Where Flavor Meets The Lake: 19 Must-Try Florida Waterfront Restaurants
Florida knows how to do two things exceptionally well, sunshine and seafood. When you combine those with a stunning lakeside or waterfront view, you get dining experiences that feel like mini vacations.
Whether you’re craving fresh catches, hearty comfort food, or just a plate of something delicious while watching boats drift by, these waterfront restaurants deliver the goods. Get ready to explore some of the best spots where the food tastes even better with a view.
1. Harborside, Winter Haven
This spot doesn’t just serve food, it serves an entire mood. Harborside in Winter Haven knows that half the battle of a great meal is the setting, and boy, does it deliver.
The menu leans into comfort without apology. Think crispy fish sandwiches that crunch in all the right places, juicy burgers that don’t skimp on flavor, and salads that actually taste like someone cares.
When the sun starts to dip and the lake glows golden, you’ll understand why locals guard this place like a secret. It’s not fancy, but it’s real, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
2. Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille, Eustis
Where the lake stretches out like a postcard, this grille brings the heat with flavors that slap. Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille doesn’t mess around when it comes to fresh seafood and bold seasoning.
The grouper here is cooked so perfectly it practically melts on your fork. Pair it with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, and you’re in business.
Locals swear by the sunset seating, where the view competes with the plate for your attention. Spoiler: both win. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to cancel your dinner plans and just stay put all evening.
3. Puddle Jumpers Lakeside Grill & Bar, Tavares
Are you ready for a place that feels like a backyard party with way better food? Puddle Jumpers Lakeside Grill & Bar in Tavares is your answer.
The vibe is laid back, the crowd is friendly, and the menu is packed with crowd pleasers like crispy chicken wings, loaded nachos, and fish tacos that hit different by the water. You can kick back, watch the boats glide by, and pretend you have zero responsibilities.
It’s casual dining at its finest, where nobody judges you for ordering appetizers as your main course. Because honestly, who hasn’t done that?
4. Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine
This place storms into your heart with zero apologies. Hurricane Patty’s in St. Augustine is all about bold flavors, generous portions, and views that make you forget you’re not on vacation.
The shrimp here is legendary, whether fried, grilled, or tossed into a buttery scampi. Their fish spreads are dangerously good, the kind you’ll keep dipping into long after you’re full.
Grab a seat outside where the breeze rolls in from the water, and suddenly every bite tastes like freedom. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s unapologetically delicious.
5. Cap’s On the Water, St. Augustine
Though many waterfront spots aim for casual, this one skews a little more polished without losing its soul. Cap’s On the Water in St. Augustine balances elegance and approachability like a pro.
The seafood is impeccably fresh, from the seared scallops to the perfectly grilled mahi. Each dish feels thoughtfully prepared, not rushed or generic.
Sit by the window and watch the boats bob in the marina while you savor every bite. It’s the kind of place where you feel fancy but not stuffy, where the food speaks louder than the decor ever could.
6. The Waterfront, Naples
When sophistication meets seafood, magic happens. The Waterfront in Naples is where you go when you want to feel like you’ve arrived, even if you’re just treating yourself to a Tuesday night out.
The menu reads like a love letter to the ocean, with oysters, lobster, and catch of the day prepared with finesse. Every plate looks like art, but thankfully, it tastes even better than it looks.
The ambiance is refined yet relaxed, with water views that remind you why Naples is such a treasure. It’s a splurge, but one you won’t regret.
7. Blue Pointe Seafood, Sarasota
However you feel about oysters, this place will change your mind. Blue Pointe Seafood in Sarasota is a seafood lover’s playground, where the ocean’s bounty is treated with respect and flair.
Their raw bar is stocked with the freshest shellfish you’ll find, and the grilled fish options are cooked to perfection. The flavors are clean, bright, and never overdone.
With views of the bay and a menu that rotates with the season, every visit feels like a new adventure. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to be a regular.
8. Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill, Fort Lauderdale
Did you know that some of the best meals come with sand between your toes? Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill in Fort Lauderdale is proof that fancy isn’t always better.
This is barefoot dining at its finest, where the shrimp are peel and eat, the fish is fried to golden perfection, and the vibe is pure Florida fun. No pretense, no fuss, just good food and good times.
Grab a picnic table, order a platter, and soak in the waterfront chaos. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s absolutely worth it.
9. Shrimper’s, Key Largo
When you’re in the Keys, you eat like you’re in the Keys. Shrimper’s in Key Largo captures that island spirit with a menu that celebrates simplicity and freshness.
The conch fritters are crispy little clouds of heaven, and the grilled shrimp is seasoned just right. Everything tastes like it was pulled from the water that morning, because it probably was.
The setting is pure paradise, with palm trees swaying and turquoise water stretching as far as you can see. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to quit your job and move to the Keys.
10. O’Bricks, Sarasota
Though it looks unassuming from the outside, this spot packs serious flavor. O’Bricks in Sarasota is a local favorite where the food is hearty, the portions are generous, and the waterfront views are unbeatable.
