9 Must-Try Seafood Dishes in Florida (and Where to Find Them)
Image courtesy of SenuScape | Unsplash
People have been eating seafood for over a hundred years. We still catch fish and shellfish from the ocean. It's delicious and nutritious. Some things are too good to change. Surrounded by the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean, Florida is a prime seafood destination. There are plenty of dishes that are a must-try in this state, from fresh poke bowls to fried conch fritters. Dive in to find essential seafood dishes to try and where exactly to find them.
Poke Bowls at Timoti’s Seafood Shak
If you like sushi, a poke bowl is the meal for you. This dish, pronounced “POH-keh,” is like a deconstructed sushi roll in a bowl. The main ingredients include raw fish like fresh tuna. As well as rice, vegetables, and a soy-based or inspired sauce.
Many places do it differently (and we are a little biased), but Timoti’s Seafood Shak is the way to go. With two locations in North Florida, we have a couple of differentiating factors. The coconut rice base, fresh ahi tuna, spinach, kelp seasoning, and a house made poke sauce that will leave you wanting more. This is one of the most popular items on our menu.
2. Shrimp and Grits at Southern Coast Seafood
Shrimp and grits is a southern classic with origins in Georgia and South Carolina. The name of this meal is rather self-explanatory. It consists of a bowl of grits, shrimp that are usually broiled or grilled, as well as some kind of meat like bacon, or sausage. Southern Coast Seafood in Jacksonville, Florida has a twist to this beloved dish.
This version has cheesy cheddar corn grits, shrimp and sausage, green onions, and red bell peppers. But the star in this dish is the jalapeno cream sauce that is drizzled around the plate. It blends well with all the ingredients, balances textures, and adds a flavorful kick to this seafood dish.
Image courtesy of Hybrid Storytellers | Unsplash
3. The Grouper Sandwich at Owen’s Fish Camp
If you are looking for a local fresh fish sandwich, Owen’s Fish Camp is the place for you. Being located in Sarasota has the advantage of grouper being a delicious common catch being surrounded by the Sarasota Bay and the Gulf.
Owen’s Crispy Grouper Sandwich is a grouper filet with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce, with a side of either Old Bay fries or cole slaw. Sounds like the perfect sandwich to us! Order an appetizer of some boiled peanuts, and BAM, you have yourself a true southern meal.
4. Middle Neck Clams at DJ’s Clam Shack
Adding seafood into your diet can provide great health benefits. Clams are high in vitamin B12 and protein, which helps regulate healthy nerve and blood cells. One serving is almost all of the daily value of protein. Wanting to add some vitamins and protein during your seafood dining experience? DJ’s Clam Shack has some of the best clams in town, with over seven locations.
DJ’s has steamed middle neck clams, which are known for their sweet briney flavor and moderate size. These clams are steamed in a garlic butter sauce, marinating for an extra flavorful meal. To see this process first hand take a look at this video. Eat a healthy and tasty meal at DJ’s Clam Shack.
5. Conch Fritters at The Conch Republic Grill
Many seafood restaurants feature conch fritters on their menu. Close in size to a hushpuppy, this appetizer can raise some questions. So what exactly is a conch fritter? Conch is an ocean snail and has similar taste and texture to clams and oysters. The fritter is deep fried batter, seasoning, and the star of the show, the conch meat.
The Conch Republic Grill is a prime location and spot to try this appetizer. Their location on Florida’s West coast, is plentiful for conches. They also offer other types of dishes that incorporate conch meat into their recipe.
6. Fish Dip at Flagler Fish Company
If you like a charcuterie board and seafood, fish dip, also known as a smoked fish spread is an appetizer you may just fall in love with. Fish dip consists of mayonnaise, cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, smoked fish, and is often served with crackers.
A Florida-grown home recipe for fish dip can be found at Flagler Fish Company. Smoked fish is made with love, in-house, and paired with house thick-cut chips for a perfect crunch to your bite. Let the hot Florida sun take you down to Flagler Fish Company near Palm Coast for a cool and tasty appetizer.
Image courtesy of Conner McManus | Unsplash
7. Gator Tail at Aunt Kate’s
Looking for a real southern dish? The gator tail takes the stand, and yes, it does taste like chicken. Besides gator being a tasty snack, the alligator is a significant symbol of Florida. This animal has connections to the natural environment. Gators are also a Floridian mascot for ethical sustainability and conservation.
Aunt Kate’s located in St. Augustine has some fresh gator tail waiting to be tasted. Aunt Kate’s welcomes you to the waterside restaurant serving this specialty providing a taste of authentic Florida Cuisine.
8. Peel and Eat Shrimp at Rusty Bellies
If you like to get your hands dirty while filling your belly, peel and eat shrimp is your kind of meal! Just like the name, you peel and eat the shrimp commonly served up with warm drawn butter and cocktail sauce. The sweet shrimp with some extra added seasonings and flavor will hit the spot.
You can find some of the best peel and eat shrimp at Rusty Bellies located in Tarpon Springs, Florida. According to Rusty Bellies themselves, they catch those shrimp right from their own boat. They are served steamed hot at half or a whole pound. Rusty Bellies also have an option to add peel and eat shrimp to their garlic muscles that soaks up the flavor and is served with bread to get every bite!
9. Fish Chowder at Star Fish Company
When you think of a seafood soup, some kind of clam chowder usually comes to mind. However fish in soup works just as well, and has been done since as early as the 18th century brought to the Americas by European settlers.
A dockside restaurant in Cortez, Florida called Starfish Company has some delicious fish soup. Unlike a chowder with a milk or cream base, this one has a tomato base and vegetables. This soup is hearty with a balance of seafood and savory flavors that will keep you coming back, even on a hot day in the Florida Gulf.
You Don’t Have to Travel Far for a Good Meal
While there are 9 fantastic dishes to try around Florida, you don’t have to go all over the state to get a taste of something amazing. Right here at Timoti’s Seafood Shak we provide killer fresh seafood and other dishes to try that may even rival some of the other items on the list. Stop by to get a taste of authentic Florida seafood cuisine.