14 Florida All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Where The Seafood Stations Steal The Show
If you ever wondered what happens when a Florida beach party meets a bottomless brunch, the answer is a seafood‑laden buffet that makes Poseidon blush.
Think piles of oysters that pop like tiny fireworks, shrimp so plump they could double as stress balls, and crab legs that crack louder than a thunderclap on a summer afternoon. We’ve scoured the Sunshine State’s most flamboyant buffets to bring you 14 venues where the seafood stations aren’t just a side dish.
They’re the main attraction, the headliner, the grand finale of a culinary concert you’ll be bragging about for weeks.
1. Boston Lobster Feast – Orlando & Kissimmee
Lobster lovers rejoice at this seafood paradise where bright red crustaceans take center stage. The name doesn’t lie – whole Maine lobsters are the star attraction, with staff constantly replenishing the steaming trays.
Snow crab and blue crab stations flank the lobster area, creating a trifecta of shellfish heaven. Prime rib carving stations offer a break from seafood, while the extensive salad bar provides lighter options.
Weekends bring special additions like raw oysters and crab-stuffed sole. The casual family atmosphere makes this a perfect spot for celebrations or simply satisfying serious seafood cravings without breaking the bank.
2. Capt. Jack’s Family Buffet – Panama City Beach
Stunning Gulf views complement the seafood feast at this Panama City Beach institution. Floor-to-ceiling windows let diners watch waves crash while cracking into endless crab legs pulled from ice-filled troughs.
The shrimp station offers five preparations – fried, grilled, blackened, scampi-style, and peel-and-eat – satisfying every preference. Landlubbers appreciate the steak and pasta sections, while kids gravitate toward the pizza and chicken tender stations.
Dessert doesn’t disappoint with a chocolate fountain for strawberry dipping and homemade key lime pie that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. The casual, beachy atmosphere makes this spot perfect for post-swim refueling.
3. Shephard’s Ocean Flame – Clearwater Beach
Upscale buffet dining reaches new heights at this Clearwater Beach gem where Brazilian-style rotisserie meets fresh Florida seafood. The sushi station features a dedicated chef crafting rolls to order, with daily specials highlighting local catches.
I still remember my first visit when the carving station attendant sliced perfectly medium-rare prime rib while telling me about the restaurant’s 30-year history. That personal touch made the meal even more special.
The seafood section showcases local grouper, Gulf shrimp, and seasonal specialties like stone crab claws (when available). Save room for the dessert bar where homemade key lime pie and chocolate bread pudding compete for attention.
4. Whale Harbor Seafood Buffet – Islamorada
Keys casual meets culinary excellence at this Islamorada landmark where seafood takes center stage. The hand-shucked oyster station alone justifies the price, with briny mollusks opened continuously throughout service.
Smoked fish dip made in-house provides a quintessential Florida Keys experience, perfect for spreading on crackers between trips to the carving station. Grilled mahi-mahi and salmon offer lighter options, while crab cakes burst with lump meat and minimal filler.
The ceviche station showcases local catches marinated in citrus, changing daily based on what’s fresh. Peel-and-eat shrimp require some work but reward effort with sweet, tender meat perfect for dipping in cocktail sauce.
5. Mikata Buffet – Jacksonville
Asian fusion meets all-you-can-eat excess at this Jacksonville hotspot where sushi, hibachi, and Chinese stations compete for plate space. The sushi bar stretches nearly 20 feet with options ranging from simple California rolls to elaborate specialty creations topped with tempura flakes and spicy mayo.
Hibachi chefs put on a show while grilling shrimp, scallops, and fish to order, customizing spice levels and sauce combinations. The seafood section of the Chinese buffet offers salt-and-pepper shrimp, honey walnut prawns, and whole steamed fish.
I once challenged myself to try every seafood item in one visit and failed gloriously – there were simply too many options. Multiple dessert stations feature both Asian specialties like mochi and American favorites.
6. Joe’s Stone Crab – Miami Beach
Miami Beach history comes alive at this century-old institution where stone crab claws reign supreme. While not technically a buffet, the all-you-can-eat stone crab option (seasonal) transforms this elegant establishment into a shellfish lover’s paradise.
Servers in tuxedos deliver fresh batches of cracked claws with their signature mustard sauce until you surrender. The experience comes with hash browns, creamed spinach, and coleslaw – all refilled without asking.
The vintage dining room with white tablecloths and dark wood paneling has hosted celebrities and politicians since 1913. Reserve months ahead during stone crab season (October-May) or prepare for multi-hour waits for this legendary Miami Beach experience that’s worth every penny.
7. Coral Reef Restaurant – Epcot, Lake Buena Vista
Underwater magic meets seafood excellence at this unique Disney dining experience where floor-to-ceiling aquarium views accompany your meal. During special events throughout the year, the restaurant transforms its regular menu into an all-you-can-eat seafood extravaganza.
Stations appear throughout the dining room featuring crab legs, peel-and-eat shrimp, and freshly shucked oysters. The cold seafood bar offers ceviche, seafood salads, and smoked salmon, while hot stations serve everything from lobster mac and cheese to blackened mahi-mahi.
