15 Beachfront Restaurants In Florida With Views As Stunning As The Food
Salt-sprayed breezes, horizon-wide sunsets, and plates that taste like vacation—Florida’s beachfront restaurants deliver the full sensory experience.
Whether you crave just-caught seafood or a romantic table in the sand, these spots serve unforgettable meals with front-row ocean views.
From the Panhandle’s sugar-white shores to the Keys’ turquoise calm, we’ve curated can’t-miss coastal gems. Hungry for waves and wow-worthy bites? Let’s dig in.
1. The Beachcomber – St. Pete Beach
Perched on the powdery sands of St. Pete Beach, The Beachcomber blends breezy elegance with laid-back coastal comfort. Picture mahi-mahi fresh off the boat, citrus-kissed and plated beside herb-roasted potatoes, while waves tumble a few steps away.
Umbrella-shaded tables and a nautically styled bar set the scene for sunset to steal the show. Service is swift yet unhurried, letting you savor every sip and view.
Come for the grouper sandwich, stay for the twilight spectacle—when the sky blushes coral and rose, and the Gulf turns to glass. It’s Florida beach dining at its most effortless and indulgent.
2. The Surf Lodge – Fort Lauderdale Beach
The Surf Lodge frames Fort Lauderdale’s blue-green Atlantic like a living postcard. Expect a polished coastal-chic vibe, attentive service, and a menu that skews fresh and bright—think citrus-cured snapper, butter-poached lobster rolls, and shaved fennel salads.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive terrace invite sea breezes to mingle with the aroma of grilled seafood. As daylight fades, soft lighting and subtle beats craft a relaxed, upscale mood.
The bar excels at beach-forward cocktails—pineapple-rum spritzes, zesty margaritas, and herb-touched gin coolers. It’s equally suited for celebratory dinners or lazy long lunches, with views that make every bite feel elevated.
3. The Gulf – Orange Beach, FL Panhandle Outpost
Set on a sugar-white slice of shoreline, The Gulf charms with its eco-chic design and easygoing spirit. The menu leans seasonal—think blackened catch-of-the-day tacos, watermelon-feta salads, and house-made hummus paired with warm pita.
Families sprawl on Adirondacks while friends share platters beneath string lights and palms. Order at the counter, then claim a breezy perch overlooking glittering water.
Cocktails are bright and unfussy, with frozen favorites that pair perfectly with sun-soaked afternoons.
The vibe encourages lingering, whether you’re sipping rosé at sunset or chasing kids through the sand. It’s carefree coastal living translated into memorable, flavor-forward bites.
4. Beach Walk Café – Destin
Beach Walk Café in Destin is a love letter to refined coastal dining. Its claim to fame—“Toes in the Sand” tables—delivers a private, romantic meal literally on the beach. Inside, soft candlelight and picture windows frame the emerald Gulf.
The menu highlights Gulf grouper with beurre blanc, tender steaks, and seasonal vegetables, plated artfully and balanced by bright acids. Service is polished but warm, guiding you through a coastal-leaning wine list.
Arrive before sunset to watch the shoreline glow, then linger for starry skies. Perfect for proposals, anniversaries, or anyone craving an unforgettable Florida evening.
5. The Sandbar Restaurant – Anna Maria Island
The Sandbar Restaurant lets you dine with your feet in Anna Maria Island’s powder-soft sand. Fresh Gulf seafood anchors the menu—stone crab claws in season, coconut shrimp, and flaky grouper sandwiches.
The vibe is unpretentious and family-friendly, with a bar turning out icy margaritas and local brews. Time your visit for sunset and the crowd cheers as the sun sinks into the Gulf.
Sustainable sourcing and local produce bolster the feel-good factor. Expect wait times during peak hours, but the beach becomes your lobby. It’s quintessential Florida—barefoot, breezy, and deliciously sun-kissed from first bite to last.
6. Juvia at the Beach – Miami Beach Pop-Up Terrace
Juvia at the Beach brings Miami’s design-forward aesthetic to a coastal terrace with sweeping Atlantic vistas. The menu blends Peruvian, French, and Japanese influences—ceviches kissed with yuzu, truffle-laced sushi rolls, and tender branzino with herbaceous sauces.
Breezy beats and tropical greenery set a sleek, celebratory tone. Cocktails sparkle with fresh juices and floral notes, perfect for golden-hour toasts.
While technically steps from the sand rather than on it, the ocean panorama delivers the same intoxicating magic. Dress smart-casual and book ahead; sunset tables are coveted. It’s where style meets surf—and every plate photographs beautifully.
7. The Turtle Club – Naples
The Turtle Club marries Old Florida grace with toes-in-the-sand intimacy on Vanderbilt Beach. Choose a linen-draped table in the sand or a breezy patio seat, both with unobstructed Gulf views.
The kitchen excels at pristine seafood—Gulf grouper, jumbo scallops, and a buttery lobster tail—plus impeccably seared steaks. Service is gracious and professional, guiding you through a thoughtful wine list.
As the sun drops, the horizon melts into pastels, and candles flicker in salt air. It’s a favorite for milestone dinners and refined yet relaxed lunches. Reservations are essential, especially for prime sunset seating right on the beach.
