Curated Selection
Best Waterfront Restaurants In South Florida
Dining by the water is one of South Florida’s greatest pleasures. Whether it’s watching yachts glide down a canal, listening to waves crash along the shoreline, or catching a golden sunset over the bay, waterfront dining captures the essence of our coastal lifestyle. But not all waterfront restaurants are created equal — many rely solely on their views, serving overpriced or mediocre food simply because of their location.
Our Selection Process
Our selections highlight restaurants that excel in both scenery and culinary quality. We visited docks, canals, marinas, and beachfront patios across the region, evaluating each spot for food consistency, fair pricing, and the overall dining experience. We verified outdoor seating layouts, checked for shade and breeze comfort, and confirmed parking accessibility — because waterfront dining should feel relaxing, not stressful. From the oceanfront elegance of Citrus Grillhouse to the breezy tropical charm of Mulligan’s Beach House, each restaurant on this list offers memorable views paired with scratch‑made recipes.
These spots are perfect for sunset dinners, celebratory meals, or weekend outings with family and friends. And if you’re planning a waterfront staycation, you can explore SoFlo Stays for curated beachfront hotels and coastal resorts.
Citrus Grillhouse
Vero BeachCitrus Grillhouse offers one of the most scenic dining experiences in Vero Beach, combining oceanfront views with a menu centered on fresh seafood, grilled meats, and citrus‑inspired flavors. The restaurant’s upscale yet relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular choice for romantic dinners, sunset meals, and special occasions. With its breezy coastal setting and scratch‑made recipes, Citrus Grillhouse captures the essence of Florida’s seaside dining.
The menu highlights high‑quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation, offering dishes that feel both refined and approachable. Guests can enjoy fresh local catches, flavorful grilled entrees, and seasonal specials that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to freshness. The oceanfront location enhances the experience, providing a beautiful backdrop that elevates every meal.
Citrus Grillhouse is perfect for diners who appreciate coastal cuisine, stunning views, and a polished dining environment. It’s a must‑visit in Vero Beach for anyone seeking an elegant yet relaxed meal by the water.
The menu highlights high‑quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation, offering dishes that feel both refined and approachable. Guests can enjoy fresh local catches, flavorful grilled entrees, and seasonal specials that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to freshness. The oceanfront location enhances the experience, providing a beautiful backdrop that elevates every meal.
Citrus Grillhouse is perfect for diners who appreciate coastal cuisine, stunning views, and a polished dining environment. It’s a must‑visit in Vero Beach for anyone seeking an elegant yet relaxed meal by the water.
★ Must-Try: Bolognese
Squid Lips
SebastianSquid Lips is a beloved waterfront staple in Sebastian, offering a laid‑back tropical dining experience right on the Indian River. Known for its sandy beach seating area, oak‑grilled seafood specials, and lively coastal atmosphere, the restaurant captures the essence of Florida’s relaxed riverfront lifestyle. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood while watching boats drift by, spotting marine wildlife, and soaking in the breezy, open‑air environment.
The menu highlights grilled favorites, casual coastal bites, and tropical cocktails that pair perfectly with the restaurant’s beachy vibe. Squid Lips is a great choice for families, groups, and anyone looking for a fun, casual meal with a scenic backdrop. The sandy dining area adds a unique touch, allowing guests to literally bury their toes in the sand while enjoying lunch or dinner.
Squid Lips is ideal for diners who appreciate unfussy, flavorful seafood and a lively waterfront setting. It’s a must‑visit in Sebastian for anyone seeking a relaxed, tropical dining experience by the water.
The menu highlights grilled favorites, casual coastal bites, and tropical cocktails that pair perfectly with the restaurant’s beachy vibe. Squid Lips is a great choice for families, groups, and anyone looking for a fun, casual meal with a scenic backdrop. The sandy dining area adds a unique touch, allowing guests to literally bury their toes in the sand while enjoying lunch or dinner.
Squid Lips is ideal for diners who appreciate unfussy, flavorful seafood and a lively waterfront setting. It’s a must‑visit in Sebastian for anyone seeking a relaxed, tropical dining experience by the water.
★ Must-Try: Lobster-N-Crab Cake
Mulligan's Beach House
Vero BeachMulligan’s Beach House is a lively, family‑friendly beachfront restaurant in Vero Beach, offering sweeping ocean views, tropical cocktails, and a broad menu that caters to all ages. Open early for breakfast and staying open late, the restaurant is a go‑to spot for weekend brunches, casual lunches, and relaxed family dinners. The large outdoor patio provides a breezy, coastal setting perfect for enjoying seafood dishes, refreshing drinks, and Florida sunshine.
