8 Florida Restaurants That Serve Great Food With Even Better Views

One of the joys of eating out in Florida is how often the scenery competes with the food. From waterfront patios to rooftop decks, these restaurants remind me that a meal can feel like a mini-vacation when the view is just right. I’ve pulled together eight spots where locals agree the food is worth the trip, and the views make you stay longer than planned.

1. The Rusty Pelican (Key Biscayne, Miami)

At The Rusty Pelican, even locals make excuses to celebrate something just to enjoy the wide-open views of Biscayne Bay. The first time I visited, I planned to stay for an hour and ended up watching the city lights come alive, fork in hand. This place doesn’t just offer good food, it’s a front-row seat to Miami’s skyline transforming from afternoon blue to golden hour brilliance.

Seafood here is the star, with towers packed with oysters, crab, and lobster. I always recommend timing your meal so you can see the light on the water change as the sun dips. Each table seems positioned to capture that perfect angle, whether you’re inside by the window or out on the patio.

You’ll find families celebrating milestones, couples toasting anniversaries, and friends sharing laughter over plates of seared snapper or tender filet. The Rusty Pelican delivers with attentive service that never feels rushed. I’ve never felt the urge to leave early. The sunset glow and city lights encourage lingering well after dessert has been cleared.

2. Beach Walk Café (Destin)

Some places claim to offer beachfront dining, but Beach Walk Café truly lets you feel the sand under your feet while you eat. I still remember the first time I kicked off my sandals and settled into a table just as the sun slipped low over the emerald Gulf. The sound of waves and a salty breeze made every bite taste fresher.

The menu highlights Gulf seafood, and I always look forward to the grouper or crab cakes. The kitchen balances simple flavors, letting local ingredients shine. For a quiet dinner out or a special celebration, the staff manages to be both attentive and low-key all at once.

What stands out most is the atmosphere: adults-only, peaceful, and perfect for an unrushed evening. If you’re a fan of sunsets, try to book a reservation just before dusk. Sitting outside with a glass of wine, you’ll understand why Beach Walk Café makes every meal feel like a special occasion, no matter what you’re celebrating.

3. Marker 32 (Jacksonville)

Marker 32 has a knack for balancing elegance with the easy pace of the river. I found myself here after a long week, seeking somewhere to unwind and catch up with friends. The sight of boats gliding by on the Intracoastal set the tone for a meal that never felt hurried.

The menu celebrates Southern flavors, the shrimp and grits are a standout, layered with just enough spice and rich sauce. There’s always a sense that you’re tasting something local, made with care. I’ve chatted with fellow diners who come just for the oysters, paired with a view of the marsh grasses in the fading light.

Outdoor seating is my favorite here, especially in the spring or fall. The gentle movement of water and passing yachts almost make you forget you’re still in the city. Marker 32 quietly turns a simple dinner into a memorable experience, even if you only meant to stop by for a quick bite.

4. The Sandbar Restaurant (Anna Maria Island)

The Sandbar Restaurant invites you to walk straight from the shore to your seat, no shoes required. My favorite evenings here start with sandy toes and end with a plate of just-caught grouper as the sun melts into the Gulf. There’s a relaxed energy that keeps regulars and visitors coming back.

Service is friendly but never pushy, letting you soak up the ever-changing colors of the sky. The menu leans toward fresh seafood, think grilled shrimp, fish tacos, and their famous grouper sandwich. Kids run along the water’s edge while adults toast another perfect day.

You don’t need a special reason to visit; the view itself feels like a celebration. Locals will tell you the sunsets are legendary, and I tend to agree. If you want the full experience, grab a table outside, order a local craft beer, and let the Gulf breeze remind you how good Florida can be.

5. Shooter’s Waterfront (Fort Lauderdale)

Shooter’s Waterfront hums with the kind of buzz that makes you want to linger all afternoon. The first time I stopped by, I ended up joining in on a spontaneous toast with strangers as a parade of yachts floated past. The setting is vibrant and the people-watching just adds to the experience.

The menu covers everything from weekend brunch classics to fresh seafood and hearty steaks. I’m partial to their brunch, especially the crab cake benedict paired with a mimosa. It’s not just about the food, the constant flow of boats, laughter, and clinking glasses creates an infectious energy.

If you snag a table by the water, you’ll likely find yourself lingering a bit longer than planned. There’s something about the sunshine, salt air, and the gentle sway of the docks that invites you to relax. Shooter’s pulls off that rare blend of lively atmosphere and waterfront calm, making every meal feel special.

6. Latitudes (Key West, Sunset Key)

Latitudes feels like a secret you want to share with only your closest friends. Getting there involves a short ferry ride, which instantly sets the tone for something out of the ordinary. As you arrive, the private island setting, with swaying palms and open vistas, signals you’re in for a memorable meal.

The menu leans toward upscale coastal cuisine, lobster bisque, grilled snapper, and creative cocktails are all standouts. Each visit feels personal, with staff who seem to anticipate what you need before you ask. It’s the subtle details, the way the napkins are folded, the fresh flowers on every table, that make Latitudes feel special.

Dinners here stretch into the night, with the soft sounds of the waves and a gentle breeze in the air. I always leave wishing I could stay just a little longer. For anyone wanting a quiet escape from Key West’s crowds, this is the spot that delivers.

7. Ulele (Tampa)

Ulele is where Tampa’s history and flavors meet the river in a way that feels both grounded and inspired. What first caught my eye was its setting, a beautifully restored building right on the Hillsborough River, where rowers glide past as you dine. There’s a sense of place here that’s hard to replicate.

The kitchen draws on Florida’s heritage, with menu items like alligator hush puppies and charbroiled oysters. Each dish arrives with a story, often tied to local ingredients or indigenous traditions. I’ve spent long lunches here enjoying the gentle motion of the river and the ever-changing light.

Patio seating is my favorite, especially in the cooler months. Conversations feel easy and unhurried, helped along by craft beer brewed on-site. Ulele manages to be both a celebration of Florida’s past and a showcase for what’s possible when you honor local roots.

8. La Cocina International (St. Augustine Beach)

La Cocina International gives you a dining experience that feels both comfortable and quietly adventurous. I was first drawn in by the terrace, where ocean breezes keep things cool and the sound of waves fills the air. It’s a welcoming spot for both locals and visitors looking for a relaxed evening.

The menu spans global flavors, from Spanish seafood paella to Italian pastas and fresh local fish. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, and the wine list offers a little something for every taste. Dining here feels as much about the company and conversation as it does about the food.

I find myself drawn back on evenings when I want something easy yet memorable. The setting sun, a good drink, and a table full of shared plates make for an experience you’ll want to revisit. La Cocina hits that sweet spot between special and familiar, a place that captures the St. Augustine spirit.