There’s a magical little spot tucked along Florida’s Gulf Coast where the irresistible aroma of freshly fried fish drifts across the water, pulling people in like a tide.
I stumbled upon Star Fish Company in Cortez last winter, and from the very first bite, I understood why it has such a loyal following.
This unpretentious dockside shack doesn’t rely on frills or flashy presentation—just the day’s catch, fried to golden, crispy perfection, and served with the kind of honesty that defines true coastal dining. Locals return again and again, while curious visitors happily join the ever-growing line outside.
Fresh-Off-The-Boat Seafood Makes All The Difference
Nothing beats seafood that went from swimming to served in mere hours. Star Fish Company sits right on the Cortez fishing docks, where commercial boats unload their daily catch just steps from the kitchen…