Waterfront Restaurants
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Things to Do
Sarasota and Manatee Counties are known for their vibrant waterfront restaurant scene, with a variety of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. The city has a range of restaurants that offer scenic waterfront views, fresh seafood, and a lively atmosphere. Options for restaurants offering beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Bay, or the Intracoastal Waterway are abundant.
Jack Dusty at the Ritz Carlton: The restaurant is named after a fictional character who was a sailor in the 1800s, and the decor features nautical-themed elements and artwork.
Jack Dusty's menu focuses on fresh seafood and regional cuisine, with a variety of dishes including oysters, ceviche, sushi, crudo, and more. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
The atmosphere at Jack Dusty is elegant yet relaxed, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The restaurant overlooks Sarasota Bay, offering beautiful views of the water and a picturesque sunset during evening hours. In addition to its dining options, Jack Dusty also features a lively bar area, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a drink and socialize. The bar offers a selection of signature cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits.
O’Leary’s at Bayfront Park: O'Leary's Tiki Bar and Grill is a waterfront restaurant located at Bayfront Park in Sarasota, Florida. The restaurant is situated on Sarasota Bay, offering beautiful views of the water and the surrounding park.
O'Leary's menu features classic American cuisine, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood, and more. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine. One of the highlights of the menu is the fresh seafood options, including oysters, clams, and shrimp, which are caught locally and served fresh.
The atmosphere at O'Leary's is casual and relaxed, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The outdoor patio features a tiki bar and a stage for live music and entertainment.
Marina Jack: Located in downtown Sarasota, Marina Jack is a popular spot for waterfront dining, featuring indoor and outdoor seating, and views of Sarasota Bay. The restaurant serves a menu of fresh seafood, steaks, and more.Upstairs is fine dining - outdoor patio bar is casual - Indoor downstairs and veranda is a mix.
The Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill: The Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill offers stunning water views and a menu of fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches, and more. Located at the Stickney Point causeway.
Lido Key Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, with crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and a variety of water sports and activities available. St. Armand’s Circle, located on Lido Key, is a popular shopping and dining destination, featuring a wide variety of upscale boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
The Old Salty Dog: With locations on both City Island and Siesta Key, The Old Salty Dog is a casual seafood restaurant that offers beautiful waterfront views and a menu featuring fresh seafood, sandwiches, and more.
Drift Kitchen & Bar: Located on the top floor of the Lido Beach Resort, this restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful views of Sarasota Bay.
Drift's menu features a variety of modern American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, and more, with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients and creative presentations. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine, with a rotating selection of local and regional options.
The atmosphere at Drift is contemporary and upscale, with a sleek design and sophisticated ambiance. The restaurant also features a private dining room for special events and group gatherings.
Lido Beach Resort Poolside Restaurant & Bar: The menu at the Lido Beach Tiki Bar offers a variety of classic beachside dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood, and tacos. Guests can also enjoy a selection of tropical cocktails, frozen drinks, beer, and wine while lounging on the beach. The restaurant also features live music and entertainment on select days, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
One of the highlights of the Lido Beach Tiki Bar is its location on the beach, offering beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and easy access to the sand and surf. Guests can enjoy a day at the beach and then relax with a meal or drink at the tiki bar.
Longboat Key is a barrier island located off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and great dining scene. There are several waterfront restaurants on Longboat Key that offer stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and delicious cuisine.
The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill: Located on the southern end of Longboat Key, The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a popular spot for seafood, cocktails, and beautiful sunsets. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating, and serves a menu featuring fresh seafood, salads, and sandwiches.
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub: Situated on the northern end of Longboat Key, Mar Vista is a historic restaurant that offers stunning water views and a menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and more. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, and also has a popular bar.
The Chart House: This upscale restaurant is located at the southern end of Longboat Key and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The menu features fresh seafood, steaks, and more, and the restaurant also has a popular bar.
Shore (north end of Longboat Key): Shore is an upscale restaurant that offers stunning water views and a menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and more. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and has a popular bar.
Siesta Key is a barrier island located off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and great dining scene. There are several waterfront restaurants on Siesta Key that offer stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and delicious cuisine.
Ophelia's on the Bay: Situated on Little Sarasota Bay, Ophelia's on the Bay is an upscale restaurant that offers stunning water views and a menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and more. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and has a popular bar.
Turtle Beach Grill: Located on Turtle Beach, this casual restaurant offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and a menu featuring fresh seafood, burgers, and more. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and is a popular spot for families and beachgoers.
