15 Florida Beachfront Restaurants Offering Incredible Food And Stunning Views
Florida knows how to mix sunshine, salt air, and unforgettable meals.
Along the state’s coastline, beachfront restaurants turn simple dinners into full blown experiences, where crashing waves provide the soundtrack and sunsets steal attention from the plates.
Fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and creative coastal menus make lingering at the table easy.
Flip flops are welcome, reservations are prized, and every seat seems angled toward the water.
Locals and travelers chase these spots for special occasions and spontaneous afternoons alike.
In Florida, eating by the beach is not just about the view.
The food truly earns the spotlight every single time.
1. The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House — Destin
Wooden planks creak underfoot as you walk through this beloved seafood spot that’s been feeding hungry beachgoers since 1974.
Situated at 1740 Scenic Highway 98 in Destin, Florida, this laid-back eatery sits right on the sugar-white sands of the Emerald Coast.
Their amberjack with crabmeat topping has earned legendary status among locals who return year after year.
The building’s weathered cypress exterior and open-air deck give off serious Old Florida vibes that feel authentic rather than touristy.
Fun fact: the restaurant survived multiple hurricanes and still uses some of its original driftwood decor from the 1970s.
Sunset dining here means watching the sky turn pink and orange while dolphins play in the waves below.
Oyster lovers rave about the fresh Gulf oysters served by the dozen, shucked right at the raw bar.
Service stays friendly even during peak summer crowds, and the casual dress code means flip-flops are totally acceptable.
2. Pompano Joe’s — Miramar Beach
Caribbean colors splash across this two-story beach shack at 2237 Scenic Gulf Drive in Miramar Beach, where the party vibe matches the tropical cocktails.
Live music drifts through the air most evenings, mixing with the sound of crashing waves just steps away.
Their seafood nachos piled high with shrimp and crab have achieved cult status on social media.
The architecture blends Key West charm with beach bar casualness, featuring turquoise shutters and a sprawling second-floor balcony perfect for people-watching.
Here’s something cool: the restaurant’s name comes from the pompano fish that swim in these Gulf waters, prized by local anglers for their buttery flavor.
Families love the relaxed atmosphere where kids can play in the sand between courses.
The blackened mahi tacos disappear fast during lunch rush, so arrive early or be patient.
Sunset happy hour brings discounted drinks and an unbeatable view that makes waiting totally worth it.
3. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill — Clearwater Beach
Grouper sandwiches the size of your head have made this spot famous across the entire Tampa Bay area.
Located at 7 Rockaway Street in Clearwater Beach, this casual joint sits right where the sand meets the sidewalk.
The original Frenchy’s started as a tiny takeout window in 1981, and this location keeps that no-frills spirit alive with picnic tables and paper plates.
Their signature grouper comes grilled, blackened, or fried, topped with a secret sauce that people literally try to recreate at home.
The building’s bright yellow exterior and palm-thatched tiki bar give it unmistakable beach shack character.
During spring break, the place gets absolutely packed with college students and families alike, all hunting for that perfect seafood fix.
She-crab soup appears as a daily special and sells out within hours when available.
The outdoor seating area lets you watch beach volleyball games while munching on conch fritters that arrive piping hot and perfectly crispy.
4. The Sandbar Restaurant — Anna Maria
Waves practically lap at the foundation of this island favorite at 100 Spring Avenue on Anna Maria Island.
Built in the classic Old Florida beach cottage style, the restaurant features whitewashed wood and wraparound porches that capture every breeze.
Their crab cakes contain more crab than filler, a rarity that keeps regulars coming back weekly.
The upstairs dining room offers panoramic Gulf views through floor-to-ceiling windows, while downstairs tables sit close enough to the beach that you might spot manatees swimming by.
Something interesting: the building was originally a private beach house before transforming into a restaurant in the 1990s.
Breakfast here is phenomenal, with options like Key lime stuffed French toast that sound weird but taste incredible.
The tropical drink menu runs long, featuring frozen concoctions with names like Sandbar Punch and Island Breeze.
During turtle nesting season, the staff dims beachside lights to protect hatchlings, showing their commitment to the local ecosystem beyond just serving great food.
5. The Crab Trap — Destin
Steamed crab legs arrive at your table by the pound at this waterfront institution located at 3500 Emerald Coast Parkway in Destin.
The rustic nautical interior features fishing nets, buoys, and weathered wood that transport you straight into a fisherman’s fantasy.
Their all-you-can-eat crab legs special on certain nights causes lines that stretch down the block.
The expansive deck overlooks Destin Harbor rather than the open Gulf, giving you front-row seats to charter boats returning with their daily catches.
Random fact worth knowing: the restaurant processes over 10,000 pounds of crab weekly during peak season.
The sunset views across the harbor turn the water into liquid gold, and the resident pelicans know exactly when scraps might come their way.
Fried grouper fingers make a perfect appetizer for picky eaters or kids who aren’t ready for fancy seafood.
