7 Florida Seafood Restaurants Locals Would Skip & 7 Tourists Can’t Get Enough Of
Florida’s shores are brimming with seafood, yet not every restaurant delivers the kind of meal worth writing home about.
Visitors often pack into the buzziest spots for the views and beachy vibes, but locals have their own list of go-to places for the freshest catches.
Here’s your peek into which joints make the grade, and which ones only look good on a postcard.
1. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – Daytona Beach (Locals Skip)
Movie-themed chain restaurants rarely impress those who live nearby. Locals know the shrimp here costs twice what you’d pay at authentic seafood joints down the road.
The touristy atmosphere and gift shop focus often overshadow the actual food quality. My cousin who’s lived in Daytona for 20 years says he’s only been dragged there when out-of-town relatives visit.
2. Joe’s Crab Shack – Orlando (International Drive) (Locals Skip)
Situated in Orlando’s tourist corridor, this chain seafood spot charges premium prices for what locals consider mediocre fare.
The portions might be generous, but the seafood quality doesn’t match what you’ll find at family-owned spots.
Orlando residents typically steer clear of International Drive altogether, knowing it’s designed to capture tourist dollars rather than offer authentic Florida flavors.
3. Landry’s Seafood House – Orlando (Vineland Ave.) (Locals Skip)
Another chain that fails to win local hearts, Landry’s serves predictable seafood at inflated prices. The corporate feel and standardized menu lack the personality that defines great Florida seafood.
I remember taking my parents here when they first visited me after moving to Florida. Even as newcomers, they noticed how the fish tasted nowhere near as fresh as the small place we tried the next night.
4. Boston Lobster Feast – Orlando (I-Drive) (Locals Skip)
The all-you-can-eat concept sounds appealing until you taste the quality. Locals whisper that seafood buffets rarely serve the freshest catches, especially when marketing to tourists who may not know better.
The restaurant’s location on International Drive is a true giveaway that it’s targeting visitors rather than residents.
Florida natives typically prefer ordering single, fresh-caught dishes over mass-produced buffet items.
5. Chart House – Jacksonville (Southbank) (Locals Skip)
While the riverside views are undeniably stunning, Jacksonville residents know they’re paying mostly for the scenery. The seafood itself is often described as forgettable despite the memorable price tag.
The corporate ownership shows in the menu’s lack of local character. True Florida seafood enthusiasts head to smaller establishments where chefs have creative freedom and personal connections to local fishing operations.
6. Whale Harbor Seafood Buffet – Islamorada (Locals Skip)
Quantity over quality sums up why Keys locals rarely frequent this massive buffet. Visitors are drawn to the all-you-can-eat concept, but islanders know seafood this abundant usually sacrifices freshness.
I once brought visiting college friends here, and while they raved about the variety, my neighbor who’s a commercial fisherman just smiled politely.
Later he explained that most of what we ate had been frozen for weeks.
7. LandShark Bar & Grill – Daytona Beach (Pier area) (Locals Skip)
Jimmy Buffett-inspired branding doesn’t compensate for average food at above-average prices. Locals know this spot banks on its pier location and beach views rather than culinary excellence.
The menu feels more like a generic beach bar with seafood additions than a true Florida seafood experience.
Daytona residents typically venture a few blocks inland where authentic seafood shacks serve fresher catches without the branded markup.
8. The Fish House – Key Largo (Tourist Favorite)
Perfectly positioned as visitors enter the Florida Keys, this restaurant creates an instant island experience. The fresh yellowtail snapper and Key lime pie have tourists snapping photos for their social media before the first bite.
The casual atmosphere strikes the right balance between authentic and accessible. While some locals might consider it slightly commercial, even they admit the seafood quality remains consistently good despite the tourist traffic.
9. Conch Republic Seafood Company – Key West (Tourist Favorite)
Located in Key West’s historic seaport, this restaurant delivers the quintessential Florida Keys experience tourists crave. The open-air dining and harbor views create the perfect backdrop for vacation photos.
I’ve watched my northern relatives absolutely lose their minds over the conch fritters here. They spend half their meal taking pictures of pelicans diving nearby while sipping colorful drinks, completely enchanted by the Keys atmosphere.
10. Rusty Pelican – Key Biscayne (Miami) (Tourist Favorite)
Miami’s skyline views make this restaurant an Instagram favorite for visitors. The seafood might not impress lifelong Floridians, but tourists are captivated by the combination of fresh fish and spectacular vistas.
The upscale atmosphere feels special to visitors seeking a memorable Florida dining experience. While pricey by local standards, tourists happily pay extra for the postcard-perfect setting that defines their Miami vacation memories.
11. Peg Leg Pete’s – Pensacola Beach (Tourist Favorite)
Pirate-themed fun meets surprisingly good seafood at this Pensacola Beach staple. Tourists adore the kitschy decor and laid-back atmosphere that perfectly matches their beach vacation expectations.
The oysters and grouper sandwiches keep visitors coming back year after year. While some locals might roll their eyes at the pirate gimmick, many admit they too enjoy the food when they’re in the mood for a lively atmosphere.
12. The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House – Destin (Tourist Favorite)
Perched directly on Destin’s famous sugar-white beaches, this restaurant sells the Florida dream as much as seafood. Visitors can’t resist the charm of dining with their toes practically in the sand.
The Gulf-to-table amberjack and royal reds shrimp arrive while tourists gaze at emerald waters. Growing up in nearby Fort Walton Beach, we only went here when entertaining out-of-town guests, but I secretly enjoyed watching their faces light up at that first bite with a beach view.
13. DJ’s Clam Shack – Key West (Duval St.) (Tourist Favorite)
Featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” this tiny spot draws long lines of eager tourists. The Maine lobster rolls and fried clams satisfy visitors looking for that quintessential seafood shack experience.
The convenient Duval Street location makes it an easy stop during Key West pub crawls. Though small and often crowded, tourists consider the wait part of the authentic experience of discovering a “hidden gem” (that’s actually quite famous).
14. The BOATHOUSE – Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista (Tourist Favorite)
Disney’s upscale take on Florida seafood comes with a hefty price tag that doesn’t deter visitors. The vintage boat displays and amphicar tours create an attraction beyond just dining, perfectly aligned with tourist expectations.
Vacationers happily splurge on fresh seafood towers and lobster rolls between shopping sprees. The restaurant expertly balances quality seafood with entertainment value, making it a consistent hit with Disney visitors despite locals knowing better values exist elsewhere.