5 Best Waterfront Restaurants in Melbourne, FL
Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Boatsetter Team
Southeast of Orlando, along the Indian River, you’ll find the coastal gem Melbourne, Florida. A premiere destination along the Space Coast, Melbourne boasts an artistic culture, picturesque beaches, and culinary delights. To help you make the most of your boating adventure, we’ve created a guide to the five best waterfront restaurants in Melbourne:
- Chart House
- Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
- Ichabod’s Dockside Bar & Grille
- Marker 99 Restaurant & Lounge
- Squid Lips
Pro tip: Many waterfront restaurants have docks where you can park the boat for a dock n’ dine experience.
Dock n’ dine at a waterfront restaurants in Melbourne, FL
1. Chart House
Chart House is one of Melbourne’s best waterfront restaurants. Tucked along the scenic Indian River, docking and dining at Chart House offers an upscale atmosphere with some of the highest quality seafood and service around.
We recommend the Mac Nut Mahi with warm peanut sauce and mango relish soy glaze for a seafood entrée. Locals and tourists rave about the Herb Crusted & Slow Roasted Prime Rib, served with three garlic mashed potatoes. And for dessert, the Chocolate Ripple Mud Pie is the perfect way to end your evening on the water.
Pro tip: Make sure to have your camera ready, as dolphins often pop up along the river!
- Address: 2250 Front St, Melbourne, FL 32901
- Hours: Mon–Thu 4:00pm – 9:30pm; Fri – Sat 4:00pm – 10:00pm; Sun 11:00am – 9:00pm
- Reservations: Available
- Type of Food: High-end seafood & steak
- Dockage Available: Yes
2. Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for a fresh Florida-Caribbean menu, then we recommend cruising up the Eau Gallie River to Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill in Melbourne, FL. This open, airy restaurant on the water is flanked by picturesque palm trees and is a popular destination for fisherman and sport enthusiasts.
Kick back and relax with a Frigate’s Sunset, a signature cocktail with tequila, triple sec, and blood orange juice. Or, cool off with a Frozen Creamsicle cocktail. You can choose from a menu of sushi, raw bar selections, or traditional fare. The New Orleans Jambalaya is a local favorite, with grouper coming in as a close second!
Pro tip: Taste fresh Florida flavors when you order Frigate’s Fresh Catch of the Day, prepared how you like it.
- Address: 1120 N Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935
- Hours: Mon – Thu 11:00am – 9:00pm; Fri – Sat 11:00am – 10:00pm; Sun 9:00am – 9:00pm
- Reservations: Available
- Type of Food: Sushi, burgers, and tacos
- Dockage Available: Yes
3. Ichabod’s Dockside Bar & Grille
Affordable food and casual dining make Ichabod’s Dockside Bar & Grille a great place to rest and relax after a long day on the water in Melbourne. Marina views offer a picture-perfect backdrop to a menu of fresh Florida classics, like conch fritters, blackened grouper, and key lime pie. For your entrée, we recommend the Cedar Plank Roasted Swordfish with Puttanesca Relish or the Crispy Potato Encrusted Grouper, served with a sweet Thai chili sauce. For lighter fare, try the Mahi Tacos, topped with Ichabod’s homemade Baja aioli or the Puttanesca Swordfish Wrap.
- Address: 2210 Front St, Melbourne, FL 32901
- Hours: Sun – Sat 11:00am – 10:00pm
- Reservations: Not Available
- Type of Food: Simple seafood & drinks
- Dockage Available: Yes
4. Marker 99 Restaurant & Lounge
Marker 99 Restaurant & Lounge is an energetic escape, north of Melbourne, FL, along the Indian River. Choose from a menu of local seafood, made with the freshest ingredients, and served alongside impeccable waterfront views. We recommend the Ceviche, served with fresh cobia and a lemon & passion fruit reduction, or the Steak Truffle Fries to start. For the main course, locals recommend the Fresh Catch Cartoccio or the Vegetarian Risotto.
Pro tip: Visitors rave about the bar service at Marker 99. If you’re looking for friendly bartenders and quality cocktails, this is a must visit stop on your Melbourne, FL boating adventure.
- Address: 4263 US-1, Melbourne, FL 32935
- Hours: Sun – Thu 11:30am – 9:00pm; Fri – Sat 11:30am – 11:00pm
- Reservations: Available
- Type of Food: Fresh Seafood
- Dockage Available: Yes
5. Squid Lips
If you’re looking for great food at affordable prices, a family-friendly atmosphere, and signature Florida scenery, then Squid Lips has to be on your list of restaurants on the water in Melbourne, FL. Locals and tourist both rave about Squid Lips for the friendly service, the live music, and delicious selections. The Cajun Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Lobster-N-Crab Cake, and Coconut Shrimp are all highly-praised house favorites. All three are available as starters or as entrée portions.
Pro tip: Squid Lips’ Melbourne location is unique, offering the Shark Bar and a beach on site for you to kick back and cool off. Enjoy live music or check their calendar online for upcoming events.
- Address: 1477 Pineapple Ave, Melbourne, FL 32935
- Hours: Sun – Thu 11:00am – 9:00pm; Fri – Sat 11:00am – 10:00pm
- Reservations: Available
- Type of Food: Uniquely prepared seafood
- Dockage Available: Yes
Between the intracoastal waterway and access to the Atlantic Ocean, Melbourne, Florida offers boaters a unique landscape for exploration and memorable experiences. We hope this list of restaurants on the water in Melbourne, FL will help you make the most of your visit! If you’re not sure how to set sail in Melbourne, FL, Boatsetter has you covered. We offer boat rentals for every taste and any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious yacht or a thrilling speedboat ride, we can make your boating dreams a reality.
Click here to start planning your next boating adventure!
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