If you’re in Fort Lauderdale and craving seafood, Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille beckons with its sustainable offerings and prime Las Olas location. Get a taste of what sets Wild Sea apart—from their commitment to organic ingredients to the engaging atmosphere that encapsulates the vibrancy of the surrounding boulevard. Step inside to see why Wild Sea isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that defines coastal dining in the city, making it a top choice for wild sea Fort Lauderdale.
Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille Overview
- Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille at the historic Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale flaunts a chic modern ambiance with a commitment to organic, fresh seafood, offering an elevated dining experience on the lively Las Olas Boulevard.
- Executive Chef Toby Joseph, with over 15 years of culinary expertise, crafts a menu infused with simplicity and innovation, highlighting organic seafood and signature dishes complemented by a creative cocktail menu inspired by global flavors.
- The restaurant is a social hotspot, featuring popular happy hour specials, weekly events like Oyster Mania Mondays, and prides itself on providing attentive service that elevates the Wild Sea experience for locals and tourists alike.
Dive into the Wild Sea Experience
Stepping into the chic and modern ambiance of Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille, you immediately get a sense of what this dining experience is all about. The vibe captures the lively spirit of Wild Sea Las Olas, with a stylish alfresco dining area offering a front-row seat to the energetic Las Olas Boulevard. Beyond the ambiance, the restaurant distinguishes itself with a firm commitment to organic seafood. You can taste the restaurant’s commitment to quality in their fresh salads, raw bar, and delicious seafood dishes, including unique options like Brazilian seafood stew.
Wild Sea is indeed a popular spot on the dining scene of Fort Lauderdale. This establishment offers more than just breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Wild Sea’s distinctive characteristic is its unwavering commitment to providing superior seafood dining experiences at the historic Riverside Hotel, making it a favorite among tourists and Fort Lauderdale locals alike.
The Heart of Las Olas
Situated in Fort Lauderdale FL, on East Las Olas Boulevard, Wild Sea is right at the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. This bustling area is home to a lively atmosphere, with a myriad of:
- shopping
- dining
- events
- entertainment options
Galleries, fashion boutiques, art galleries, and a variety of restaurants line the streets, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed brunch at sidewalk cafes and a day of exploring the local shops.
Besides its vibrant locale, locals are drawn to Wild Sea due to its prime location at 620 East Las Olas Blvd. Nestled in the Colee Hammock neighborhood, right next to The Riverside Hotel, Wild Sea enjoys a prime spot that has garnered positive reviews on Tripadvisor, OpenTable, and Yelp. Its popularity among locals and tourists alike stands testament to the restaurant’s appeal.
Ambiance and Decor
Wild Sea offers more than just food; it presents an entire dining experience at its hotel restaurant, which is greatly enhanced by its:
- modern decor
- ambiance
- stylish furniture
- upscale energy
- designer touches
These elements reflect a contemporary and progressive vibe that is versatile enough for any dining occasion.
For those who prefer an outdoor dining experience, the restaurant’s terrace is a great spot. Overlooking Las Olas Boulevard, the terrace is furnished with modern pieces and provides a relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner spot or a place to enjoy a refreshing cocktail on a warm evening, the terrace at Wild Sea is the perfect choice.
A Culinary Journey with Chef Toby Joseph
At the helm of Wild Sea’s kitchen is Executive Chef Toby Joseph, a culinary maestro with over 15 years of expertise. Chef Joseph’s prowess in the culinary world has earned him numerous accolades, including Inside magazine’s awards every year since 2002. His vast experience and dedication to creating unforgettable dining experiences, even for those who aren’t particularly fond of seafood, undoubtedly add to the restaurant’s appeal.
Simplicity and innovation form the cornerstone of Chef Joseph’s culinary philosophy. His dishes at Wild Sea are unique and top-notch, and his creativity goes beyond the food. The cocktail menu at Wild Sea, featuring innovative drinks like the Lemon Juice Wild Fashion, adds a creative twist to the dining experience. Chef Joseph’s inspiration comes from his travels around the world, which is reflected in the diverse and exciting menu at Wild Sea.
