If you’re searching for an authentic seafood experience in the Sunshine State, look no further than Camellia Street Grill, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Everglades City, Florida. This unassuming waterfront eatery perfectly embodies the laid-back charm of the Florida Gulf Coast while serving up some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. Whether you’re a seasoned Floridian or a visitor eager to explore the best of Florida’s food scene, Camellia Street Grill deserves a spot on your must-visit list as one of the best seafood dives in Florida!
We love fresh seafood! Serve it up to us on paper plates, cozied up to a picnic table, under a tin roof, and we’re in heaven! NO fancy dining rooms for us. So it’s no surprise that we hit up this local favorite in Southwest, Florida on a recent day trip adventure down to the Florida Everglades.
If you enjoy fresh flavors caught from the local waters, and an air-conditioned restaurant isn’t top priority, then come hang out a bit with us on our third installment of the best seafood dives in Florida!
Heading to the Big Cypress National Preserve for a day of adventuring!? Come hang with us for an EPIC FLORIDA DAY TRIP: EVERGLADES AIR BOAT RIDE AT WOOTEN’S! Who knows…we might even see Skunk ape lurking about!
Welcome to Everglades City: A Slice of Old Florida.
Before diving into what makes Camellia Street Grill so special, let’s set the scene. Everglades City is a small, picturesque community steeped in Old Florida charm and a bit of local flavor.
Known as the gateway to the Everglades National Park, this quaint town is surrounded by lush mangroves, serene waterways, and an abundance of wildlife. It’s a haven for anglers, adventurers, and anyone seeking a break from the hustle of city life.
INSIDER TIP: Ask a local what they do for entertainment and he might just tell you hunting snakes with flashlights after dark! It’s the simple side of life down here.
Among the airboat tours, fishing charters, and scenic sunsets lies Camellia Street Grill, a restaurant that not only serves the best seafood in the area but also provides an unforgettable dining experience.
A Seafood Lover’s Paradise–Authentic Seafood Spot in Florida.
The first thing you’ll notice about Camellia Street Grill is it’s a rustic, wooden structure and tin-roofed, charming seafood restaurant with a welcoming vibe. Set along the Barron River, the restaurant offers indoor seating and a waterfront deck where you can soak in the impressive views in a relaxed atmosphere and perhaps even spot a manatee or two.
This casual ambiance makes it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the Everglades and gives serious Key West vibes. But let’s talk about the star of the show: the seafood.
Fresh-Sourced Delights: Florida’s Seafood at Its Finest!
Camellia Street Grill prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft its unique dishes. Whether it’s the day’s catch from nearby waters or produce from local farms, every meal is a testament to the vibrant flavors of Florida.
Their menu is a seafood lover’s dream, featuring everything from crispy fried grouper sandwiches to succulent shrimp. However, the standout is their stone crab claws, a delicacy that Everglades City is famous for. Served chilled with a tangy mustard dipping sauce, these sweet and succulent claws are a must-try when in stone crab season (October 15th – around May 1st). Stone crab tacos anyone!?
Menu Highlights You Can’t-Miss At This Hidden Gem Seafood Spot in Florida.
While every dish at Camellia Street Grill is worth a try, here are a few must-order items of this Southern-inspired cuisine that keep locals and tourists hooked and coming back for more:
- Frog Legs: Want to add a touch of adventure to your meal? Start with these tender, perfectly seasoned frog legs. When in Rome…
- Blackened Grouper Tacos: A fresh, zesty take on classic fish tacos, topped with house-made slaw and chipotle sauce.
- House-made Fry Bread: Delicious dough fried to perfection and topped with fresh salsa.
- She Crab Soup: Loaded with blue crab meat, fresh tomatoes, corn, and onions, this soup is a fresh catch!
- Key Lime Pie: No Florida dining experience is complete without this tangy, sweet dessert.
- Shrimp & Oyster po’boy: Succulent shrimp and oysters piled high with a chipotle aioli.
- Peel & Eat Shrimp: JUST when you think they can’t reinvent the wheel, they do! Boiled with peppers and onions in a super flavorful broth, these peeled shrimp ROCKED our world!
- Fresh Stone Crabs: The TRUE Rock Stars! Get ’em tacos, by the Baker’s dozen, dunked in butter…
Vegetarians and landlubbers will also find options like fresh salads and grass-fed beef burgers, ensuring there’s something for everyone with a wide variety of menu items.
What Makes Camellia Street Grill Stand Out?
With countless seafood spots scattered across Florida, what makes Camellia Street Grill one of the best seafood dives in Florida?
