14 Pennsylvania Restaurants On The Water Serving Big Flavor With Scenic Views
Pennsylvania’s waterfronts aren’t just for relaxing; they’re home to restaurants where scenery and flavor come together in perfect harmony.
Picture sun glinting off the water as you dig into dishes bursting with bold, satisfying flavors. From fresh seafood to hearty classics, each meal is enhanced by a view that makes dining unforgettable.
These restaurants prove that good food tastes even better when paired with sweeping vistas, fresh air, and the gentle sound of waves.
1. Moshulu: Philadelphia’s Floating Feast
Aboard the world’s oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat, dining becomes an adventure at Moshulu.
The Delaware River provides a stunning backdrop as you savor contemporary American cuisine.
Once a trading ship that sailed around Cape Horn, this floating restaurant now docks permanently at Penn’s Landing. The deck offers unparalleled views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge illuminated at night.
2. Liberty Point: Multi-Level Waterfront Wonder
Sprawling across 28,000 square feet with three levels of dining space, Liberty Point claims the title of Philadelphia’s largest outdoor restaurant.
The panoramic Delaware River views complement a menu focused on fresh seafood and creative cocktails.
Located at the Independence Seaport Museum, this newcomer to Philly’s dining scene opened in 2022. Catch live music on weekends while watching boats glide by on the river.
3. Morgan’s Pier: Casual Riverside Revelry
Summer in Philly isn’t complete without an afternoon at Morgan’s Pier, where picnic tables under string lights create the perfect laid-back vibe. Named after the first person to swim across the Delaware River, this seasonal beer garden serves up craft brews and elevated pub grub.
The seasonal menu changes annually as guest chefs bring fresh concepts. Watch ships pass by while munching on fish tacos and sipping local IPAs.
4. Manayunk Brewing Company: Schuylk*ll River Craft Sips
Housed in a 19th-century wool mill, Manayunk Brewing Company pairs handcrafted beers with globally-inspired cuisine. The sprawling deck hovering over the Schuylk*ll River offers prime views of the canal and towpath.
Flood waters have twice forced complete renovations, yet this resilient brewpub keeps bouncing back stronger. Try their rotating selection of 10-12 house beers while watching kayakers navigate the river below.
5. Keating’s Rope & Anchor: Maritime Elegance
Nautical themes run throughout this sophisticated spot at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame postcard-worthy views of the Delaware River and Camden waterfront across the way.
Chef specialties include locally-sourced seafood prepared with classic techniques.
The outdoor patio becomes especially magical at sunset when the sky paints itself in pinks and oranges reflected in the water below.
6. The Landing Kitchen: Streamside Breakfast Bliss
James Beard Award-winning chef Nick Elmi created this airy, all-day cafe nestled along the Schuylk*ll River in Bala Cynwyd.
Morning light streams through massive windows illuminating simple yet sophisticated breakfast and lunch fare. Located in the historic Pencoyd Iron Works complex, industrial elements blend with modern design.
Grab a signature sandwich and coffee before strolling the riverside trail connecting to Manayunk just steps from your table.
7. Martine’s RiverHouse Restaurant: Delaware Dining Legacy
Family-owned since 1979, Martine’s occupies a historic building perched directly on the Delaware River in New Hope.
Their covered porch practically hovers over the water, putting diners just feet from the flowing current. Watch for wildlife as you dine on classic American fare with French influences.
The restaurant survived devastating floods in 2005 and 2006, rebuilding each time to continue serving loyal customers who come as much for the stunning views as the crab cakes.
8. River House at Odette’s: New Hope’s Luxe Lookout
Channeling the spirit of actress Odette Myrtil, whose original establishment stood here in the 1960s, this boutique hotel’s restaurant exudes sophisticated bohemian charm.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the Delaware River from the elevated dining room. The piano lounge frequently features live music reminiscent of Odette’s cabaret days.
Seasonal menus highlight locally-sourced ingredients while craft cocktails pay homage to the area’s artistic heritage.
9. King George II Inn: Historic Waterfront Dining
Founded in 1681, King George II Inn claims the title of oldest continuously operating inn in America.
Generations of diners have enjoyed meals overlooking the Delaware River from this Bristol landmark visited by George Washington and many other historical figures.
Ghost stories abound within these colonial walls. The riverfront patio offers the best seats for watching boats and spectacular sunsets while sampling traditional American fare with colonial influences.
10. Black Bass Hotel: Riverside Romance
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Delaware River since 1745, the Black Bass Hotel restaurant offers arguably the most romantic waterfront dining in Bucks County.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the river-view dining room put you practically suspended over the water.
Once a haven for revolutionaries, the historic property was allegedly the only establishment in the area that refused to host George Washington.
Today, the elegant restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and seasonal American cuisine.
11. Duke’s Riverside Bar & Grille: Susquehanna Sunset Spot
Prime sunset views over the Susquehanna River make Duke’s outdoor deck the place to be on warm evenings in Wormleysburg.
Just across from Harrisburg’s skyline, this casual eatery serves up generous portions of American classics and seafood specialties.
The tiki bar atmosphere kicks into high gear during summer months with live music. Watch boats cruise by and the State Capitol dome glow at dusk while sipping their famous orange crushes.
12. John Wright Restaurant: Riverside Mill Magic
Housed in a beautifully restored 1916 silk mill, John Wright Restaurant overlooks the wide Susquehanna River from Wrightsville’s shoreline.
The stone patio with fire pits offers front-row seats to spectacular sunsets over the water and historic Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge.
Wood-fired pizzas from their outdoor oven are local favorites. The restaurant maintains its own garden, supplying fresh herbs and vegetables that feature prominently on their seasonally-changing menu.
13. Grand Concourse: Pittsburgh’s Gilded Station
Opulence greets diners inside this former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station transformed into a seafood restaurant.
Soaring stained glass ceilings and marble columns create a dramatic backdrop for views of the Monongahela River through arched windows.
The Sunday champagne brunch buffet has achieved legendary status among Pittsburghers.
Outdoor seating on the riverside patio lets you watch boats while dining beneath the impressive architecture of this 1901 Beaux-Arts masterpiece.
14. Redfin Blues: Casual Island Escape
Tucked away on Pittsburgh’s Washington’s Landing, a small island in the Allegheny River, Redfin Blues feels like a hidden vacation spot within city limits.
The sprawling deck juts out over the marina, offering 270-degree water views and a front-row seat to passing boats and kayakers.
Once an industrial site, the island is now a green oasis. The casual menu focuses on fresh seafood, burgers, and cold beers perfect for relaxed summer evenings watching the sun set behind Pittsburgh’s skyline.