “greater Lauderdale” because you’ll see an establishment mentioned that’s just outside here in nearby Hollywood.
8 of the Best Seafood Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This list has some high end, fancy joints where you’ll have to dress up. It also gives you some of the casual coastal seafood restaurants where your appearance does not matter. I didn’t rank them in any way other than personal preference, so I’ll make notes on dress code where applicable.
- Billys Stone Crab
- Lobster Bar & Sea Grille
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
- G & B Oyster Bar
- Southport Raw Bar
- Kelly’s Landing
- 15th Street Fisheries
- Blue Moon Fish Company
Let’s get into a summary of each venue.
1. Billy’s Stone Crab (Hollywood, Florida)
On our first stop, we have Billy’s Stone Crab. Located just south of Hollywood, in the quaint seaside town of Fort Lauderdale, this seafood restaurant has been around for almost 40 years.
When it comes to the food, you can expect Florida stone crabs and seafood marinara that pair perfectly with a wide range of sides. However, that’s not all. If you want to try something other than seafood, they make some good lamb chops too.
Even though the food was enough to convince me, the atmosphere doesn’t disappoint either. Whether you’re looking for more of a fine dining experience or a casual bite to eat, Billy’s can create the ideal atmosphere. The two-story building also gives you the opportunity to watch the magnificent sunset if you’re out for dinner. Upstairs at Billy’s is a bit more upscale, but while they will wear suits and give you white glove service, you don’t have to dress to the nines to dine here.
Name: Billy’s Stone Crab
Address: 400 North Ocean Drive, Hollywood, FL 33019
Website: https://crabs.com
Phone number: (954) 923-2300
2. Lobster Bar & Sea Grille
The multiple awards this Fort Lauderdale seafood restaurant has won speak for itself. From the Critic’s Pick for Best Seafood Restaurant and Zagat’s One of South Florida’s Best Restaurants, it’s clear this establishment in Fort Lauderdale, FL, has some outstanding dishes to offer and it’s widely considered one of the best restaurants in Ft Lauderdale.
Jeff Pfeiffer, the executive chef, has worked with many other world-renowned chefs to create simple and delicious food with fresh and high-quality seafood. Some of the most popular and delicious seafood dishes Lobster Bar & Sea Grille makes include:
- Hawaii Ahi Tuna Tartare with white soy citronette and avocado
- Sesame seared Ahi Tuna Loin with a port wine glaze
- Lightly fried South African Lobster Morsels filled with Greek honey-mustard aioli
- Key West Stone Crab Claws and the shellfish tower
You can expect the full package when visiting this premium and luxurious establishment, from juicy live lobsters to stone crabs to a lively and friendly atmosphere.
Dress code is business casual to suits, no baseball caps for men.
Name: Lobster Bar Sea Grille
Address: 450 E Las Olas Blvd Ste 190
Website: https://lobsterbarseagrille.com/
Phone number: (954) 772-2675
3. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie V’s is new to the Fort Lauderdale seafood scene, but this chain has a few locations and a great reputation. It’s fancy, so dress up!
A few must-try meals include the wide range of East Coast and West Coast oysters and Petrossian caviar. However, I highly recommend trying out the Big Eddy. While it costs $135, it’s certainly worth it. To start it off, you’ll get a delicious appetizer with king crab, eight shrimp, tuna poke, eight oysters, and Maine lobsters.
This is a sophisticated atmosphere that compliments the unique dishes offered by Eddie V’s Prime Seafood. One thing you can count on when you visit this restaurant is having an unforgettable experience. You’ll certainly be back for more.
Name: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Address: 100 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Website: https://www.eddiev.com/home
Phone number: (954) 468-3583
4. G & B Oyster Bar
As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in a variety of oysters. This is no surprise considering it’s just five minutes away from the beach. You can choose between raw, crispy, grilled, or fried oysters.
Apart from the oysters, it makes a fantastic crispy snapper, smoked fish dip, lobster fried rice, and other types of shellfish. If you’re a fan of chowder, they have an affordable and flavorful conch and clam chowder.
