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Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
From West Palm Beach down to Lantana here are the top 22 places for waterfront dining
Whether you're a lifelong resident or even if you've moved here in the past few years, you know that the dining scene in Palm Beach County is hopping. You probably also know that there are a few restaurants, via their natural environment, truly set themselves apart. That's right: waterfront dining. When it comes to ambiance it's tough to beat gazing out over the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway, sitting alongside a tranquil lake witnessing native birds and wildlife, watching boats come and go or seeing (and hearing) the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Here are the best places to enjoy those views: The water view: Lake Royal Palm This premiere Argentinian steakhouse and tiki bar is located at the corner of Southern and Royal Palm Beach boulevards in the heart of Royal Palm Beach. They are focused on a creating unique experience with an emphasis on fantastic hospitality. Using the best USDA meats, their menu celebrates the traditional Argentine asado, or barbecue grilled meats. The tiki bar behind the restaurant offers a view of the serene lake and a wide selection of libations. Details: 675 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. 561-651-9477; The water view: Intracoastal Waterway Located within Safe Harbor Rybovich along Flagler Drive, Lamarina opened on Nov. 19, 2024. Through its menu, decor, service and ambiance, the restaurant is designed to transport guests to their favorite coastal destinations. The menu, curated by chefs Alex Bustamante and Kent Thurston, draws its inspiration from Mediterranean, Latin and Asian flavors, will definitely complete the final leg of the journey. Standout options include the Maine lobster spaghetti with spicy pomodoro and pangrattato; the butterflied branzino with preserved lemon and green goddess raita; the Châtel Farms prime New York strip 10-ounce with shallot butter and salsa verde; and the Sunbird Farms chicken milanese. Details: 4050 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. The water view: Intracoastal Waterway Meaning "splash" in Italian, Spruzzo offers water views combined with rooftop ambiance. Enjoy golden-hour cocktails, Bossa Nova brunches and more. Curated by chef Daniel Pundik, the menu offers is inspired by coastal Mediterranean cuisine. Details: 251 N. Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach. The water view: Intracoastal Waterway Situated along Flagler Drive just north of Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, Elisabetta's offers fantastic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, multimillion-dollar yachts and even the historic Whitehall in Palm Beach. They feature, seafood, steaks, pasta, pizza and an extensive wine list. Details: 185 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-342-6699; The water view: Intracoastal Waterway This rooftop restaurant and bar features plenty of expertly-crafted libations along with an extensive pizza menu, salads and appetizers. Details: 185 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach. The water view: Intracoastal Waterway This restaurant featuring covered open-air dining has been a favorite meeting spot for decades. A local landmark that made the move from Palm Beach approximately 30 years ago and recently celebrated their 40th anniversary, it has become an integral part of West Palm Beach's identity. Taking in the nautical motif, guests can relax with the breeze off the Intracoastal Waterway and live music several nights a week while enjoying ice-cold beverages and an extensive menu featuring salads, soups, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, large plates and more. Details: 104 S. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. 561-833-3520; More: Need to cool off? E.R. Bradley's debuts new Hawaiian shave ice shop in West Palm Beach The water view: Set overlooking Pine Lake. Located at Hilton Palm Beach PBI, this waterfront restaurant is set on Pine Lake, which connects to Lake Clarke, Lake Osborne and reaches all the way down to Lake Ida. It features multiple boat slips to accommodate those arriving by watercraft. Details: 150 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach. 561-684-9400; The water view: C-51 canal off the Intracoastal Waterway This vegan bistro put its name on the map by being one of the first restaurants prepared to cater to the family dog — and it's actually named for the owner's dog. Located just off of Dixie Highway on Arlington Road, it is situated on the C-51 canal that separates Lake Worth Beach from West Palm Beach. This cozy eatery has a few tables with a view of the canal. The food is fresh, flavorful and consistent, with innovative menu items and specials that capitalize on what's in season. Details: 8020 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. 