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Nestled conveniently on US Hwy 41 S in charming Inverness, FL, Cedar River Seafood stands out as a beloved family seafood restaurant where the freshest ocean flavors meet warm, inviting hospitality. Specializing in an extensive array of seafood delights, this local hotspot masterfully combines casual comfort with the rich tastes of coastal cuisine, making it an ideal destination for both family dinners and relaxed gatherings.
The menu at Cedar River Seafood is a treasure trove for seafood lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. Feast your eyes—and palate—on signature dishes like the succulent Jumbo Snow Crab Legs, expertly prepared Blackened Flounder, and the rich, buttery Shrimp Scampi that practically melt in your mouth. For those craving something a little different, the Crab Stuffed Snapper and Deviled Crab Stuffed Flounder are standouts, offering complex, layered flavors that celebrate classic seafood with a twist. Beyond seafood, the restaurant serves hearty options such as the 1/2 lb. Black Angus Cheese Burger and the satisfying Po' Boys, including the flounder filet and shrimp variations, ensuring there’s something delicious for every appetite.
The appetizers alone are enough to tempt any diner: imagine crispy, golden-fried Calamari paired with a tangy dipping sauce, or the irresistible crunch of Fried Mushrooms alongside a plate of Gator Bites for a uniquely Floridian experience. As for sides, their fresh green beans and creamy garlic mashed potatoes complement entrees perfectly, while the legendary Key Lime Pie and decadent Fried Cheesecake provide the perfect sweet finale.
Many patrons praise the exceptional service that elevates the dining experience at Cedar River Seafood. For example, Mary Jane Swift shared how waitress Madison’s patient and attentive guidance helped transform a difficult menu decision into a delightful dining memory. Likewise, the friendly and efficient care from servers like Destiny and Shannon further highlights the restaurant’s dedication to making guests feel right at home. The inviting, mid-sized space offers a cozy yet spacious atmosphere—ideal for enjoying a peaceful lunch or a family dinner, as noted by customer Sponge Bob, who appreciated the relaxed, uncrowded setting and quick seating.
From the moment you step inside, the ambience at Cedar River Seafood is one of down-to-earth charm blended with comfort, with an atmosphere that encourages you to unwind and savor every bite. Whether indulging in the rich, clam-studded New England Clam Chowder or delighting in the generous portions of tender lobster tails alongside creamy mac and cheese, each visit promises a satisfying and heartfelt culinary experience.
Inverness locals and visitors alike repeatedly commend Cedar River Seafood not just for its deliciously prepared dishes, but for its genuine warmth and attention to detail. As Kim Richbourg testifies, the combination of fantastic food and outstanding service is a compelling reason to return. If you find yourself craving fresh, flavorful seafood delivered with a smile, Cedar River Seafood is an essential stop that captures the very best of Florida’s coastal dining.
We were here about a month ago and I would definately return if in the area. Out waitress, Madison, was fantastic. I was having a hard time deciding what I wanted to eat for dinner. She was very patient and helpful. My husband and I decided on the Onion Rings as an appetizer and we split the Grouper Filet Dinner and salad. Excellent choice and absolutely delicious.
We visited Cedar River Seafood for lunch on a weekday, in January 2025. We arrived before noon which avoided possible crowding. It worked and they were not busy when we arrived. Cedar River Seafood is not a large establishment. But they are not tiny either. So they have a fair amount of room and tables. We were seated right away. After a quick view of the menu, we ordered. The food arrived fairly quick. The food itself was mostly decent. It was not the best seafood that we have ever had by any means. But it was decent. I will say that some of my food was not hot. I would say barely warm, would be more fitting. This would include my main entree’ and one of my two sides. One side I didn’t eat and just took home where I could warm it up. I do not send things back or complain about food. If I did say something, it would not be until after we ate. But that’s a rarity that I would say anything. The second side and a soup that I had were hot and very good. So I guess it was hit and miss for me. The wife was somewhat similar. But she did not have temperature issues. But I could have been a rarity. So don’t make any decisions based on my food. Try it for yourself. The prices are subjective to one’s opinion. But I found them to be somewhat on the fair side for what we had. No it’s not the cheapest meal out there, but seafood rarely is. But like I said, I found it somewhat fair. Again, folks opinions differ. I did include pictures of the menu for your convenience. Our lunch cost us $45, plus tip. But that was two lunch special entree’s, one cup of soup, one soft drink, and a water. The added soup makes it look more expensive than it really was. The wife said the ladies room was clean. The restaurant itself seemed adequately clean. Service was good and fast. Again, we visited for lunch and they were fairly quiet at the time. I have heard that they get pretty busy later in the day towards dinner. So plan accordingly. All in all, we found Cedar River Seafood to be decent. Some is better than others pertaing to the food. Nothing we had was bad. But most was good but not outstanding to us. But, if we were in the area again, we would stop in again.
Destiny was our server and she was very friendly and nice. We got the lobster dinner for two and it was awesome. The chowder was filled with clams and delicious. My husband had the spicy and I had the regular. The lobster tails were decent size and very good. The sides of garlic mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese were also very tasty. Food was delicious.
Me and my mom went here for the first time today. Besides the lady that sat us seeming a little irritated, we definitely enjoyed ourselves. We had Shannon as our waitress and she was GREAT. Super friendly and sweet and made sure we didn't have to ask for anything!! The portions are good and the food was too! Left stuffed and happy! We will definitely be back again.
Absolutely fantastic. The food was great. Our server Kimberly was amazing. Will return when we.come back to town.
We’ve been to Cedar River several times and have always had great service. We had a group of 12 last Saturday for my Granny’s 78th birthday. We were seated quickly and our server was Lily (I’m pretty sure).. she was attentive and very friendly. The drinks and food all came out in a timely manner and as usual, everything was DELICIOUS! Notable mention: the gator bites were the most tender, flavorful gator I have ever had.
We just found this restaurant and so glad we gave it a try! It’s a comfortable space with a home like feel. The food was delicious and the portions were very generous which made me happy. During the week days they offer a couple of all you can eat options on the menu. Overall, if you enjoy seafood, Cedar River is a great choice and is now our favorite.