Scrumptious Showdown by the Sea: South Beach Seafood Festival Served Up a Flavorful Finale

The 13th annual South Beach Seafood Festival culminated on Saturday, October 25, with the Seafood Slam: Best of the Fest, a mouth-watering beachfront feast that turned South Beach into the nation’s most delicious destination. 

With leading sponsor Tequila Herradura, presented by GOYA Foods, and hosted by the City of Miami Beach, the all-inclusive celebration invited thousands of hungry guests to savor an afternoon of endless bites, bold flavors, and coastal flair. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., seafood lovers indulged in the region’s finest ocean-to-table creations with the fresh ocean breeze, DJs galore, and beachside vibes that define this signature South Beach experience.

“Each year, the South Beach Seafood Festival continues to grow as a celebration of South Florida’s unmatched local culinary talent and vibrant beachside culture and the reason why so many locals and tourists come from near and far to indulge in our destination,” said Valerie Roy, CMO at CI Management. “The festival offers something for every seafood lover, and thanks to the help of some incredible national brands, we can host this multi day celebration on the sands of South Beach annually and we can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors alike to savor, vote, and celebrate the best of South Florida’s food scene.”

The Seafood Slam was a food lover’s dream: a savory, all-you-can-sample adventure showcasing more than 40 new and returning restaurants from across South Florida. The sprawling, four-block setup buzzed with the irresistible aroma of sizzling seafood and freshly grilled favorites. Attendees devoured everything from chilled stone crabs, fried lobster and spoonfuls of caviar to spicy sweet ceviche, golden fried shrimp, crab cakes bursting with flavor, seafood croquetas, tuna tartare, and creamy seafood chowders. Each booth offered something deliciously different, encouraging guests to eat, sip, and vote for their Best of the Fest bite. The event wasn’t just a tasting; it was a full-on feast, where every plate packed a punch of flavor and flair. Some stand-outs included Marlo’s Roasted Corn, Big Mama’s Citrus Calamondin Vinaigrette, and Il Mercatto’s Pistachio Butter.

Adding to the culinary excitement was the debut of the Milam’s Markets Home Chef Competition, which brought a dash of local pride and friendly competition to the stage. Two amateur cooks were selected from a pool of community submissions, and faced off live at the Milam’s Markets Culinary Stage preparing their signature seafood dishes for a panel of judges, including celebrated Miami Chef Mika Leon. Although Indira Estanga’s recipe was delish, Brendon Stubelt took home the winning title, a $500 Milam’s Markets gift card, and a two-night stay at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel… not to mention the ultimate bragging right of having his winning recipe featured at Milam’s Markets! The crowd cheered them both on, savoring every second of the culinary drama.

Speaking of the Milam’s Markets Culinary Stage, it was pure fire - in a good way! Students from the Miami Beach Senior High Culinary Program created signature seafood dishes, Chef Guillermo Eleicegui of Ossobuco Miami did a live demo, Pacifico showcased craft beer cocktails, and Chef Justin Timineri of Fresh from Florida featured a unique take on Bloody Mary’s.

The 2025 Seafood Slam, Best of the Fest Competition, presented by First Horizon Bank was awarded to Chef Orhun Gorsen and his team from Zaytinya - James Beard Award-winning chef José Andrés’s restaurant. The winning recipe, Octopus Santorini, was a delightful grilled Mediterranean octopus served with marinated onions, capers, on a bed of yellow split pea puree. A plateful of heaven.

Of course, no celebration is complete without drinks and dancing, and the Seafood Slam didn’t disappoint. Seafoodies cooled off with refreshing cocktails, sake shots, chilled Geyser Peak and Natura wines and ice-cold brews from national beverage partners including Jack Daniel’s, High Noon, Finlandia, and Breakthru Beverage. Hendrick’s Gin served up Hibiscus Gin Mules, Elyx Vodka poured Espresso martinis, and Lucky One handed out plenty of canned vodka lemonade. Live DJs also popped up across several experiences - Jack Daniel’s Live Music Stage, Pacifico Beer Beach Club, Hendrick’s Gin Garden and High Noon Lifeguard Dance Party - keeping the crowd moving and grooving between bites. For those seeking something extra, the Premium Stone Crab Pavilion offered an elevated experience, pairing chilled claws with crisp wine and ocean breezes. 

Beyond the food and festivities, the Seafood Slam carried a deeper purpose. Proceeds from the festival supported the CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program, which provides nutritious meals and education for Florida’s youth. This year also celebrated the involvement of Miami Beach Senior High’s Culinary Program, giving aspiring chefs a chance to gain hands-on experience and compete in their own student showdown. It was a heartfelt reminder that the event wasn’t just about savoring great seafood; it was also about nurturing the next generation of culinary talent.

As the Seafood Slam was coming to a close, this scrumptious, soul-satisfying toast to South Florida’s vibrant culinary spirit once again delivered the perfect mix of flavor, fun, and philanthropy. For more information on the South Beach Seafood Festival, which returns October 21-24, 2026, visit https://sobeseafoodfest.com/.