The Palm Beaches’ tropical climate and 47 miles of coastline mean one thing: endless opportunities for dining with a view. We asked locals for recommendations – this time, for their favorite waterfront al-fresco eateries. From come-as-you-are beach bars with sand on the floor to open-air restaurants overlooking intracoastal waterways, you can’t go wrong with these breezy waterfront dining spots in The Palm Beaches.

Benny’s On the Beach, Lake Worth Beach

For many of us locals, a day at the Lake Worth Pier isn’t complete without a meal at Benny’s on the Beach. The ample outdoor seating area gives you panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean while you dine on everything from piled-high pancakes to fried seafood platters fit for a sea captain. Try the special paella (available from 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays only) or pick your favorite dish from the seafood bake menu (available Monday through Friday from 5 pm). 

Address: 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.

Old Key Lime House, Lantana

Open since 1889, this lime-green Lantana institution is reportedly the oldest waterfront restaurant in Florida as well as the largest TIKI bar in South Florida. Order a slice of the award-winning Key lime pie and soak up one of the best sunset views in South Florida on the spacious waterfront patio, complete with a tiki bar serving up punchy tropical cocktails.

Address: 300 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana, FL 33462.

Deck 84, Delray Beach

Nothing beats basking in the sun while watching boats pass by on the Intracoastal Waterway – well, nothing except enjoying it on an air-conditioned patio with a plate of succulent fish tacos in front of you. Deck 84 specializes in upscale-yet-affordable seafood fare, with an inviting atmosphere of swaying palms, pastel lights and tropical music that just screams “vacation.”

Address: 840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483.

Al Fresco, Palm Beach

We hope the locals don’t mind us giving away one of the best-kept secrets in The Palm Beaches. Al Fresco is an Italian restaurant located at the beachfront Palm Beach Par 3 golf course, with an elegant menu of classics like eggplant rollatine and Al Fresco “Golfballs” (that is, veal and beef meatballs in spicy tomato sauce). But the best part is the open-air terrace, which offers swoon-worthy views of the manicured fairways and azure Atlantic Ocean.

Address: 2345 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach, FL 33480.

Banana Boat and Two Georges, Boynton Beach

These two dining and nightlife fixtures are located across the water from each other at Boynton Harbor Marina, but so close you could toss a coconut (not that we’ve tried). Both have bustling bars, live music and seafood-heavy menus—think conch fritters and crab cakes—but Two Georges tends to be a bit more mellow. Banana Boat, on the other hand, keeps the party going until 2 am every night of the week. 

Addresses:

• Banana Boat, 739 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach, FL 33435
• Two Georges, 728 Casa Loma Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Dune Deck Cafe, Lantana

“The only thing we overlook is the ocean” is the motto at Dune Deck, which truly does offer some of the most breathtaking beach and ocean views in The Palm Beaches. The casual, crowd-pleasing breakfast and lunch options make a perfect bookend for your day at Lantana Park and Public Beach. (FYI: Dune Deck doesn’t accept credit cards, but there is an ATM on the premises.

Address: 100 N. Ocean Blvd., Lantana, FL 33462.

Guanabanas, Jupiter

Sitting on a quiet offshoot of the Intracoastal Waterway across from a lush park, Guanabanas is a hidden gem that feels like paradise. The palm-fringed patios, stone walkways and illuminated waterfalls will make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret jungle retreat. The super-tasty menu is filled with Caribbean-flavored local catches that will hit the spot after a day in the sun, from blackened fish to tequila-lime shrimp.

Address: 960 N. Hwy. A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477.

Dive Bar Restaurant, Jupiter

Located at the Jupiter Yacht Club Marina along the Jupiter Riverwalk, Dive Bar’s popular patio offers dreamy views of the water (but let’s face it, boats are the real eye candy here). There’s a raw bar with sushi and sashimi, plus lots of hearty lunch and dinner entrees. If you don’t snag an outside table, don’t worry: The open-air bar features a giant saltwater aquarium, with TV screens showing underwater videos. 

Address: 318 S. US 1, Jupiter, FL 33477.

Eau Palm Beach Resort, Manalapan

Even locals love to play tourists for a day (or night) at the swanky, stylish Eau Palm Beach Resort. Reserve a table at restaurants such as Breeze Ocean Kitchen or Polpo Palm Beach to enjoy waterfront ambiance and chef-driven fare, and be sure to share a pre-dinner craft cocktail on the plush sofas of Stir Bar & Terrace. 

Address: 100 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan, FL 33462.

The Riverhouse, Palm Beach Gardens

Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, this fabulous restaurant along the Intracoastal Waterway offers a variety of flavors, from BBQ Ribs and Chicken Milanese to Mahi Mahi and Ahi TUNA Steak. But the true is its location: tucked down amongst marinas right on the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway. A true can’t-be-missed gem!

Address: 2373 Pga Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

Square Grouper, Jupiter

Tucked away amidst the palm trees, at the end of Love Street in Jupiter, you’ll discover Square Grouper, a charming Tiki Bar perched right alongside the waterfront.

What truly sets this popular establishment apart is its captivating live music events, drawing in a diverse crowd of all ages. Throughout the year, Square Grouper plays host to an array of musical acts, ranging from local talent to some of the industry’s most renowned artists. The music consistently delivers a high-quality and enjoyable experience, serving as the perfect backdrop to enhance your visit.

Whether you’re searching for a refreshing beverage or a memorable live music experience, Square Grouper is the ultimate destination!

Address: 1111 Love St, Jupiter, FL 33477.

Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar & Taphouse, Jupiter

Lucky Shuck offers a lively and relaxed waterfront dining experience where guests can enjoy the bounty of the sea at the raw bar or simply unwind with a drink while taking in the sunset.

The diverse menu showcases Gulf Coast cuisine, featuring daily catches of local seafood, freshly shucked oysters, chilled shellfish, hand-rolled sushi, local fish sandwiches, plus an extensive selection of 45 beers from local craft breweries and the Southeast region.

Address: 1107 Lighthouse Promenade, Jupiter, FL 33477.

Season 52, Palm Beach Gardens

Seasons 52 in Palm Beach Gardens offers seasonal cuisine and a selection of 52 wines by the glass. The menu rotates with the seasons, showcasing entirely fresh ingredients. There, you can savor seasonal dishes like Wild Alaskan Salmon and Sweet Corn in the summer or Florida Stone Crabs and California Golden Beets in the winter. Their cooking methods involve oak-fire grilling and brick oven roasting, avoiding deep-frying for a naturally flavorful and lighter experience.

Address: 11611 Ellison Wilson Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33408.

Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill, North Palm Beach

Make a reservation at Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill in North Palm Beach for a delightful Florida-Caribbean dining experience. The restaurant is inspired by the legendary Frigate bird, a symbol of good fortune for sport fishermen. After a successful day at sea, fishermen gather at their favorite speakeasies for relaxation, good food, drinks, music, and camaraderie. Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill is one such iconic gathering spot nestled in the beautiful North Palm Beach.

Whether you arrive by boat or car, there will always be a delicious fresh menu awaiting you! Savor casually elegant dining and handcrafted beverages surrounded by tropical palms and island music.

Address: 400 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408.

So there you have it – the go-to Palm Beaches waterfront dining spots for soaking up the South Florida sun and salt air. There are also plenty more outdoor dining spots up and down the coast and inland that have a sun-soaked chair with your name on it.

For even more restaurants and nightlife, explore our Food & Drink page.