10 Best Waterfront Restaurants in Southwest Florida (2025 update)
Looking for dinner with a view? Southwest Florida is packed with stunning waterfront spots where you can sip a drink, watch the sunset, and enjoy some of the best food in the state. Here are 10 local favorites worth checking out.
1. The Bay House – Naples
Tucked along the Cocohatchee River, The Bay House offers upscale Southern coastal cuisine with unbeatable views. Try the shrimp & grits or the seared scallops. Bonus: live music most nights.
2. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – Fort Myers Beach
A casual favorite on the water, perfect for lunch after the beach. Known for their Yucatan shrimp and mojitos, with boats pulling up right to the dock.
More Fort Myers picks? Don’t miss our top 10 picks for Fort Myers dining.
3. Snook Inn – Marco Island
An old-school Florida gem with laid-back island vibes. Come for the fresh grouper sandwich and stay for the nightly live music and incredible sunsets.
4. The Turtle Club – Vanderbilt Beach
Dining literally on the sand. Ideal for a sunset dinner with seafood towers, wine, and waves lapping nearby. Reservations highly recommended.
5. Dixie Fish Co. – Fort Myers Beach
This open-air fish shack serves some of the freshest seafood around, just steps from the water. Their blackened mahi tacos are a must.
6. Rumrunners – Cape Coral
Located at Cape Harbour, Rumrunners offers upscale seafood and steak with a waterfront view of the marina. It’s popular for date nights, Sunday brunch, and their extensive wine list. Great indoor-outdoor vibe with live music on weekends.
7. Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar – Naples
Split between a casual downstairs bar and an elegant rooftop dining room, Bayside is all about variety with a view of the Venetian Bay.
8. Matanzas on the Bay – Fort Myers Beach
A relaxing dockside spot with friendly service and great value. Their grouper Reuben is a sleeper hit.
9. The Green Flash – Captiva Island
A hidden island restaurant with big water views and old Florida charm. Try to snag a table on the back deck.
10. Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant – Fort Myers
Panoramic views of the marina, a chill crowd, and a mix of seafood and classic American dishes make this an easy go-to for locals.
Final Tips
Sunset hours fill up fast—make a reservation
For best photos, go early evening (golden hour)
Many spots offer happy hour or lunch deals with the same view
