Fort Lauderdale’s seafood scene thrives where the Atlantic meets the Intracoastal, offering everything from dockside shacks to white-tablecloth establishments. With influences ranging from Caribbean spice to classic Floridian freshness, this city makes it easy to find good fish—but you’re here for the exceptional. These twelve spots deliver precisely that.
Rendezvous
$$ | (954) 797-0054 | WEBSITE
Rendezvous is a fantastic Fort Lauderdale restaurant that serves exceptional seafood with huge portions. This waterfront spot features all of the local favorites, like shrimp and lobster linguini, clam chowder, and mahi tacos, and it’s a great option for when enjoying a beautiful view sounds appealing.
If you want to sip creative cocktails while doing so, though, grab a seat on the terrace, where you can get a full meal for around $40 and a few drinks that will collectively cost you less than twenty dollars. Depending on how you feel afterward, take a stroll along the nearby marina—this is one of those instances when extending a waterfront dinner makes complete sense.
Fins & Things Caribbean Seafood Bar & Grill
$$ | (954) 533-8746 | WEBSITE
Fins & Things Caribbean Seafood Bar & Grill makes our favorite Jamaican food in Fort Lauderdale (yes, even better than the tourist spots). They’ve been serving curried oxtail, jerk lamb, and brownstew fish since they opened. They also make a curried goat that’s equally good, using authentic recipes, which is the gold standard for Caribbean comfort food. Did we mention there’s also a chaotic service situation that tests your patience and a dining room that’s often packed to capacity?
15th Street Fisheries
$$ | (954) 763-2777 | WEBSITE
Waterfront seafood spots in Fort Lauderdale are as common as the boats docked along the Intracoastal. There are endless options, but if you want a great one, head to 15th Street Fisheries in the heart of the city. This charming restaurant has been a local favorite for decades and has been hosting everyone from families celebrating birthdays to tourists seeking a memorable meal since they first opened.
The standout dishes are the lobster/crab roll and the ceviche, though the cheddar jalapeño crispers are a great way to satisfy any spicy-and-cheesy cravings. Make sure to enjoy the complimentary homemade bread, and ask for a glass of wine from their extensive list—especially on days when bottles are half off.
Quarterdeck Restaurants
$$ | (954) 524-6163 | WEBSITE
Quarterdeck Restaurants is as quintessential as Fort Lauderdale seafood gets. And while it’s one of the most popular spots in the city, it’s been serving fresh grouper and shrimp in its vibrant indoor/outdoor setting for years. The bustling patio area and near-guarantee of sharing space with fellow diners enjoying the weather is worth it—the seafood is always fresh, generously prepared, and makes for a satisfying meal alongside their great bar food and unique watermelon margarita.
With friendly staff ensuring everyone feels comfortable and ample parking making access easy, it’s a must-visit destination that delivers a phenomenal dining experience every time.
Kelly’s Landing New England Seafood
$$ | (954) 760-7009 | WEBSITE
The lobster roll might be the most famous seafood dish in New England, but the fried Ipswich belly clams—a generous portion that can easily satisfy two people—are a close second. You can find them across Fort Lauderdale, but they’re perfected at Kelly’s Landing in a rustic strip mall setting, and that’s where you should try them. This New England seafood spot continues to draw crowds with its fresh offerings and efficient service.
There’s always a dinner rush, but they’re constantly preparing their specialties, so the wait moves quick.
Evelyn’s
$$$$ | (754) 336-3100 | WEBSITE
This seafood and Mediterranean restaurant has been a Fort Lauderdale favorite for years. Maybe it’s because the third-floor space feels like a luxurious coastal retreat with stunning ocean views, fabulous decor, and a welcoming poolside ambiance. Or, maybe it’s thanks to the upscale yet warm atmosphere and the fact that all the seafood is exceptional, no matter the preparation. Start with the saffron lobster roll, which is fresh and delectable and comes with sumac fries for dipping.
Evelyn’s is also the place to try the tender Wagyu Beef when you’re craving something rich. For vegetarian options, the cauliflower steak is impressive with delicious spreads, and potentially the best we’ve ever had. Always save room for the memorable crème brûlée.
Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant
$$ | (954) 525-2526 | WEBSITE
A late afternoon at Southport Raw Bar is the perfect Fort Lauderdale escape and the best way to unwind after a day on the water. To do it right, you need to grab a spot on the outdoor deck, which means arriving before the live music starts around sunset. You can sit inside, but there’s no guarantee of catching that old Florida vibe other than just claiming a table outside early.
Once you’re settled, it’s basically a laid-back party where the staff exudes warm Southern hospitality, drinking is definitely encouraged, and you can eat local favorites like mahi-mahi tacos and conch fritters until you’re ready to order more to go. This place is just a ton of fun, partly because of the all-over-the-place crowd: you’ll probably see sunburned fishermen, families with kids adding to the lively atmosphere, and plenty of groups enjoying wings and fries washed down with a beer.
Anthony’s Clam House & Grill
$$ | (954) 595-2104 | WEBSITE
Anthony’s Clam House & Grill sits among Fort Lauderdale’s seafood spots, but it feels refreshingly distinct from the typical touristy joints. This classic restaurant serves up delicious fare, with standout dishes like Mediterranean octopus, veal parmigiana, PEI mussels, and clam pasta. The best time to visit is for their monthly Wine Dinner, where they offer superb food pairings with excellent wines, and the Caymus host provides great insights into the brand’s history.
You should also make time for their happy hour, which features fabulous drinks at great value, perfect for enjoying after a day by the water.
Thai Spice
$$ | (954) 771-4535 | WEBSITE
Thai Spice has been serving authentic Thai cuisine in Fort Lauderdale for years and has barely changed its winning formula. Come here for dinner and stick to the classics, especially the Panang Curry with tofu, but also throw in some crab rangoons if you’re feeling indulgent. As a forewarning, Thai Spice offers mild, medium, or hot spice levels to suit every palate, so plan your order accordingly.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
$$$$ | (954) 468-3583 | WEBSITE
There are certain things you have to do at least once in Fort Lauderdale, like watch the sunset over the Intracoastal, stroll along Las Olas Boulevard, and enjoy a waterfront cocktail. Eating the yellowfin tuna sashimi at Eddie V’s is also on that list. This spot in the city offers a serene ambiance and serves great modern seafood, like calamari and shrimp cocktail. But really, it’s all about the sashimi.
Sure, you can add more small plates or enjoy the live music by the bar, but a better option is to just get more sashimi.
J. Alexander’s Restaurant
$$ | (954) 563-9077 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of Fort Lauderdale restaurants where you can walk in and feel like you’re getting consistent quality every single time. J. Alexander’s is one of them, and they also have both some classic American dishes and a polished, welcoming atmosphere. That means you’ll find things like shrimp cocktail, prime rib, and Steak Maui alongside creative daily specials.
Make a reservation for a family dinner where you’ll experience servers like Dion and Lena going above and beyond to explain what makes the mahi-mahi or apricot glazed pork chops so memorable.
Boatyard
$$$ | (954) 525-7400 | WEBSITE
If you only have brunch once in Fort Lauderdale, it should be at Boatyard. This place has a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere with high ceilings and tasteful decorations, creating a beautiful setting by the water canals and boats. It’s known for both its consistent service and high-quality food, like steak & eggs and huevos rancheros. If morning drinking is something you’re interested in, make sure to try from their impressive tequila selection.
And if you don’t feel like battling the weekend crowds that flock to Boatyard earlier in the day, dinner is also a great option. Save room for the Brussels sprouts, which are considered a standout side and fall in the category of dishes that you should probably not try to replicate at home.