561-586-2622; The water view: Atlantic Ocean The expansive ocean view combined with the upscale ambience make this a destination worthy of a Palm Beach must-do list. Take in the resplendent resort and enjoy "fresher-than-fresh" seafood for lunch or dinner and watch as chefs prepare it in their glamorous, exhibition-style kitchen. Details: One S. County Road, Palm Beach. 877-724-3188; The water view: Atlantic Ocean The covered terrace at this Italian restaurant offers a wide view of the Atlantic Ocean, and early risers say breakfast is truly the best meal of the day here. Al Fresco serves breakfast a la carte, lunch and dinner daily. The menu features appetizers, pizzas, pasta dishes and entrées. Dine inside or out, but come hungry. Details: 2345 S. Ocean Blvd. at the Par 3 Golf Course, Palm Beach. 561-273-4130; Outdoor dining at its best! Top rooftop restaurants, bars in Palm Beach County The water view: Intracoastal Waterway Situated on the 8,000-square-foot pool deck of The Ambassador Palm Beach Hotel & Residence, this rooftop destination is open to the public and offers fantastic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and sunsets. The menu includes favorites like their Maine lobster roll, lobster risotto, steak frites, and more. Details: 2730 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach. The water view: Atlantic Ocean Beneath a lush canopy of sea grapes, with the sounds of ocean waves soothing your soul, diners can relax with an icy-cold drink and meticulously prepared food. You don't have to be a resort guest to enjoy a delectable meal with a view. Details: 2800 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach. 561-582-2800; The water view: Atlantic Ocean Brandon's offers wide ocean views and a seasonal menu. To make the most of the azure water, grab a table on the oceanfront deck and enjoy the chef-driven breakfast, lunch and dinner delights along with a craft cocktail or two. Details: 2842 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach. 561-934-4040; The water view: Atlantic Ocean The view may be limited, but this restaurant just across the Palm Beach town line is an overlooked treasure. Located in a commercial building wedged between the Tideline resort and Lake Worth Beach, its décor is South Beach-blue and silver. The bar is ultra-modern and the torch-lit screened patio is serene and relaxing. The cuisine is 'modern, coastal Italian' with seafood, pasta and grilled meat and fish and a nice selection of wines. Details: 2875 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach. 561-547-0005; The water view: Intracoastal Waterway Located at the Lake Worth Beach Golf Course, this restaurant offers sandwiches and paninis, salads and fish tacos, pulled pork and buffalo chicken wraps and specializes in filling fare for hungry golfers and a serene setting to unwind after a game. The good news is you don't have to golf to enjoy your visit. The patio overlooks a golf course water hazard with a view of the Intracoastal in the distance. Details: 1 Seventh Ave. N., Lake Worth Beach. 561-582-9713; The water view: Atlantic Ocean The popular dining destination now has two locations at Lake Worth Beach. Benny's on the Beach Pier and Benny's on the Beach Oceanwalk. Since in 1986, Benny's on the Beach Pier location has been serving locals and visitors. Pairing fresh seafood, burgers and sandwiches with mango margaritas and ice cold beer, this hot spot has even pulled in some A-list celebrities like chef Gordon Ramsay and rocker Jon Bon Jovi. Their Oceanwalk location is a mere 100 yards away and opened in late 2022. Details: 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach. 561-582-9001; and Benny's on the Beach Oceanwalk location: 10 S Ocean Blvd Unit 7, Lake Worth Beach The water view: Atlantic Ocean This long-lasting local favorite for waterfront dining overlooks the public beach in Lantana. A super-casual restaurant with an unmatched view serves breakfast, lunch and brunch amid ocean breezes and swaying palms. The Sand Bar, located within the Dune Deck, is a great place for beverages while watching the waves Details: 100 N. Ocean Blvd., Lantana. 