I’ll also let you in on a little secret: make sure to ask them about their outdoor paella and lobster boil specials. They always have something special for you. G & B Oyster Bar is ideal for dining with your friends and family or alone. Therefore, you can expect great food, a wonderful atmosphere, and a fantastic time! Super casual and always a good time.
Name: G & B Oyster Bar
Address: 429 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Website: https://www.gandboysterbar.com
Phone number: (954) 525-2421
5. Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant
Pull up in your car, or dock up out back with your boat. Just come here. It’s a neighborhood bar vibe in what looks like your lazy uncle’s living room in the inside, and your cool uncle’s backyard on the outside.
Forget the odd and dated decor – this place is absolute FIRE. You’ll see freshly shucked oysters at the bar and an amazing fish dip among many other items. This is one of the best places to eat oysters and drink ice cold beer in Fort Lauderdale. Dress however you want. They really don’t care. Just come here and eat the amazing food and enjoy the vibe.
Name: Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant
Address: 536 Cordova Road, Fort Lauderdale, Fl, 33316
Website: http://www.southportrawbar.com
Phone number: (954) 525-2526
6. Kelly’s Landing New England Seafood
Do you love fresh New England style seafood? Then Kelly’s Landing New England Seafood is a great spot for you located in the Harbordale neighborhood. You’ll find the flavors and aromas you’re looking for in this restaurant’s local catches, including its Florida Stone Crab Claws and broiled twin Florida Lobster tails.
Furthermore, this establishment has been around since 1987. One of the things I admire about this restaurant is that it tried its best to preserve its menu. It has maintained the beauty and integrity of its fresh seafood dishes; however, it has made a few modern tweaks to contribute to its more pleasant atmosphere.
You’ll feel like your in Boston from the moment you step in. Get the chowder. Get some ice cold beer. Try some ipswich clams or steamers. It’s a casual setting with a different daily special every day of the week. It does get crowded as it’s a locals favorite.
Name: Kelly’s Landing New England Seafood
Address: 1305 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Website: https://www.kellyslanding.com
Phone number: (954) 760-7009
7. 15th Street Fisheries (Upstairs Dining)
Located in the Lauderdale Marina, 15th Street Fisheries is a true gem that’s easy to get to. If you’re driving from I-95, take the I-595 and find your way to US-1. From there, you’ll find the restaurant 1.5 miles north.
This is an all-inclusive experience that ticks all the boxes, from food to atmosphere. Plus, the breathtaking waterway views of this two-story building make it even more special. Apart from this, the owners have also paid a great deal of attention to the decoration. When it comes to the menu, 15th Street Fisheries has an impressive dockside and upstairs diner menu.
You can enjoy freshly caught fish, an expansive bar menu, and great views from this upstairs location. Dress code is business casual. Shorts fly, but don’t be the guy in jean shorts!
Name: 15th Street Fisheries
Address: 1900 SE 15th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Website: https://www.15streetfisheries.com
Phone number: (954) 763-2777
8. Blue Moon Fish Company
I’m going to add this one because of it’s all you can eat brunch. For one price (around $80 per person) you can get all you can eat sushi, oysters, crab legs, and so much more. I don’t waste time on eggs, bacon, and pancakes, and I tend to get my money’s worth on the seafood and unlimited drinks. It’s a two hour window, so make sure you make the most of it.
Again, this is a special place for brunch. I don’t dine here outside of their weekend brunch, so I can’t speak of that. But it hits the spot every time we get brunch there.
Name: Blue Moon Fish Company
Address: 4405 WEST Tradewinds Avenue, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308
Website: https://www.bluemoonfishco.com
Phone number: (954) 267-9888
Others worth mentioning include:
Other Cuisine in Fort Lauderdale:
- Italian Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
- Ft Lauderdale Sushi
- Where to Eat Mexican in Ft Lauderdale
- Steak Houses in Ft. Lauderdale
The Bottom Line
Fort Lauderdale seafood is abundant and the range from casual to high end gives you many options for all levels. This is just my list of the best places to eat seafood in Fort Lauderdale, and trust me, there are many more. Please feel free to leave comments with your favorite seafood places in Ft Lauderdale in the comments below. Enjoy!