9 Solid Picks For Florida Seafood Buffets And 9 Exceptional Buffets That Impress
Florida is famous for its seafood, and the buffet scene offers a wide spectrum of experiences.
Some spots provide reliable, satisfying selections that hit the basics just right, while others elevate seafood dining with fresh, flavorful, and inventive dishes that leave a lasting impression.
Exploring both shows where Florida buffets shine and where they merely meet expectations. Every visit is an opportunity to taste the state’s coastal bounty and discover which buffets truly impress.
1. Whale Harbor Seafood Buffet – Keys-Style Seafood Paradise
Perched in picturesque Islamorada, Whale Harbor combines breathtaking ocean views with what locals call the best seafood spread in the Florida Keys.
Fresh catches arrive daily from local fishermen, ensuring the buffet brims with authentic Keys flavors.
Their stone crab claws (in season) are worth the trip alone, while the conch fritters offer that perfect taste of island life.
2. Boston Lobster Feast – Where Lobster Dreams Come True
Lobster lovers rejoice! With locations in both Orlando and Kissimmee, Boston Lobster Feast has earned legendary status among Florida seafood enthusiasts.
The all-you-can-eat lobster steals the show, but don’t overlook their impressive spread of crab legs, peel-and-eat shrimp, and fresh oysters.
Weekends bring the biggest crowds, so arrive early to avoid the wait.
3. Capt. Jack’s Family Buffet – Beachside Bounty of Seafood
Family vacations in Panama City Beach often include a mandatory stop at Capt. Jack’s, where seafood meets Southern hospitality.
Kids squeal with delight at the sight of endless crab legs while parents appreciate the reasonable pricing for such abundance.
The hush puppies might seem like a simple side, but many guests claim they’re the secret star of the show.
4. The Wharf – Local Catches Served with Gulf Views
Another Panama City Beach gem, The Wharf takes pride in showcasing local Gulf treasures in their sprawling buffet.
Fishing boats visible from the dining room window hint at just how fresh the offerings are. Their seafood gumbo carries a reputation throughout the Panhandle, while the blackened grouper keeps Florida natives coming back regularly.
5. Crazy Buffet West Palm Beach – Asian-Fusion Seafood Extravaganza
Sushi lovers flock to Crazy Buffet in West Palm Beach, where endless rolls meet traditional Chinese favorites and seafood stations.
The snow crab legs disappear quickly, so timing your visits strategically pays off.
What surprises most first-timers is the hibachi station where chefs prepare dishes to order, adding theatrical flair to an already impressive dining experience.
6. Crazy Buffet Orlando – Southchase’s Hidden Gem
The Orlando outpost of Crazy Buffet has developed its own loyal following in the Southchase area. Locals whisper about coming during weekday lunch for the best value-to-crowd ratio.
Their seafood selection rotates seasonally, but the salt and pepper shrimp consistently earns praise for its perfect crispy-tender balance.
7. Hokkaido Buffet – Orlando’s Japanese Seafood Wonderland
Tucked along S Apopka Vineland Road, Hokkaido elevates the buffet concept with Japanese precision and artistry.
The sushi chefs work continuously to keep the conveyor belt stocked with fresh creations.
Beyond raw delights, their seafood udon noodle soup warms the soul, while the tempura station produces perfectly light, crisp shrimp that regulars claim is better than many traditional Japanese restaurants.
8. Ichiban Buffet – International Drive’s Tourist Favorite
Strategically positioned on Orlando’s bustling International Drive, Ichiban serves as a refueling station for theme park adventurers.
The massive dining room buzzes with energy as visitors from around the world sample everything from Alaskan crab to teppanyaki.
Their seafood selection caters smartly to American tastes while maintaining authentic Asian preparation techniques.
9. Umi Sushi & Seafood Buffet – Brandon’s Seafood Sensation
Brandon residents guard tables jealously at Umi, where premium seafood meets upscale ambiance without the upscale price tag.
