The Best Waterfront Restaurants in the U.S.
Last Updated on December 20, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
From award winning restaurants to mom and pop shacks, our local experts helped us create a list of America’s most mouthwatering restaurants. Savor scenic views, diverse dishes, and a post-meal cruise at any one of these locations.
Find boat rentals & dock ‘n’ dine experiences near you
The Oasis on Lake Travis | Austin, Texas
The largest outdoor restaurant in Texas overlooks Lake Travis. With just over 20,000 Google reviews and countless praises from Lake Travis Owners, The Oasis lives up to its name. For a truly unique experience, book a boat for a 6-hr trip duration. After a day out on Lake Travis, join locals and visitors here for The Oasis sunset tradition.
Salty’s on Alki Beach | Seattle, Washington
OpenTable’s diners voted this waterfront restaurant into the Top 100 Most Scenic Restaurants. With scenic views of Puget Sound, the Seattle skyline, and a locally focused wine selection that won Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence multiple times, guests leave nothing short of satisfied.
RiverRoast | Chicago, Illinois
After architecture boat tours and Wrigley Field games, locals recommend RiverRoast for dock ‘n’ dine. Over 3,000 Google reviews praise its local beers and craft cocktails, including their signature Vacation Spritz.
Seaspice | Miami, Florida
“Seaspice overlooks Brickell and the Miami River and is a great Sunday hang-out spot,” says Enrique. A few people on the regulars list that includes world-class celebrities, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, David Beckham, and Canelo Alvarez. Put on your Sunday shoes, book a luxury yacht, and arrive in style.
Rusty Pelican | Miami, Florida
“Rusty Pelican has the best views of the skyline if you’re looking for Instagram-worthy pictures,” Enrique says. Minutes away by boat, you can explore the Vizcaya, a 1914 mansion-turned-museum; Bayfront Park with Miami’s Observation Wheel; and the historic shores of Virginia Beach Park.
Old Key Lime House | Lantana, Florida
Just minutes from West Palm Beach sits Florida’s oldest waterfront restaurant and, according to South Floridians, home to the country’s best key-lime pie. After a day at Peanut Island, stop by for a slice of their award-winning dessert.
Caretta on the Gulf | Clearwater, Florida
Named after the loggerhead sea turtles that grace Clearwater’s shores, Caretta is the area’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant. Located in the Sandpearl Resort, this fine dining destination offers incredible Gulf of Mexico views. Perfect for date night, the restaurant pairs seasonal cuisine with sunset vistas.
LuLu’s | Gulf Shores, Alabama
Between Gulf State Park and Mobile Bay, near Robinson and Bird Island’s birding spots, a boat offers unique access to this beachside community. Consider making plans to dock ‘n’ dine at LuLu’s for the freshest Gulf Coast catches, from local shrimp to snapper and oysters
Julington Creek Fish Camp | Jacksonville, Florida
With 4.5 stars across OpenTable, Facebook, and Google (5,000+ combined reviews), Julington Creek is Jacksonville’s spot for Southern classics. Menu highlights include collard greens, grits, catfish, and lowcountry boil.
Hudson’s Seafood House | Hilton Head, South Carolina
If you want to taste authentic local traditions, make plans to dock ‘n’ dine at Hudson’s and experience Hilton Head Island’s oystering heritage. This oyster factory-turned-seafood restaurant has served guests since 1912. All seafood is locally caught, with over 450,000 oysters shucked on-site annually.
Archer’s on the Pier | Rockland, Maine
Drawing inspiration from the family and lifestyle of Maine’s coastal community, Lynn Archer has an insatiable appetite for crafting locally sourced dishes and exceptional waterfront dining experiences. Many menu items are family-operated, including wild oysters harvested daily by Lynn’s son. Enjoy scenic views of Rockland Harbor from Archer’s patio seats.
Zinque | Newport Beach, California
Between the Rusty Pelican and Shorebird, Zinque is by far Elisa’s favorite place to grab a bite with friends. ‘It’s a classic hang-out spot,’ says Elisa. ‘You can enjoy incredible French food and watch boats zip by.’ Next door, Lido Isle offers shopping and waterfront walks. Get on a cruiser or sailboat and explore Newport Bay after your meal.
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