9 Best Outdoor Restaurants In Stuart, Florida
If you’re in Stuart, you don’t need to choose between a great meal and a great view – you can have both. This Treasure Coast gem is filled with restaurants that make the most of Florida’s sunshine and salty breezes.
Picture yourself sipping a tropical cocktail as boats glide by, or cracking into a plate of fresh-caught fish while pelicans swoop overhead.
From laid-back marina hangouts to polished riverfront dining rooms, Stuart’s outdoor spots prove that eating al fresco is more than just a meal – it’s a lifestyle.
1. Stuart Boathouse: Riverside Elegance
Perched along the St. Lucie River, Stuart Boathouse serves up classic seafood dishes with million-dollar views. The spacious waterfront deck lets you watch boats drift by while savoring fresh sushi or perfectly grilled steaks.
Most tables offer unobstructed river panoramas, making sunset dinners particularly magical. Located in downtown at 49 SW Seminole Street, this local favorite balances upscale dining with relaxed Florida charm.
2. Sailor’s Return: Marina Melodies
Music and marina views blend perfectly at Sailor’s Return, where the large waterside patio buzzes with energy. Live bands perform frequently, creating the soundtrack to your seafood feast as boats bob gently in Sunset Bay Marina.
The casual vibe makes this 625 SW Anchorage Way hotspot perfect for gathering with friends. Palm trees sway overhead while you sip tropical drinks and enjoy the genuine Florida marina experience that tourists dream about.
3. Hudson’s on the River: Panoramic Perfection
Hudson’s deck seating offers some of the most expansive water views in Stuart. The modern menu matches the contemporary vibe, with brunch options that draw weekend crowds seeking both scenic beauty and culinary creativity.
I still remember my first visit last summer, watching dolphins play in the river while enjoying their famous crab cakes. Located at 351 SW Flagler Avenue, Hudson’s consistently earns praise specifically for its outdoor dining experience.
4. TideHouse Waterfront Restaurant: Elevated Escapism
The second-floor perch at TideHouse creates a breezy dining experience above Harborage Yacht Club. Their open-air porch and umbrella-shaded deck deliver sweeping river vistas that complement the New American coastal cuisine.
The elevation provides a unique perspective on Stuart’s waterways. Find this hidden gem at 915 NW Flagler Avenue, where seafood specialties taste even better with gentle breezes and the occasional passing manatee below.
5. Two Georges Dockside Grille: Port Salerno’s Party Spot
Two Georges took over the former Twisted Tuna location and refreshed it into Port Salerno’s premier outdoor dining destination. The waterfront seating areas and multiple outdoor bars create a lively atmosphere, especially when live musicians perform.
I celebrated my birthday here last month, arriving by boat and tying up right at their dock. Located at 4290 SE Salerno Road, this boat-friendly establishment serves everything from sushi to pizzas, making it perfect for groups with varied tastes.
6. Shrimper’s Grill & Raw Bar: Old-Florida Authenticity
Shrimper’s multi-level patios deliver authentic old-Florida vibes at Manatee Marina. The no-frills approach focuses on what matters: fresh seafood, cold drinks, and spectacular water views.
The pet-friendly section means your four-legged friends can join the outdoor fun. Find this longstanding favorite at 4903 SE Dixie Highway, where the grouper sandwiches have legendary status among locals and the raw bar offerings arrive daily from local waters.
7. CoLab Kitchen: Backyard Bliss
Unlike the waterfront spots, CoLab Kitchen offers a different outdoor experience with its sprawling patio and yard space. Fire pits create cozy gathering spots while lawn games add playful energy to the farm-to-table dining experience.
The 100 SE MLK Jr Boulevard location often features live acoustic music that perfectly complements the outdoor atmosphere.
My favorite winter evening involved s’mores by their fire pit after enjoying their locally-sourced dinner specialties – pure backyard comfort with restaurant-quality food.
8. Fresh Catch Seafood Grill: Patio Paradise
The dedicated outdoor patio at Fresh Catch feels like a hidden oasis away from the busier waterfront areas.
Regular live music creates a relaxed vibe that perfectly matches their approachable seafood menu and popular happy hour specials.
Located at 1411 SE Indian Street, this neighborhood favorite delivers consistent quality without the tourist crowds.
The covered sections of the patio make it a reliable outdoor option even during Florida’s occasional afternoon showers.
9. Riverwalk Café & Oyster Bar: Downtown Charm
The street-side patio at Riverwalk Café puts you right in the heart of historic downtown Stuart. Watch the world go by while sampling their renowned oyster selection or savoring prime steaks under the Florida sky.
The 201 SW St. Lucie Avenue location makes it perfect for dinner before exploring downtown’s shops and nightlife.
This long-running establishment strikes the ideal balance between upscale dining and relaxed outdoor ambiance, earning its place as a local institution.