FreshCo Fish Market and Grill is the only South Florida restaurant that made Yelp’s list of the best seafood spots in the country in 2024. Ranked no.13, the business has been booming, with long lines forming outside.
Mario Palazon, the restaurant owner, has been in the seafood wholesale business for over 20 years. The restaurant initially started as just a takeout restaurant. His son, who is a chef, inspired Palazon to turn it into a small in-and-out restaurant. Little did they know the success that was to come.
“[The rating] magnified what we got by ten because there are a lot of good seafood restaurants in South Florida and to be the only one listed was, like, wow,” Palazon said. “Now I’m beginning to think it’s not a coincidence, we’re on to something good.”
The restaurant has been awarded too. They were named the best seafood restaurant in Florida by Eat This Not That in 2022.
“We are fast casual, we’re fresh, nothing frozen. Our concept itself sells and it is: You walk in, you’re going to look at the display, you’re going to see the fish, the kitchen is open, you’re going to see us pull right out of the display and we’re going to cook for you whatever it is that you ordered,” Palazon said. “In other words, there is nothing hidden here.”
The restaurant is just off the Turnpike’s exit 19 on 120th Street.
FreshCo Fish Market and Grill will soon expand into Downtown Doral this summer. Palazon was born in the Keys and wants to bring a Key West feel to the new restaurant. There will be live music, a full liquor bar and a bigger seafood display.
