15 Florida Waterfront Spots Where The Views Are As Amazing As The Food
Florida’s coastline is dotted with waterfront restaurants where the scenery rivals the flavors on your plate.
From fresh seafood to inventive coastal dishes, these spots offer meals that are as memorable as the ocean views.
Locals and visitors alike flock to enjoy sunsets, salty breezes, and plates full of flavor.
In Florida, dining by the water turns every bite into an experience, proving that great food and stunning vistas make the perfect pair.
1. Rusty Pelican, Key Biscayne, Florida
Perched on the edge of Biscayne Bay at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne, this iconic spot has been wowing diners since 1972.
The skyline views of downtown Miami are so stunning that you might forget to look at your plate, but that would be a mistake.
Their seafood towers are legendary, piled high with fresh catches that taste like the ocean decided to show off.
The Sunday brunch here is worth setting an alarm for, especially when you’re sipping mimosas while boats drift by.
Pro tip: snag a table on the outdoor terrace during golden hour when the city lights start twinkling across the water.
The crab-crusted snapper practically melts in your mouth, and the Key lime pie is so good it should probably be illegal.
2. Guanabanas, Jupiter, Florida
Hidden along the Loxahatchee River at 960 North A1A in Jupiter, Guanabanas feels like you stumbled into a secret Caribbean hideaway.
Tiki huts dot the property, and the tropical landscaping is so lush you half expect a parrot to land on your shoulder.
The menu screams island vibes with jerk chicken, fish tacos, and conch fritters that could convert anyone into a seafood lover.
Live music floats through the palm trees most nights, turning dinner into an impromptu beach party.
Families love this place because kids can wander the grounds while adults sip rum runners at the waterside bar.
The coconut shrimp arrives perfectly crispy, and watching manatees glide past your table is basically a Florida rite of passage you can’t skip.
3. U-Tiki Beach, Jupiter, Florida
Right on the sand at 1095 North A1A in Jupiter, U-Tiki Beach nails that barefoot, no-worries vibe that makes Florida so addictive.
Sand between your toes while you eat? Absolutely encouraged here.
The poke bowls are ridiculously fresh, and their fish dip comes with enough crackers to share (though you probably won’t want to).
What makes this spot special is how the waves literally crash a few feet from your table, creating the perfect soundtrack for lunch.
Surfers pop in between sessions, still dripping saltwater, which tells you everything about how chill this place is.
The frozen cocktails pack a punch, and the sunset views are so gorgeous they should charge admission.
Order the mahi tacos and thank me later when the lime crema changes your whole perspective on life.
4. Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar & Taphouse, Jupiter, Florida
Located at 1116 Love Street in Jupiter, Lucky Shuck brings serious oyster game to the Jupiter Inlet.
The raw bar here showcases bivalves from both coasts, so you can do a little taste-test geography lesson with your meal.
Their oyster selection changes daily based on what’s freshest, and the shuckers behind the bar know their stuff.
Pair them with one of the 24 craft beers on tap, and suddenly you understand why people plan vacations around seafood.
The waterfront patio overlooks the marina where million-dollar yachts bob gently in their slips. Try the lobster roll if you need a break from oysters (you won’t regret it).
The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between upscale and approachable, making it ideal whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just survived Monday.
5. Aruba Beach Cafe, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida
Sitting directly on the sand at 1 Commercial Boulevard in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Aruba Beach Cafe makes you feel like you’re dining on a Caribbean island without the passport hassle.
The turquoise water stretches endlessly in front of you while you demolish their famous coconut-crusted grouper.
Breakfast here hits differently when you’re watching the sunrise paint the sky pink and orange.
Their Bloody Marys come garnished with enough toppings to qualify as a small salad, which is both hilarious and delicious.
The vibe stays relaxed all day, transitioning from morning coffee to sunset cocktails without missing a beat.
Local sea turtles nest nearby during season, adding an extra layer of magic to an already spectacular setting. The conch chowder warms you up even on breezy days.
