Sun, sand, and a side of seafood – what more could you ask for?
Florida’s beachfront restaurants are the ultimate destination for foodies and beach lovers alike. With breathtaking views of the ocean and mouth-watering dishes to match, these 18 restaurants are sure to make your next beach vacation one to remember.
1. The Beach House Restaurant (Bradenton Beach)
Sand between your toes and Gulf views that stretch forever – that’s the Beach House experience. This Bradenton Beach landmark serves up grouper sandwiches and tropical cocktails just steps from the shoreline.
The sunset views are legendary, often accompanied by live music that perfectly complements the crashing waves.
2. Latitudes (Key West)
Accessible only by boat, this exclusive Sunset Key restaurant creates magical moments from the first ferry ride over. Diners feast on fresh-caught seafood while surrounded by swaying palms and tiki torches.
The restaurant’s famous key lime pie provides the perfect ending as you watch the sun melt into the horizon.
3. The Rusty Pelican (Miami)
Miami’s skyline creates a dazzling backdrop for this upscale waterfront icon. Perched on Biscayne Bay, The Rusty Pelican blends sophisticated seafood with panoramic city views.
Their lobster risotto has achieved legendary status among locals, while floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every table enjoys the million-dollar vista.
4. The Turtle Club (Naples)
Pioneer of Naples’ beachfront dining scene since 1998, this hidden gem sits directly on the sand. Signature dishes like Oysters Turtlefeller pair perfectly with unobstructed Gulf views.
Dinner reservations coincide with sunset, creating a romantic atmosphere as waves gently lap at the shore just feet from your table.
5. Ocean 2000 (Fort Lauderdale)
Luxury meets beachfront casual at this sophisticated Pelican Grand resort restaurant. Ocean 2000’s veranda offers Atlantic Ocean views stretching to the horizon.
Their seafood paella has developed a cult following, featuring locally-caught fish and aromatic saffron rice that captures Florida’s multicultural flavors.
6. The Reef (St. Augustine)
History meets oceanfront dining at this St. Augustine institution dating back to 1989. Located on Vilano Beach, The Reef’s massive windows frame the Atlantic in dramatic fashion.
Minorcan chowder celebrates the region’s unique heritage, featuring datil peppers grown exclusively in this historic coastal community.
7. Coast (Miramar Beach)
Modern elegance defines this hidden gem inside the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the emerald waters that give this coastline its nickname.
Coast’s seafood tower arrives dramatically at the table, piled high with local oysters, Gulf shrimp, and stone crab claws harvested just offshore.
8. Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar (Santa Rosa Beach)
Named after a legendary local fishing spot, this rooftop hotspot delivers Gulf views from three stories up. The open-air setting creates perfect sunset viewing while sampling their famous chargrilled oysters.
Live music and coastal breezes complement the laid-back 30A vibe that makes this stretch of Florida so beloved.
9. Pompano Joe’s (Destin)
Caribbean flair meets Destin’s sugar-white sands at this colorful beachfront favorite. The multi-level deck offers prime Gulf-watching while enjoying their famous Jamaican jerk snapper.
Steel drums often provide the soundtrack as pelicans dive for fish just offshore, creating dinner theater courtesy of Mother Nature.
10. The Gulf (Orange Beach)
Shipping containers transformed into culinary paradise – that’s the innovative concept behind this ultra-cool spot. Built from repurposed shipping containers, The Gulf offers a bohemian beach setting with mismatched furniture and sandy floors.
Their ever-changing chalkboard menu highlights local catches while Perdido Pass provides a dramatic backdrop of boats coming and going.
11. The Salty Crab Bar & Grill (Fort Myers Beach)
Front-row seats to Fort Myers Beach’s famous sunsets await at this lively Gulf-front establishment. Colorful Adirondack chairs dot the sand, creating the perfect perch for their signature Salty Crab Bucket.
Dolphins frequently make appearances offshore, causing excited pointing from diners enjoying grouper sandwiches with their toes in the sand.
12. Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill (Daytona Beach)
Perched dramatically on Daytona’s historic fishing pier, this casual eatery extends 1,000 feet over the Atlantic. Seagulls soar at eye level as diners enjoy fresh seafood with panoramic ocean views.
Key lime pie arrives ice-cold, providing perfect relief from Florida’s sunshine as fishing boats cruise beneath the pier.
13. The Sandbar Restaurant (Anna Maria Island)
Legendary for weddings and sunset celebrations, this iconic spot offers tables directly on the powdery sand. The Sandbar’s grouper sandwich arrives golden-brown with a side of beach-perfect views.
Generations of families have gathered here to watch the sun sink into the Gulf while enjoying ultra-fresh seafood harvested from the waters before them.
14. Beach Walk Café (Destin)
Romance reigns supreme at this intimate adults-focused restaurant inside Henderson Park Inn. Gulf views and white tablecloths create the backdrop for their famous “Toes in the Sand” private dining experience.
Couples can reserve special tables directly on the beach, where servers deliver multi-course meals as waves provide the soundtrack.
15. Aruba Beach Café (Lauderdale-By-The-Sea)
Caribbean island vibes permeate this colorful corner restaurant just steps from the Atlantic. Open-air seating lets ocean breezes flow through as steel drum bands play tropical favorites.
Restaurant has an island-inspired approach to coastal Florida cuisine.
16. Coconuts (Fort Lauderdale)
Yacht-watching becomes an art form at this Intracoastal Waterway hotspot known for its playful atmosphere. The restaurant’s “Be Nice” motto extends to stellar service and unpretentious seafood dishes.
Their famous Scooby Snacks (coconut shrimp) arrive as boats parade past, creating a distinctly Fort Lauderdale dining experience that locals adore.
17. Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill (Clearwater Beach)
Century-old beach tradition meets modern casual dining at this Clearwater Beach landmark dating to 1926. The wooden deck offers front-row views of the Gulf and Clearwater’s famous Pier 60 sunset celebrations.
Their grouper sandwich consistently wins local awards, best enjoyed with a side of their legendary onion rings and spectacular sunset views.
18. Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro (Cape Coral)
Spectacular sunset views over the Caloosahatchee River define this upscale Cape Coral destination. Boats dock directly at the restaurant’s private marina, creating a constantly changing waterfront parade.
Their seafood paella is all you need this summer!