Their fish and chips are legitimately some of the best you’ll find in Florida, with a crispy batter that shatters on contact. The burgers are thick, juicy, and cooked exactly how you want them.
It’s a no frills kind of place, which is exactly why it works. Sometimes you just want good food, cold drinks, and a view that doesn’t quit.
11. Lakehouse, Orlando
Are you tired of the same old Orlando tourist traps? Lakehouse is where locals escape for a meal that actually matters.
The menu is diverse, with everything from seared tuna to wood-fired pizzas that come out bubbling and perfect. The flavors are bold without being overwhelming, and the presentation is Instagram-worthy without trying too hard.
Sit outside and watch the lake shimmer in the sunlight while you enjoy food that feels both elevated and approachable. It’s a hidden jewel in a city full of noise, and once you find it, you’ll keep coming back.
12. 310 Lakeside, Orlando
Where sophistication meets the shoreline, you’ll find this stunner. 310 Lakeside in Orlando is the kind of place that makes you want to dress up a little, not because you have to, but because you want to.
The menu is refined, with dishes like pan seared salmon and perfectly cooked steaks that melt in your mouth. Every bite feels intentional, like someone actually cared about what ended up on your plate.
The lake views are breathtaking, especially at sunset when the sky turns shades of pink and orange. It’s romantic, it’s delicious, and it’s worth every penny.
13. The Boathouse, Fort Myers
Hence the name, this spot is all about waterfront vibes and nautical charm. The Boathouse in Fort Myers serves up seafood that’s as fresh as the breeze rolling off the river.
Their crab cakes are legendary, packed with sweet lump crab and just enough binder to hold them together. The fish tacos are light, zesty, and dangerously addictive.
You can dock your boat right up to the restaurant, or just pretend you arrived by yacht while you sip something cold and watch the water go by. Either way, you’re winning.
14. La Placita, Miami Lakes
When you want flavor that punches you in the best way possible, head here. La Placita in Miami Lakes brings the heat with Latin inspired dishes that are as bold as they are delicious.
The ropa vieja is tender and rich, the tostones are perfectly crispy, and the arroz con pollo is comfort food at its finest. Every dish feels like a celebration, because in Miami, food is always a party.
The lakeside setting adds a breezy, tropical touch that makes every meal feel like a mini escape. It’s loud, it’s lively, and it’s everything you want from a Miami dining experience.
15. Cobalt, Fort Lauderdale
However you define cool, this place nails it. Cobalt in Fort Lauderdale is where style meets substance, with a menu that’s as impressive as the waterfront views.
The sushi here is fresh and creative, with rolls that combine unexpected flavors in the best way. The seafood entrees are equally stunning, from the grilled octopus to the perfectly seared tuna.
The vibe is upscale but not uptight, with a crowd that knows good food when they see it. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re part of something special, even if you’re just there for dinner.
16. Tanners Lakeside Grill, Winter Haven
Tanner’s Lakeside Grill, located in Winter Haven, Florida, is a charming waterfront restaurant that perfectly blends scenic lake views with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy dining on the outdoor patio while watching boats drift by or soaking in the sunset over Lake Howard.
The menu features fresh seafood, hearty steaks, classic American dishes, and a variety of creative cocktails, making it a favorite for both casual lunches and special evening dinners.
With live music on select nights and friendly, attentive service, Tanner’s Lakeside Grill delivers a quintessential Florida lakeside dining experience that appeals to locals and visitors alike.
17. Whiskey Joe’s, Miami
When the party meets the plate, you get this gem. Whiskey Joe’s in Miami is where the energy is high, the food is hot, and the waterfront views are absolutely killer.
The wings are sticky, spicy, and addictive, and the burgers are thick and juicy. The seafood options are solid too, with fish sandwiches that hit the spot after a day in the sun.
It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s unapologetically Miami. Grab a seat outside, dig into some serious comfort food, and let the good times roll. You won’t regret it.
18. Deck 84, Orlando
Where modern design meets lakefront serenity, this spot shines. Deck 84 in Orlando is a stunner, with a menu that’s as thoughtfully crafted as the space itself.
The seafood towers are a showstopper, piled high with shrimp, oysters, and crab. The entrees are equally impressive, from the perfectly grilled fish to the tender steaks that practically cut themselves.
The ambiance is chic and relaxed, with fire pits and lounge seating that make you want to linger long after your plate is empty. It’s the kind of place that turns a regular dinner into an experience.
19. Waterworks, Tampa
Are you ready for a place that brings the flavor and the fun in equal measure? Waterworks in Tampa is where good food meets good vibes, all with a waterfront backdrop that never gets old.
The menu is packed with seafood classics like grouper sandwiches, peel and eat shrimp, and clam chowder that’s rich and creamy. Everything is cooked fresh and served with a smile.
The outdoor seating is prime real estate, especially when the weather is perfect and the bay is sparkling. It’s casual, it’s delicious, and it’s pure Tampa.
