In Florida, dining options are mostly waterfront or inland, but sometimes you can find the rare gem that is affordable, delicious, and literally on the water. Tides 41 is a floating tiki bar and grill on-board the Majestic Princess II with dockside dining (overlooking Peanut Island) in the Riviera Marina or a sunset dinner cruise. The lunch menu is highly affordable and offers salad and seafood starters followed by creative signature sandwiches served with coleslaw or kettle chips. For dinner, the menu is quaint but full of hearty seafood and meat entrees perfectly paired with vegetables and impressive views.
Recommended for Beach Restaurants because: Tides 41, on the Majestic Princess, offers docked dining during the week and dinner cruises Friday- Sunday.
Kristopher's expert tip: Can't get closer to the water than on it
Caff� Luna Rosa, also known as the "Italian restaurant on the beach", is a casual eatery with tons of al fresco dining. While enjoying the ocean views, peruse the extensive menu full of cage-free egg dishes and all natural beef and chicken entrees. The quality poured into the meals is exceptional, especially for the affordable price and location. Caffe Luna Rosa is the spot to go for people that feel brunch is the best meal of the week. With brunch seven days a week starting at 7 AM and going into the afternoon, it's never too early or late for delicious indulging.
Recommended for Beach Restaurants because: Flavorful Italian food and ocean views are what are in store while dining at Caffe Luna Rosa in Delray.
Kristopher's expert tip: Good if you are looking for an atypical beachfront menu
Brandon's by the Beach is part of the Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa and has a beautiful outdoor dining area right by the ocean, joined with an upscale indoor bar. The highlight of the restaurant is the wide variety of specialty cocktails offered. With everything from frozen coffee colada to the pitchers of rum punch, there is plenty to imbibe on while taking in the calming views of the Atlantic Ocean. Brandon's by the Beach is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a weekend brunch. The dinner menu is especially creative with every entr�e featuring different pairings, there is always something new to try.
Recommended for Beach Restaurants because: Brandon's by the Beach, at the beautiful Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa, is a fun place for beach side cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Kristopher's expert tip: Definitely a trendy spot so dress the part
For an upscale oceanfront dining experience, 3800 Ocean at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Resort & Spa is one of the best options. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu has a farm-to-table feel and is sure to delight. The chefs at 3800 are all about creative dishes prepared with all fresh ingredients; it's obvious that a lot goes into the presentation of each dish. The dinner takes you on a tour with New England scallops, local snapper, free range chicken and many other one-of-a-kind entrees. Grab a seat outside on the covered patio for the ultimate ocean viewing or enjoy your meal inside where it's nice and cool.
Recommended for Beach Restaurants because: The ocean views pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling windows at 3800 Ocean coupled with the stellar food and service are worth a visit.
Kristopher's expert tip: One of the better menus relative to the other waterfront restaurants
Steps from the sea at the end of Atlantic Avenue, 50 Ocean is the deluxe dining experience with incredible views. The wide expanse of window lets you enjoy the sun, sand, surf or a glowing sunset in a sophisticated setting upstairs from the casual Boston's On the Beach. Photos of Ernest "Papa" Hemingway adorn the walls, and the backlit quartz bar is the place to enjoy small plates like Duck Popcorn, Pork Belly and Biscuits or imbibe specialty cocktails like a Moet Ice Royale or a hand-crafted Sriracha Rita. The freshest fish either blackened, baked, grilled or charred and the splurge-worthy Seafood Hot Pot for Two which brims with lobster, prawns, mussels, and calamari are favorites. "Appy Hour" is Monday to Friday from 4pm-7pm.
Recommended for Beach Restaurants because: Expansive views of the coastline are hard to miss thanks to the panoramic windows at 50 Ocean, so consider this a stylish happy hour scene.
Kristopher's expert tip: Some of the best ocean views in Delray
When it comes to ocean-front dining, one can't get much closer than Benny's on the Beach. With the restaurant sitting on the Lake Worth Pier, it's easy to be completely immersed in the nautical vibes. Sitting so close to the water means it's no surprise that seafood makes up the bulk of the menu. The lobster benedict and raspberry French toast are decadent splurges for the most important meal of the day. Stop in seven days a week for breakfast or lunch and then walk it off on the pier or sandy beaches. Benny's is also open for dinner Thursday - Sunday, just plan ahead to enjoy one of their creative cocktails.
Recommended for Beach Restaurants because: Benny's on the Beach at the Lake Worth Pier is the spot to go before or after a day of fun in the sun and waves.
Kristopher's expert tip: Have to pay to park, but its economically priced
Boston's on the Beach has been serving New England style seafood and local catch to the Delray Beach locals and tourists for over 35 years now. Situated just steps from the beach, the atmosphere at Boston's is what keeps people returning for a second visit. With over 30 TV's to enjoy the big games and live music every night, the entertainment keeps bumping long after the sun has set and the beach hours are over. The menu consists of salads, sandwiches, and lots of seafood selections. There are ample signature drinks to enjoy while taking in the ocean views.
Recommended for Beach Restaurants because: Boston's on the Beach is just steps away from the coast in Delray and offers a lively sports themed venue for food and spirits.
Kristopher's expert tip: Bring beach attire to parlay lunch with a sun tanning session
Temple Orange is a chic eatery specializing in American Cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The brightly lit dining area is located inside the EAU Palm Beach Resort & Spa, over-looking both the pool and Atlantic Ocean. It's known for its elaborate spread at Sunday Brunch but is a great spot for breakfast any day of the week. For lunch, enjoying the brisket burger on the patio is enough to get any one out the mundane sandwiches offered elsewhere. Local fish and citrus make a splash on the dinner menu and won't disappoint so it's worth ordering a few to share with the table.
Recommended for Beach Restaurants because: The views of the Atlantic Ocean are much sweeter when the brioche French toast at Temple Orange is being enjoyed.
Kristopher's expert tip: Plan a spa treatment for ultimate relaxation prior to food time
It's well known that The Breakers is one of the ultimate spots to take in the luxury that is Palm Beach, so it's no surprise that The Seafood Bar onsite is a must for dinner and drinks. Toasting drinks at the bar is the best locale for ocean views. To top it off, the bars themselves are actually aquariums. Once you tear yourself away from the views of the ocean, you'll see that the food presentation is on point and crowd favorites like the crab cakes are always a winner. With around 10-15 fish varieties delivered daily, the Seafood Bar certainly lives up to its name.
Recommended for Beach Restaurants because: Open for lunch and dinner, The Seafood Bar at The Breakers is a classic stop to enjoy fresh seafood and ocean views.
Kristopher's expert tip: One of the best spots for an ocean view