10 Best Fried Fish Restaurant Chains In Florida You Should Visit
Florida’s sunny shores aren’t just famous for beaches – they’re home to some amazing fried fish spots too!
As someone who’s spent countless weekends hunting for the perfect crispy catch, I’ve assembled my top picks across the Sunshine State.
From casual beachside joints to upscale seafood havens, these restaurant chains serve up the freshest fish with that perfect golden crunch we all crave.
1. Long John Silver’s: The Classic Seafood Experience
Yo-ho-ho and a bucket of fish! Long John Silver’s has been my guilty pleasure since childhood road trips to Daytona Beach. Something about their signature batter – light yet crunchy with that hint of sweetness – takes me straight back to simpler times.
Their Florida locations nail the beach-town vibe while serving up those iconic planks of wild-caught Alaskan cod. The hush puppies? Absolutely non-negotiable sides in my book.
What I love most is how they’ve stayed true to their pirate-themed roots while updating their menu with grilled options for health-conscious seafood lovers. Pro tip: ask for extra crunchies (those magical little batter bits) to sprinkle over everything. They’re free and utterly addictive!
2. Captain D’s: Fast-Casual Seafood Done Right
Remember that time I got caught in a thunderstorm in Pensacola and ducked into Captain D’s? Best impromptu lunch decision ever! Their fish practically shatters when you bite into it – that’s how perfectly crisp we’re talking.
Captain D’s stands out with their signature breadcrumb coating rather than beer batter, giving their fish a distinctly homestyle feel. The Florida locations feature bright, nautical-themed interiors that feel surprisingly upscale for the price point.
My personal order never changes: the two-piece fish meal with those amazing hush puppies and their tangy, not-too-sweet coleslaw. For under $10, it’s highway robbery considering the portion size and quality. Their tartar sauce deserves its own fan club – I may or may not have asked for extra cups to take home.
3. Red Lobster: Where Cheddar Bay Biscuits Meet Perfect Fish
Last anniversary, my partner surprised me with Red Lobster’s Admiral’s Feast – four different fried seafoods that sent my taste buds to heaven! While everyone raves about those addictive Cheddar Bay Biscuits (rightfully so), their fried fish deserves equal spotlight.
Florida’s Red Lobster locations benefit from proximity to fresh catches, and it shows in their crispy fish offerings. The hand-battered flounder has a delicate, flaky interior that contrasts beautifully with its golden exterior.
What keeps me coming back is their consistency – whether you’re at their Panama City Beach location or down in Miami, that first perfect bite of fish never disappoints. The slightly upscale atmosphere makes it feel like a treat without breaking the bank. Fair warning though: between the biscuits and the fish, saving room for their legendary chocolate wave dessert requires serious strategic planning!
4. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Not Just About Shrimp
Forrest would be proud! While shrimp might be in the name, I stumbled upon their fish and chips during a rainy afternoon at their Universal CityWalk location and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
The movie memorabilia creates such a fun atmosphere, but it’s their perfectly golden cod that steals the show. Each piece comes out piping hot with a beer batter that somehow stays crispy even as you work your way through their generous portions.
Florida’s Bubba Gump locations have that touristy charm but deliver seriously good eats. Their malt vinegar aioli elevates the humble fish and chips to something special. My family’s tradition now includes a Bubba Gump visit every time we hit Orlando – we take the trivia challenge way too seriously while demolishing plates of that incredible fried fish. The themed cocktails aren’t half bad either!
5. Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips: Celebrity Chef Quality Fish
Holy mackerel! When Chef Ramsay brought his fish and chips concept to Florida, I practically sprinted to try it. No screaming chef in sight, but the fish? Absolutely worthy of expletives – the good kind!
The British-style cod comes in a batter that’s somehow both substantial and light as air. Each piece gets a generous dusting of sea salt that makes the flavors pop. The Orlando location stays packed, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
What surprised me most was the variety of dipping sauces – from curry mango to sriracha aioli – that complement rather than overpower the delicate fish. The chips (don’t you dare call them fries here) are proper thick-cut potatoes with crispy exteriors and fluffy centers. Splurge on the sticky toffee shake if you’ve got room – it’s a perfect sweet contrast to all that savory goodness.