Kids stare wide-eyed at colorful fish, rays, and occasional scuba divers swimming by while parents enjoy unlimited trips to the carving station. The dessert section features Mickey-shaped treats alongside sophisticated options like passion fruit mousse.
8. The Crab Shack – St. Augustine
Old Florida charm permeates this rustic St. Augustine spot where seafood comes piled high on metal trays. The all-you-can-eat crab leg special transforms this casual eatery into a shellfish lover’s paradise every Wednesday and Sunday night.
Snow crab clusters arrive steaming hot with drawn butter and lemon wedges, replenished until you wave the white flag. Corn on the cob, red potatoes, and andouille sausage round out the feast, creating a proper low-country boil experience.
The open-air dining area overlooking salt marshes enhances the experience with gentle breezes and occasional dolphin sightings. Plastic bibs and roll after roll of paper towels acknowledge the delicious mess you’re about to make cracking into endless crab legs.
9. Old Bay Steamer – Clearwater Beach
Seaside simplicity defines the approach at this Clearwater Beach favorite where the all-you-can-eat snow crab special draws locals and tourists alike. Every Monday and Wednesday, crab lovers pack the nautical-themed dining room for unlimited clusters steamed with the restaurant’s signature spice blend.
The special includes red potatoes and corn on the cob, with servers bringing fresh batches of crab until you surrender. While not a traditional buffet, the unlimited tableside service creates the same satisfying experience without having to leave your seat.
Back in 2018, I challenged my brother-in-law to a crab-eating contest here – six clusters later, we both declared defeat while our server laughed. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes this a perfect post-beach dining option.
10. The Crab Pot – Panama City Beach
Seafood abundance meets beachside casual at this Panama City staple where the all-you-can-eat crab special draws crowds every Tuesday and Thursday. The no-frills approach focuses on what matters most – perfectly steamed snow crab clusters with drawn butter and lemon.
The special includes hush puppies, coleslaw, and fries – all refillable alongside those precious crab legs. Plastic bibs, crackers, and picks arrive with your first round, preparing you for the delicious battle ahead.
The restaurant’s weathered wood exterior and fishing decor set expectations for the straightforward seafood feast within. While not technically a buffet, servers bring fresh batches of crab until you surrender, creating the unlimited experience seafood lovers crave without leaving your table.
11. Captain’s Table – Fort Lauderdale
Nautical elegance meets seafood abundance at this Fort Lauderdale institution where the Sunday brunch buffet has satisfied seafood cravings for over three decades. The crab leg station features both snow and king varieties, requiring dedicated staff just to keep pace with demand.
The raw bar showcases Florida’s bounty with peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters, and ceviche made fresh throughout service. Hot stations offer everything from blackened mahi-mahi to shrimp scampi, while the carving station provides prime rib for those needing a break from seafood.
My grandmother still talks about her 80th birthday celebration here when the chef prepared her favorite lobster thermidor tableside. The champagne flows freely during Sunday brunch, included in the price alongside made-to-order omelets and Belgian waffles.
12. The Fish House – Key Largo
Keys casual meets seafood abundance at this Key Largo landmark where Friday night’s all-you-can-eat seafood buffet has become legendary. The outdoor waterfront setting with tiki torches and live music creates the perfect backdrop for unlimited seafood indulgence.
Stations feature everything from peel-and-eat shrimp to fried grouper fingers, conch fritters to steamed clams. The stone crab station (seasonal) requires a small upcharge but delivers the quintessential Florida Keys delicacy with mustard sauce for dipping.
Fresh fish arrives throughout the evening directly from boats docked behind the restaurant. The dessert section showcases Florida favorites like key lime pie and rum cake, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings after multiple trips to the seafood stations.
13. The Lobster Pot – Key West
Southernmost seafood reaches magnificent heights at this Key West institution where the Thursday night seafood buffet has developed a cult following. The lobster station features both Maine tails and Florida spiny lobster when in season, with staff cracking and preparing portions to order.
The raw bar showcases Key West pink shrimp, local oysters, and conch salad prepared with traditional Bahamian spicing. Hot stations offer everything from lobster mac and cheese to yellowtail snapper prepared Creole-style with peppers and onions.
The restaurant’s location near Mallory Square makes it perfect for dinner before watching Key West’s famous sunset celebration. While pricier than some buffets, the quality and variety of seafood – much of it caught the same day – justifies every penny spent.
14. The Shrimp Boat – St. Petersburg
Waterfront views enhance the seafood experience at this St. Petersburg favorite where Wednesday’s all-you-can-eat shrimp night transforms the regular menu into a crustacean celebration. While not a traditional buffet, the unlimited tableside service creates the same satisfying experience.
Choose from five preparations – fried, coconut, buffalo, garlic scampi, or peel-and-eat – with servers bringing fresh batches until you wave them off. The special includes hush puppies and coleslaw, both refillable alongside those precious shrimp.
The restaurant’s dock-to-dish approach means seafood arrives daily from local fishermen, sometimes visible unloading their catches from the dining room windows. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes this a perfect weeknight treat without breaking the bank.