561-582-0472; The water view: Sportsman's Park Marina Sportsman's Park Marina (est. 1962) has an old Florida feel, and Kona Bay Café is a little like stepping back into that past. They offer Hawaiian-themed breakfast items like Kona coffee and coconut macadamia nut French toast and a great lunch menu with options like the mahi reuben, hula chicken and the lava burger. Details: 310 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana. 561-429-3606; The water view: Sportsman's Park Marina The Old Key Lime House restaurant is a fixture in Lantana with good reason. From its fresh-catch menu to its award-winning Key lime pie and sunset water views, the house delivers. The venue also hosts live music from local bands at the tiki bar. Details: 300 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana. 561-582-1889; The water view: Lake Osborne This waterfront restaurant features a family-friendly dock, a full bar and plenty of covered outdoor seating. Situated on Lake Osborne and adjacent to John Prince Park, it is a beautiful respite with tons of birds and wildlife. The food is hearty bar food for hungry boaters, and Hive Hoagies are a specialty with daily lunch specials. The Hive hosts happy hour and music too. Details: 2412 Floral Road, Lantana. 561-513-9168; The water view: Atlantic Ocean The sound of surf and sea is the backdrop for a fulfilling meal at Breeze. Take in this idyllic setting with good local craft beers, fine wine, refreshing cocktails and a menu featuring sharable plates, salads, tacos, sandwiches and fresh local catches. Details: 100 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan. 561-533-6000; The water view: Atlantic Ocean Italian for 'octopus,' Polpo brings acclaimed restaurateur Ron Rosa's seafood-focused menu from the Tri-State area to South Florida. Enjoy upscale fare inspired by regional dishes, an Italian-influenced wine selection, handcrafted cocktails, and classic aperitifs and digestives. Dine inside or outside, within sight of the ocean and terrace firepit. Details: 100 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan. 561-540-4923; Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Top waterfront dining destinations from West Palm Beach to Lantana
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Best waterfront restaurant near you? 10 Florida favorites for great food, drinks and views
Following our story on the Sunshine State's 12 best restaurants, the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Dining and Entertainment Team shifted focus to scenic places to eat — curating our latest roundup of the top 10 waterfront dining spots from across the state. From rustic fish shacks and beach bars to upscale restaurants with white tablecloths and wine lists, Florida's best waterfront dining spots offer more than just great food — they deliver unforgettable views and local flavor. Whether you want to sip a tropical cocktail with your toes in the sand or savor scallops in a swanky setting, there's a place on this list for you. Presented in alphabetical order, here are our picks. What's the best restaurant in Florida? 12 top picks from local food writers 12 legendary Florida restaurants that stand the test — and taste — of time Details: 1000 N. U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter; 561-570-1000; While TripAdvisor lists West Palm Beach as America's top trending city, that's mainly because of its accommodations. Restaurant wise, I'd argue that Jupiter is having its moment in the sun with a slew of reliably consistent waterfront finds. My favorite is 1000 North, recently named among America's 10 best celebrity-owned restaurants. It ranks high, almost Planet Hollywood high, when it comes to the number of celebrity partners and backers who include two GOATs Michael Jordan and Serena Williams; there's also Tucker Frederickson, Ernie Els, Brooks Koepka, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas and Luke Donald. As for the food, it punches above its weight given the gorgeous and languid setting. So too do pretty and expertly mixed craft cocktails. Pro tip: Perfect for solo diners seeking calm, grab a seat at the bar outside to watch yachts pass by. ‒ Diana Biederman, The Palm Beach Post More: Best 14 waterfront restaurants in Boynton, Delray Beach, Boca Raton And: Here are the 18 best waterfront restaurants in central Palm Beach County Meet me in the middle: 14 best waterfront restaurants from Palm Beach Gardens to Riviera Beach Details: 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples; 239-598-5707; Any trip to Naples should