Welcome back, Polk County.
Mike here.
I like seafood — but I don't love it — which is why I'm happy to be able to depend on hundreds and hundreds of locals for their votes and opinions for these Best Food In Polk County articles.
Last week I shared The Best BBQ Spots In Polk County, and that was a tall mountain to climb [knowing how important BBQ is].
But breaking down the best seafood in Winter Haven this week feels pretty significant as well.
If you're trying to stay in Winter Haven we've also seen the best pizza and burgers, as well as it topping the list of the best breakfast in Polk as well.
But okay, enough about what we've already talked about and more about what we're talking about now...
The Best Seafood Restaurants in Winter Haven, Florida.
And, as always, this isn’t just a list I’ve put together based on my own preferences…
This list was built from HUNDREDS of votes, from locals just like you.
Let’s go 
Special Author’s Note:
The number one spot dominated this list. But I want to point out the fact that it has a VERY loyal fan base. Almost too loyal! I personally think it deserves to be in the top 3-4, but would feel I was doing you a disservice if I didn't tell you that you will definitely get completely different vibes (and potentially better food) if you try out the second and third spot.
First Place: Harry's Old Place
The Best Seafood Restaurant In Winter Haven, Florida
Harry's Old Place — 3751 Cypress Gardens Rd
Coming in at number one on our list, and it wasn't close, is Harry's Old Place.
Harry's didn't just win. It dominated.
Across every poll, and every thread we pulled from to collect votes, Harry's kept showing up at the top. And the comments weren't timid about it either.
With voters sharing:
- "Harry's Old Place, by far the best."
- "Hands down."
- "Freshest fish and best selection."
- "Consistently great every time."
And what stood out wasn't just the amount of votes ...
It was the confidence [in each of the votes].
People weren't debating Harry's. They were backing it.
Known for fresh seafood, a simple setup, and a no-frills vibes, it's one of those spots that Winter Haven locals trust without hesitation.
One voter summed it up perfectly:"Harry's Old Place. You can't beat it."
Second Place: Harborside
The Second Best Seafood Restaurant In Winter Haven, Florida
Harborside — 2435 7th St SW
Coming in at second is Harborside.
Harborside didn't necessarily dominate any poll that we pulled from; but it showed up in every single one of them.
And that consistency is exactly what earned it the number two spot.
With voters sharing:
- "Harborside."
- "Harborside on Lake Shipp."
- "Great seafood and a great view."
This is one of the go-to spots for locals looking for a sit-down meal, waterfront views, and a solid, reliable seafood option.
It may not carry the same hype as Harry's, but it's one of the most dependable answers you'll get when you ask a Winter Haven local where to eat.
One voter highlighted:"Always a good choice."
Third Place: Maritime
The Third Best Seafood Restaurant In Winter Haven, Florida
Maritime — 302 4th St SW
Coming in at third is Maritime.
Maritime only opened in June of 2024 and quickly shot to being popular enough to come in as the third best seafood spot in all of Winter Haven.
Which means I do need to point out the potentially obvious: with a bit more time under it's belt — it does have the potential to slide into one of the top two slots!
Voters shared:
- "Maritime is great."
- "Best fish and chips around."
- "Great food and drinks."
Maritime is similar to Harborside in the sense that you should pick this if you're looking for a bit of a more elevated feel compared to Harry's.
Both are stong choices if you're looking for a nicer night out, drinks with your meal, or a more updated menu.
One voter summed it up well:"Great food and great drinks."
Fourth Place: The Hungry Crab
The Fourth Best Seafood Restaurant In Winter Haven, Florida
The Hungry Crab — 1551 3rd St SW
Coming in at fourth is The Hungry Crab.
This is one of the more casual, seafood boil-style spots on the list, and it showed up consistently across multiple polls.
With voters sharing:
- "Hungry Crab."
- "Love Hungry Crab."
- "Always good."
If you're looking for seafood boils, big portions, and a laid-back experience, this is one of the go-to spots in Winter Haven.
Fifth Place: Crab Craze
The Fifth Best Seafood Restaurant In Winter Haven, Florida
Crab Craze — 842 6th St NW
Rounding out the top five is Crab Craze.
Similar to The Hungry Crab, this spot lives in the seafood boil lane, and it built steady support across multiple polls.
With voters sharing:
- "Crab Craze is amazing."
- "Definitely going back."
It may not have the same volume as the top three, but it earned its spot through consistent mentions and strong feedback.
Other Great Seafood Restaurants Options In Winter Haven, Florida
If you’re anything like me, you want to try all the best seafood in Winter Haven, Florida so you can be the judge for yourself.
So here is the rest of the top ten seafood restaurants in Winter Haven, Florida (in order 6-10):
- #6 — Tanner's Lakeside
- #7 — Somewhere
- #8 — Sizzling Grill
- #9 — Gary's Oyster Bar (worth the short drive)
- #10 — Oyster Bar Winter Haven (next to Upper Crust)
Which gives us the full top 10 seafood restaurants in Winter Haven.
And brings us to the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
My personal opinion (that no one asked for 
).
Here are my top seafood spots:
- Harborside
- Maritime
- Saving This Spot
As always I'm reserving that third spot until I have tried every spot on the list, and there a few I still need to get to.
I personally think Harry's Old Place deserves maybe third or fourth on this list — but it's loyal fan-base keeps it at the top.
THANKS!
Thanks for reading this edition of The Polk Squeeze today.
Share this with a friend who's been looking for the best seafood in Winter Haven.
- Mike Romaine
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