- Authenticity: There’s nothing pretentious about Camellia Street Grill. It’s a no-frills eatery that focuses on delivering high-quality, flavorful food in a relaxed setting on the spacious fan-covered terrace.
- Waterfront Dining: Dining by the water is an integral part of the Florida experience, and the scenic views at Camellia Street Grill elevate every meal.
- Local Expertise: The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, local ingredients ensures that every dish is as authentic as it is delicious.
- Community Atmosphere: From the friendly staff to the warm vibe, Camellia Street Grill feels like a home away from home. It was obvious that Camellia’s is a favorite place amongst the locals!
- Live Music: The music was paired well with the good food and relaxing atmosphere.
- They’ll cook up YOUR fresh catch!
Pairing Your Meal with Everglades Adventures.
A trip to Camellia Street Grill is more than just a meal—it’s part of the larger Everglades experience. Pair your visit with some of these activities to make it a day to remember:
- Airboat Rides: Explore the mangroves and spot local wildlife like alligators and exotic birds on a thrilling airboat tour.
- Fishing Charters: Everglades City is a haven for anglers. Bring your fresh catch of the day to Camellia Street Grill, where they might even cook it up for you!
- Everglades National Park: Immerse yourself in the unique beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site through hiking, kayaking, or guided tours.
Camellia’s is a unique Florida Everglade destination with plenty of INSTAGRAMMABLE spots- so have fun and grab that pic!
Tips for Visiting Camellia Street Grill.
To make the most of your visit, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the Hours: The restaurant’s hours may vary seasonally, so it’s best to call ahead or check their website. During our visit, Camellia shut down after lunch & reopened at 4:30 for their dinner service.
- Arrive Early: Camellia Street Grill is a popular spot, especially during peak tourist season. Arriving early ensures you’ll snag a seat with the best views.
- Order the Daily Specials: The specials often feature the freshest catches of the day, so don’t miss out! One of the delicious specials our table ordered was the Cuban inspired roasted pork with black beans and rice!
- Dress Casually: Flip-flops and shorts are the norm here—this is Florida, Ya’ll! This isn’t fine dining.
- Counter Service: You’ll place your order at the counter and get a number. From this point on, you’ll have one of their awesome wait staff.
Why Camellia Street Grill Deserves a Spot on Your Florida Foodie Bucket List.
Camellia Street Grill isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a quintessential Florida seafood experience. From the fresh stone crab claws to the laid-back waterfront ambiance, this spot captures the spirit of the Gulf Coast in every bite.
For locals, it’s a beloved favorite that never disappoints. For visitors, it’s a delicious introduction to the flavors and culture of Everglades City. Either way, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression and keeps diners coming back for more.
So, the next time you find yourself exploring the beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast, planning a trip to the Everglades, or road-tripping to all the BEST SEAFOOD DIVES IN FLORIDA, make sure to stop by Camellia Street Grill. Trust us—this seafood dive is worth the detour.
Planning a Florida vacation!? Wander to our Best Seafood Dives in Florida for the Sunshine State’s freshest catch!
- DIVE INTO CRUMPS’ LANDING IN HOMOSASSA, FLORIDA
- A SOUTHERN CHURCH FISH FRY: BEST SEAFOOD DIVES IN FLORIDA
- FAT WILLIE’S FISH CAMP: BEST SEAFOOD DIVES IN FLORIDA
Whether you’re craving fresh fish, stone crab claws, or simply an unforgettable dining experience by the water, Camellia Street Grill has it all. Come hungry, leave happy, and don’t forget to savor every bite of this hidden gem in Everglades City. Happy Wandering!
Camellia Street Grille | 202 Camellia St W, Everglades City, FL 34139 | Monday – Sunday 11am – 9pm | 239-695-2003
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Thanks for stopping by! Come along for the adventure as we explore Florida & beyond. Discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, testing out cool gear, eating & creating fantastic food along the way. Happy wandering!
Such a wealth of information – another saver – thank you! It’s early morning as I comment but you have made me hungry for dinner and all things Florida eats!
It’s never too early to eat great Florida fresh seafood!
You had me at seafood!
Lol!! Us too!!
This place sounds DELISH! Cant wait to try it someday.
Ashleigh, it is so Florida!
Yum!!! Thank you for this insider list of restaurants!
You are so welcome Elly!
Yum! When’s the next flight to Florida?!
Lol! Come wander and eat great food with us!
Love fresh sea food and will travel to eat it! We also love sw fl. Thanks for sharing, we will check it out.
We love Florida fresh seafood too! SW Florida is becoming our new favorite destination to wander to!