include a stop at Baleen, which is on the Gulf and offers superb views of sunsets. The food is legendary too, as it's prepared by the La Playa Beach & Golf Resort's executive sous chef, Sascia Marchesi, from Bergamo, Italy. The tony restaurant survived Hurricane Ian, which roared off the coast Sept. 28, 2022, causing extensive damage. Baleen reopened in July 2023. Expect to shell out more than many restaurants in town, but again, it's the atmosphere, so you're paying for that too. The menu offers a variety, from the Baleen burger ($36, brisket and short rib blend, lettuce, tomato, onion smoked habanero aioli, brioche bun) and pan roasted diver scallops ($62) to filet mignon ($64) and seafood bouillabaisse($68). Reservations are required. Valet parking is too. ― Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News Rebirth: Waterfront North Naples restaurant reopened 10 months after Hurricane Ian Details: 2 Minutemen Causeway, 321-784-1422, Cocoa Beach — celebrated for its laid-back vibe and miles of ocean views — has also become known for its eclectic places to dine. With an expansive deck and tiki-bar, Coconuts on the beach is a premier spot to eat with a perfect view of the ocean. Known for their award-winning corn and crawfish chowder and pineapple creme brulee, this hot spot is more than a tourist trap. Customers flock to Coconuts on the Beach for its live music and fantastic tropical drink offerings. With plenty of people-watching opportunities, for those seeking sips by the sand, it's also an excellent place to watch a rocket launch. − Amber Olesen, FLORIDA TODAY Best dining spots on the water: From river views to oceanfront in Brevard Details: 714 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach; 239-233-8837; When it comes to Old Florida charm, this open-air gem nestled under Matanzas Pass Bridge in Fort Myers Beach is tough to beat. The white clapboard building — originally a fish market built in 1937 — maintains the easy breezy vibe of its past. Not only is it waterfront, Dixie Fish Co. sits on pilings and actually juts out over the water. Grab a seat at the smoothly winding bar or at a coveted table along the rope-net rail and be lulled by waves lapping underfoot. Feast on the freshest of fresh seafood menu — from grouper cheek bites and raw bar to crab cakes and mahi mahi tacos — as time slowly flows by. Wash it down with a cold drink or two and settle in as nightly live island music kicks in. Although Dixie has been pummeled by hurricanes in recent years, it comes back stronger time and time again with its Old Florida flavor still intact. — Robyn George, The News-Press Our picks: 6 of our favorite restaurants on Pine Island, where waterfront dining abounds Details: 3751 Cypress Gardens Road, Winter Haven; 863-324-0301; Kick back at this laid-back lakefront eatery tucked away off the beaten path, offering a scenic view of Lake Ned in southeast Winter Haven. Known for its whimsical décor and iconic mermaid, it's been drawing loyal locals for more than 30 years. The restaurant was originally established by Bruce and Ginny Johnston along with Harry Bell, and later changed ownership to Dwayne McQuillen in 2017. After a devastating fire last May, it has risen from the ashes with a fresh remodel — still serving some of the freshest fish around from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. In addition to fresh catch blackboard specials — which Harry's recommends lightly seasoned and broiled in lemon butter — popular dishes include the baked oysters, steamed clams, gator bites, and the house specialty: Onion Loaf, a brick of sweet onions that's coated, deep-fried, and served with their beloved Loaf Sauce. — Sara Walsh, The (Lakeland) Ledger Details: 2805 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach; 386-439-3344, For nearly 80 years now, High Tides at Snack Jack has been a cornerstone of relaxed, old-school beach culture in Flagler — rustic, unfussy and full of character. The popular beach shack, a place you roll in with sandy feet to enjoy a cold beer and fried bite against the salty breeze, is the type of oceanfront joint locals love and vacationers feel lucky to stumble upon. High Tides boasts regulars who've been coming for over 20 years — including longtime residents of the charming beach town and even NASCAR icon Kyle Petty, who stopped by in October. His family is said to have been frequenting the establishment since the '90s. Start with a basket of conch fritters or crispy coconut shrimp before choosing from more than two dozen handhelds decorating the menu, from