6. Blue Moon Fish Co., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida
Tucked along the Intracoastal at 4405 West Tradewinds Avenue in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Blue Moon Fish Co. elevates waterfront dining to an art form.
White tablecloths flutter in the breeze while yachts cruise past, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
The chef sources fish daily from local boats, so the catch literally couldn’t be fresher if you caught it yourself.
Their sushi rolls are creative without being weird, and the pan-seared scallops arrive so perfectly caramelized they practically glow.
Date night gets serious at this spot when the sun dips below the horizon and the string lights create an impossibly romantic ambiance.
The lobster bisque is velvety smooth, and the wine list offers enough variety to keep sommeliers happy. Reservations are basically mandatory for waterfront tables.
7. Sea Watch on the Ocean, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Positioned right on the Atlantic at 6002 North Ocean Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Sea Watch delivers three levels of ocean-view dining perfection.
Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every seat feels like the best seat, which is a rare feat in waterfront restaurants.
Their brunch buffet is borderline legendary, featuring everything from made-to-order omelets to champagne that flows freely.
The waves crash so close you can taste the salt in the air, adding natural seasoning to every bite.
Sunset dinners here transform into full-blown experiences when the sky explodes in oranges and purples.
The macadamia-crusted mahi showcases why Florida does seafood better than anywhere else.
Service stays attentive without being stuffy, and the dessert cart could tempt a monk into indulgence.
Wedding receptions happen here regularly because the backdrop basically does all the decorating work.
8. Oceanic, Pompano Beach, Florida
Right where the sand meets the sea at 250 North Pompano Beach Boulevard by the pier in Pompano Beach, Oceanic redefines casual beachfront dining.
The contemporary design feels fresh and inviting without trying too hard to be trendy. Their menu bounces between classic seafood and creative fusion dishes that actually work.
The tuna poke nachos sound weird on paper but taste like genius in real life, especially with an ocean breeze as your dining companion.
Families appreciate the relaxed atmosphere where kids can be kids, while couples find plenty of romantic corners for quieter meals.
The burger here rivals any steakhouse version, proving they don’t just rely on location to impress.
Live music on weekends turns dinner into entertainment, and the craft cocktail menu shows serious bartending skills. Parking can get tricky during peak season, so arrive early or prepare to circle.
9. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Clearwater Beach, Florida
Planted on the Gulf at 7 Rockaway Street in Clearwater Beach, Frenchy’s has been serving grouper sandwiches to sunburned tourists and locals since forever.
The no-frills atmosphere lets the food and views do all the talking.
Their grouper sandwich earned legitimate fame, winning awards and inspiring food pilgrimages from across the country.
Fried to golden perfection and piled high on a bun, it’s the sandwich all other fish sandwiches wish they could be.
The beach sits steps away, so you can work up an appetite with a swim before lunch. Tiki bars dot the property, ensuring your drink stays cold while you soak up the sunshine.
Prices stay reasonable despite the prime location, which feels almost generous in today’s tourist economy. The Key lime pie tastes like Florida distilled into dessert form.
10. Schooners Last Local Beach Club, Panama City Beach, Florida
Sitting on the dunes at 5121 Gulf Drive in Panama City Beach, Schooners feels like the beach bar time forgot (in the best possible way).
Locals swear by this place because it hasn’t sold out to corporate sameness. The peel-and-eat shrimp arrives by the pound, and the cold beer flows as freely as the Gulf breeze.
What really sets Schooners apart is the daily sunset celebration, complete with a cannon blast and music that turns the end of the day into a small, joyful ceremony.
Volleyball nets stretch across the sand, and the dress code is basically “did you remember pants?”
The Cajun seafood pasta packs enough spice to make you reach for your water, and the hush puppies are dangerously addictive.
Watching dolphins play in the surf while you eat never gets old.
11. The Bay House Restaurant, Naples, Florida
Overlooking the Cocohatchee River and coastal estuary at 799 Walkerbilt Road in Naples, The Bay House brings refined elegance to waterfront dining.