The buffet’s centerpiece is undoubtedly the raw bar, featuring oysters on the half shell and jumbo cocktail shrimp.
What separates Umi from competitors is their attention to freshness – nothing sits long before being replaced with new batches.
10. Buffet City St. Petersburg – Seafood Variety That Impresses
St. Petersburg’s Buffet City might have a simple name, but there’s nothing simple about their seafood offerings.
Regular diners rave about the coconut shrimp that manages to stay crispy despite the buffet setting.
The crab rangoon disappears so quickly that staff has developed a sixth sense about when to bring out fresh batches, often announcing their arrival to waiting fans.
11. Ocean Buffet – Gainesville’s Seafood Sanctuary
College students and professors alike find common ground at Ocean Buffet, where affordable pricing meets surprisingly high-quality seafood.
The restaurant’s layout guides diners strategically past steaming crab legs and glistening sushi displays.
Their weekend dinner service brings out special items like baked salmon with mango salsa that regulars plan their schedules around.
12. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet – Daytona’s Crowd-Pleaser
Racing fans and beach-goers converge at Daytona’s Hibachi Grill, where the buffet selection rivals the size of the nearby speedway.
The hibachi station creates a theatrical dining experience as chefs flip shrimp with flair.
Their seafood section shines with options ranging from New Orleans-style crawfish to classic Maryland crab cakes that somehow maintain their texture despite the buffet format.
13. Chow Time Grill & Buffet – Panama City’s Family Tradition
Generations of Panama City families have celebrated special occasions at Chow Time, where the seafood selection tells the story of the Gulf.
Their famous seafood boil changes seasonally but always features local shrimp.
Children particularly love the make-your-own ice cream sundae station that rewards them after they’ve been convinced to try at least one new seafood item.
14. Mikata Buffet – Baymeadows’ Japanese-Fusion Treasure
Jacksonville’s Baymeadows area houses Mikata, where Japanese tradition meets American abundance.
The restaurant’s modern design features conveyor belts delivering fresh sushi alongside traditional buffet stations.
Their seafood dynamite bake combines several types of seafood in a creamy, spicy sauce that has inspired many attempted copycat recipes from devoted fans.
15. Fushimi Grill & Modern Buffet – River City’s Asian Seafood Haven
The River City Marketplace location of Fushimi Grill brings upscale buffet dining to north Jacksonville shoppers and airport travelers.
The restaurant’s sleek interior matches its modern approach to Asian cuisine.
Their snow crab legs require perfect timing to catch fresh batches, while the salmon tataki with truffle oil represents their commitment to fusion innovations.
16. Buffet City Sarasota – Cultural Coast’s Seafood Destination
Sarasota’s Buffet City attracts a diverse clientele from the area’s thriving arts community and beach tourists.
The restaurant balances traditional Chinese buffet staples with Florida seafood favorites.
Their ginger scallops showcase local Gulf harvests prepared with Asian techniques, creating a truly Floridian fusion experience that keeps the dining room consistently busy.
17. Buffet City Fort Myers – Southwest Florida’s Seafood Sanctuary
Fort Myers’ version of Buffet City has carved its own identity with a focus on fresh seafood that appeals to the area’s mix of retirees and families.
The restaurant’s bright, airy interior matches the sunny disposition of its staff.
Their coconut-crusted tilapia has developed such a following that the kitchen now prepares extra batches, knowing regulars will be disappointed if it runs out.
18. Mikata Buffet Jensen Beach – Treasure Coast’s Japanese Jewel
The Treasure Coast found its buffet paradise when Mikata opened in Jensen Beach, bringing premium Japanese and seafood options to Martin County.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining room with natural light, enhancing the vibrant colors of sushi displays.
Their seafood hibachi station allows diners to select raw ingredients for chefs to transform into personalized creations, adding interactive fun to the buffet experience.