The Best Waterfront Restaurants in the U.S.
Last Updated on January 8, 2025 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.
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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, plan to come here right before the golden hour to join locals and visitors in The Oasis sunset tradition.
Rusty Pelican | Miami, Florida
“Rusty Pelican has the best views of the skyline if you’re looking for Instagram-worthy pictures,” says Enrique. 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.
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Salty’s on Alki Beach | Seattle, Washington
Between the scenic views of Puget Sound, the Seattle skyline, and the award-winning locally focused wine selection, you can understand how OpenTable’s diners voted this waterfront restaurant into the Top 100 Most Scenic Restaurants. Locals adore Salty’s playful atmosphere and the grilled halibut. Consider coming to here for their award-winning buffet-style Sunday brunch.
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Pizza Portofino | Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has such a rich sailing season and waterside community, from anchoring at the Play Pen to architecture boat tours. While you have a ton of options for dock ‘n’ dine experiences, every time Erik visits Chicago he goes to Pizza Portofino for their hand-stretched pizza, which you can enjoy over riverfront views. Get the tiramisu to-go to enjoy during a post-meal cruise.
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Old Key Lime House | Lantana, Florida
Just minutes from West Palm Beach sits Florida’s oldest waterfront restaurant and home to the country’s best key-lime pie, according to South Floridians. “If you’re looking for a truly Florida experience,” says South Florida native Gabriela “come to Old Key Lime House for a Gator’s game.” The restaurant hosts the largest Gator viewing events.
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LuLu’s | Gulf Shores, Alabama
Between beach days at Gulf State Park, cruising around Mobile Bay, and incredible birding opportunities at Robinson and Bird Island’s, a boat offers unique way to explore this beachside community. Add lunch or a midday snack to your boat day at LuLu’s for the southern cooking and Gulf Coast catches, from shrimp bisque to hushpuppies and gouda grits.
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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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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.
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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.
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Archer’s on the Pier | Rockland, Maine
Drawing inspiration from her 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. Boat up to Archer’s and request outside seating for views of Rockland Harbor over fresh oysters.
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