A Seafood Lover's Dining Guide to Greater Fort Lauderdale

JB's on the Beach in Deerfield Beach pairs beautiful oceanfront vistas with fresh seafood cuisine. From Bahamian conch fritters and seafood paella to fresh-caught swordfish and Janet’s lobster & shrimp salad, there’s something for every palate. 

Las Olas Boulevard boasts numerous fine dining restaurants for seafood lovers, like Lobster Bar Sea Grille. From the refined menu selections to the dining room’s herringbone subway–tiled walls and arched ceilings, this celebrated seafood-forward restaurant seamlessly blends modern sophistication with timeless elegance. It’s no wonder it's received dozens of awards. Choose between Russian Osetra caviar, Hawaiian sesame–seared ahi tuna and sea scallops à la plancha. And yes, you should order the lobster. Our pick is the signature twin South African cold water lobster tails. 

Another great option on Las Olas is Eddie V’s Prime Seafood. Ultra-elegant with gorgeous chandeliers and exquisite cocktails, this fine-dining establishment’s menu is underscored by indulgent seafood options, like the decadent seafood tower with Maine lobster, wild gulf shrimp, oysters, and colossal crab and the Parmesan-crusted sole with heirloom tomatoes in a lemon-garlic butter sauce.

Beyond Las Olas Boulevard, you’ll find Intracoastal gems, which offer dockside parking. The 15th Street Fisheries is located inside the Lauderdale Marina. Enjoy gorgeous Intracoastal views while dining for lunch or dinner dockside or upstairs for dinner.  You can also arrive by boat at the famous Southport Raw Bar. The restaurant's casual and relaxed setting makes it a favorite spot for those looking to experience a quintessential Florida seafood dining experience. Enjoy various raw bar offerings such as oysters, clams, and peel-and-eat shrimp. 

Other seafood restaurants in Fort Lauderdale include Kelly’s Landing, which has been synonymous with the freshest New England seafood, local beer, and superior wine selections since 1987. The owners’ mission has always been ​​to bring the flavors of South Boston to South Florida, so you can guarantee exceptional lobster corn chowder, Main lobster, seafood chili, and everything in between. 

Another favorite is Rustic Inn Crab House, which began as a roadhouse saloon in Fort Lauderdale nearly 60 years ago. This hotspot near the airport offers a diverse menu for every seafood lover to savor. If you go, order the world-famous garlic blue crabs, which are sauteed with garlic and a secret family recipe. 

Hallandale Beach is home to Juniper on the Water, known for its great happy hour, weekend brunch, and impressive seafood selection. Also boasting Intracoastal Waterway views, Juniper features excellent food options to enjoy with family and friends, like Cioppino (Gulf shrimp, mussels, clams, white fish, walnut pesto, and sourdough crostini) and a New England clam bake (half a  Maine lobster, clams, mussels, corn, andouille sausage, shrimp, roasted potatoes, and garlic butter). 

While visiting Greater Fort Lauderdale from mid-October through May 1, you should book a reservation at Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant and take advantage of stone crab season. Locally caught off the coast, the stone crabs are a favorite delicacy of the region and feature Billy's signature mustard sauce. This restaurant also boasts a market with an assortment of seafood that you can purchase straight from the Hollywood-based market or have shipped to your location. 

Also in Hollywood is GG's Waterfront Bar & Grill, another great option overlooking the Intracoastal. Take in the beautiful waterfront views as luxury yachts cruise by your table  and enjoy locally sourced fish, fresh seafood, lobster, stone crabs, raw bar specialties, and more. 

If you’re staying in or around Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Blue Moon Fish Co. is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch after a long day at the beach. It’s located on the Intracoastal and offers a diverse menu showcasing freshly caught seafood, delightful seasonal desserts, and an extensive selection of classic and contemporary wines. 

Cap’s Place Island Restaurant is a national landmark and Greater Fort Lauderdale’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1928. Originally named Club Unique, this establishment emerged as a beloved supper club and gambling haven in the 1930s and 1940s under the ownership of the legendary rum runner Eugene Theodore “Cap” Knight. In its early days, the venue garnered a reputation for its exceptional seafood, like crab, lobster, grouper chowder and the intriguing “green turtle steak.” Today, it still stands as a culinary gem for locals and visitors alike, with plenty of deliciousness. Whether you prefer your fish char-grilled, baked, deep-fried, island scampi- style, or any other tempting preparation, the menu ensures a symphony of flavors. This is a must-visit that captures Fort Lauderdale’s bygone era. 

Farther north in Pompano Beach is the idyllic Oceanic. The restaurant’s exterior replicates an ocean liner, while the inside is beach-chic. Relish lush ocean views and the Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier paired with chef-driven cuisine.