Jacksonville doesn’t just border the Atlantic—it seems to channel its salt and spirit straight onto your plate. The city is a haven for anyone chasing that briny kick only the sea can give. Whether you’re new in town or a seasoned local with an appetite sharpened by ocean air, you’ll find that Jacksonville’s seafood spots offer much more than shrimp and a wedge of lemon. You can taste the river and the coast with every forkful.
I still remember my first platter here: local snapper caught at sunrise, seared just until flaky, with a view of the water that could convince you to linger for hours. The variety alone makes this city stand out. No need to wade through tourist traps or settle for the usual fare—you’re about to get a short list, curated from real experience, that points you straight to the best seafood in Jacksonville. Each place offers something special, but every pick holds up under the scrutiny of hungry locals and picky visitors alike.
Where to find the best seafood in Jacksonville, FL
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Jacksonville, FL:
- Julington Creek Fish Camp
- Marker 32
- Singleton’s Seafood Shack
- JL Trent’s Seafood and Grill
- St. Mary’s Seafood and More
- Palms Fish Camp Restaurant
- The Blue Fish
- Chowder Ted’s
- Junior’s Seafood Restaurant & Grill
- Sandollar Restaurant
1. Julington Creek Fish Camp
Julington Creek Fish Camp has an easygoing charm that feels both stylish and laid-back. Tucked along the water, it has sunset views and a buzz of conversation that makes any meal feel like an occasion. The menu covers the classics, but in a way that tastes distinctly local.
On my visit, I started with the fried green tomatoes, which arrived crisp and golden. For the main event, their fresh catch was blackened, perfectly moist, and full of flavor. Locals rave about the shrimp and grits—one bite explains why. Each dish is crafted with a sense of place, reflecting Jacksonville’s riverside bounty.
If you want a real sense of Jacksonville seafood, Julington Creek Fish Camp delivers with freshness, creativity, and consistency. The staff knows their seafood and is happy to steer you right.
2. Marker 32
Marker 32 feels like the kind of spot where locals celebrate milestones or sneak away for a quiet dinner. Step inside and you get the sense that every plate is given extra attention, with a focus on bold, coastal flavors. Watching the marshlands glow at sunset just beyond the windows adds magic to the whole experience.
On one memorable night, I picked the fresh catch, seared perfectly and served atop creamy mashed potatoes. Their southern-style crab cakes are another highlight—light, flaky, and loaded with sweet crab.
Marker 32 has the rare balance of sophistication and comfort, making it a favorite for every kind of seafood lover. If you appreciate subtlety and fresh, local ingredients, this place is worth a reservation.
3. Singleton’s Seafood Shack
Singleton’s Seafood Shack is the definition of old-school waterfront dining. With picnic tables, fishing boats nearby, and the scent of fried fish in the air, it feels like a true piece of Mayport’s past. It’s unpretentious, but the seafood is taken seriously.
One afternoon, I sat down and watched fishermen unload their catch right next to the patio. The Mayport shrimp, hot out of the fryer, were the star—sweet, firm, and just the right crunch from a light batter. hush puppies on the side were golden and addictive.
If you want an unfussy taste of North Florida’s seafood history, Singleton’s delivers in spades. Try the blackened fish platter or the Mayport shrimp for a meal that captures the spirit of Jacksonville’s riverfront kitchens.
4. JL Trent’s Seafood and Grill
JL Trent’s Seafood and Grill pulls in locals with its homey vibe and generous helpings. Family photos on the walls make it feel like you’ve stepped into a favorite neighborhood gathering spot. The menu reads like a tribute to Southern seafood, spotlighting comfort and flavor over pretense.
My last visit started with a steaming bowl of clam chowder—creamy, peppery, and just right for dipping hush puppies. The real showstopper, though, was the fried catfish, light and flaky with a hint of spice. Their seafood platters can easily feed a group and never seem to disappoint.
JL Trent’s stands out for its hearty plates and family-friendly spirit. If you want a classic Jacksonville seafood meal that feels like a local secret, this is the place to start.
5. St. Mary’s Seafood and More
St. Mary’s Seafood and More has a cheerful, easygoing atmosphere that makes even first-timers feel like regulars. Booths fill up with families and friends swapping stories over heaping plates of fried and grilled seafood. Service is quick but never rushed, and the portions are generous enough for sharing.
During my visit, the calabash-style shrimp stole the show—perfectly crisp and paired with tangy house-made sauce. The fried flounder is always a popular pick, fresh and never greasy. There’s real pride in every plate, with a focus on preparation that highlights the natural flavor of the seafood.
