These Florida Waterfront Restaurants Serve The Best Views In The State
Florida has more than 1,350 miles of coastline, and much of it is lined with places worth sitting down for.
With this much water, it is no surprise that some of the state’s best meals come with a view.
In Florida, dinner is often served beside bays, marinas, and open horizons.
Along the coast, restaurants turn waterfront settings into part of the experience.
The food tastes better when boats drift past and the light starts to soften.
Sunsets slow everything down, and suddenly the meal lasts longer than planned.
These are the Florida waterfront restaurants people remember long after the plates are cleared.
1. Waterfront – Stuart
Sitting pretty at 131 SW Flagler Ave in Stuart, FL 34994, this gem lives up to its name in every way. Classic Florida charm meets riverfront elegance, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
The Stuart riverfront provides a backdrop so gorgeous that you might forget to check your menu at first glance.
Sunset chasers, this is your new favorite spot. As the sky transforms into shades of orange, pink, and purple, you’ll understand why locals guard this place like a treasured secret.
The view alone is worth the visit, but the seafood? That’s what keeps people coming back week after week.
Fresh catches arrive daily, ensuring that every dish bursts with flavor that only truly fresh seafood can deliver. From grouper to shrimp, the kitchen knows how to treat ocean bounty with respect and creativity.
The casual yet polished vibe makes it perfect for everything from date nights to family celebrations.
Outdoor seating puts you right where the action is—boats gliding by, pelicans diving for dinner, and gentle river breezes keeping you comfortable. It’s the kind of place where time slows down just enough to let you savor every bite and every moment.
Florida waterfront dining doesn’t get much better than this riverside treasure.
2. Buoy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill – St Pete Beach
Located at 677 75th Ave, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, Buoy’s has earned its reputation as a local favorite for good reason. Gulf views stretch out before you like a living postcard, with turquoise waters meeting endless sky in a scene that never gets old.
This isn’t some tourist trap trying to capitalize on location—it’s a genuine neighborhood spot that happens to have million-dollar views.
Casual seafood favorites dominate the menu, prepared with the kind of consistency that builds loyal followings. Think crispy fish sandwiches, perfectly seasoned shrimp platters, and grouper that tastes like it was swimming just hours ago.
The kitchen doesn’t try to be fancy, and that’s exactly what makes it work so well.
Right on the water means you’re practically toe-to-toe with the Gulf, close enough to feel the salt spray on breezy days. Seating options range from covered areas to open-air tables where sunshine and fresh air enhance every meal.
Families, couples, and solo diners all find their happy place here.
What really sets Buoy’s apart is its unpretentious vibe—no dress code, no attitude, just good food and better views. Locals know to arrive early on weekends because word has definitely gotten out about this waterfront wonder.
3. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill – Longboat Key
Perched at 412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228, Dry Dock commands attention with its prime Gulf-front position. Highly rated by visitors and locals alike, this waterfront restaurant delivers on every promise its location suggests.
Scenic views roll out in every direction, making it nearly impossible to take a bad photo here.
Fresh catch specials change based on what fishermen bring in, ensuring seasonal variety and peak flavor. The kitchen team clearly knows their way around seafood, treating each ingredient with techniques that highlight natural flavors rather than hiding them.
From seared fish to grilled specialties, execution is consistently spot-on.
Gulf breezes drift through the dining area, carrying that distinctive salt-air scent that makes coastal dining so special. Windows frame the water like artwork, and outdoor tables put you even closer to the action.
Watching boats cruise by while enjoying expertly prepared seafood creates moments you’ll replay long after returning home.
Service strikes that perfect balance between attentive and relaxed, matching the overall vibe of Longboat Key itself. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself to a beautiful meal, Dry Dock delivers an experience that justifies its stellar reputation.
This is waterfront dining done right, with views and flavors that stick with you.
4. Beach House Waterfront Restaurant – Bradenton Beach
Right at 200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, Beach House lives up to its name with beachfront perfection. Panoramic Gulf of Mexico views surround diners in a sweeping display of blue water and white sand that looks almost too beautiful to be real.
Yet there you are, fork in hand, living your best coastal life.
Popular seafood dishes fill the menu with options that appeal to adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike. Everything from catch-of-the-day specials to time-tested favorites gets prepared with care and presented with style.
The kitchen understands that when you’re competing with views this spectacular, the food needs to hold its own—and it absolutely does.
Beachfront location means you’re literally steps from the sand, close enough to hear waves rolling in as you dine. Morning, afternoon, or evening, each time of day brings its own magic to this waterfront setting.