The casual vibe means you can show up sandy and salty without anyone batting an eye, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest beachgoers.
6. Pineapple Willy’s — Panama City Beach
Reggae music floats across the sand at this iconic beach bar located at 9875 South Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach.
The massive tiki bar and sprawling deck create a party atmosphere that somehow stays family-friendly even during spring break madness.
Their ribs glazed with pineapple barbecue sauce have won multiple awards and taste like summer vacation in edible form.
The architecture embraces full tropical escapism with thatched roofs, bamboo accents, and bright colors that photograph beautifully against the emerald water backdrop.
Here’s a fun tidbit: the restaurant’s name comes from a beloved local legend about a eccentric beach character from the 1970s.
The second-story dining room offers air-conditioned relief from Florida heat while maintaining amazing ocean views through massive windows.
Coconut shrimp arrives with an orange marmalade sauce that converts even seafood skeptics into believers.
The volleyball courts on the beach host tournaments regularly, and watching competitive matches while sipping a frozen drink feels like the ultimate vacation moment.
7. Runaway Island — Panama City Beach
Perched right on the sand at 17101 Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, this spot nails the castaway island aesthetic without feeling cheesy.
Driftwood sculptures and reclaimed boat parts decorate the interior, creating an authentic beach shack vibe that feels effortlessly cool.
The shrimp and grits here rival anything you’d find in New Orleans, loaded with andouille sausage and swimming in creamy sauce.
Their outdoor stage hosts live bands most weekends, turning dinner into a full entertainment experience as the sun melts into the horizon.
Cool detail: the restaurant’s signature rum runner recipe uses five different types of rum and has been requested for weddings and parties across the panhandle.
The wraparound deck provides 180-degree water views, and the breeze keeps things comfortable even during humid summer evenings.
Blackened grouper tacos get topped with fresh mango salsa that adds perfect sweetness to the spicy fish.
Families appreciate the kids’ menu that goes beyond typical chicken fingers, offering smaller portions of the main menu favorites at reasonable prices.
8. Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant & Bar — Seaside
Upscale beach dining reaches its peak at this Seaside landmark located at 2236 East County Highway 30A.
The modern coastal architecture features clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a rooftop bar that offers some of the most Instagram-worthy sunset views on the entire Florida coast.
Their wood-grilled fish changes daily based on what local boats bring in that morning.
The building’s design won architectural awards for blending contemporary style with traditional beach town charm, using soft pastels and natural materials that complement rather than compete with the surroundings.
Interesting backstory: the restaurant opened in 1986 and helped put the planned community of Seaside on the culinary map.
The Taco Bar downstairs offers a more casual option with amazing fish tacos and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for lunch after beach time.
Their signature cocktails incorporate fresh herbs from the restaurant’s garden, and the bartenders actually know how to mix drinks properly.
Reservations are basically mandatory during summer months, but scoring a table feels like winning the vacation lottery.
9. Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar — Santa Rosa Beach
Raw oysters glisten on ice at this funky seafood shack located at 38 North Barrett Square in Santa Rosa Beach.
The corrugated metal exterior and mismatched furniture give it genuine dive bar character that fancy places try and fail to replicate.
Their oysters come from Apalachicola Bay, widely considered the best in Florida, and get shucked to order right in front of you.
The no-frills interior features concrete floors, picnic tables, and walls covered in license plates and old signs that locals have donated over the years.
Random fun fact: the name comes from an old fishing spot where locals used to harvest oysters decades ago.
While not directly on the beach, the outdoor patio captures enough breeze and laid-back vibes to feel authentically coastal.
The steamed shrimp arrives perfectly seasoned and still hot enough to steam in the Florida air.
Prices stay refreshingly reasonable compared to fancier beach restaurants, and the crowd skews toward locals who know good seafood when they taste it rather than tourists chasing Insta-worthy decor.
10. Ocean Grill — Vero Beach
History soaks into every corner of this 1940s landmark at 1050 Sexton Plaza in Vero Beach.
The original structure survived hurricanes and decades of Florida weather, maintaining its vintage charm with terrazzo floors and dark wood paneling that transport diners back to Old Hollywood glamour.
Their black bean soup has been made from the same recipe since opening day, and regulars swear by it with almost religious devotion.
The oceanfront patio sits mere feet from the Atlantic waves, close enough that sea spray occasionally mists your table during windy days.
Something cool to know: the restaurant appeared in several movies during the 1950s as the epitome of elegant seaside dining.
The mahimahi prepared Hemingway style comes topped with tangy Key lime butter that brightens the rich fish perfectly.
Dress code leans slightly more formal than typical beach joints, so maybe skip the flip-flops for dinner service.
The wine list impresses with both variety and reasonable pricing, and the staff treats everyone like treasured regulars even on your first visit.
11. The Reef — St. Augustine
Casual beach vibes meet serious seafood at this local favorite located at 4100 Coastal Highway in St. Augustine.
