12 Florida Seafood Chains Locals Say Are Worth It

Florida does seafood like nowhere else. Some spots lean dressy, with white tablecloths and ocean views, while others pile shrimp baskets on paper-lined trays.

Chains stretch from Miami’s waterfront to panhandle beach towns, serving stone crab, grouper, oysters, and every shrimp style you can imagine. Whether you’re craving polished dining rooms or flip-flop friendly decks, these chains capture Florida’s seafood spirit.

Grab a fork, crack a claw, and plan a drive down the coast with this lineup.

1. Truluck’s

Soft lighting and polished tables create a formal mood. Guests settle in for crab claws, attentive service, and a sense of occasion.

Founded in 1992, the brand became synonymous with Florida Stone Crab, which they source directly and never freeze. Menus balance seafood with prime steaks.

Locations in Naples, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami make reservations a smart move, especially during stone crab season. Prices are premium, but so is the experience.

2. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Live jazz sets the background in many Florida dining rooms. The tone is upscale but not stiff, leaning toward lively evenings.

Menu stars include chilled shellfish towers, lobster tacos, and premium fish cooked with classic techniques. Steaks share equal billing.

Service is polished, prices reflect the setting, and diners often dress up. Perfect for anniversaries or special nights.

3. Ocean Prime

Chic interiors give Ocean Prime a modern edge. Spaces feel designed for sleek dinners, with booths and glowing light.

Signature dishes range from sushi rolls to crab cakes, plus a lobster tail paired with steak. It caters to mixed preferences.

Locations in Tampa and Orlando operate daily, with entrées running upscale. Expect attentive staff and well-timed courses.

4. Mastro’s Ocean Club

High ceilings and dramatic lighting define the room. Guests lean into long meals here, often sharing seafood towers.

Mastro’s grew into Florida with a reputation for showmanship and oversized platters. Expect oysters, chilled shrimp, and giant crab claws.

Service is formal, pricing matches the luxury label, and reservations are essential. Suited for milestone celebrations.

5. The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Servers describe daily catches like a script, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on fresh sourcing. Décor blends classic steakhouse with coastal touches.

Menus change often, highlighting seasonal fish, oysters from multiple coasts, and straightforward preparations that let flavor lead.

Downtown Miami houses one location, drawing both travelers and locals. Expect high-end pricing and professional pacing.

6. Chart House

Waterfront seating dominates the appeal. Tables near the windows fill first, with views of bays or marinas.

Founded in the 1960s, Chart House built its brand on scenery as much as seafood. Grouper, mahi, and salmon are menu staples.

Reservations help, especially at sunset. Entrées are mid-to-high priced, portions filling. It’s about atmosphere as much as food.

7. Rusty Pelican

The Miami skyline glitters across Biscayne Bay from the dining room. Sunsets here draw photographers and couples alike.

Menu highlights include fresh local fish, ceviche, and large shrimp dishes. Presentation leans stylish without losing approachability.

Tables book quickly on weekends. Expect premium pricing for the view, with a mix of locals and tourists.

8. Landry’s Seafood House

Bright, family-friendly interiors set the tone. Booths fit groups, and servers keep platters moving fast.

Founded in Louisiana, Landry’s built Florida presence on shrimp platters, fried fish, and crab. Portions tend to lean large.

Pricing is moderate, and locations often sit near highways or attractions. It works well for families wanting a dependable seafood stop.

9. Bonefish Grill

Bang Bang Shrimp arrives quickly, setting the pace for the meal. Interiors feel polished casual, balancing energy with comfort.

Launched in St. Petersburg in 2000, Bonefish expanded statewide. Menus emphasize wood-grilled fish and seasonal specials.

Prices are mid-range, making it a flexible dinner option. Consistency keeps locals returning.

10. Pinchers

Paper-lined tables and buckets of crab give Pinchers a laid-back style. It feels coastal but never formal.

Family-owned and Florida-based, the chain stresses “you can’t fake fresh.” Grouper, shrimp, and stone crab appear across menus.

Pricing is approachable, locations sprawl from Naples northward, and kids fit right in. It’s everyday seafood, Florida-style.

11. The Crab Trap

Sandy-footed beachgoers stream in, welcomed by casual dining rooms and family-style seating.

Menus lean heavy on fried shrimp, hush puppies, and platters sized for sharing. Coastal towns like Destin and Fort Walton host locations.

Affordability and atmosphere make it a beach-day tradition. Crowds peak during summer evenings.

12. Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House

Patios with water views define this Gulf Coast chain. Décor is breezy, with bright colors and casual seating.

Menus highlight oysters, grouper, and hogfish, sourced through connections with the family behind Pinchers. Portions run hearty but not excessive.

Locations in Naples, Marco Island, and Fort Myers make it convenient. Prices hover in the moderate range.