6. Applebee’s: Surprisingly Solid Seafood Options
Plot twist: Applebee’s hand-battered fish and chips saved my sanity during a family reunion in Tampa last summer! When everyone was arguing about where to eat, this crowd-pleaser kept the peace with unexpectedly delicious seafood.
The cod comes in a light beer batter that stays remarkably crisp throughout the meal. Florida Applebee’s locations often run seafood specials that mainland stores don’t, taking advantage of their coastal positioning.
What I appreciate most is how they don’t try to reinvent the wheel – just good, honest fried fish without pretension. The tartar sauce has a nice pickle-forward tang, and they don’t skimp on the lemon wedges. While not exclusively a seafood joint, Applebee’s deserves recognition for delivering consistent quality fish that satisfies even picky eaters. Their half-price appetizers during happy hour make the fried shrimp an absolute steal too!
7. Legal Sea Foods: Premium Fish With A Gourmet Touch
“Legally delicious” should be their tagline! My first visit to their Florida location came after hearing Boston friends rave about this chain for years. One bite of their lightly fried haddock sandwich, and I understood the hype instantly.
Legal Sea Foods takes pristine ingredients and treats them with respect. The batter is whisper-thin yet provides that satisfying crunch we crave. Their commitment to sustainability means you’re getting the absolute freshest catch possible.
The slightly higher price point is justified by the quality and portion size. Their tartar sauce is house-made with capers and dill that elevate it beyond the standard fare. What keeps me coming back is their seasonal fish options – sometimes local Florida catches get the fried treatment alongside their New England classics. The elegant-yet-casual atmosphere makes it perfect for both special occasions and “just because” meals.
8. Bonefish Grill: Upscale Fried Seafood Excellence
Call me fancy, but sometimes I need my fried fish fix with a side of ambiance! Bonefish Grill’s crispy cod with lemon butter became my birthday dinner tradition after that magical first bite three years ago.
Unlike typical heavy batters, Bonefish uses a panko coating that creates the perfect delicate crunch. The fish itself is consistently moist and flaky, never greasy. Florida locations often feature local catches as specials – the fried grouper when available is absolutely transcendent.
The dimly-lit atmosphere and attentive service elevate the experience beyond casual dining. Their signature Bang Bang Shrimp might get all the Instagram love, but don’t sleep on their fried fish options. Pair it with their seasonal vegetable side instead of fries for a slightly lighter meal. Pro tip: their happy hour offers some of these dishes at reduced prices, making that upscale experience more accessible.
9. Gator’s Dockside: Florida Sports Bar With Seafood Flair
Game day revelation: Gator’s Dockside isn’t just about wings and beer! Their fried catfish basket kept me happily distracted during last year’s painful Dolphins loss.
This Florida-born chain embraces local flavors with Southern-style cornmeal-crusted catfish that delivers serious crunch. The casual, energetic atmosphere with countless TVs makes it perfect for catching the game while satisfying seafood cravings.
What makes their fish special is the seasoning blend in the coating – slightly spicy with hints of garlic and paprika that keep you coming back for more. The portions are sports-bar generous, easily enough for leftovers. Their house-made remoulade sauce deserves special mention – tangy, slightly spicy, and the perfect companion to their crispy fish. Bonus points for the Florida-brewed craft beer selection that pairs perfectly with their seafood offerings.
10. Salt Shack On The Bay: Waterfront Fried Fish Paradise
Sunset dining doesn’t get better than this! Salt Shack’s beer-battered grouper sandwich watched over by Tampa Bay’s orange-pink skies created one of those perfect Florida moments I’ll never forget.
This growing mini-chain captures authentic Florida vibes with open-air seating and boats drifting by as you dine. The locally-caught grouper gets a light beer batter that enhances rather than masks the fish’s natural sweetness.
What makes Salt Shack special is how they balance casual beach shack atmosphere with surprisingly refined cooking techniques. The fish arrives piping hot with that perfect crunch-to-flake ratio. Their house-made key lime tartar sauce adds a distinctly Floridian twist. While technically more of a local small chain than a large franchise, their expansion across Florida’s Gulf Coast makes them worthy of inclusion. The slightly higher price point reflects the premium waterfront real estate and quality ingredients.