fried gator po boys to redfish Reubens. While fried sweet scallops and blackened mahi are personal favorites, those having trouble deciding can opt for a fried combo platter, alongside a frozen daiquiri and Key lime tart for dessert. — Helena Perray, The Daytona Beach News-Journal Details: 4728 Ocean St., Mayport, (904) 246-4442, One of Jacksonville's best waterfront dining spots isn't located in the shadows of downtown's skyscrapers or on the sands of one of the city's Beaches communities — it's at Mayport, the home of the area's commercial shrimping industry for more than 150 years. There, you'll find Singleton's Seafood Shack, the rustic, bright orange-painted restaurant that's been serving up some of the city's best shrimp and hushpuppies since Ray and Ann Singleton first opened 'The Shack' in 1967. You're not going to find a fresher shrimp po'boy anywhere — the trawlers unload their daily catch right there on the Mayport docks. Featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives' in 2010, Singleton's is known for its Mayport shrimp, oysters, crab and other seafood baskets and dinners. And when you finish enjoying the view of the St. Johns from the outdoor dining deck, take the nearby St. Johns River Ferry to Fort George Island for more great views. — The Florida Times-Union Details: 4628 119th St. W.; 941-798-2035, Gaze southward from the back patio of Swordfish Grill, and you can spot the downtown Sarasota skyline in the distance. However, you might as well be a thousand miles away, nestled in the historic commercial fishing village of Cortez near Anna Maria Island and the Gulf. Surrounded by working docks and pristine mangroves, gray pelicans and blue herons, leaping mullet and frolicking dolphins, the experience is truly transformative. Owned by local fisherman John Banyas, Swordfish Grill features a waterfront patio and tiki bar with live music, as well as an indoor bar and dining room adjacent to the open kitchen — where locally sourced seafood such as black grouper, American red snapper, and pompano is deftly blackened, grilled, or fried. Craving an Old Florida classic? Order Swordfish Grill's next-level shrimp and grits. − Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune 10 best waterfront restaurants in Sarasota area where the views are as good as the food Details: 107 Mississippi Ave., Panacea; 850) 713-0916; The Poseidon theme is fitting at Trident, a sea-to-table restaurant that opened in 2023 on Dickerson Bay in Panacea, 46 miles from Tallahassee. The outside deck tables have a picturesque view of the bay, and inside, hundreds of hanging sea creatures, sharks and jellyfish give you the feeling of being in an aquarium. Brothers Jesse and Tyler Rice, who own the farm-to-table Backwoods Crossing in Tallahassee, return to their coastal roots with a vision for southern seafood and more. Try the lion fish tacos. The invasive fish was on special and delicious during a visit in March. The Blackened Grouper Po'Boy is a winner. The nautical theme continues in the large open-air bar downstairs, now complete with pool tables, and steps away from the beach volleyball net. Stroll out on the dock and watch the fishing boats and pelicans come and go. — Martha Gruender, Tallahassee Democrat Tallahassee waterfront: 'Best relaxed spot there is': Tallahassee Fish Camp at Lake Iamonia reopens Details: 3150 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach; 772-231-7091; Waldo's Restaurant & Bar, located inside the historic Driftwood Inn, is one of Vero Beach pioneer Waldo Sexton's historic landmarks. Finished in 1935, he built it using the timbers of a dairy barn destroyed in a storm. It was supposed to be a family beach house but evolved into the Driftwood Resort with an oceanfront restaurant and bar. It has indoor and outdoor seating with a guest-only pool in the middle, live music on the weekends and a wooden deck that sits on the beach. Its beachside munchies include Key West conch fritters and Breconshire nachos, named after the nearby shipwreck. Its menu features seafood and steak, as well as its world-famous chicken wings and signature chicken salad. It also has an extensive list of wines, martinis, cocktails, frozen drinks and beer. — Laurie K. Blandford, TCPalm/Treasure Coast Newspapers Legendary restaurants: These 7 icons have stood the test of time on the Treasure Coast Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at Support local journalism by subscribing. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida's 10 best waterfront restaurants for food, drinks and views