As a Florida native, I know that nothing beats the allure of a beachfront dining experience. Somehow the food just tastes better if you’re able to see the ocean. It’s one of the things I love about the Sunshine State.
There’s nowhere else that has that perfect combination of postcard-worthy beaches, year-round sunshine, restaurants with laid-back vibes, and wide variety of fresh seafood – making our beachfront dining spots in Florida extra special. In fact, there is a long list of restaurants that cash in on that winning combination to provide an enticing ambiance that appeals to both locals and tourists alike. Here are some of the best restaurants in Florida where you can dine on delicious eats while taking in beautiful beachfront views.
Caddy's Treasure Island
You’ll find a fun, family-friendly atmosphere at Caddy’s Treasure Island. Set directly on the sand – you can watch the surf wash up from the Gulf of Mexico while you enjoy live music, fresh food, and complimentary beach amenities. While the tropical scenery and beach-inspired frozen drinks might be enough to catch your attention, the food menu is also a highlight, featuring appetizers like Smoked Fish Spread, Southwest Nachos, and Housemade Crab Cakes. Grouper Sandwiches and Burgers are also favorites, as well as Fish and Chips, Seafood Mac and Cheese, and seafood platters. For a private beachfront experience, book one of the beachfront cabanas (which are complimentary with a minimum spend on food, beverage, or retail). While the original Caddy’s is in Treasure Island, you’ll find other waterfront locations scattered across Florida.
9000 W Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706, USA— +1 727-360-4993
Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, Flagler Beach
With comfort food, friendly service, and gorgeous views of the ocean, Oceanside Beach is a Flagler Beach favorite. Beloved for its incredible service, food, and beautiful beachfront views, it has a long list of fan favorites – which include Fish & Chips and Margherita Pasta. You’ll definitely want to try the Flaming Cheese, the pan-fried Kazzari cheese set on fire tableside, as well as the Flagler Punch with freshly squeezed fruit juices and premium spirits.
S3 Restaurant Sun-Surf-Sand, Fort Lauderdale
If you’re craving beachfront views, head to S3 Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale for locally sourced ingredients, craft cocktails, and a menu of steak, seafood, and sushi. Where Sun, Surf, and Sand meet, this oceanfront restaurant is an upscale, casual chic spot with a laid-back atmosphere. It has everything you’d want in a beachfront spot – indoor/outdoor seating, Atlantic and Fort Lauderdale beach vistas, and a menu of coastal cuisine. They serve the freshest daily catches as well as premium cuts of meat, along with a one-of-a-kind sushi bar. Don’t miss the Happy Hour specials Monday through Friday.
505 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd suite s, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar, Clearwater
Located on one of Florida’s most popular Gulf Coast beaches, Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar is a Clearwater institution dating back to 1926. Sit back and listen to the live music and watch the world pass you by as you dine on seafood, beach burgers, sizzling steak, chicken, and smoked ribs on their spacious outdoor patio. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the beach is at the front door, and the sunsets here are impressive. Beyond the spectacular view of Clearwater Beach, it’s the historic charm that this restaurant exudes that will lure you in, as they’ve kept the casual atmosphere right down to the wooden floors that open to the sand beach below and the smell of coconut oil that lingers in the air.
The SandBar Restaurant, Anna Maria Island
Boasting a family atmosphere and toes-in-the-sand setting, The SandBar Restaurant in Anna Maria Island is a top pick for a beachfront meal in Florida. Gaze at the sun as it sinks below the horizon at this Old Florida spot, which offers sustainable and locally sourced menu creations. Start your meal off with Sandbar Smoked Fish Dip, Two Docks Clams, or Calamari with honey sambal aioli. Mains include chef’s selection Whole Fish, Stuffed Shrimp, and New York Strip, while Handheld favorites include burgers, fish tacos, and fish sandwiches.
Benny's On The Beach, Lake Worth
An institution in Lake Worth since 1986, Benny’s On The Beach now has a Pier and Oceanwalk location. You’ll find incredible views and delicious eats at both, and with a slogan like “Where Every Day is a Vacation,” it’s hard not to love it. While overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you can dig into the seafood market favorites or come for Brunch and pair Beachside Benedict topped with lobster with Bloody Marys. If you’re really hungry, go for the Seafood Bake with corn on the cob, baby red potatoes, andouille sausage, and additions like lobster, middle-neck clams, large shrimp, and Gulf snow crab clusters.
Beach Walk Cafe, Destin
Beach Walk Cafe is a luxury restaurant located in Destin’s Henderson Park Inn with impressive views of Florida’s Emerald Coast. It’s the only fine dining restaurant you’ll find directly on the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s award-winning for a reason. Set along the sand, you’ll find fresh local ingredients paired perfectly with spectacular sunsets. You can even reserve a VIP Toes in the Sand dining experience for the ultimate date night, featuring a private table directly on the sand that includes dinner, dessert, and drinks with a dedicated server. Soak in the salty breeze of the Gulf as you indulge in tasty Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Steak, Apalachicola Gulf Shrimp Scampi, or Rosemary Buttermilk Fried Chicken.