8. Bud & Alley’s – Seaside
Bud & Alley’s anchors Seaside’s beachfront with a beloved rooftop bar and timeless coastal vibe. Expect crisp crab cakes, blackened fish tacos, and seasonal salads featuring farm stand produce.
Downstairs, the dining room hums with families in flip-flops; upstairs, the deck becomes a sunset ritual, bell ringing as the sun slips beneath the horizon. The cocktail program leans refreshing—collins, spritzes, and frozen favorites.
Service is friendly, unfussy, and efficient. Walk from the boardwalk, shake off the sand, and settle in for views that stretch forever. It’s quintessential 30A: relaxed, scenic, and reliably delicious day or night.
9. Ocean 2000 at Pelican Grand – Fort Lauderdale
Ocean 2000 delivers classic oceanfront elegance with a breezy veranda floating above Fort Lauderdale’s sands. Start with cinnamon-dusted French toast at brunch or move to dinner with pan-seared snapper and citrus beurre blanc.
The setting feels timeless—white columns, rocking chairs, and a wide porch where waves roll like a soundtrack. Service is polished yet relaxed, perfect for leisurely meals. The cocktail list favors coastal flavors and chilled bubbles.
Arrive early to snag a rail-side table and watch surfers carve the Atlantic. From sunrise breakfasts to moonlit dinners, the view steals the show without overshadowing the cuisine.
10. Coquina – Ponte Vedra Beach
Coquina embraces Northeast Florida’s windswept beauty with a refined, minimalist aesthetic. Overlooking Ponte Vedra’s broad beach, it specializes in pristine seafood—delicate crudos, wood-grilled local fish, and seasonal vegetables with bright coastal accents.
The terrace, warmed by fire pits, makes a magnetic perch for golden-hour cocktails. Inside, an open kitchen hums, the aroma of char and citrus perfuming the air. Service is knowledgeable and calm, guiding pairings from a crisp, coastal wine program.
It’s upscale without stiffness, ideal for date nights and special celebrations. With dune and ocean vistas as constant companions, every bite feels tethered to the shoreline.
11. Coconuts – Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal by the Beach
Steps from the beach, Coconuts sits on the Intracoastal with big-sky water views and constant boat-watching. The vibe is laid-back and lively, with friendly service and a menu that hits Florida classics: peel-and-eat shrimp, mahi tacos, and creamy conch chowder.
The famed “Scoobies” garlic-crab dish draws loyalists, while key lime pie finishes strong. Outdoor tables catch the sea breeze, and sunsets paint the water pink.
Cocktails are simple and refreshing, built for sunshine. It’s a perfect pre- or post-beach stop where you can linger over refills and watch the marina show glide by your table.
12. Hurricane Oyster Bar – Grayton Beach
Hurricane Oyster Bar captures Grayton Beach’s quirky, come-as-you-are spirit with a porch primed for salty breezes. Order Gulf oysters any way—raw, chargrilled with garlic butter, or broiled with Cajun spice—and don’t miss the blackened shrimp nachos.
Local beers and icy margaritas keep the vibe rolling. It’s a short stroll from the sand, and the staff is quick with tips on the day’s freshest catch.
Families, cyclists, and beachgoers mingle under twinkling lights as the sky dims. Affordable, unfussy, and undeniably coastal, it’s the kind of spot you return to mid-vacation and wish you had back home.
13. La Mar by Gastón Acurio – Brickell Key Waterfront
While perched on Biscayne Bay rather than open ocean, La Mar delivers riveting water views and a seafood-driven menu that sings. The ceviche bar is the star—tigers milk, rocoto heat, and pristine fish—matched with airy yuca fries and anticuchos off the grill.
Pisco-forward cocktails brighten the palate, and the wine list favors crisp, coastal whites. Service is polished yet warm, orchestrating a smooth, celebratory evening.
As twilight falls, the skyline shimmers across the bay, and boats glide past like moving lanterns. It’s a masterclass in modern Peruvian flavors meeting Miami’s waterfront glamour.
14. Latitudes – Sunset Key, Key West
Latitudes turns dinner into an island escape, reached by a short boat ride from Key West. Tables dot the sand with tiki torches flickering as the sun dissolves into brilliant pinks and golds.
The menu elevates tropical flavors—plantain-crusted grouper, citrusy ceviche, and tender filet with rum-glazed carrots. Service is gracious, choreographing courses with island-time ease.
Cocktails lean crisp and tropical, perfect for toasting another day in paradise. Dress resort-elegant and book for sunset; it’s wildly popular. Between the sea breeze, soft surf, and polished plates, it’s one of Florida’s most romantic beachfront experiences.
15. The Hangout – Panama City Beach
The Hangout brings playful energy to Panama City Beach, mixing ocean views with family-friendly fun. Expect towering burgers, crispy seafood baskets, and giant shareable salads, plus a kids’ menu that keeps little beachgoers happy.
Live music and games spill onto the sand, creating a festival feel without sacrificing service. Frozen cocktails and local drafts keep adults smiling while the Gulf steals glances between bites.
It’s a day-to-night hub where flip-flops are the uniform and sunset selfies are practically mandatory. Come hungry, stay for the vibes, and leave plotting your next visit before dessert is done.