Organic Seafood Specialties
Wild Sea holds its commitment to sustainability and organic seafood in high regard. The restaurant champions farm-to-table and sustainable seafood practices, making sure their seafood is top-notch and organic. By doing so, they not only ensure a tantalizing dining experience but also contribute positively to the environment.
Their menu is a testament to their commitment, featuring a variety of fresh, organic seafood options. From crisp salads to a raw bar boasting oysters, clams, and shrimp, to seafood specialties like grilled salmon, seared scallops, and pan-roasted snapper, Wild Sea ensures a sustainable and delicious dining experience for all seafood lovers.
Signature Dishes
Exploring further than the organic seafood specialties, Wild Sea’s menu also boasts a selection of signature dishes. These dishes are the restaurant’s big hits, loved by patrons for their distinctive flavors that perfectly encapsulate Wild Sea’s culinary philosophy. Among these signature dishes are the Crimson Snapper Salad, Citrus Poached Shrimp, and East Coast Oysters.
The Crimson Snapper Salad features pre-cooked Red Snapper in big chunks, finely chopped red onion, capers, and some extra ingredients for an enhanced flavor. The Citrus Poached Shrimp, on the other hand, is poached in water infused with lemon juice, offering a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the shrimp. Meanwhile, the East Coast Oysters, though shrouded in mystery, are always fresh and top-notch, making them a must-try for any seafood enthusiast.
Savor the Flavors: Menu Highlights
Along with its signature dishes, Wild Sea provides a plethora of menu highlights that appeal to a variety of palates. Their raw bar selections and handcrafted cocktails are particularly worth mentioning, offering a diverse range of flavors that complement their main dishes perfectly.
The raw bar features:
- Fresh Rhode Island oysters
- Crisp cherrystones
- Littleneck clams
- Jumbo shrimp
To accompany these raw delights, Wild Sea’s handcrafted cocktails are a treat. Each concoction, such as the Riverside Mojito and the Cranberry Bitters Wild Sea, is thoughtfully crafted, providing a unique twist to traditional cocktails.
Fresh from the Raw Bar
Wild Sea’s raw bar exemplifies the freshness and quality of their seafood. The offerings include a variety of options for seafood lovers, such as:
- East Coast oysters
- Northern clams
- Lobster
- Shrimp
Each item on the raw bar menu, including the bun grilled fish sandwich, is selected for its freshness and quality.
One of the highlights of the raw bar is the Wild Sea Ceviche. This unique dish features Crimson Snapper, Cucumber, Red Onion, Serrano Chile, Blood Orange-Watermelon Juice, Watermelon Cubes, and Sea Salt, offering a burst of flavors with each bite. And if you’re looking to sample a bit of everything, the Raw Bar Sampler, which includes East Coast Oysters, Northern Clams, and Poached Shrimp, is the perfect choice.
Cocktails with a Twist
A meal at Wild Sea wouldn’t be complete without sampling one of their handcrafted cocktails. The cocktail menu at Wild Sea is as diverse and creative as the food menu. Each cocktail is crafted with unique ingredients like:
- tomato
- mango
- blackberry
- blueberry coulis
- slab bacon
These ingredients offer a unique twist on classic cocktails, like a refreshing key lime pie-inspired drink.
Among the standout cocktails are:
- Riverside Mojito
- L.O.B. Espresso Martini
- Las Olas Clover Club
- La Resistencia
- Kleopatra
- Wild Fashion
- Spicy WS Margarita
- Wild Sea
For those looking for something truly unique, the Flor de Cana Silver cocktail, made with Flor de Caña 12-Year Rum, Vintage Medium Dry Cider, Premium Sparkling Water, and Malt Vinegar, is certainly worth a try.
Dining Delights for Every Occasion
Wild Sea transcends the typical restaurant – it caters to every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner spot, a place to unwind after work, or a venue for a special celebration, Wild Sea has something for everyone. With its happy hour specials and weekly events, the restaurant ensures there’s always something new to experience and enjoy.
Happy hour at Wild Sea is a crowd favorite, offering discounted drinks and appetizers every day from 5PM to 7PM, with extended hours until 10PM on Thursdays. Beyond happy hour, the restaurant hosts weekly events like Oyster Mania Mondays, Casual Wine Tasting on Wednesdays, and the Friday lunch special, each with its own special offerings and unique experiences.