Caretta On The Gulf, Clearwater
A top-rated restaurant in Clearwater, Caretta On The Gulf is an upscale restaurant with pristine Gulf of Mexico views. Named for the loggerhead sea turtles that can be found along Clearwater’s shores, this restaurant is the perfect place to watch a sunset as you dine on seasonally inspired cuisine. It’s Clearwater’s only AAA Four-Diamond Awarded restaurant, featuring a standard menu as well as an all-natural, organic menu paired with organic wines. If you want to go all out, choose the chef’s dinner tasting menu with dessert and wine pairings selected by professional sommeliers. You’d be surprised to know that jackets are required at this inviting restaurant, and you a choose from indoor or outdoor seating.
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant, Bradenton Beach
The ideal mix of casual and stylish, Beach House Waterfront Restaurant in Bradenton Beach is the perfect spot to relax with friends and family. The show-stopping sunsets are the icing on the cake, along with the restaurant’s climate-controlled deck overlooking the ocean. Best of all, you’ll be eating well with its menu of sustainable farm-to-fork produce and seasonal menus designed with a Mediterranean flair. You can’t go wrong with the refreshing Watermelon & Feta salad, hearty Beach House Burger, or Freshly Marinated Gulf Fish Tacos.
200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA— +1 941-779-2222
Doc’s Beach House, Bonita Beach
One of the best Florida restaurants with waterfront views, Doc’s is a beach-level restaurant with an open-air patio. Upstairs, the bar provides a more intimate experience along with impressive Gulf of Mexico views, which turns into a lively sports bar during game time. If you prefer to dig your toes in the sand, choose a beachside table with an umbrella. There’s also a souvenir selling drinks and hot dogs.
*Doc’s Beach House sustained damages from Hurricane Ian and is currently rebuilding its interior. Currently, dining is only available outside. Check with the official website for updates.
Kyle G's Prime Seafood & Steaks, Jensen Beach
Located in Jensen Beach, Kyle G’s Prime Seafood & Steaks is a casual seafood-centric restaurant. Come hungry and choose the 3 Course Dinner option, which includes an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. There’s plenty of outdoor, oceanside seating where you can enjoy the view and indulge in other regular menu favorites, like the fresh-shucked oysters, rainbow trout, lobster Mac carbonara, and an extensive list of signature drinks. Check their website for weekly events, including half-off drinks for Happy Hour, Wine Tuesday, and Sunday Brunch.
10900 S Ocean Dr, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA— +1 772-237-5461
Casablanca Cafe, Fort Lauderdale
Located in the oldest structure in Fort Lauderdale Beach, Casablanca Cafe is a two-story beachfront restaurant just a crosswalk away from the sand. Set in a two-story building dating back to 1927, it features beautiful Mediterranean Revival architecture and a blend of Spanish and Middle Eastern details. Aside from its beautiful ambiance, the menu is also fantastic – try the Blue Crab Crusted Mahi Mahi, Lime Cilantro Fish Tacos, or Moroccan Lamb Shank as you listen to the tune of live music from its spacious wrap-around bar. If you’re feeling celebratory, the Beach Bonfire Old-Fashioned, Pink Sunset Paloma, and #NoSleep Martini pair well with the ocean views.
Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar, Daytona Beach
Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar in Daytona Beach is a Florida institution. It’s considered a must when visiting this beach town, offering a fun, lively, and welcoming beachside atmosphere. Along with a full line-up of events throughout the year, including live music by local bands all day and night, they have an extensive drink selection and menu that will appeal to everyone in the family. They have seafood favorites, like crab legs, shrimp, and lobster, as well as burgers, award-winning chowder, hot chicken wings, and sandwiches. Most people come for the food and beach views and end up staying for the inviting atmosphere.
127 S Ocean Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, USA— +1 386-253-5224
Salute! On The Beach, Key West
Perfect for a post-swim lunch or romantic sunset dining, Salute! is a beachside treasure in Key West. Located on the postcard-perfect Higgs Beach, between White Street Pier and Casa Marina, this well-loved restaurant will have you in vacation mode. For the best views, sit on the outdoor porch area while you dine on the Caribbean-influenced takes on Italian classics. Don’t miss the calamari sautéed with marinara sauce, pasta with mussels, and grouper cakes, then treat your taste buds to a slice of Blue Heaven key lime pie.
Blue Parrot Ocean Front Cafe, St George Island
Located on one of Florida’s most pristine white-sand beaches, Blue Parrot on St George Island features multiple dining areas where you can take in the view. Choose from the sun-drenched lower deck, covered upper decks, or air-conditioned inside dining room and pick from the menu of locally caught seafood. Blue Parrot Classics include the Stuffed Grouper, while the Monster Double Cheeseburger will keep you full, as well as the Mahi Reuben and Blackened Tuna BLT. Adult beverages like the Watermelon Wave and St. George Island Breeze offer the ultimate way to chill out. Relax with a drink at the Tiki Bar and watch dolphins, or rent a jet ski and get out on the water.
68 E Gorrie Dr, St George Island, FL 32328, USA— +1 850-927-2987
