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Best Waterfront Restaurants in the U.S.

Jun 23rd 2017 - J. Vigotsky Blog, 

Best Waterfront Restaurants in the U.S.

With the summer season officially underway, people around the country are doing their best to keep cool. This means frequent trips to the beaches and lakes whenever and wherever it’s possible. The following are just some of the best waterfront restaurant in the U.S. So if you’re looking to enjoy a cool breeze off the water while dining out, try to make it to one of these spectacular spots.

La Mar by Gaston Acurio – Miami, FL

la mar

With a menu designed by famed Chef Gaston Acurio, La Mar offers meals that boast a bold and authentic Peruvian flavor. Overlooking both the Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline, this stylish restaurant is known for its cebiches, anticuchos, and specialty cocktails like South American grape brandy. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and Sundays at Lar Mar feature a unique brunch experience.

Lido Bayside Grill – Miami, FL

lido bayside grill

This dockside restaurant is part of the The Standard Spa/Hotel. Featuring unbelievable views, this health-conscious establishment has a Mediterranean diet-influenced menu that includes organic meats, fish, olive oil, and herbs. The restaurant’s assortment of biodynamic wines are best enjoyed during happy hour, which is daily from 4-7 PM.  Open from 7 AM – 11 PM, the Lido Bayside Grill is perfect for an early morning breakfast or a late night snack.

Grand Banks – New York, NY

grand banks

Located on the western coast of downtown Manhattan, Grand Banks provides a distinct setting that patrons won’t find anywhere else. Offering sustainable, wild-caught fish and local produce, the seasonal restaurant gives patrons the chance to eat and drink on a classic fishing vessel. Hand-built in 1942, the Sherman Zwicker fishing ship spent a career traveling the North Atlantic in search of fish before being restored and used as the site of this one-of-a-kind restaurant.

The River Café – Brooklyn, NY

the river cafe

Giving customers a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline, The River Café in Brooklyn prides itself on using only the freshest and infest ingredients. The restaurant’s esteemed chefs blend a wide range of cooking techniques and styles to create a modern cuisine unlike any other.  Offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, this classy establishment maintains an elegant atmosphere by requiring men to wear jackets any time after 4 PM.  

Dave’s Gone Fishing – Montauk, NY

daves gone fishing

Open from 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm from May to October, Dave’s Gone Fishing offers an intimate and casual dining experience. The restaurant is located right on Lake Montauk and provides stunning views of the sunset. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating, Dave’s Gone Fishing specializes in a wide range of seafood and also offers a variety of eclectic wines. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so make sure to get there on the early side.

Bay Kitchen Bar – East Hampton, NY

bay kitchen bar

This trendy Hamptons restaurant providing a relaxing view of Gardiners Bay and specializes in delicious seafood like clams, tuna, bass, scallops, lobser, and capers. Executive Chef Eric Miller owns and operates this dock-to-table establishment. With nearly 40 years of experience as a chef, Miller secures the best seafood from local fisheries and uses his diverse knowledge to cook each dish to perfection.

Mar’Sel – Los Angeles, CA

mar'sel los angeles

Boasting unrivaled views of the Pacific Ocean, Mar’Sel at Terranea is located on the vibrant Palos Verdes peninsula. The elegant restaurant has seasonal menus that always utilize quality locally-sourced ingredients. An on premise herb garden helps Executive Chef Bernard Ibarra stock his kitchen with some of the freshest herbs available. Whether you want fresh vegetables, seafood, meat, or cheese, Mar’Sel has you covered.  

Nobu Malibu – Malibu, CA

nobu malibu

This beachfront oasis is known for its delicious Japanese food. Featuring signature dishes like Tiradito, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, and Black Cod Miso, Nobu Malibu also has a sushi bar and a stylish bar area. Since the restaurant tends to get crowded so reservations are highly encouraged and taken up to a month in advance. The outdoor patio and lounge at Nobu Malibu offer a serene setting that is well worth the steep cost.

The Slanted Door – San Francisco, CA

slanted door

A winner of James Beard’s prestigious Outstanding Restaurant Award in 2014, the Slanted Door uses the highest quality ingredients to create innovative Vietnamese cuisine.  Executive Chef Charles Phan combines his extensive knowledge of traditional Vietnamese ingredients, flavors, and techniques with radical experimentation to create modernized dishes. The restaurant is right on the water and gives patrons an excellent view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Marine Room – San Diego, CA

marine room

The Marine Room is the perfect waterfront locale for an elegant celebration. A pillar in the La Jolla community since 1941, the restaurant has garnered lavish praise from even the harshest critics. Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean combined with fresh meat, seafood, and award-winning desserts make The Marine Room an excellent choice for weddings and other special occasions.

Hello Betty Fish House – San Diego, CA

hello betty fish house

A short walk from the beach, the Hello Betty Fish House has a rooftop lounge that overlooks miles upon miles of blue ocean water. This casual dining environment is the perfect spot for a relaxing Sunday. The diverse menu has something for everyone, and the restaurant offers a wide range of affordable cocktails. If you enjoy live music, make sure to check the Hello Betty Fish House website for information about the restaurant’s ‘Tunes at Twilight’ series.

Six Seven Restaurant & Lounge – Seattle, WA

six seven restaurant & lounge

The Six Seven Restaurant & Lounge is located inside the Edgewater hotel and offers customers views of Elliot Bay. If that’s not enough, Mount Olympus provides a scenic backdrop in the distance. The restaurant features seasonal Northwest cuisine that includes fresh, organic, and naturally-raised ingredients. An evolving wine selection includes hard-to-find bottles from Washington, Oregon, and North Carolina wineries. Live music is played in the lounge on Friday and Saturday nights.

These are just a few of the best waterfront restaurants in some of the most popular coastal cities in the U.S. But whether you live by an ocean, lake, or river, there is surely an option located close to you. Just Google your hometown and waterfront restaurants. Then enjoy a nice meal out by the water.