13 Waterfront Florida Restaurants With Breathtaking Views And Incredible Food

Florida’s coastline has so much more to offer than just beautiful beaches and colorful sunsets. As someone who’s eaten their way around the state, I can confidently say that the real magic begins when top-notch cuisine meets stunning waterfront views.

From the peaceful Panhandle to the vibrant Florida Keys, the state is sprinkled with incredible waterfront restaurants that serve fresh seafood, regional favorites, and creative dishes—all with a backdrop of ocean breezes and shimmering waters.

These 13 standout spots blend delicious food with unforgettable scenery, making every meal a true feast for the senses and a highlight of any Florida adventure.

1. Sunset Pier at Ocean Key Resort (Key West)

Sunset Pier at Ocean Key Resort (Key West)
© The Infatuation

Holy guacamole, folks! The first time I stepped onto Sunset Pier, my jaw dropped faster than a tourist’s sunscreen in July. This vibrant, rainbow-colored establishment sits directly on the water at the edge of Mallory Square.

Fresh-caught fish tacos arrive at your table while street performers entertain just steps away. The spectacular sunset views explain why this place is perpetually packed – I once witnessed a spontaneous standing ovation when the sun dipped below the horizon!

Pro tip: arrive 90 minutes before sunset to snag a prime table. Their key lime mojito pairs perfectly with conch fritters for the ultimate Keys experience.

2. The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill (Longboat Key)

The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill (Longboat Key)
© drydockwaterfrontgrill

Nestled in a hidden marina on Longboat Key, this unassuming treasure feels like Florida’s best-kept secret. My cousin actually introduced me to Dry Dock after her honeymoon, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Grouper sandwiches here are legendary – thick, flaky fillets that barely fit between the buns. The restaurant sits directly above the water, where gentle waves lap against moored boats and dolphins occasionally swim by during your meal.

The dining room features wall-to-wall windows, ensuring every seat enjoys panoramic views of Sarasota Bay. Skip the cocktails and go straight for their house-made sangria – trust me on this one!

3. Latitudes on Sunset Key (Key West)

Latitudes on Sunset Key (Key West)
© Visit Florida

Ready for the royal treatment? Reaching Latitudes requires a private ferry ride from Key West to Sunset Key – and that’s just the beginning of this fairytale dining adventure! When I celebrated my anniversary here last spring, they scattered fresh flower petals across our beachfront table.

Sand between your toes, tiki torches illuminating the night, and waves providing the soundtrack – this place defines romance. Their yellowtail snapper with mango salsa practically melts in your mouth.

Famous for their lobster-stuffed grouper and impeccable service, the staff remembers your name and preferences. Reservations are mandatory and should be made weeks in advance – especially for their coveted sunset seating.

4. The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House (Destin)

The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House (Destin)
© backporchdestin

Beachcombers, unite! The Back Porch sits literally on the sugar-white sands that make Destin famous. I stumbled upon this gem during a spontaneous road trip and ended up extending my stay just to eat there again.

Picture this: turquoise Gulf waters stretching to the horizon while you crack into amberjack that was swimming just hours earlier. Their open-air deck means you’ll feel the sea breeze tousle your hair as pelicans dive-bomb for fish nearby.

The restaurant’s signature dish – chargrilled amberjack smothered in parmesan cheese – has a cult following for good reason. Come in your flip-flops and beach cover-up; pretentiousness has no place in this seafood paradise.

5. Lighthouse Grill at Faro Blanco (Marathon)

Lighthouse Grill at Faro Blanco (Marathon)
© faroblancomarina.com

Great balls of fire! The sunset at Lighthouse Grill nearly caused me to drop my stone crab claws the first time I visited. This Middle Keys masterpiece sits adjacent to a functioning lighthouse that dates back to the 1950s.

Boats cruise by on the Gulf side while you sip rum runners and devour seafood towers piled high with local delicacies. The wraparound deck offers 360-degree water views, making it impossible to take a bad photo.

Chef’s blackened mahi-mahi with tropical fruit salsa deserves its own Instagram account. Arrive early to explore the marina, where charter fishing boats return with their daily catches – some of which might end up on your plate that evening!

6. Salt Rock Grill (Indian Shores)

Salt Rock Grill (Indian Shores)
© USA TODAY 10Best

Stone crab heaven awaits at Salt Rock Grill! My first bite of their 28-day aged prime rib (yes, at a seafood restaurant!) made me question everything I thought I knew about food. This upscale establishment sits directly on the Intracoastal Waterway between the mainland and Gulf beaches.

Watch luxury yachts cruise by as the sun sets over the water, painting the sky in impossible shades of orange and pink. Their in-house aging room for steaks and dedication to fresh-caught seafood creates a surf-and-turf experience that’s second to none.

Don’t miss their lobster mac and cheese – a decadent side dish I’ve attempted to recreate at home multiple times with disappointing results. Some culinary magic just can’t be duplicated!

7. Cap’s on the Water (St. Augustine)

Cap's on the Water (St. Augustine)
© The Wandering Hulasquatch

Talk about hidden gems! Tucked away on a dirt road north of historic St. Augustine, Cap’s requires some determination to find – but holy mackerel, is it worth the journey! My GPS actually gave up halfway there, but following the locals led me to paradise.

Ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss frame your view of the Intracoastal Waterway. The massive outdoor deck features a sunset-facing bar where you can watch dolphins play while sipping their famous sangria.

Datil pepper oysters – a local specialty using peppers grown only in St. Augustine – deliver a sweet-spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds dance. Come early to secure a waterfront table and stay late to enjoy the string lights that illuminate the deck after dark.

8. Ophelia’s on the Bay (Sarasota)

Ophelia's on the Bay (Sarasota)
© Visit Sarasota County

Pinch me, I must be dreaming! That was my first thought when seated at Ophelia’s, where floor-to-ceiling glass walls retract completely to create an open-air dining experience. This fine-dining establishment on Little Sarasota Bay offers sophisticated cuisine that matches its elegant setting.

Manatees often swim right up to the restaurant’s edge while you dine on delicacies like pan-seared scallops with saffron risotto. The sommelier once spent 20 minutes helping me select the perfect wine pairing – that’s the level of service you can expect.

Their seafood bouillabaisse changes daily based on the freshest local catch. For special occasions, request Table 1 – it occupies its own tiny peninsula jutting into the bay for maximum privacy and panoramic views.

9. Grills Riverside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar (Melbourne)

Grills Riverside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar (Melbourne)
© Grills Seafood

Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Grills brings serious Caribbean vibes to the Indian River Lagoon. When my flight got delayed in Melbourne, I stumbled upon this waterfront wonderland and nearly missed my rescheduled departure!

The massive tiki hut bar serves frozen concoctions that would make Jimmy Buffett proud. Fishing boats pull right up to the restaurant’s docks to deliver the day’s catch – talk about fresh! Their “Awesome Fish Sandwich” lives up to its boastful name.

Space Coast locals pack this place to watch rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral – an experience that pairs surprisingly well with their signature coconut shrimp. The laid-back atmosphere means you can come as you are, sandy feet and all.

10. Louie’s Backyard (Key West)

Louie's Backyard (Key West)
© Great Locations

Swanky alert! Housed in a Victorian home perched over the Atlantic Ocean, Louie’s Backyard elevates Florida Keys dining to an art form. My food-snob brother-in-law actually admitted this place exceeded his expectations – a miracle on par with water turning to wine!

Three-tiered decking cascades toward the water, with the lowest level so close to the waves you might get splashed during high tide. Caribbean-American fusion cuisine showcases local ingredients in surprising ways – their conch carpaccio changed my understanding of this sometimes-chewy mollusk.

The wine list earned Wine Spectator awards, but I recommend starting with their perfect mojito. Sunset reservations require booking weeks in advance, but afternoon cocktails on their upper deck offer equally stunning ocean panoramas.

11. Julington Creek Fish Camp (Jacksonville)

Julington Creek Fish Camp (Jacksonville)
© Beaches Bars and Bungalows

Butter my biscuit and call me hungry! This north Florida treasure sits where Julington Creek meets the mighty St. Johns River, creating a freshwater paradise for both fish and the folks who love to eat them. My first hushpuppy here brought an actual tear to my eye.

The sprawling wooden deck offers views of moss-draped cypress trees and fishermen casting lines from small boats. Their fried green tomato BLT with pimento cheese should be declared a state treasure, while the shrimp and grits showcase why southern cooking reigns supreme.

Unlike oceanfront spots, this riverfront gem offers a glimpse into Old Florida’s natural beauty. Arrive at dusk to watch the water turn golden as fish jump and birds return to their roosts among the trees.

12. The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill (Fort Myers)

The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill (Fort Myers)
© Marriott

Holy fishsticks, Batman! The Nauti Mermaid sits smack-dab in the middle of a working marina, where million-dollar yachts park mere feet from your table. During my spontaneous weekend getaway, I ended up chatting with a yacht captain who offered impromptu sailing tips between bites of grouper.

The restaurant’s nautical-themed decor includes actual salvaged boat parts, but the real star is the panoramic view of the Caloosahatchee River. Live music plays daily, creating the perfect soundtrack for watching dolphins patrol the marina in search of fish scraps.

Their smoked fish dip, served with house-made potato chips, creates addiction faster than Netflix series. For the full experience, time your visit with the Wednesday afternoon boat parade when locals show off their vessels.

13. Marker 32 (Jacksonville)

Marker 32 (Jacksonville)
© Eater Miami

Fancy-schmancy alert! Marker 32 perches above the Intracoastal Waterway like a bird of prey – except instead of hunting fish, they prepare them to perfection. When my parents celebrated their anniversary here, Dad actually put down his phone for the entire meal – a modern miracle!

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the waterway’s constant parade of boats, from humble fishing vessels to floating mansions. Their seafood risotto, studded with local shrimp and scallops, arrives topped with a perfectly seared piece of fresh catch.

Though upscale, the atmosphere remains authentically Floridian – I once spotted a manatee while waiting for dessert. The chef’s daily specials feature whatever local fishermen delivered that morning, often prepared with surprising international influences.