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The 5 Best Fried Shrimp in Orlando (For a Crispy Catch)

In a state famous for its seafood, a perfectly executed plate of fried shrimp is a quintessential Florida meal. The search for the best fried shrimp in Orlando leads to a variety of beloved local spots, from casual, old-school fish houses to lively seafood shacks. The magic lies in the details: fresh, plump shrimp with a light, crispy batter that’s fried to a perfect golden brown without being greasy. Whether you like them piled high in a basket with fries or served as part of a classic platter, this guide will steer you to the most delicious and satisfying fried shrimp the city has to offer.

High Tide Harry’s

High Tide Harry’s

πŸ—ΊοΈ 4645 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822

☎️ (407) 273-4422

🌐 Website

πŸ•’ Open Hours

  • Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Highlights

  • An Orlando seafood institution since 1995
  • Casual, nautical-themed atmosphere
  • Extensive menu with fresh seafood
  • Famous for their garlic crabs and happy hour
  • Generous portions

High Tide Harry’s is a true Orlando landmark, beloved by locals for its fresh seafood, casual atmosphere, and friendly service for over 25 years. This unpretentious spot near the airport has a fun, nautical theme and a massive menu featuring everything from oysters and clams to signature dishes like garlic crabs. It’s the kind of place you go to for a consistently great seafood meal without any fuss.

Their fried shrimp is a classic and a crowd-pleaser. You can get a generous portion of large, hand-breaded shrimp fried to a perfect golden-brown crisp. The batter is light, allowing the sweetness of the fresh shrimp to shine through. Served as a basket with fries or as part of a larger platter, it’s a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that keeps customers coming back again and again. For a no-frills, high-quality fried shrimp experience, High Tide Harry’s is a must-visit.

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Orlando.

Boston’s Fish House

Boston’s Fish House

πŸ—ΊοΈ 6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792

☎️ (407) 678-2107

🌐 Website

πŸ•’ Open Hours

  • Sunday – Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Highlights

  • Authentic New England-style seafood
  • Serving Central Florida since 1988
  • Very casual, order-at-the-counter style
  • Famous for whole belly clams and Ipswich steamers
  • Consistently ranked as a top seafood spot

Boston’s Fish House is a legendary establishment in Winter Park, bringing the authentic taste of a New England seafood shack to Central Florida since 1988. This spot is incredibly popular and for good reasonβ€”the focus is entirely on fresh, high-quality seafood served in a very casual, no-frills setting. You order at the counter, grab a seat at a picnic-style table, and wait for your name to be called for some of the best seafood in town.

While they are famous for their whole belly fried clams, their fried shrimp is equally spectacular. The shrimp are plump and sweet, coated in a light, crispy batter that is perfectly seasoned. It’s a testament to their simple but effective philosophy: source the best seafood and cook it right. If you appreciate authentic, New England-style fried seafood and a bustling, casual vibe, Boston’s Fish House is an essential experience.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Winter Park.

The Old Fish House

The Old Fish House

πŸ—ΊοΈ 5185 US-1, Grant, FL 32949

☎️ (321) 727-7007

🌐 Website

πŸ•’ Open Hours

  • Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Monday – Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Highlights

  • Classic, “Old Florida” waterfront dining
  • Located south of Orlando on the Indian River
  • Super casual and laid-back atmosphere
  • Fresh, locally sourced seafood
  • Live music and great views

For those willing to take a short drive south of Orlando, The Old Fish House in Grant offers a truly authentic “Old Florida” seafood experience. This rustic, laid-back spot is situated right on the Indian River, providing beautiful waterfront views and a relaxed, tiki-bar atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy fresh, local seafood in a genuinely Floridian setting.

Their menu is full of fresh catches, and the fried shrimp is a standout. Sourced locally when possible, the shrimp are lightly battered and fried to a golden perfection, letting the natural sweetness of the seafood be the star. Enjoying a basket of these crispy shrimp while listening to live music and watching boats go by on the river is a quintessential Florida experience that’s well worth the drive.

You might also want to check out the best waterfront restaurants in the Orlando area.

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