From Cedar River to Atlantic: Does the Seafood Still Shine?
Atlantic Seafood, formerly known as Cedar River Seafood, is a Fernandina staple that hardly needs an introduction. If you’ve driven by recently, you might have noticed the name change — a fresh coat of paint over the weathered building, with a menu that’s surprisingly unchanged. But is this a catch worth keeping, or should it be tossed back into the ocean?
Walking into Atlantic Seafood feels like stepping back in time. From the speakers playing “Rock Me Amadeus” to the decor that looks as untouched as buried treasure, it’s a vivid throwback to what dining was like a few decades ago. But there’s charm in the simplicity. While modern eateries race to curate the perfect “vibe,” Atlantic Seafood is as straightforward as a dockside diner — plastic fish on the walls, oars mounted like trophies, and a no-frills ambiance that feels oddly comforting.
Online reviews hinted at a downgrade in quality after the rebranding. One scathing critique complained about “old furniture, a bad fish smell, and mostly fried food.” Curious, I braved the supposed storm. To my relief, there wasn’t a whiff of anything rancid during my visit. Speaking with a waitress, I learned that the restaurant now sources its seafood from the local Atlantic Seafood on Ash Street, following a switch in distributors. While the majority of dishes are fried, it’s clear they’re casting their net locally.
The menu, however, is notably smaller than Cedar River’s. It’s a streamlined selection, with fewer options than a tide pool at low tide. While that doesn’t bother me, I was surprised by how little there was to choose from. Flipping the menu over for more options, I was met with lunch specials — sadly off-limits during my evening visit.
I started with the fried shrimp basket ($18), which came with hushpuppies and a choice of side. Sweet potato fries caught my eye — always a plus when offered. When the basket arrived, I was delighted to see it brimming with plump, juicy shrimp. A generous dollop of tartar sauce on one shrimp was pure bliss, and I appreciated the shrimp weren’t buried under thick layers of batter. The hushpuppies were solid, though the sweet potato fries were just passable–tasting a little too similar to frozen fries. But for the shrimp alone, this dish was worth the price of admission.
For the sake of thoroughness — and a nod to an online comment lamenting the fried-heavy menu — I ordered the grilled chicken special to-go. Topped with mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and thick bacon, the sandwich was surprisingly excellent. The chicken was tender, the toppings generous, and the flavors well-balanced. If you’re willing to take a break from seafood, this sandwich earns high marks. Consider it a lifeboat-worthy option.
The sides deserve a shoutout too. Fried okra, garlic mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese rounded out my meal. The okra was fried just enough to mute its grassy undertones — a win for okra skeptics like me. The garlic mashed potatoes, with skins left on for texture and a robust garlic flavor, were the standout. The macaroni and cheese was as expected — comforting, if unremarkable.
Scanning the specials board, I noticed frog legs listed — after I’d already ordered. Next time, I’ll be sure to give them a try. Also on the board was a Florida resident discount — show your ID and snag some savings. Don’t let this deal drift by!
Atlantic Seafood may have a new name, but at its heart, it’s still the Cedar River Seafood locals have come to know. With friendly service, satisfying fried options, and an interior that time forgot, it’s a restaurant that embraces its roots. It may not reinvent the wheel — or the helm, in this case — but it offers solid meals with minimal wait. If you’re looking for no-frills seafood, Atlantic Seafood might just reel you in.
