The Sharks Underwater Grill restaurant in Sea World in Orlando, Florida is one of the coolest restaurants I have eaten in. Why is it so appealing? You get to look at a huge aqarium filled with live sharks swimming around while you dine! There aren’t too many restaurants with that kind of deal.
Sharks Underwater Grill restaurant in Sea World is only accessible when you visit Sea World. The restaurant is inside the park. So, you’ll have to purchase tickets to Sea World to be able to dine here. There are ways to save money on tickets, however. But who doesn’t want to see Sea World anyway, and watch the penguins, dolphins, and whales!
To eat in Sharks Underwater Grill restaurant in Sea World you will need a reservation. This restaurant is so popular that it fills up just about every day! You used to be able to make a reservation at Customer Service at the front of the park, but now you have to actually go to the restaurant to do so. What I recommend is that you go straight to the Sharks Underwater Grill when you enter the park, and make your reservation. The first slots to go are those around lunchtime, from 12 to 2 pm, and those around a late dinner time, from 6 to 8 pm. If you wait, you may be forced to eat at 3 or 4, an offtime, or you might not get in at all.
So why is Sharks Underwater Grill in Sea World so popular with the guests of Sea World?
Atmosphere
The atmosphere speaks for itself. From every seat in Sharks Underwater Grill restaurant, you will be able to see the sharks in the huge glass-enclosed aquarium on one side of the restaurant. Each seat is carefully placed in a way that everyone can view the sharks as they dine. There are booths towards the back in an elevated section, and then tables down front right by the sharks.
The lights are dim, so you can get a great view of the sharks. Sometimes, you will watch the sharks being fed by people in diving gear inside cages down in the water. Or, you may experience a person getting an underwater shark experience, down in the cage with a trainer.
Food and Prices
The food is incredible here most of the time. Once I had a steak that wasn’t cooked to the temperature I asked for (medium-well), but the next time I had fish and it was the best fish I have eaten in a year. What is so wonderful about the food is that it is served with such a flair. Each item on the plate is designed to give a professional look to the dish. The garnishes are interesting, and the food selection diverse.
You can start with a salad. I recommend the spinach salad, but the citrus caesar salad is also interesting. These will run you about $6, aside from the cost of an entree. If you want to save money, split it with someone.
Then comes the appetizer. The Sharks Underwater Grill appetizers include a stuffed mushroom trio, crab and artichoke dip and shrimp bruschetta (my favorite.) These run about ten dollars. If you are on a budget, perhaps skip the appetizer and salad, or just have an appetizer.
For entrees, the pan-seared red snapper was to-die-for. I wanted to just let every bite last forever. The fish was cooked just right, and the seasoning was unbelievable. This would be on the top ten list of fish I have ever eaten. I would also recommend the jumbo lump crab cakes. I have also tried the shrimp and smoked chicken barbecue, which was quite tasty. I do not recommend the filet mignon, if you are a complicated and picky steak eater. When I ordered it medium well, first it was too rare and then it was burnt. Entrees run from about $15 to $30.
For dessert, try the caged white chocolate mousse. This is delightful. For something different, go for the passion fruit flavored flan or coconut napoleon with run sauce. Desserts are up to $10.
Sharks Underwater Grill also has a full bar. You do not need a reservation to sit at the bar, so this might be an idea for you if you don’t make it in time for a reservation. Of course, this won’t work if you have children with you. They have some interesting drinks, such as a drink called a blue lemonshark.
Location
Of course, the Sharks Underwater Grill is inside of Sea World. It is convenient if you enjoy coming to Sea World all the time, to have such an exquisite restaurant right inside the park. Do you have your season pass to Sea World? Sea World is in Orlando on International Drive, and easily accessible from the hotels on International Drive. It is also only a few minutes from the nearest Interstate, Route 4.
Overall Recommendation
I would recommend Sharks Underwater Grill in Sea World in Orlando, Florida to anyone who wants to experience something as unique as dining with sharks! You won’t forget the event! Dining with the sharks is peaceful, just like watching an aquarium. The prices are not cheap, so if you are on a budget, share with someone or skip appetizers and dessert. Each food item is impeccably prepared and most of the choices are delicious. The atmosphere is appropriate for families and adults, as well as couples.
