Buzzy waterfront wonders: Essential Palm Beach County restaurants with stunning views
But as a new-ish resident whose job is chasing the next great bite, I've been exploring the coastline with fresh eyes and a healthy appetite.
This isn't a definitive ranking but more of a snapshot of what's earning buzz right now. From rooftop spots where TV crews set up their cameras to iconic boardwalk staples (including one voted Palm Beach County's favorite pizzeria by Post readers), here's where to eat.
West Palm Beach's scene stealers: Spruzzo, Bar Capri, Lamarina
Spruzzo may no longer be downtown's only water-facing rooftop, but it still sets a high bar for breezy elegance. Perched atop The Ben hotel, this Mediterranean-inspired rooftop restaurant offers sweeping views of Palm Harbor Marina, a sleek infinity pool and a menu that leans coastal luxe. It's a favorite for golden-hour dining and TV newscast backdrops alike.
At The Ben hotel: 251 N. Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach, 561-655-4001, spruzzowestpalm.com
Tucked above Elisabetta's in downtown West Palm Beach, Bar Capri channels Amalfi Coast energy to the Intracoastal. With its lemon trees and breezy cocktails, this rooftop lounge is all about la dolce vita a la Florida. Views are postcard-perfect, the crowd is polished but casual and the menu leans light and coastal. Good for groups.
: 185 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-342-6699, BarCapriWPB.com
Set amidst a backdrop of gleaming megayachts at Safe Harbor Rybovich Marina, Lamarina is the rare newcomer that everyone seems to agree on. With a menu that blends Mediterranean, Latin and Asian flavors plus sushi and raw bar offerings, it delivers coastal dining with global appeal. The vibe is laid-back luxe without trying too hard. Lamarina also earned a mention on our essential best new restaurants list.
: 4050 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, 561-371-8380, lamarinawestpalm.com
Near Mar-a-Lago, club grub minus membership fees
Al Fresco at Par 3
Pals alerted me to at the Palm Beach Par 3 golf course as the island's best-kept waterfront dining secret. Nestled between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal, this public golf course restaurant serves up private club vibes without hefty membership dues. The terrace offers sweeping water views and it's one of very few restaurants other than hotels to offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. From golfers to longtime residents, Al Fresco draws a loyal crowd who come for the scenery and stay for the value.
2345 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach; 561-273-4130; alfrescopb.com
Viewworthy: From West Palm Beach down to Lantana here are the top 22 places for waterfront dining
Lake Worth Beach
Benny's on the Beach
In the same Lake Worth Casino plaza as the ever-popular where George Hamilton recently charmed 'Fox & Friends' viewers over breakfast, Mamma Mia's on the Beach offers a relaxed, locals-in-the-know vibe. Pizza is a standout, but don't just take my word for it: Post readers voted this spot their tippy top pick for slices and pies during March's pizza madness bracket challenge. My late mother adored George Hamilton in 'Love at First Bite' but I think she'd agree: this is another great spot to savor the view.
: 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach; mammamiasotb.com
Waterfront dining on a budget: Palm Beach County's best pizza is crowned by Post readers
The Buccaneer in Singer Island
After a 20-year hiatus, The Buccaneer is back, blending nostalgia with pizzazz. Hell's Kitchen champ Chef Paul Niedermann's elevated-yet-playful menu stars lobster-topped street corn pizza, pan-roasted mahi and the hilariously named Fruity Pebble pudding in a nautically chic, mural-kissed space that honors its legendary past.
: 142 Lake Drive, Palm Beach Shores, 772-405-0020, buccgrill.com
More: Best waterfront dining in north Palm Beach County from Gardens down to Riviera Beach
Boca Raton
Kasumi
Kasumi at the Waterstone Resort & Marina delivers more than just one of the area's best happy hours, it's a serene escape with panoramic water views and a menu that balances elegance with approachability (hello fried chicken). Whether sipping a Kiwi Geisha on the breezy patio or glimpsing sushi chefs work their magic in the sleek dining room, Kasumi is a mini waterfront retreat. Happy hour deals are unbeatable, but it's the setting that makes lingering irresistible.
Details: 999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton; 561-226-3033; kasumiboca.com
Wow on the waterfront: Don't miss these restaurants in Boynton, Delray Beach and Boca Raton
Dock and dine in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter
Waterway Café
After an 18-month, multimillion-dollar renovation, in Palm Beach Gardens reclaimed its spot as a must-visit waterfront destination. Perched along the Intracoastal and home to Florida's first-ever (if not only) floating bar, the café blends breezy nostalgia with a fresh, modern vibe. The revamped space features lush nautical-inspired interiors that invite guests to linger. Longtime fans and newcomers alike are drawn to a seafood-forward menu, tiki hut dining and boat-up access that makes Waterway as much a lifestyle as it is a lunch or dinner spot.
Details: 2300 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-694-1700, waterwaycafe.com
1000 North
1000 North is a masterclass in waterfront luxury. Co-owned by Michael Jordan, Ernie Els and a slew of other high-profile partners who live around here, the restaurant made headlines this year for landing at No. 7 on America's top celebrity-owned dining destinations. With its coastal-chic design, dock-and-dine access (or yacht-and-dine, if you count the Benjamin School teens I saw disembarking from a stately ship), and a menu that spans prime steaks to icy seafood towers, the spot delivers star power without sacrificing substance.
Details: 1000 N. U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter, 561-570-1000, 1000north.com
More choices: From Tequesta down to Jupiter, here are the top 13 spots for waterfront dining
Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's new food & restaurant writer. If you have news tips about the local dining scene, please send them to dbiederman@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. Please sign up here for the Post's free At the Table newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Beach buzz: Palm Beach County's hottest waterfront dining right now
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