Sunrise breakfasts glow with soft light, while sunset dinners paint the sky in colors that seem impossible.
Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t sacrifice quality for accessibility. Couples find romance in the setting without any forced ambiance.
Solo diners enjoy people-watching and nature-watching in equal measure. Beach House manages to be many things to many people while maintaining consistent excellence across the board.
5. The Waterfront Restaurant – Anna Maria
Tucked at 111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216, this old-Florida style gem captures something increasingly rare in modern coastal dining. Relaxed vibes wash over you the moment you arrive, like slipping into comfortable shoes after a long day.
Views of Tampa Bay spread out in shimmering blues and greens, dotted with boats and bordered by natural shoreline.
Old-Florida doesn’t mean outdated—it means authentic, unpretentious, and rooted in tradition that values quality over trends. The menu reflects this philosophy with straightforward seafood preparations that let ingredients shine.
No molecular gastronomy or fusion confusion here, just honest cooking that respects both the catch and the customer.
Waterfront seating puts you right where you want to be, with Tampa Bay breezes keeping things comfortable even on warmer days. Pelicans and herons provide free entertainment, diving and fishing with skills that put most humans to shame.
The natural setting feels preserved rather than manufactured, maintaining that genuine Florida charm.
Locals have been coming here for years, which tells you everything you need to know about consistency and value. Tourists discover it and immediately understand why it’s beloved.
The combination of location, atmosphere, and quality creates an experience that feels both special and accessible, fancy enough for occasions but comfortable enough for regular visits.
6. Coconuts – Fort Lauderdale
Positioned at 429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, Coconuts offers front-row seats to the Intracoastal Waterway’s endless parade. Boats of every size cruise past—from modest fishing vessels to mega-yachts that cost more than most houses.
The people-watching alone justifies a visit, but the food and setting seal the deal.
Scenic doesn’t begin to cover it when you’re dining right on the Intracoastal, where water traffic and wildlife create constant visual interest. Manatees sometimes make surprise appearances, delighting diners with their gentle presence.
Dolphins play in the wake of passing boats, performing acrobatics that no theme park could replicate.
Seafood and local favorites fill the menu with options that satisfy various tastes and appetites. Fresh preparations highlight Florida’s bounty, from stone crab to mahi-mahi to shrimp done a dozen different ways.
The kitchen keeps things interesting with daily specials that showcase seasonal availability and chef creativity.
Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront dining scene is competitive, but Coconuts holds its own through consistent quality and prime positioning. The atmosphere strikes that perfect casual-but-polished note that makes you feel welcome whether you arrive by boat or car.
Sunset timing here is particularly magical, when golden light transforms the Intracoastal into liquid gold and every table becomes the best seat in the house.
7. Waterfront Social – Crystal River
At 1610 SE Paradise Cir, Crystal River, FL 34429, Waterfront Social creates the kind of relaxed outdoor dining experience that makes you forget your worries. Water views stretch out peacefully, reflecting sky and clouds in ever-changing patterns that mesmerize without effort.
This is the spot where afternoon meals turn into extended hangouts and sunset dinners become cherished memories.
Relaxed is the operative word here—no stuffiness, no pretension, just good vibes and better views. The outdoor setting takes full advantage of Crystal River’s natural beauty, incorporating water and sky into the dining experience.
Comfortable seating and thoughtful layout ensure that nearly every table enjoys quality sightlines.
Perfect for afternoon or sunset meals, the timing of your visit dramatically changes the experience without diminishing it. Midday brings bright sunshine sparkling on the water, while evening delivers those famous Florida sunsets that paint everything in warm, golden tones.
Either way, you’re in for something special.
Crystal River’s unique ecosystem means you might spot manatees, especially during cooler months when they seek warmer waters. The menu offers variety without overwhelming, focusing on fresh preparations and crowd-pleasing favorites.
Service maintains that friendly, unhurried pace that matches the overall atmosphere perfectly. Waterfront Social isn’t trying to be the fanciest restaurant in Florida—it’s aiming to be your favorite, and it just might succeed.
8. Guppy’s on the Beach – Indian Rocks Beach
Standing at 1701 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, Guppy’s delivers exactly what its name promises—beachfront dining with personality. Gulf views roll out endlessly, with waves providing a soothing soundtrack that no restaurant playlist could match.
Fresh seafood and sandwiches form the core of a menu designed for beach appetites and casual enjoyment.
Beachfront doesn’t just mean nearby—it means you’re practically on the sand, close enough to feel like you’re dining on the beach itself. Tables face the Gulf, ensuring that even if you’re focused on your meal, the view remains in your peripheral vision.
