Whether you're craving just-caught fish with an ocean view or old-school fried morsels in the most no-frills of settings, this city has it all. From beloved, old-school waterfront restaurants like Boatyard and Coconuts to emerging hotspots like Catch & Cut and Takato, these 11 New Times favorites – listed in alphabetical order – prove that Fort Lauderdale's seafood game is as dreamy as its landscapes.
The popular snow crab clusters from 15th Street Fisheries in Fort Lauderdale
15th Street Fisheries photo
15th Street Fisheries
1900 SE 15th St., Fort Lauderdale954-763-2777
15streetfisheries.com15th Street Fisheries serves up seafood with an unbeatable view of the Intracoastal Waterway. Here, you can toss crumbs to the resident tarpon lurking below its docks or feast yourself on its famous jumbo stone crabs. Like a few others, this place embodies South Florida dining. Upstairs, you’ll find a more refined atmosphere, whereas the dockside eatery below keeps things casual. Whatever you do, don’t skip the tomato-based Bahamian conch chowder.
Boatyard
1555 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale954-525-7400
boatyard.restaurantBoatyard is where chic waterfront dining meets seafood obsession. With its "Eat Local, Be Coastal" motto, this ever-stylish spot serves up fresh-off-the-boat catches in a truly modern waterside setting. Amid seafood spreads aplenty, its Florida Paella is a massive showstopper and is loaded with the freshest of locally caught finds. Try to snag a table on its breezy patio and watch the yachts glide by on the New River.
Rolls include the "Hamachi Jalapeño Crudo," tuna tataki, "Hamachi Truffle Crudo," and rolls like the "Las Olas Roll," "Sunset Roll," "C&C Roll," "Keto Roll," "Hamachi Jalapeño Roll," and more.
Catch & Cut photo
Catch & Cut
1309 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-533-1838
catchandcut.comLas Olas' newest seafood darling, Catch & Cut, brings an upscale yet approachable vibe to Fort Lauderdale's dining scene. With seafood concoctions spanning the sushi, raw bar, and fresh-caught spectrums (and then some), this spot gives guests a front-row seat to some of the best seafood out there. Plus, its steak selection is killer, too. Andre Bienvenu, the former executive chef at Miami Beach icon Joe’s Stone Crab, is at its helm, so you know you’re in the best of hands.
Catfish Dewey's
4003 N. Andrews Ave., Oakland Park954-566-5333
catfishdeweys.comIf you love fried catfish, this is your holy grail. A Fort Lauderdale staple since 1984, Catfish Dewey's is famous for its all-you-can-eat seafood feasts. Think literally endless mounds of fried catfish, jumbo shrimp, and even seasonal stone crab claws on select nights. The vibe? Old-school, unpretentious, and exactly what you want when digging into some seriously good Southern-style seafood.
Coconuts
429 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-525-2421
coconutsfortlauderdale.comFew spots in Fort Lauderdale nail the "vacation state of mind" like good ole Coconuts. Overlooking the Intracoastal near Fort Lauderdale Beach, this approachable spot is known for its killer vistas and must-order "Scoobies" — garlicky, buttery blue crabs you'll basically want to inhale. Add in an ice-cold beer and a side of lobster mac and cheese, and you've got a waterfront feast.
Kelly's Landing
1305 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale954-760-7009
kellyslanding.comNew England transplants, rejoice! Kelly's Landing has perfected Boston-style seafood in Fort Lauderdale with chowder, lobster rolls, and Ipswich clams so authentic you’d swear you were right on the Cape. Its "Surf and Turf Burgah" (yes, a burger topped with lobster and hollandaise sauce) is a fan favorite, but don't sleep on its ultra-creamy and clam-loaded clam chowder.
Lucky Fish
222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach954-247-9967
luckyfishbeachbar.comIf dining with your toes in the sand is your vibe, Lucky Fish is such a special spot. This open-air, beachfront eatery that’s literally on the sands of Pompano Beach is all about tropical cocktails, fresh seafood, and good times. From peel-and-eat shrimp to tuna poke nachos, everything here screams coastal cool. And with a second location opening in Dania Beach, there’s even more to love.
Rustic Inn
4331 Anglers Ave., Fort Lauderdale954-584-1637
rusticinn.comHave you truly experienced Fort Lauderdale seafood until you've cracked a few crabs at Rustic Inn? The answer is no. This legendary crab house that’s nestled just west of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has been dishing out its famous Garlic Crabs since 1955, and the secret sauce keeps people coming back. Expect a fun, messy, and delicious time—just don’t wear white.
Southport Raw Bar
1536 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale954-525-2526
southportrawbar.comSouthport is proof that sometimes, simple is best. A true locals' spot, this no-frills raw bar serves fresh oysters, clams, and peel-and-eat shrimp at unbeatable prices. Cold beer, dockside views with a steady flow of boats rolling in, and seafood that’s as fresh as it gets? It's a winning formula that hasn’t changed in decades. Please never change, Southport.
Takato
551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-414-5160
takatorestaurant.comIf you like your seafood with a Japanese-Korean twist, Takato is the place to be. Situated inside Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, this sleek spot serves up everything from seared scallops with a spicy lobster bisque to miso black cod, all in an elegant oceanfront setting. Pair it all with a lychee martini and soak in the beach views for peak South Florida indulgence.
Truluck's
701 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-908-2255
trulucks.com Truluck's is where Fort Lauderdale’s seafood scene meets fine dining with impeccable service. Known for its responsibly sourced Florida stone crabs, this upscale-pizzazz-filled spot is all about quality and sustainability. Whichever seafood route you take – king crab, Maine lobster thermidor, sesame seared tuna, and more, oh my – save room for its beloved carrot cake or baked Alaska. Whether you're here for a special occasion or just to indulge, it's always a warm welcome.
