Recently, I was guest at the Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille in Fort Lauderdale and I may never think of seafood the same again. Located inside Fort Lauderdale’s historic Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard, the food was superb, the service was spectacular, and the atmosphere of the restaurant was fantastic.

What makes Wild Sea unique is the fact that they bring their seafood in daily, not only from Florida’s sea, but from New England, Hawaii, and even the West Coast. The seafood was the freshest seafood I have eaten in South Florida (and I am a native!).

The location is perfect for those staying at the hotel for a long weekend or Florida natives looking for a nice meal while people watching on Las Olas. A little-known secret is that there is even a dock behind the restaurant so you can dock your boat while eating a delicious meal.

One of my favorite parts about this restaurant was the welcoming atmosphere. The walls are painted light blue and white (my favorite colors), with the art depicting some of your favorite under-the-sea creatures (I love the jellyfish picture). The tables and booths are perfectly situated so you have the ease of having a private conversation, with not too much noise surrounding you. A nice touch in the usually noisy South Florida food scene. 

Since I have Celiac Disease, I am always hesitant with eating out at restaurants for fear that my food can become contaminated with gluten. However, our waiter was extremely well-trained and knew exactly which items I could and could not eat. Needless to say, Wild Sea is a keeper in my eyes.

What we ate and drank:

1.     The Wild Old-Fashioned and Pinot Grigio.

2.     Grilled Octopus, with Garlic Aioli, Blueberry Coulis, and Slab Bacon.

3.     Pan Seared Grouper, with Roasted Beets, Arugula, Honey-Lavender Vinaigrette, and Blackberry Gastrique.

4.     Atlantic Monkfish Loin, with Stone-Ground Organic Grits, Smoked Gouda, Sweet Corn Succotash.

5.     Key Lime Pie, with coconut sorbet (not gluten free).

6.     Sea Salt Caramel Gelato.

Thank you Chef Toby Joseph for a wonderful meal!  Happy Hour is from 5-7 pm and on Thursdays, Wild Sea features from 5 pm to 10 pm 50% off drinks and 50% off Chefs Choice Oysters.  

Add Wild Sea to your "must visits" this summer.

Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille

620 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

(954) 467-2555