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Seafood and Eat It

Thirty of our favorite places to get seafood in Greater Orlando.

Photo courtesy of The Boathouse

Orlando might be the largest Florida city without immediate access to saltwater beaches, but that doesn’t mean we lack for quality seafood options. What’s more, locals don’t have to settle for deep-fried counter-service fare when they go fishing for a meal, as evidenced by these standouts.

A Land Remembered: Named after Patrick D. Smith’s bestselling novel, this restaurant is primarily a steakhouse, but the seafood choices are outstanding. Williamsburg, (407) 996-1956

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen: A longtime cornerstone of Restaurant Row, this family owned and operated eatery serves award-winning seafood. International Drive, (407) 615-8888

blu on the Avenue: Featuring fresh catches and a swank setting, blu blends west- and east-coast cuisines with their own special twist. Winter Park, (407) 960-3778

The Boathouse: Serving up scrumptious seafood, The Boathouse also gives guests the opportunity to take advantage of water taxi tours. Disney Springs, (407) 939-2628

California Grill: Enjoy a bounty of fresh seafood and sushi at this acclaimed restaurant atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Walt Disney World Resort, (407) 939-3463

Charley’s Steak House: This small family of Central Florida eateries has seafood selections that rival their signature steaks. Celebration, (407) 396-6055; Orlando, (407) 363-0228

Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster: Lobster fans can’t go wrong with Christner’s, which also offers other tasty seafood choices. Orlando, (407) 645-4443

Citrus Restaurant: This New American eatery serves catches as fresh as its name in regionally inspired dishes. Downtown Orlando, (407) 373-0622

Deep Blu Seafood Grille: You don’t need to be a guest at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek to enjoy Chef John Sadio’s creations. Lake Buena Vista, (407) 390-2420

Emeril’s Tchoup Chop: Diners can visit the Pacific Seas by way of New Orleans courtesy of Chef Emeril Lagasse’s tribute to his hometown. Universal Orlando Resort, (407) 503-2467

Everglades Restaurant: Contemporary and Florida-specific flavors go hand in hand on Chef Michael Rumplik’s seafood and steak menu. International Drive, (407) 996-2385

FishBones: Both Greater Orlando locations offer fresh, sustainable seafood that’s flown in daily, and a menu inspired by Key West. Dr. Phillips, (407) 352-0135; Lake Mary, (407) 581-2399

Flying Fish: The Disney Boardwalk icon underwent massive interior renovations to complement a newly refreshed menu. Walt Disney World Resort, (407) 939-2359

Hamilton’s Kitchen: Nestled inside the Alfond Inn and operated by Rollins College, Hamilton’s offers fresh seafood options with local ingredients. Winter Park, (407) 998-8090

Hemingway’s Restaurant: Themed around the titular author, this Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress eatery serves seafood and a gorgeous view. Lake Buena Vista, (407) 239-1234

Hemisphere Steak & Seafood Restaurant: This recently renovated, award-winning Hyatt option provides an overhead view of the airport. Orlando International Airport, (407) 825-1234

Jack’s Place: Top-quality seafood joins steaks and other tasty dishes at the Rosen Plaza Hotel’s signature eatery. International Drive, (407) 996-1787

Johnnie’s Hideaway: Fresh fish is hand-cut daily here, with an emphasis toward Floridian and “Flor-ibbean” cuisine. Lake Buena Vista, (407) 827-1111

Kres Chophouse: The seafood is every bit as good as the steaks and chops at this downtown spot that boasts fresh, seasonal ingredients. Downtown Orlando, (407) 447-7950

Le Coq au Vin: Evoking Paris’ open-air cafes, this upscale French country restaurant has seafood choices that will make you say “oui.” South Orlando, (407) 851-6980

MoonFish: We go to this upscale-casual eatery for the happy-hour sushi specials and stay for the outstanding main courses. Dr. Phillips, (407) 363-7262

Narcoossee’s: Priding itself on coastal cuisine, Narcoossee’s offers a view of the Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Walt Disney World Resort, (407) 824-1400

Norman’s: The seafood at Chef Norman Van Aken’s James Beard Award-winning restaurant blends Floridian, Latin, Caribbean and Asian flavors. Williamsburg, (407) 393-4333

Sharks Underwater Grill: Dine on seafood with a full view of sharks and other aquatic life at this one-of-a-kind, full-service restaurant. SeaWorld Orlando, (888) 800-5447

Todd English’s bluezoo: Hosted by Disney’s Swan and Dolphin, Todd English’s bluezoo combines fresh seafood with global coastal flavors. Walt Disney World Resort, (407) 934-1111

Two Chef’s Seafood Oyster Bar: Chefs Bernard Carmouche and Larry Sinibaldi deliver some of the area’s best seafood and oysters. Lake Eola Heights, (407) 270-4740

Urban Tide: Located at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, Urban Tide serves coastal Florida cuisine with seasonal ingredients and a view of the Grotto Pool. International Drive, (407) 345-4570

Vines Grill & Wine Bar: This chef-driven restaurant is primarily known for steaks, but fresh, seasonal seafood selections are also worth a visit. Dr. Phillips, (407) 351-1227

Yachtsman Steakhouse: More than just a steakhouse, this restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort knows from seafood, too. Walt Disney World Resort, (407) 934-3818

1921 by Norman Van Aken: Chef Norman Van Aken’s second area restaurant offers seafood and other dishes in a historic house with rotating art. Mount Dora, (352) 385-1921

Published and copyrighted in Orlando Family Magazine (November 2016).