Happy Hour Happenings
Happy hour at Wild Sea is a bustling affair. With half off all drinks priced at $12 and under, it’s the perfect occasion to unwind after a long day and sample their diverse cocktail menu. The lively and fancy atmosphere, coupled with top-notch service, make it the perfect spot for after-work gatherings.
However, happy hour at Wild Sea isn’t just about discounted drinks. The restaurant also offers appetizer specials, providing a perfect pairing for their cocktails. The combination of good food, refreshing drinks, and a lively atmosphere makes Wild Sea’s happy hour a not-to-be-missed event.
Weekly Wonders
Apart from happy hour, Wild Sea hosts a range of weekly events that offer unique dining experiences. One of the highlights is Oyster Mania Mondays, where diners can enjoy $1.50 oysters – a real treat for oyster lovers! They also have special promotions on food and drinks throughout the week, ensuring that there’s always something new to try.
In addition to the daily happy hour, Wild Sea has a special deal at the bar every day and all day on Thursdays, where drinks under $14 and oysters are half off. With such a diverse range of offerings, it’s no wonder that Wild Sea is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Service with Sophistication
One essential component of Wild Sea’s success lies in their dedication to delivering superior service. The restaurant prides itself on offering attentive and professional service, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all guests. From the moment you step into Wild Sea, you’re greeted with a warm welcome and an ambiance that exudes sophistication.
The service at Wild Sea is all about attention to detail. From the well-curated menu to the carefully crafted cocktails, every element is thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming atmosphere. This dedication to excellent service, coupled with their delicious food offerings, makes Wild Sea a restaurant that’s worth coming back to.
Local Love: Why Residents Keep Coming Back
Fort Lauderdale locals are enamored by Wild Sea’s dedication to quality and innovation. Their consistent quality, innovative menu, and welcoming atmosphere make it a go-to spot for residents. The restaurant’s features include:
- Modern vibe
- Stylish furniture
- Designer details
- Sidewalk terrace
These features have made it a favorite among locals, who appreciate the wide variety of options on the menu, even though some might say they are not a fan of the poor slow service.
The locals’ love for Wild Sea is evident in the rave reviews the restaurant receives. With a stellar 4.5 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor, it’s clear that locals appreciate the delicious food, quick service, and reasonable prices at Wild Sea. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and service, combined with its unique offerings, make it a culinary destination that locals keep coming back to.
Summary
Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille is a culinary gem in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. With its commitment to organic seafood, innovative menu, and modern ambiance, it offers a unique dining experience that’s hard to match. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Wild Sea provides a gastronomic journey that’s sure to impress.
From the fresh seafood offerings at the raw bar to the unique concoctions on their cocktail menu, every aspect of the dining experience at Wild Sea is thoughtfully curated. The weekly events and happy hour specials offer something new to experience each time you visit. With its top-notch service, sophisticated decor, and an executive chef dedicated to creating unforgettable culinary experiences, Wild Sea is great spot for dining on Las Olas.
Overall, this place didn’t impress me enough to make my list of the 8 best seafood restaurants in Ft Lauderdale, but it certainly is worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Las Olas Boulevard start?
Las Olas Boulevard starts at SW 1st Avenue in the Central Business District and extends all the way to Florida State Road A1A in Fort Lauderdale Beach. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, with palm trees, luxurious homes, and stunning yachts.
What is Wild Sea known for?
Wild Sea is known for its commitment to organic seafood and an innovative menu with a diverse range of dishes, including a popular raw bar and unique cocktail offerings. It’s a go-to spot for seafood enthusiasts.
Who is the executive chef at Wild Sea?
The executive chef at Wild Sea is Toby Joseph, a culinary maestro with over 15 years of expertise in the field.
What are some of the signature dishes at Wild Sea?
Some of the signature dishes at Wild Sea include the Crimson Snapper Salad, Citrus Poached Shrimp, and East Coast Oysters. Delight your taste buds with these flavorful offerings!
What special events does Wild Sea host?
Wild Sea hosts a variety of special events such as Oyster Mania Mondays, Casual Wine Tasting on Wednesdays, and a daily happy hour from 5PM to 7PM (extended until 10PM on Thursdays). So, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