Anna Maria Island is a beautiful barrier island located on the Gulf of Mexico, just off the coast of Bradenton, Florida. The island is known for its stunning beaches, charming shops, and great dining scene, which includes several popular waterfront restaurants.
The Sandbar Restaurant: Located on the beach in Anna Maria, The Sandbar is a popular spot for seafood, cocktails, and stunning sunset views. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating, and serves a menu featuring fresh seafood, salads, and sandwiches.
The Waterfront Restaurant: Situated on the northern end of the island in Anna Maria, The Waterfront Restaurant offers beautiful views of Tampa Bay and Egmont Key. The restaurant serves a menu featuring fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and more, and has a popular bar.
Beach Bistro: This upscale restaurant is located on the beach in Holmes Beach and offers stunning Gulf of Mexico views. The menu features gourmet dishes made with local, organic ingredients, and the restaurant has an extensive wine list.
The Beach House Restaurant: Situated on the beach in Bradenton Beach, The Beach House offers beautiful Gulf of Mexico views and a menu featuring fresh seafood, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant also has a popular bar and hosts live music on weekends.
Gulf Drive Cafe and Tiki: Located on the beach in Bradenton Beach, Gulf Drive Cafe and Tiki offers beautiful Gulf of Mexico views and a menu featuring seafood, burgers, and more. The restaurant also has a tiki bar and hosts live music on weekends.
Bridge Tender Inn: The Bridge Tender Inn on Anna Maria is a restaurant and bar located in Bradenton Beach, a small town on the southern end of Anna Maria Island in Florida, USA. The establishment is situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, which runs along the western coast of Florida and provides a popular route for recreational boaters.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier: Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier is a popular seafood restaurant located at the end of the historic Bradenton Beach City Pier on Anna Maria Island, Florida, USA. The restaurant offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway.
The restaurant's location on the pier provides a unique dining experience, as customers can enjoy their meals while watching the boats and wildlife in the water. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor seating being the most popular due to the beautiful waterfront views.
The Cortez Fishing Village is a historic community located on the Gulf of Mexico in Manatee County. The village is situated on the mainland, just east of the barrier island of Anna Maria.
Cortez is one of the last remaining working fishing villages on the Gulf coast of Florida and has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. The village was founded by settlers from North Carolina and thrived as a commercial fishing hub for decades.
Today, Cortez is still home to a large fleet of commercial fishing boats and is known for its fresh seafood. The village is also a popular destination for tourists looking to learn about the local fishing industry and experience the charm of old Florida.
Overall, the Cortez Fishing Village is a unique and charming destination that offers visitors a glimpse into Florida's rich maritime history and a chance to experience the beauty and culture of a traditional fishing community.
Star Fish Company Market & Restaurant: A restaurant that offers a casual, laid-back atmosphere and a menu featuring classic seafood dishes.
The restaurant is located right on the water in the historic Cortez Fishing Village and offers stunning views of the water and the local fishing boats. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including grouper sandwiches, fish tacos, clam chowder, and more. Customers can also purchase fresh seafood from the market to take home.
Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar: Located in the Cortez Fishing Village near Anna Maria Island, Florida. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating areas, with a large tiki bar and a deck overlooking the water. The menu at the Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar features a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh catches of the day, sushi, fish tacos, and more. There are also non-seafood options like burgers and salads. The restaurant is known for its fresh, high-quality seafood, as well as its creative cocktails and live music performances.
Cortez Kitchen: In addition to its food, the Cortez Kitchen also features a full bar, live music, and a large outdoor seating area. The restaurant is popular among both locals and visitors, and is known for its fun, festive atmosphere and great food.
The Cortez Kitchen is located in the heart of the historic Cortez fishing village and offers beautiful views of the water and the local fishing boats. It's a great spot to enjoy a casual meal with friends or family, or to grab a drink and listen to live music on the weekends.
Tide Tables: Tide Tables is a popular waterfront restaurant located in Bradenton, Florida, on the Manatee River. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating, with beautiful views of the water and the surrounding marina.
The menu at Tide Tables features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including local favorites like fish tacos, shrimp and grits, and grilled fish. There are also non-seafood options like burgers, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients and creative, delicious dishes.
Seafood Shack: The Seafood Shack is a popular waterfront seafood restaurant located on Anna Maria Island, Florida. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating, with beautiful views of the water and the surrounding marina.
The menu at the Seafood Shack features a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes, including local favorites like fish and chips, clam chowder, and shrimp scampi. There are also non-seafood options like burgers and salads. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients and generous portions.