The nautical-themed interior stays refreshingly understated with navy blue accents and rope details that avoid going overboard on the sailor kitsch.
Their datil pepper shrimp pays homage to St. Augustine’s unique local pepper, delivering heat that builds gradually rather than punching you in the face.
Large windows frame views of Anastasia Island’s coastline, and the second-floor dining room captures even better panoramas of the Atlantic stretching endlessly eastward.
Fun detail worth mentioning: the restaurant partners with local fishermen who text the chef directly when they land exceptional catches.
The fish tacos come on house-made tortillas, a small touch that elevates them far above typical beach bar fare.
Families appreciate the genuine kids’ menu that offers grilled fish options alongside the expected burgers and nuggets.
The outdoor bar area gets lively during football season when locals gather to watch games with cold beer and hot wings while ocean breezes keep everyone comfortable.
12. Beachcomber Restaurant — St. Augustine Beach
Breakfast with a view becomes reality at this oceanfront gem located at 2 A Street in St. Augustine Beach.
The building’s bright turquoise exterior makes it impossible to miss, and the wrap-around porch offers dining so close to the beach you could toss a shell into the surf.
Their crab cake benedict has developed a cult following among locals who arrive before dawn to snag porch tables for sunrise dining.
The casual beach cottage architecture features lots of windows and an open layout that lets ocean breezes flow through naturally, reducing the need for air conditioning even in summer.
Here’s something neat: the restaurant started as a small sandwich shop in the 1960s before expanding into the full-service spot it is today.
Lunch and dinner menus focus heavily on fresh catch, with the grilled triggerfish being a particular standout that showcases lesser-known local species.
The key lime pie tastes perfectly tart and creamy, exactly as Florida dessert should be.
Service moves at beach pace rather than rushed city speed, which matches the relaxed vibe perfectly if you’re on vacation mode.
13. Sliders Seaside Grill — Fernandina Beach
Island-inspired flavors meet Southern hospitality at this colorful spot located at 1998 South Fletcher Avenue in Fernandina Beach.
The building rocks a Key West aesthetic with coral pink walls, white trim, and tropical landscaping that makes you feel like you’ve traveled farther south than you actually have.
Their jerk chicken sandwich brings serious Caribbean heat balanced by cool mango slaw that soothes your taste buds between bites.
The outdoor tiki bar serves creative frozen drinks with names like Shark Attack and Painkiller, and the bartenders don’t skimp on the rum.
Cool fact: the restaurant sits on Amelia Island, Florida’s northernmost barrier island, giving it a slightly different coastal vibe than the panhandle beaches.
The open-air dining area features ceiling fans and palm trees that create natural shade, making midday meals comfortable even during peak summer heat.
Coconut shrimp arrives with a tangy orange dipping sauce that disappears fast.
Live music happens several nights weekly, transforming dinner into entertainment, and the crowd stays friendly and mixed between tourists discovering the place and locals who’ve been coming for years.
14. Oceanic — Pompano Beach
Modern elegance meets beachfront casual at this striking venue located at 1 North Pompano Beach Boulevard in Pompano Beach.
The contemporary glass and steel architecture creates an upscale atmosphere while floor-to-ceiling windows ensure the Atlantic Ocean remains the star of the show.
Their Chilean sea bass with miso glaze demonstrates the kitchen’s ability to execute sophisticated dishes without pretension.
The three-story building includes a ground-level raw bar, main dining room on the second floor, and a rooftop lounge that offers 360-degree views of both ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.
Interesting detail: the restaurant underwent major renovations after hurricane damage and emerged even better than before.
The sushi menu surprises with its quality and creativity, featuring rolls that incorporate tropical fruits and local fish in unexpected combinations.
Sunset cocktails on the rooftop have become an Instagram phenomenon, with visitors timing their arrival to catch the golden hour light.
The dress code suggests smart casual, meaning beachwear is fine for lunch but dinner service appreciates slightly more polished attire without requiring anything too formal or stuffy.
15. Latitudes — Key West
Reaching this tropical paradise requires a boat or jet ski, making it Key West’s most unique dining destination at Sunset Key.
The open-air pavilion design features a thatched roof, no walls, and unobstructed views of Key West harbor just across the turquoise water.
Their hogfish prepared Caribbean-style showcases the best of Florida Keys seafood with bright citrus and herb flavors.
The resort casual architecture embraces indoor-outdoor living completely, with polished concrete floors, lazy ceiling fans, and tables positioned to catch every breeze blowing across the tiny private island.
Fun fact: Sunset Key is car-free, and the only way to access Latitudes is via the resort’s private ferry that runs every thirty minutes.
The lobster tacos burst with chunks of fresh tail meat and get topped with tropical fruit salsa that tastes like vacation in a tortilla.
Breakfast here feels especially magical as you watch the sun rise over Key West while sipping Cuban coffee.
The relaxed barefoot luxury vibe means you can dress down while still enjoying refined cuisine, and the attentive service strikes the perfect balance between professional and friendly.