The covered terrace protects you from afternoon rain while keeping those million-dollar water views front and center.
Their menu leans upscale without being pretentious, featuring dishes like pan-roasted snapper with champagne beurre blanc that taste as fancy as they sound.
The wine list could keep an oenophile busy for weeks.
Sunset reservations book up fast because watching the sky turn colors over the bay creates magic that no Instagram filter can improve.
The lobster mac and cheese qualifies as comfort food for millionaires, rich and decadent in all the right ways.
Service hits that sweet spot of attentive professionalism, and the key lime crème brûlée puts a sophisticated spin on Florida’s signature dessert.
12. Hogfish Harry’s Restaurant + Bar, Naples, Florida
Set within Park Shore Resort at 600 Neapolitan Way in Naples, Hogfish Harry’s channels serious Florida Keys energy without the drive to the actual Keys.
The nautical decor and laid-back vibe make overdressing basically impossible here.
Named after the delicious hogfish that swims in local waters, this spot takes its seafood seriously while keeping everything else refreshingly casual.
The fish tacos come stuffed with whatever’s freshest that day, and the grouper fingers disappear faster than you can say “pass the tartar sauce.”
The resort’s lagoon-style water features and walkways keep you surrounded by palm-framed views as you arrive.
The outdoor seating puts you close enough to the water to feel the occasional splash on breezy days.
Their tropical drinks taste vacation-ready, and the conch fritters prove that sometimes simple preparations let quality ingredients shine brightest.
13. Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant, Palmetto, Florida
Nestled on the Manatee River at 995 Riverside Drive West in Palmetto, Riverhouse serves up Southern charm with a side of spectacular water views.
The wraparound porch practically begs you to sit in a rocking chair with a sweet tea.
Their menu celebrates Lowcountry cuisine with dishes like shrimp and grits that would make a Charleston grandmother proud.
The crab cakes are packed with actual crab instead of filler, which should be standard everywhere but sadly isn’t.
Spanish moss drapes from the surrounding trees, creating an atmosphere so peaceful you might forget you have responsibilities waiting back home.
Manatees occasionally surface near the dock, delighting diners who came for food but leave with wildlife sightings.
The she-crab soup is silky and rich, and their Key lime pie balances tart and sweet perfectly. Reservations help during peak dinner hours.
14. Mo-Bay Grill, Sebastian, Florida
Chilling on the Indian River at 1401 Indian River Drive in Sebastian, Mo-Bay Grill brings serious Caribbean flavors to Florida’s Treasure Coast.
The tropical decor and island music transport you somewhere more exotic without requiring a passport.
Jerk chicken arrives with authentic spice that actually has a kick, and the Cuban sandwich gets pressed to crispy perfection.
What makes Mo-Bay special is how they nail that Caribbean soul food feeling where every dish tastes like someone’s grandmother cooked it with love.
The tiki bar mixes tropical cocktails strong enough to make you forget about tomorrow’s responsibilities.
River views stretch out peacefully, often dotted with dolphins and manatees doing their thing.
Locals pack this place during happy hour when appetizer specials and drink deals make being responsible seem overrated.
The plantains are addictive, and the mango salsa brightens up everything it touches.
15. The Conch House Restaurant, St. Augustine, Florida
Tucked along Salt Run at 57 Comares Avenue in St. Augustine, The Conch House has been a local institution since 1966.
The tropical gardens and historic charm create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and totally Florida.
Their datil pepper shrimp pays homage to St. Augustine’s unique local pepper, delivering heat that sneaks up on you after the first bite.
The raw bar showcases fresh oysters and clams that taste like the ocean decided to visit your table.
Multiple dining areas mean you can choose your vibe, from tiki bar casual to waterfront elegant.
Live music happens regularly, turning dinner into a mini concert experience.
Marina views showcase boats coming and going while you work through their extensive seafood menu.
The conch fritters are mandatory ordering, crispy outside and tender inside with just enough kick. Sunset timing here is absolutely crucial for maximum Instagram impact.