If you want impressive variety and friendly service, St. Mary’s doesn’t disappoint. Try a combination platter to sample their most-loved picks.
6. Palms Fish Camp Restaurant
Palms Fish Camp Restaurant is where local flavor meets a relaxed riverfront vibe. The dining room is lively, with boaters dropping in and families swapping stories over steaming pots of seafood. There’s even an option to bring your own catch—let them cook it up with stylish sides for a true custom experience.
My last meal here started with a sharp seafood chowder before moving to their signature shrimp boil. The peel-and-eat shrimp pop with coastal flavor, and their daily specials usually feature the freshest local finds.
Palms Fish Camp stands out for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to fresh, Northeast Florida seafood. Try the shrimp boil or have your own catch prepared for something hard to find anywhere else in Jacksonville.
7. The Blue Fish
The Blue Fish is a staple in Jacksonville’s Avondale neighborhood, balancing urban energy with coastal ease. The menu brings classic seafood into creative territory, and the buzzing patio is an ideal spot for both after-work bites and date nights. The vibe lands somewhere between lively and laid-back.
During my last visit, the grilled grouper was a standout—flaky, rich, and served with crisp seasonal vegetables. Their oyster bar deserves mention too, with specialty selections that rotate depending on the freshest seasonal catch.
The Blue Fish sets itself apart with inventive preparations and a welcoming atmosphere. Go for their nightly seafood specials or sample an oyster flight to get a real taste of Jacksonville’s freshest offerings.
8. Chowder Ted’s
Chowder Ted’s is as no-nonsense as its name suggests, tucked away on Heckscher Drive and run by people who know their seafood. The place feels like a roadside secret, with decades of loyal fans and a straightforward approach to coastal flavors.
My first bowl of their signature Minorcan clam chowder set the bar high—spicy, hearty, and impossible to stop eating. The blackened fish sandwich brings in regulars, thanks to fresh fillets and a house-made sauce that keeps things interesting.
Chowder Ted’s stands out for its honest, full-flavored seafood and warm service. Order the chowder and try the fresh catch for a Jacksonville classic that feels like home-cooked comfort.
9. Junior’s Seafood Restaurant & Grill
Junior’s Seafood Restaurant & Grill has the kind of down-home feel that makes you want to stick around for dessert. It’s bright inside, with friendly staff who seem to remember regulars by name. The family-run spirit shows in the big portions and well-seasoned plates.
My plate of grilled tilapia was a standout—light, fresh, and not drowned in sauce. Hush puppies arrive hot and crisp, while the shrimp platter always draws repeat orders. There’s nothing fussy about the menu, just dependable flavors and reliably fresh seafood.
Junior’s stands out for quality seafood at fair prices, served in a cozy, familiar atmosphere. Order the shrimp platter or a grilled catch for a taste of Jacksonville as locals know it.
10. Sandollar Restaurant
Sandollar Restaurant lets you dine right on the river, where fishing boats drift past and sunsets seem to linger forever. Its long history is apparent in the tradition of serving fresh, local seafood without unnecessary fuss. The place is casual, making it easy to relax and enjoy the Floridian scenery.
On my visit, the blackened flounder was perfectly cooked—tender with just the right amount of spice. The Mayport shrimp is hard to beat, celebrated for its freshness and simple preparation. Portions are generous without being overwhelming.
Sandollar stands out for unpretentious quality and true riverside dining. Order the Mayport shrimp or flounder to get a classic Jacksonville experience in every bite.
More Things to Try in Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Jacksonville known for?
Jacksonville is especially known for its fresh Mayport shrimp, local flounder, and a variety of seasonal catches. The city’s proximity to the Atlantic and St. Johns River means menus often spotlight what’s just come off the boat.
Are there options for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions at seafood restaurants in Jacksonville?
Yes, many seafood spots here offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. Places like The Blue Fish, Julington Creek Fish Camp, and Palms Fish Camp have diverse menus with options for any diet.
Do Jacksonville seafood restaurants serve only fried fish?
Not at all. While fried seafood is popular, you’ll also find grilled, blackened, steamed, and broiled options. Many restaurants emphasize freshness and prepare seafood in ways that highlight natural flavors.
Where can I find fresh local oysters in Jacksonville?
Several places feature local or regional oysters, including The Blue Fish and Marker 32. Oyster bars often rotate selections depending on the best seasonal picks.
Is outdoor or waterfront dining available at seafood restaurants in Jacksonville?
Absolutely. Waterfront dining is one of Jacksonville’s strengths—spots like Sandollar Restaurant, Palms Fish Camp, and Singleton’s Seafood Shack give you a view with your meal.