The best waterfront restaurants in America

Set inside the historic Ocean House resort perched high above the Atlantic, COAST is one of Rhode Island’s premier waterfront dining destinations, pairing sweeping ocean views with a refined but approachable New England menu. Seasonal tasting menus highlight local seafood and regional ingredients through dishes like locally sourced scallops, beet-cured fluke, duck confit mole and American wagyu beef, all served in an intimate dining room. Keep in mind that while the restaurant is open to both resort guests and visitors, the atmosphere leans “resort elegant,” with jackets preferred for gentlemen and cocktail attire encouraged. Dinner service is also reserved for guests ages 8 and older, adding to the restaurant’s refined ambiance.

Saltus River Grill sits right along the Beaufort River in the heart of Beaufort’s historic downtown district. The longtime local favorite is best known for its open-air patio overlooking the marina, where shrimp boats and sailboats drift by. The menu leans into Lowcountry staples like crab bisque, shrimp and grits, fried oysters and other seafood-forward fare inspired by the bounty of the surrounding coastal waters. Come sunset in particular, the riverfront setting and views of the nearby Sea Islands make it one of the most scenic dinner spots on the South Carolina coast.

There is no shortage of spectacular waterfront restaurants in South Florida—let alone Miami itself—but Joia Beach stands out for its laid-back, toes-in-the-sand atmosphere and front-row views of Biscayne Bay. Tucked away on Watson Island just minutes from downtown, the open-air restaurant and beach club draws a stylish, see-and-be-seen crowd for sunset cocktails, DJ sets, and long dinners by the water, all with the Miami skyline glowing in the distance. The menu draws inspiration from the Mediterranean and changes seasonally, featuring fresh seafood, shareable plates and plenty of refreshing drinks. 

Not every great waterfront restaurant needs white tablecloths or a dress code, and Mersea’s is proof. Located directly on Harford Pier in Avila Beach along California’s Central Coast, the casual, no-frills seafood spot is a favorite for its refreshingly laid-back, come-as-you-are atmosphere and simple but delicious dishes. Guests settle into wooden booths beside oversized windows overlooking the water, while fishing boats, sea otters and barking seals drift in and out of view throughout the day. Highlights include the clam chowder—available New England or Manhattan-style—in a sourdough bread bowl, along with fish tacos, fish and chips, clam strips and other comfort classics like burgers and sandwiches. In between bites, there’s often live music playing near the bar, adding to the easygoing energy.

The Hamptons—and Montauk specifically—are already packed with standout waterfront restaurants, but Gigi’s brings a fresh, more modern energy to the local dining scene. Located at the swanky Gurney’s Montauk resort, the newly redesigned restaurant—now in its first full season—serves Mediterranean-inspired coastal cuisine made with local ingredients and designed for sharing, all alongside sweeping ocean views. While there is plenty of indoor seating, you’ll want to nab a seat on the sprawling oceanfront patio, where guests settle in over seafood towers, steaks and cocktails with the sound of the waves crashing just below.

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You may not immediately associate Chicago with beachfront dining, but Shore Club Chicago proves otherwise with its prime setting right on North Avenue Beach along Lake Michigan. Part upscale waterfront restaurant, part beach club, the sprawling indoor-outdoor space channels the energy of a coastal getaway in the middle of the city, complete with cabanas, cocktails, DJs and sweeping skyline-and-water views. While the Oasis and Patio draw crowds all summer long, the real draw is the restaurant itself, where floor-to-ceiling windows and a breezy open-air dining room keep the focus squarely on the lake. Though the menu is billed as Mediterranean-inspired, it’s intentionally crowd-pleasing, with everything from mezze spreads and poke bowls to shrimp tacos and giant cinnamon rolls at brunch.

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Located along Newport’s Historic Bayfront, Local Ocean Seafoods is the kind of waterfront restaurant where the seafood quite literally comes straight off the boat. The beloved bi-level spot sources directly from local Oregon fishermen, resulting in an ultra-fresh menu built around the daily catch, from local fish and crispy crab cakes to hearty seafood stews. Downstairs, guests can watch chefs work in the open kitchen while fishing boats drift through the harbor outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Upstairs, the atmosphere feels a bit more intimate, with panoramic views of Yaquina Bay and a cozy lounge serving local wine, beer and a selection of mocktails and cocktails. On warmer days, the outdoor patio is an especially scenic spot to take in the waterfront views. 

Along the Chesapeake Bay, Stars at Inn at Perry Cabin exudes coastal charm with postcard-worthy views of the Miles River and a menu rooted in the flavors of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, from Chesapeake crab and local oysters to seasonal produce sourced from nearby farms. Open for brunch and dinner, Stars restaurant pairs elevated coastal cuisine with an easygoing yet polished atmosphere, serving dishes such as savory smoked salmon cheesecake and butternut squash and goat cheese panna cotta. Whatever you do, don’t sleep on the bread basket: Priced at $17, it’s packed with milk bread, cornbread and herb-and-three-cheese focaccia served with cultured butter, honey butter and white bean rosemary purée—and well worth ordering for the table. 

Mama’s Fish House isn’t just one of Hawaii’s most iconic waterfront restaurants—it’s one of the most beautiful dining destinations anywhere. Set right on the beach near Paia on Maui’s North Shore, the restaurant is known for its stunning oceanfront setting, where palm trees sway overhead and sea turtles occasionally appear just offshore. Reservations are notoriously hard to get, though walk-ins still line up daily in hopes of a table. The atmosphere is undeniably romantic, drawing honeymooners and celebratory dinners alike, while the menu highlights impeccably fresh seafood, often caught that same day by local fishermen whose names are listed directly on the menu. Signature dishes include the macadamia nut crab cakes and Antarctic toothfish sourced from icy waters beneath Antarctic glaciers. Be sure to also save room for the Polynesian Black Pearl dessert: a glossy dark chocolate shell filled with rich chocolate mousse, passion fruit cream and house-made ice cream.

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In Alaska, getting to dinner can be part of the adventure—and that’s exactly the appeal of The Saltry. Open seasonally during the summer months, the beloved seafood restaurant is located on Ismailof Island in remote Halibut Cove. Plus, it's only accessible by boat, with guests ferrying across Kachemak Bay from nearby Homer before arriving at what feels like a hidden gem tucked away in the Alaskan wilderness. Opened in 1984 as Halibut Cove’s first and only restaurant, The Saltry is known for its handmade details, from locally milled lumber to artisan-crafted plates, along with a seafood-focused menu deeply tied to coastal Alaska, featuring dishes like local oysters, pickled salmon, and fresh halibut. Most of the seating is outdoors, rain or shine, making the surrounding water, mountains, and wild landscape just as much a part of the experience as the meal itself.