5 Best Cocoa Beach Waterfront Restaurants
Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
About an hour east of Orlando lies Cocoa Beach, Florida. This pocket of paradise is a unique destination for surfing, sports, and sun-kissed fun.
Before you’re ready to dock and dine on Cocoa Beach, you need to know where to go! We’ve got your back. Below is our list of the five best Cocoa Beach restaurants on the water so you can sail your way to sweet and savory spots:
- Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill
- Island Time Marina & Restaurant
- Old Florida Grill & Oyster House
- Squid Lips
- Sunset Café Waterfront Bar & Grill
Cocoa Beach Boat Rentals available— Ready to book?
1. Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience, dock and dine at Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill. Their tropical décor is accented with the standout feature of fish tanks along the walls. So, while you eat, just look over your shoulder and say hi to a fishy face!
Start with Fried Gator Tails, a Floridian favorite. For your main course, we recommend one of Florida’s Boils, available with flavorful spices ranging from mild to hot. Pick any combination of shrimp, snow crab, mussels, lobster, and scallops for a fully customized seafood boil.
- Address: 480 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- Hours: Mon–Sun 11:30am–10pm
- Reservations: Available
- Type of Food: Seafood & Cocktails
- Dockage Available: Yes
2. Island Time Marina & Restaurant
The Island Time Marina & Restaurant is a casual waterfront restaurant on Cocoa Beach. Soak up some sun with abundant outdoor seating and play a game of cornhole while you wait for your food.
Try the sesame-seared Ahi Tuna or Gator Bites to start. We recommend a Red Fish Hoagie or Two Island Time Tacos if you’re in the mood for something light. On the other hand, if your boating adventure made you work up an appetite, order James’s Crab Cake Dinner – a local favorite, or the Baked Stuffed Shrimp, filled with blue crab.
- Address: 400 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- Hours: Mon–Sun 11am–11pm
- Reservations: Not Available
- Type of Food: American Seafood
- Dockage Available: Yes
3. Old Florida Grill & Oyster House
Enjoy laid-back, super-casual vibes when you dock and dine on Cocoa Beach at the Old Florida Grill & Oyster House. This waterfront restaurant overlooks the Indian River Lagoon, so you can relax and eat with a beautiful view.
Locals rave about Old Florida’s signature Beer Battered Fries appetizer, so make sure you order a basket to start. Follow up with a Mahi Mahi or Fish of the Day sandwich. And if you’re a bit hungrier, we recommend the Hand Breaded Fried Oysters, Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna, or Shrimp & Scallop Skewers for your entrée.
- Address: 5370 N Cocoa Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32927
- Hours: Mon–Sun 10am–10pm
- Reservations: Not Available
- Type of Food: American Seafood
- Dockage Available: Yes
4. Squid Lips
Squid Lips is a treehouse-style waterfront restaurant on Cocoa Beach. Their large deck is built around palm trees and opens up to expansive river views.
The Cajun Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops and Coconut Shrimp are a must when you dock and dine at Squid Lips. Both are available as appetizers and entrees, so you can try a taste or go all in.
Pro Tip: Keep your camera ready! You might spot a few dolphins making their way along the river.
- Address: 2200 S Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- Hours: Mon–Sun 11am – 9pm
- Reservations: Not Available
- Type of Food: Unique Seafood
- Dockage Available: Yes
5. Sunset Café Waterfront Bar & Grill
As the name implies, if you’re looking for a waterfront restaurant with unmatched Florida sunset views, then the Sunset Café Waterfront Bar & Grill is perfect. Their outdoor deck offers panoramic views of the Banana River, where you’re bound to see a dolphin or two.
Their seafood-focused menu offers some of the freshest Florida flavors. To start, we recommend the Conch Fritters, served with a creamy Carolina dipping sauce. For your Entrée, try the Sunset Seafood Combo, Mahi Mahi, or the Grouper – prepared however you like it!
Pro Tip: Follow Sunset Café Bar & Grill on Facebook to get updates on events, including fun themed nights!
- Address: 500 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- Hours: Mon–Sun 11am – 10pm
- Reservations: Not Available
- Type of Food: American Seafood
- Dockage Available: Yes
Hopefully, this guide to Cocoa Beach waterfront restaurants will help you make the most of your boating adventures.
The best way to visit Cocoa Beach is by boat. Whether you’re up for activities on the water or want a luxurious way to get around, Boatsetter has rentals for every taste.
Click here to start planning your perfect Florida waterscape. Explore destinations without ever having to leave the water! Find your next trip at Destination Guides and other boating resources here.
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