The menu features a mix of fresh seafood, comfort‑food classics, and kid‑friendly options, making it a reliable choice for groups and families. Mulligan’s energetic atmosphere, friendly service, and beachfront location create a fun, approachable dining experience that feels quintessentially Vero Beach.
Mulligan’s Beach House is ideal for diners who enjoy casual coastal dining, ocean views, and a lively environment. It’s a must‑visit for anyone seeking a relaxed meal by the water.
The menu features a mix of fresh seafood, comfort‑food classics, and kid‑friendly options, making it a reliable choice for groups and families. Mulligan’s energetic atmosphere, friendly service, and beachfront location create a fun, approachable dining experience that feels quintessentially Vero Beach.
Mulligan’s Beach House is ideal for diners who enjoy casual coastal dining, ocean views, and a lively environment. It’s a must‑visit for anyone seeking a relaxed meal by the water.
★ Must-Try: Firecracker Shrimp
Cantina La Veinte
BrickellCantina La Veinte offers one of Brickell’s most luxurious Mexican dining experiences, featuring a stunning two‑story interior overlooking the water and a menu centered on high‑end traditional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant blends ornate décor, bold flavors, and a lively bar scene to create an atmosphere that feels both glamorous and vibrant.
Guests can enjoy gourmet Mexican dishes, beautifully crafted cocktails, and an extensive mezcal and tequila selection. The terrace seating directly over the Miami River adds a dramatic touch, making it a popular choice for date nights, celebrations, and evenings when you want a meal that feels special.
Cantina La Veinte is ideal for diners who appreciate upscale Mexican cuisine, stylish environments, and waterfront views. It’s a standout destination in Brickell for a luxurious, flavorful dining experience.
Guests can enjoy gourmet Mexican dishes, beautifully crafted cocktails, and an extensive mezcal and tequila selection. The terrace seating directly over the Miami River adds a dramatic touch, making it a popular choice for date nights, celebrations, and evenings when you want a meal that feels special.
Cantina La Veinte is ideal for diners who appreciate upscale Mexican cuisine, stylish environments, and waterfront views. It’s a standout destination in Brickell for a luxurious, flavorful dining experience.
★ Must-Try: Tostada De Atun
Cabana Bar
Vero BeachCabana Bar offers a breezy, upscale poolside dining experience at Costa d’Este Beach Resort in Vero Beach, blending tropical cocktails, fresh ceviches, and casual coastal fare with stunning ocean views. Nestled among palm trees and a stylish pool deck, the bar provides a relaxed yet refined atmosphere perfect for resort guests and visitors seeking a laid‑back meal by the water.
The menu highlights fresh ingredients and beach‑friendly dishes, including seafood bites, refreshing salads, and tropical drinks crafted with house‑made mixers. Guests can enjoy the ocean breeze, comfortable lounge seating, and a setting that feels both luxurious and approachable. Cabana Bar is a great choice for afternoon cocktails, casual lunches, or sunset bites after a day at the beach or pool.
It’s ideal for diners who appreciate resort‑style dining, oceanfront views, and a relaxed tropical vibe. Cabana Bar is one of Vero Beach’s best spots for enjoying scratch‑made coastal fare in a beautiful outdoor setting.
The menu highlights fresh ingredients and beach‑friendly dishes, including seafood bites, refreshing salads, and tropical drinks crafted with house‑made mixers. Guests can enjoy the ocean breeze, comfortable lounge seating, and a setting that feels both luxurious and approachable. Cabana Bar is a great choice for afternoon cocktails, casual lunches, or sunset bites after a day at the beach or pool.
It’s ideal for diners who appreciate resort‑style dining, oceanfront views, and a relaxed tropical vibe. Cabana Bar is one of Vero Beach’s best spots for enjoying scratch‑made coastal fare in a beautiful outdoor setting.
★ Must-Try: Char Grilled Spanish Octopus & Chorizo
Tanuki River Landing
MiamiTanuki River Landing offers one of Miami’s most visually striking Japanese dining experiences, featuring a monumental half‑man, half‑tanuki statue and scenic riverfront views. The restaurant blends modern Japanese design with pan‑Asian culinary influences, creating a premium dining environment perfect for trendy date nights, upscale gatherings, and weekend dinners by the water.
