14 best waterfront restaurants from Palm Beach Gardens to Riviera Beach
One of the many reasons people flock to Florida, both permanently and for vacation, is the weather and what better way to take full advantage of it than to dine outside. Then take it up one more notch, dine outside and on the water! Whether the view is of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Earman River or South Lake, that's good stuff and enough to get your landlocked, snowed-in friends up north super jealous when you post pics on Instagram (not suggesting you do that, but if you really want to...).
We have so many waterfront restaurant options in our county we'll be delivering this wisdom in geographic bites.
For a dining experience with a view that's worth heading to north-central Palm Beach County — think Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Singer Island, Palm Beach Shores, and Riviera Beach — here they are:
Tables with a sparkling views: Best waterfront restaurants near Jupiter
Waterfront restaurants in Palm Beach Gardens
The River House
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway
With an eclectic mix of seafood and homestyle favorites that include bistro chicken, prime meatloaf, filet mignon, prime rib, sushi rolls and salads, this eatery has something for everyone and offers it during dinner, lunch and even brunch. That brunch even features homemade donuts on Sundays. The tiki bar is a popular spot for a cocktail and a quick bite, like the millionaire’s bacon and deviled eggs.
2373 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. 561-530-4313; theriverhousepbg.com
FireFin Grill
The water view: Soverel Harbour Marina, Intracoastal Waterway
This upscale restaurant and craft cocktail bar specializes in fine-aged steaks, award-winning sushi and seafood. One of their specialties is lionfish, aka FireFin. Though a highly-invasive species, chefs at FireFin turn it into a delicious entrée. When it comes to lionfish their motto is 'you've got to eat'em to beat'em.' To complete the experience, FireFin regularly has top-notch live music and can accommodate private events.
2401 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. 561-472-7900; firefingrill.com
Angry Moon Cafe
The water view: Soverel Harbour Marina, Intracoastal Waterway
Open for breakfast and lunch, this eatery hand selects the best meats, cheeses, fresh vegetables and all-natural, cage-free eggs to create dishes like pain perdu (French toast), quiche, multiple varieties of eggs benedict including classic, Florentine and their 'Benedict of the Seas,' crepes and more.
2401 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. 561-694-7945; angrymooncafe.com
Seasons 52 – Palm Beach Gardens
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway
Sitting comfortably dockside at Seasons 52, one can make a meal from the restaurant’s popular brick-oven flatbreads (including roasted mushroom, Philly cheesesteak, pesto chicken & fresh mozzarella, chipolte BBQ shrimp and more), starters, soups and salads without ever consulting the lavish list of entrees, many prepared over wood fire. They’ll match any dish with one of the eatery’s 52 wines by the glass.
11611 Ellison Wilson Road, Palm Beach Gardens. 561-625-5852; seasons52.com
The Waterway Café
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway
Located almost underneath the PGA Boulevard bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, the Waterway Café has been a go-to destination for outdoor dining for almost 40 years. Though the restaurant closed for renovations in August 2023, they are hoping to reopen sometime in either August or September 2024. When they do open, the popular eatery will have a new roof, new kitchen, new parking area, new floating bar and a new seawall along the east and south sides. See artist renderings of what the newly designed restaurant will look like here.
2300 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. 561-694-1700; waterwaycafe.com
North Palm Beach waterfront restaurants
The Catch Seafood and Sushi
The water view: South Lake
Located in the heart of North Palm Beach, The Catch is focused on creating delicious food with a beautiful presentation. Though they are known for seafood and sushi, there are also salads, sandwiches, soups and more. Top it all off with chill vibe, lake views from the al fresco back patio, friendly service and occasional live music.
766 Northlake Blvd., North Palm Beach. 561-842-2180; thecatchseafoodsushi.com
Outclaws Seafood
The water view: South Lake
Opened in January 2024, this market and restaurant boasts some of the freshest seafood in the area with the motto "straight from our boats to your throats." They are one of the go-to spots in the area for stone crabs when they are in season.
640 Northlake Blvd., North Palm Beach. 561-517-8707; instagram.com/outclawsseafood
Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
The water view: Earman River
Named for the legendary frigate bird, this favorite spot for sport fishermen is a casual setting with refreshing beverages, filling food and music. A local gathering place for boaters, the outdoor bar hosts happy hour and the extensive menu runs from appetizers like cracked conch, lobster mac and crispy calamari to salads and soups, to entrees, sandwiches and more. Surrounded by tall palms, the place has old Florida charm.
400 U.S. 1, North Palm Beach. 561-855-7497; frigatesnpb.com
Palm Beach Shores/Singer Island restaurants
Islander Grill & Tiki Bar at the Gold Crown Palm Beach Shores Resort
The water view: Atlantic Ocean
Located in Palm Beach Shores Resort, this venue offers live entertainment and boasts true island hospitality. Frozen tropical drinks are encouraged, and the expansive menu has something for everyone, from soups and salads to sandwiches, burgers, seafood pasta dishes and more. Live music nightly. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
181 S. Ocean Ave., Palm Beach Shores. 561-842-8282; islanderpalmbeach.com
On the Rocks Pool Bar & Grill at the Marriott’s Ocean Pointe
The water view: Lake Worth Inlet, the Atlantic Ocean
Offering American cuisine served poolside, with a distant view of the Atlantic Ocean, this is a great spot to enjoy light bites, cool beverages and watch "the big game" on one of their televisions. Afterwards, wander this resort’s palm tree-shaded paths to its water features and play area, all brightly colored and lushly planted.
71 S. Ocean Ave., Palm Beach Shores. 800-845-5279; marriott.com/
Sailfish Marina Resort
The water view: Sailfish Marina and the Intracoastal Waterway
With an amazing view of the Intracoastal Waterway, passing boats, and great sunsets, this Palm Beach Shores restaurant has been a destination for decades. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with daily specials, many of them inspired by the fresh catch from boats docked outside. Choices may include whole fried snapper, Florida dolphin, Florida spiny lobster and stone crabs. Love fishing, but maybe not cooking? Bring them your catch and they'll prepare it for you.
98 Lake Drive, Palm Beach Shores. 561-844-1724; sailfishmarina.com
Riviera Beach
Rafiki Tiki Bar & Grill
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway at the Riviera Beach Marina
Featuring the finest Floribbean cuisine, this family-friendly restaurant at the Riviera Beach Marina Village features indoor as well as plenty of outdoor, patio seating. Their menu includes appetizers like chicken tenders, chips & salsa, croquetas de jamon, smoked fish dip, snapper ceviche and conch fritters; salads, burgers and sandwiches; rice bowls, tacos; flatbreads and specialties like the churrasco steak, whole fried snapper and Atlantic salmon platters. There are also several island-themed cocktails that must be tried.
190 E 13th St., Riviera Beach. 561-812-2240; rafikitiki.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best restaurants on the water from Palm Beach Gardens to Riviera Beach
