From Boynton Beach to Boca Raton, the waterfront dining scene is all about pairing coastal views with memorable meals.
These spots deliver breezy brunches, sunset dinners, and everything in between, with menus that celebrate fresh seafood, vibrant presentations and creative cocktails.
Whether you’re looking for a laid-back dockside vibe or an upscale experience overlooking the Intracoastal, these restaurants make the most of South Florida’s natural beauty.
Pull up a chair, sip something refreshing and soak in the scenery because dining by the water is more than a meal, it’s a South Florida lifestyle.
Boynton Beach restaurants on the water
Banana Boat
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway at the Boynton Harbor Marina
This family-owned restaurant has anchored Boynton’s Ocean Avenue area since 1978. It’s best known for its seafood liked macadamia crusted yellowtail snapper, blackened scallop mac n’ cheese and their bronzed local mahi, salads and upscale bar food in generous portions. It is also a great spot to enjoy any number of the specialty frozen drinks and cocktails while watching the boats cruise along the Intracoastal.
739 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-732-9400; bananaboatboynton.com
Prime Catch
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway
Opened in 2004, their fresh local fish options, including honey almond roasted snapper, grilled swordfish and pecan grouper, steaks and more, combined with waterfront ambiance keep this restaurant packed. The bar off the outside deck perched on the edge of the waterway is a popular hangout for happy hour and beyond.
700 E. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach. 561-737-8822; primecatchboynton.com
Two Georges Waterfront Grille
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway
In 1997, the Scaggs family bought Two George’s and it’s still family-owned and operated today. Dig into their Maryland crab cakes, panko fried ahi tuna bowl, swordfish piccata or any number of fresh seafood dishes, all while sipping a frozen cocktail along the water and have an epiphany about waterfront dining and the awesomeness of South Florida.
728 Casa Loma Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-736-2717; twogeorgesrestaurant.com
A’Lu Mexican Cuisine
The water view: Quantum Lake
Opened in Dec. 2023, this Boynton eatery is the invention of Richard Charleston and specializes in San Diego-style Mexican cuisine. What is ‘San Diego-style’ Mexican food? Charleston describes it as “more true to the heart of Mexican cuisine, with more of a street food flare.” Though the interior is beautiful and was created by Shea Design, there is also an outdoor patio with plenty of seating along the water. Now also serving brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
1080 Gateway Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-310-4572; alupalmbeach.com
Delray Beach restaurants with a water view
Boston’s on the Beach
The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
This mainstay of Delray Beach has outdoor covered dining that looks out over A1A and the beach on the other side. Though with the dense foliage along the beach, the view isn’t always great, there’s almost always a breeze and the taste of salt in the air. An eclectic menu boasts local, fresh seafood options.
40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; bostonsonthebeach.com
50 Ocean
The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
On the second floor above Boston’s, 50 Ocean does offer an unobstructed view of the ocean. Enjoy their upscale, seafood-centric menu while gazing out of the floor to ceiling windows. This commercial stretch along Delray’s oceanfront has maintained its Old Florida flavor.
50 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; 50ocean.com
Caffe Luna Rosa
The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
Its well-dressed tables, art, granite and woodwork reminiscent of European cafés contrast nicely with the American restaurants on either side. Known for its homemade pasta and Italian influences, this restaurant is a go-to destination for breakfast and weekend brunch.
34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-274-9404; caffelunarosa.com
Sandbar Delray Beach
The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
Sandbar Delray Beach goes from beach bar to nightclub. Its rustic, weathered fixtures and furniture, brightly colored umbrellas and tropical food and drink make it a popular daytime venue. When the sun sets, however, the place transforms with guest DJs performing and VIP bottle service is available.
40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; bostonssandbar.com
Deck 84
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway
Named a Top 100 Al Fresco Restaurant by OpenTable for years and consistently ranked as a top TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Restaurant, Deck 84 offers picturesque views of the Intracoastal while its menu focuses on fresh local seafood plus prime beef steaks, burgers and salads. On weekends, there’s live music.
840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. 561-665-8484; deck84.com
Highland Beach
Latitudes Restaurant at Delray Sands Resort
The water view: Atlantic Ocean
Promising “A Coastal Florida Dining Experience to Remember,” Latitudes features fresh coastal cuisine, modern mixology and warm hospitality along the Atlantic Ocean. From early morning to late at night, sample culinary delights including the upscale chef’s seafood bar.
2809 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. 561-278-2008; latitudesdelray.com
Boca Raton restaurants
Kasumi
The water view: Lake Boca Raton and the Boca Raton Inlet
The year-old Kasumi at the Waterstone Resort & Marina offers a serene waterfront setting where sushi and Japanese flavors meet stunning views. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed escape with fresh rolls and breezy vibes. Its happy hour is second to none.
999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, 561-226-3033, kasumiboca.com
SeaSpray Inlet Grill
The water view: Lake Boca Raton and the Boca Raton Inlet
With a menu inspired from coastal classics to create a menu of contemporary dishes, SeaSpray at the Waterstone Resort & Marina is open for lunch and dinner. An access point for boats traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s the perfect place for yacht-watching.
999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton. 561-368-9500; seasprayboca.com
City Fish Market
The water view: sparkling man-made lake
They feature a wide selection of expertly-prepared, fresh fish and seafood, accompanied by a nautical ambiance next to a lake in Boca Raton. The menu includes classics such as fish and chips, their jumbo lump crab cakes and a wide selection of fresh catches that can be prepared to your taste. Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday featuring our signature cocktails and half-priced bottles of wine.
7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton. 561-487-1600; cityfishmarketboca.com
Chloe’s Bistro at the Boardwalk at Boca Raton
The water view: The lake at Boardwalk at Boca Raton
This casual eatery prides itself on fresh ingredients and a diverse menu, from Italian to French. The understated ambiance and the reflection of lights on the water are a panacea for stress.
6885 SW 18th St. B7, Boca Raton. 561-334-2088; chloesbistro.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best scenic waterfront restaurants from Boynton Beach to Boca Raton
Reporting by Eddie Ritz and Diana Biederman, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