In addition to its food, the Seafood Shack also features a full bar and live music on weekends. The restaurant is popular among both locals and visitors, and is known for its fun, laid-back atmosphere and friendly service.
Nokomis, Florida is a small town located on the Gulf Coast between Sarasota and Venice. Although it is a relatively small community, there are a few great waterfront restaurants in Nokomis that offer beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Pop's Sunset Grill: Located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Nokomis, Pop's Sunset Grill is a popular spot for seafood, cocktails, and live music. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating, and serves a menu featuring fresh seafood, burgers, and more.
Pelican Alley: Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway in Nokomis, Pelican Alley is a casual seafood restaurant that offers indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful waterfront views. The menu features fresh seafood, sandwiches, and salads.
Marker 4 Restaurant: Located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Nokomis, Marker 4 Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic waterfront views. The restaurant serves a menu featuring fresh seafood, salads, and sandwiches, and has a popular bar.
Osprey is a small town located in Sarasota County, Florida, and although it is a relatively small community, there are a few waterfront restaurants in the area that offer beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Casey Key Fish House: Located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Osprey, Casey Key Fish House is a popular spot for seafood, cocktails, and beautiful sunsets. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating, and serves a menu featuring fresh seafood, salads, and sandwiches.
Spanish Pointe Marina: This waterfront marina in Osprey is home to a restaurant that offers beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The restaurant serves a menu featuring fresh seafood, burgers, and more, and also and has a popular bar.
Blackburn Point Park and Grill: Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway in Osprey, Blackburn Point Park and Grill is a casual spot that offers indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful water views. The menu features fresh seafood, salads, and sandwiches.
The Bay Preserve at Osprey: This beautiful nature preserve in Osprey is home to The Bay restaurant, which offers stunning waterfront views and a menu featuring fresh seafood, salads, and more. The restaurant also has a popular bar and hosts live music on weekends.
The Point: The restaurant is situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, which offers beautiful views of boats and the surrounding natural beauty. The Point is known for its elegant atmosphere and upscale cuisine. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood, including jumbo lump crab cakes, Maine lobster, and Gulf grouper, as well as steaks, salads, and other classic American dishes. They also offer an extensive wine list and specialty cocktails.
Venice, Florida also has a number of waterfront restaurants that offer beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Crow's Nest Marina Restaurant: Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, Crow's Nest Marina Restaurant is a popular spot for boaters and visitors alike. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with spectacular waterfront views, and serves a menu featuring seafood, steak, and more.
Sharky's on the Pier: Located on the Venice Fishing Pier, Sharky's on the Pier offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and a menu featuring seafood, sandwiches, and burgers. The restaurant also has a tiki bar and live music on weekends.
Fins at Sharky's: Adjacent to Sharky's on the Pier, Fins at Sharky's is an upscale seafood restaurant that offers a more formal dining experience. The restaurant features an open-air dining room and serves a menu featuring fresh seafood, steak, and sushi.
Dockside Waterfront Grill: Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, Dockside Waterfront Grill offers indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic waterfront views. The restaurant serves a menu featuring seafood, sandwiches, and salads.
Pier 22: Located in downtown Bradenton, Pier 22 offers a variety of seafood and other dishes with views of the river.
Riverhouse Reef & Grill: Situated on the north side of the Manatee River in Palmetto, Riverhouse Reef & Grill serves seafood and American fare with a waterfront view.
The Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant: Also located in Palmetto, The Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant offers a range of American and international cuisine with views of the river.
Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar: This casual waterfront restaurant is situated in Bradenton and features a menu of seafood, sandwiches, and salads.
Woody's River Roo Pub & Grill: Located in Ellenton, Woody's River Roo Pub & Grill offers a fun and casual atmosphere with a menu of burgers, wings, and other American favorites.
Oak and Stone: Located on the rooftop of the Springhill Suites overlooking the marina. Oak & Stone features a large menu of food and drink items, with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients and creative combinations. In addition to their signature pizzas, they also offer salads, sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers, all made with high-quality ingredients and a focus on flavor.
Whiskey Joe’s: Whiskey Joe's is a waterfront bar and restaurant located on the Manatee River in Bradenton, Florida. The restaurant is known for its casual, beachy atmosphere and delicious seafood, as well as its selection of tropical cocktails and cold beers.
Riviera Dunes Dockside: Restaurant and bar overlooking the marina. Complete menu with beautiful views of the water. Offers brunch on Sundays as well.
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