Must-Try Beachside Restaurants in Florida

Florida’s long coastline makes beachside dining a defining part of its food culture. From the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, restaurants along the shore serve a mix of seafood, regional specialties, and international flavors. Many are designed to highlight ocean views, creating settings where food and landscape are closely linked.

This guide features 10 beachside restaurants across Florida that are recognized in travel guides and local dining reports. Each entry notes location, setting, and specialties, helping travelers plan stops during a coastal road trip.

1. Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach

Since 1913, Joe’s Stone Crab has drawn visitors and locals to Miami Beach with its focus on quality and tradition. The anticipation builds each October when the doors reopen for stone crab season, signaling a beloved Florida ritual. Their signature dish, chilled stone crab claws, is served with a mustard sauce whose recipe remains closely guarded.

While the menu includes seafood platters and classic Key lime pie, the real allure is the restaurant’s legacy. Generations of families have made it a tradition to stop here after a walk by the beach. The lively yet polished atmosphere mirrors Miami Beach’s character, blending history with contemporary appeal.

Reservations are often needed, and the service reflects decades of refined hospitality. Joe’s seasonality and storied past make it one of Florida’s most celebrated coastal dining experiences.

2. The Beachcomber, St. Pete Beach

Golden hour at The Beachcomber invites both locals and travelers to savor the Gulf breeze with a plate of grouper and a chilled drink. The restaurant’s open-air patio is just steps from the sand, setting the mood for a relaxed meal as waves roll in. Many diners linger specifically to watch the sky change colors at dusk.

Besides its seafood and American classics, The Beachcomber is known for a laid-back approach. Friendly staff often greet regulars by name, reinforcing its neighborhood appeal. Visitors often mention the easy transition from beach to table, with flip-flops as common as sandals.

While some come for the food, others stop simply to unwind after an active day. Its proximity to the water and casual energy make it a consistent recommendation in local travel guides and review sites.

3. The Whale’s Rib, Deerfield Beach

Featured on national food shows, The Whale’s Rib is a favorite for those coming straight from the surf. Its laid-back, slightly quirky vibe is matched by a menu stacked with fried fish, oysters, and inventive sandwiches. The Whale Fries, a local specialty, are often the first thing to disappear from the table.

Located a short walk from the public beach, this spot is ideal for a casual lunch following a swim or sunbathing session. The walls are decorated with maritime memorabilia, reflecting its deep ties to the community. Regulars enjoy the unpretentious approach to seafood, favoring paper-lined baskets over fine china.

It’s the kind of place where sandy feet are welcome and laughter carries out onto the street. For many, The Whale’s Rib captures the playful spirit of Florida’s Atlantic coast.

4. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Sanibel Island

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille brings Caribbean flair to Sanibel Island’s laid-back shores. Inspired by the novels of local author Randy Wayne White, the restaurant features a menu influenced by island spices and citrus. Dishes like Yucatan shrimp and fish tacos are regular favorites among frequent guests.

Its location near the water gives diners a front-row seat to passing boats and tropical sunsets. The decor blends nautical elements and literary nods, creating an inviting and layered atmosphere. Travelers often mention the mango mojitos and signature sauces, which have gained a following beyond Florida.

Doc Ford’s manages to balance lively energy with a sense of escape, making it suitable for families and solo adventurers alike. The Sanibel location remains especially treasured for its authentic beachside character.

5. Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club, Daytona Beach

Few places embody Daytona Beach’s sociable spirit quite like Ocean Deck. For over 50 years, this three-story restaurant has provided a gathering spot for both locals and visitors, with the ocean just a few steps away. Live music and island-inspired dishes energize the space, especially during major local events.

Burgers, grilled seafood, and tropical cocktails form the backbone of a menu designed for easy enjoyment. The come-as-you-are attitude means sandy feet are welcomed, especially on the lower beach-level deck. Many guests appreciate being able to dine outdoors while feeling the ocean breeze.

Diners often recall Ocean Deck’s lively evenings and memorable people-watching from its panoramic patio. The combination of food, music, and beachfront setting keeps it central to Daytona’s coastal dining scene.

6. The Rusty Pelican, Key Biscayne (Miami)

Set on the scenic Rickenbacker Causeway, The Rusty Pelican offers panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and Miami’s skyline. Its floor-to-ceiling windows make the water a constant companion during meals, especially at sunset. The restaurant is known for seafood specialties like miso-marinated black cod and lobster risotto.

The refined atmosphere appeals to those seeking a celebration spot or a quiet dinner with a view. Its proximity to both downtown Miami and Key Biscayne makes it a popular waypoint for travelers exploring the area. Locals frequently choose it for special occasions due to its elegant presentation and attentive staff.

Over the years, The Rusty Pelican has maintained a reputation for pairing scenic vistas with a well-curated menu, attracting a diverse mix of guests. Its setting remains one of the most photographed in local dining guides.

7. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Clearwater Beach

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is something of a Clearwater Beach tradition, and its reputation for casual Gulf fare has spread far beyond the city. The signature grouper sandwich draws crowds, especially after a swim or game of volleyball on the broad white sands. The restaurant’s bright colors and vibrant murals match the energetic pace of beachfront life.

Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, Frenchy’s adapts to every kind of Florida weather. The sound of seagulls and the scent of saltwater add an unmistakable character to each meal. Friendly service and an extensive menu ensure options for seafood lovers and burger fans alike.

Regulars return for the relaxed vibe and sunset views, which provide a natural backdrop for evening gatherings. Frenchy’s stands out as a place where vacation memories are often made.

8. The Floridian, St. Augustine Beach

Tucked close to the historic heart of St. Augustine, The Floridian champions locally grown produce and Southern-inspired seafood. Visitors are often drawn by its inventive takes on regional classics, such as shrimp and grits or blackened fish with seasonal vegetables. The shaded patio regularly hosts live acoustic music.

The restaurant’s interior nods to old Florida, with reclaimed wood and antique details creating a sense of history. Its menu changes with the seasons, prioritizing freshness and sustainable sourcing. Guests frequently mention the friendly staff, who are happy to share recommendations and stories about the area.

The Floridian’s mix of tradition and innovation has earned recognition in dining guides and among local food enthusiasts. Its commitment to the region’s agricultural roots is evident in every dish served.

9. Beach Walk Café, Destin

Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn specializes in fine dining with an intimate, adults-only policy. The setting is ideal for couples, especially those selecting the “Toes in the Sand” experience, where the sound of waves accompanies each course. Guests often describe the views of the emerald Gulf as a highlight.

The menu features sophisticated Gulf seafood, from seared scallops to locally caught snapper, along with an extensive wine list. Reservations are essential, particularly for outdoor seating. Attentive service and elegant plating contribute to a sense of occasion.

The Café’s tranquil location within Henderson Beach State Park keeps it sheltered from crowds. Many diners choose it for anniversaries or special celebrations, making it a memorable part of a Destin getaway.

10. The Don CeSar Restaurants, St. Pete Beach

The Don CeSar, affectionately known as the “Pink Palace,” is a landmark on St. Pete Beach. Its on-site restaurants, like Maritana, offer refined seafood and contemporary American menus with Gulf views. The 1920s architecture and pastel hues contribute to a sense of occasion.

Diners can choose between more formal dining rooms or open-air terraces, each designed to highlight the beachside setting. Many guests recall the attentive staff and creative desserts as standouts. The historic hotel itself has hosted celebrities and dignitaries since its opening nearly a century ago.

Whether marking a milestone or seeking an elegant night out, The Don CeSar’s restaurants consistently appear on lists of Florida’s top coastal dining destinations. The setting enhances both the meal and the memory.