These Florida Seafood Markets Double As Restaurants (And Always Stay Packed)
Let’s be honest, when you think “Florida seafood,” you probably picture a pristine beach or perhaps a casual waterfront bar.
But there’s a culinary secret weapon operating in plain sight across the Sunshine State: the humble seafood market that also happens to be a restaurant. These are the places where the incredible quality you expect from a fish counter seamlessly transitions into a full-blown dining experience.
Forget the guesswork. At these establishments, you can often point to the exact fish you want, fresh off the boat, and then watch as it’s expertly prepared for your table.
1. Star Fish Company (Cortez)
Nestled in the historic fishing village of Cortez, Star Fish Company offers waterfront dining with zero pretension. The weathered docks and working boats create the perfect backdrop for their legendary grouper sandwiches.
I still remember my first visit during stone crab season-watching pelicans dive while savoring butter-dipped claws was pure Florida magic. Their seafood comes straight from their own fishing fleet, so what’s on your plate was swimming just hours earlier.
2. Billy’s Stone Crab (Hollywood And Tierra Verde)
Famous for their signature stone crabs, Billy’s operates two bustling locations where patrons line up for these prized claws during season (October to May). The market section displays an impressive array of fresh catches while the restaurant serves them up with their famous mustard sauce.
The floor-to-ceiling windows at their Hollywood location offer spectacular ocean views, making your seafood feast even more memorable. Their smoked fish dip has developed something of a cult following among locals.
3. Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill (Tarpon Springs)
Rusty Bellies embodies the Greek fishing heritage of Tarpon Springs with a bustling market where boats dock directly behind the restaurant to unload their daily haul. The ‘you buy, we fry’ concept lets customers select their seafood from the market and have it cooked to perfection.
During my cousin’s wedding weekend, our whole family gathered here around heaping platters of grouper and Gulf shrimp. Feeding the tarpon from their back deck has become a beloved tradition for both tourists and locals alike. Their smoked mullet dip is legendary.
4. Tenth Avenue Seafood Market & Restaurant (Lake Worth)
Family-owned since 1991, this Palm Beach County gem maintains a no-frills approach that lets the quality of their seafood shine. The market section features one of the most diverse selections in South Florida, from local snapper to exotic imports.
Their restaurant menu changes daily based on what’s freshest, though their conch fritters remain a consistent favorite. The open kitchen design lets diners watch as their selections are transformed into culinary masterpieces. Regulars know to save room for their homemade key lime pie.
5. Captain Eddie’s Seafood Restaurant & Market (Nokomis)
Captain Eddie’s stands as a beacon for seafood lovers near Venice Beach with its bright blue exterior and fishing boat decor. Their market showcases Gulf treasures while the restaurant transforms them into unpretentious Florida classics.
The owner himself often recommend their smoked mullet spread. A recipe unchanged for generations. Locals pack the place during their all-you-can-eat fish fry nights, so arrive early or prepare to wait. Their hush puppies alone are worth the drive from anywhere in Sarasota County.
6. The Fish House (Miami)
A Miami institution since 1977, The Fish House combines South Florida flavors with Cuban influences in a space that feels more like a family gathering than a restaurant. Their market offers everything from local yellowtail to imported bacalao.
The restaurant’s smoked fish dip starts every meal, served with saltines just as tradition demands. Their famous fish matecumbe exemplifies their perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Regulars know to check the daily specials board before even looking at the menu.
7. Frenchy’s Original Cafe (Clearwater Beach)
Frenchy’s began as a tiny beach shack in 1981 and grew into a Clearwater Beach empire with its own fishing fleet ensuring the freshest possible grouper. Their market supplies all five Frenchy’s restaurants plus walk-in customers seeking premium Gulf seafood.
I’ve celebrated countless sunsets here with their famous grouper sandwich in one hand and a cold drink in the other. The restaurant’s outdoor patio buzzes with a mix of sandy-footed beachgoers and local fishermen comparing catches. Their she-crab soup has won awards and remains a menu staple regardless of season.
8. Walt’s Fish Market & Restaurant (Sarasota)
Four generations of the Walt family have been selling seafood in Sarasota since 1918, making this one of Florida’s oldest continuously operating fish markets. The adjacent restaurant serves old-school Florida favorites in a setting decorated with fishing memorabilia and vintage photos.
Their smoked mullet spread has achieved legendary status among locals. The market’s selection changes hourly based on what local boats bring in. Sarasota old-timers gather at the tiki bar to swap fishing tales while tourists snap photos with the giant marlin mounted on the wall.
9. Hull’s Seafood Restaurant & Market (Ormond Beach)
Hull’s operates its own fleet of fishing vessels, bringing catches directly to their dockside market near the Halifax River. The no-nonsense restaurant serves up what was swimming that morning with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Their market features a unique honor system where regular customers can leave payment in a box if they arrive before opening hours. The restaurant’s blackened mahi tacos keep locals coming back despite the perpetual wait for tables.
10. Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market (Miami)
Perched along the Miami River since 1966, Garcia’s offers front-row views of commercial fishing vessels and luxury yachts from its waterfront tables. The market section displays the day’s bounty on ice while the restaurant transforms it into Florida-Cuban seafood magic.
Their grilled whole yellowtail snapper epitomizes Miami’s seafood culture. The restaurant’s outdoor deck provides a rare peaceful oasis amid Miami’s urban landscape. Regulars know to order the stone crabs when in season and the mango key lime pie year-round.