The menu highlights hot and cold Asian plates, fresh sushi river flows, and creative cocktails crafted with premium ingredients. Guests can enjoy beautifully plated dishes in a setting that feels immersive and artistic, with indoor and outdoor seating that showcases the restaurant’s waterfront location. The combination of bold flavors, stylish décor, and a vibrant atmosphere makes Tanuki River Landing a standout in Miami’s competitive dining scene.
It’s ideal for diners who appreciate modern Japanese cuisine, unique design, and elevated waterfront dining.
The menu highlights hot and cold Asian plates, fresh sushi river flows, and creative cocktails crafted with premium ingredients. Guests can enjoy beautifully plated dishes in a setting that feels immersive and artistic, with indoor and outdoor seating that showcases the restaurant’s waterfront location. The combination of bold flavors, stylish décor, and a vibrant atmosphere makes Tanuki River Landing a standout in Miami’s competitive dining scene.
It’s ideal for diners who appreciate modern Japanese cuisine, unique design, and elevated waterfront dining.
★ Must-Try: Chicken & Pork Gyoza
Ke-uH
WestonKe‑uH offers an elegant Japanese dining experience at Weston Town Center, featuring sophisticated sushi rolls, raw plates, and tapas served in a sleek, high‑design dining room. Known for its spicy honey shrimp, fresh yellowtail jalapeño, and premium sushi selection, the restaurant delivers a refined yet approachable take on modern Japanese cuisine.
The stylish interior and polished service make Ke‑uH a popular choice for upscale date nights, business lunches, and special celebrations. Guests can enjoy beautifully plated dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and attention to detail, along with a menu that balances classic Japanese flavors with contemporary creativity.
Ke‑uH is ideal for diners who appreciate high‑quality sushi, elegant design, and a restaurant that consistently delivers a premium dining experience. It’s one of Weston’s top spots for modern Japanese cuisine.
The stylish interior and polished service make Ke‑uH a popular choice for upscale date nights, business lunches, and special celebrations. Guests can enjoy beautifully plated dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and attention to detail, along with a menu that balances classic Japanese flavors with contemporary creativity.
Ke‑uH is ideal for diners who appreciate high‑quality sushi, elegant design, and a restaurant that consistently delivers a premium dining experience. It’s one of Weston’s top spots for modern Japanese cuisine.
★ Must-Try: Pork Gyozas
Amara at Paraiso
MiamiAmara at Paraiso is a waterfront restaurant on Biscayne Bay in Miami, led by James Beard Award winner Michael Schwartz. The Latin-inspired menu uses coastal ingredients, with dishes like yuca cheese puffs, charcoal grilled octopus, and arroz verde.
The space is a large indoor-outdoor setting with a main dining room, bar, rooftop, and patio, and valet parking is available. It serves lunch and dinner daily, plus a Sunday bayside brunch.
Amara is ideal for date nights, celebrations, and sunset dinners with a view of the bay. Its Miami Spice menus include a Monday-through-Saturday lunch and a daily dinner.
The space is a large indoor-outdoor setting with a main dining room, bar, rooftop, and patio, and valet parking is available. It serves lunch and dinner daily, plus a Sunday bayside brunch.
Amara is ideal for date nights, celebrations, and sunset dinners with a view of the bay. Its Miami Spice menus include a Monday-through-Saturday lunch and a daily dinner.
★ Must-Try: Yuca Cheese Puffs
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Complete Your Outing
Great Experiences in South Florida
Pair your meal with one of these highly rated local activities and tours. Discover more top-rated excursions and things to do on our sister guide, SoFlo Experiences.
Miami
Miami Biscayne Bay rich and famous Sightseeing Boat Tour
Discover the best sightseeing, wildlife, and natural beauty that South Florida has to offer on this guided tour.
Naples
Dolphin and Shelling Cruise for up to 12 people
Discover the best sightseeing, wildlife, and natural beauty that South Florida has to offer on this guided tour.
Naples
Sightseeing and Sunset Catamaran Sailing Excursion
Sail along the beautiful coastline at sunset, enjoying premium drinks, music, and breathtaking views of the horizon.
Palm Beach
Sightseeing Hakuna Matata Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach
Discover the best sightseeing, wildlife, and natural beauty that South Florida has to offer on this guided tour.
Naples
Beach Island Shelling Cruise to Keewaydin Island Tour
Discover the best sightseeing, wildlife, and natural beauty that South Florida has to offer on this guided tour.