It’s the kind of setting that makes ordinary lunches feel like mini-vacations.
Fresh seafood gets treated with respect and simplicity, letting quality ingredients speak for themselves. Sandwiches offer satisfying alternatives for those not in the mood for fish, though with seafood this good, that’s a tough choice.
Portion sizes are generous without being wasteful, and flavors hit that sweet spot between interesting and accessible.
Indian Rocks Beach maintains a more laid-back vibe than some of its busier neighbors, and Guppy’s fits right into that atmosphere. Families with sandy kids feel welcome, couples seeking romantic meals find their spot, and solo diners enjoy the peaceful setting.
The combination of location, food quality, and relaxed service creates an experience that feels both special and comfortable, fancy enough to remember but casual enough to truly relax.
9. The Waterfront Restaurant & Marina – St James City
Positioned at 2131 Oleander St, St James City, FL 33956, this marina-side spot combines the best of boating culture with quality dining. Water views include not just natural beauty but also the fascinating world of marina life, where boats come and go with purpose and grace.
Fresh seafood options dominate the menu, as they should in a setting this close to the source.
Casual describes both the dress code and the atmosphere—this is come-as-you-are dining at its finest. Marina-side location means boaters can dock and dine, arriving by water just as easily as others arrive by land.
That nautical energy infuses the whole experience with an authentic coastal vibe that can’t be faked.
Fresh seafood preparations showcase local catches prepared with techniques that honor tradition while allowing for creativity. Daily specials reflect what’s available and what’s at peak quality, ensuring seasonal variety throughout the year.
The kitchen understands that simplicity often trumps complexity when ingredients are this good.
St James City flies under the radar compared to more famous Florida destinations, which works in diners’ favor here. Less crowded means more relaxed, and The Waterfront Restaurant & Marina captures that peaceful island feeling perfectly.
Views stretch across the water, service maintains a friendly pace, and the whole experience feels refreshingly genuine. Whether you arrive by boat or car, you’ll leave planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.
10. Rusty Bellies – Tarpon Springs
At 937 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Rusty Bellies brings tiki-style fun to waterfront dining. Right by Spring Bayou, this local favorite has built a reputation that extends far beyond its immediate neighborhood.
Famous with locals means you’re getting the real deal—a place that survives on quality and atmosphere rather than tourist traffic alone.
Tiki-style waterfront doesn’t mean cheesy or over-the-top; it means relaxed, colorful, and unapologetically fun. The setting by Spring Bayou provides water views with a more intimate feel than Gulf-front locations, creating a cozy atmosphere that still delivers scenic beauty.
Palm trees, tiki torches, and waterfront breezes complete the picture.
The menu leans into coastal favorites with preparations that satisfy without trying too hard to impress. This is food meant to be enjoyed in a casual setting, where flavor matters more than presentation.
Portions are generous, prices are fair, and consistency keeps regulars coming back week after week.
Tarpon Springs carries Greek heritage and sponge-diving history, giving the area unique character that Rusty Bellies complements perfectly. The waterfront grill atmosphere encourages lingering, whether you’re watching boats on the bayou or simply soaking in the Florida sunshine.
Service is friendly without being intrusive, and the overall vibe says “relax, you’re on island time now.” It’s the kind of place that becomes a regular stop rather than a one-time visit.
11. Marker 24 Riverfront Grille – Merritt Island
Located at 1360 S Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952, Marker 24 has earned its highly rated status through consistent excellence. Riverfront positioning provides scenic Banana River views that change with tides, weather, and time of day, ensuring that repeat visits never feel repetitive.
Serving seafood in this setting feels both natural and special, like the restaurant grew organically from its surroundings.
Highly rated by visitors and locals creates expectations that Marker 24 consistently meets and often exceeds. The riverfront setting provides calmer waters than oceanfront locations, creating peaceful views where wildlife sightings are common.
Dolphins, manatees, and countless bird species make regular appearances, adding natural entertainment to your meal.
Seafood preparations range from classic to creative, offering something for traditional tastes and adventurous palates alike. Fresh catches get treated with respect and skill, resulting in dishes that highlight rather than hide the main ingredients.
The kitchen clearly understands that when you’re serving seafood with water views, quality ingredients and proper execution are non-negotiable.
Merritt Island’s location near Kennedy Space Center adds unique character to the area, though Marker 24’s appeal stands independent of any tourist attractions. The restaurant succeeds on its own merits through food quality, service excellence, and that unbeatable riverfront setting.
Whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor seeking authentic Florida waterfront dining, Marker 24 delivers an experience worth remembering and repeating.