Celebrate the Florida lifestyle in the tastiest way possible, with a meal on the water. Orlando has no shortage of outdoor dining restaurants, and even though we aren't on the beach, there are numerous waterfront restaurants. Level up your date by dining at one of these scenic restaurants.

You're about to discover the best Orlando waterfront restaurants, plus a few that are nearby and worth a little drive for dinner with a view.

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Waterfront Restaurants in Orlando

1. The Waterfront Orlando

4201 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806

You'll feel like you've escaped to the beach when you head to this waterfront restaurant in South Downtown – the SoDo District. In fact, you'll be at The Waterfront Orlando.

This is one of our favorite seafood restaurants in Orlando and during the day it is a kid friendly restaurant. By night, it becomes a lively but relaxed hangout spot with cold drinks and laid back vibes.

A plate of fried seafood at The Waterfront Orlando — The Waterfront Orlando – Dani Meyering

2. Relax Grill

211 Eola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32801

Locals love Relax Grill. This Lake Eola restaurant is popular at the end of a long workday or during the weekend. It is especially popular each Sunday thanks to the nearby Lake Eola Orlando Farmers' Market.

On the menu you'll find American Mediterranean cuisine with lots of lighter fare that is perfect for dining outdoors with a view of the lake.

3. Hillstone Restaurant

215 S Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Welcome to one of the most romantic restaurants in Orlando. Hillstone Restaurant has been a staple of the date-worthy dining scene for many years. If you're looking for a date idea to get all dolled up and live the good life, this is the place.

Hillstone Winter Park — Hillstone restaurant in Winter Park by Kristen Manieri

Book your reservation about 30 minutes before sunset if possible so you can enjoy the golden hues reflecting on the lake. It's one of our favorite places to watch the sunset in Orlando.

4. 310 Lakeside

301 E Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801

Another classic Orlando restaurant, 310 Lakeside is date-worthy. The atmosphere is less waterfront and more about the modern American menu. While the views are not as plentiful as other waterfront restaurants on our list, being near Lake Eola has its moments.

5. Colibri Mexican Cuisine Baldwin Park

4963 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814

While hotspots like Winter Park and Winter Garden get all the attention when it comes to walkable destinations, Baldwin Park should not be overlooked. And Colibri Mexican Cuisine Baldwin Park has some of the best waterfront dining in Orlando.

Sip handcrafted margaritas, nibble authentic Mexican fare, and take in the lakeside views. This waterfront restaurant is perfect for date night or a gathering with friends. Bring out of town guests here too.

6. Canvas Restaurant & Market

13615 Sachs Avenue, Orlando, FL 32827

Head to one of the most Instagram worthy restaurants in the Orlando area. Canvas Restaurant & Market is a staple of Lake Nona restaurants. Not only does it have waterfront dining and views, but there is gorgeous modern art too, including the iconic Lake Nona Glass House.

Canvas Restaurant Exterior – Deeb Studios

Related Post: 4 Ways to Do Date Night in Lake Nona

7. St Johns River Steak & Seafood

550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

The Orlando area can thank the St. Johns River for the plentiful seafood we get to enjoy inland. While the seafood does not come from the St. Johns River itself, its connection to the coastline made getting seafood a lot easier before transit on the highways was an option.

St Johns River Steak & Seafood in Sanford harkens back to those early days. Enjoy dining along this legendary river and raise a glass to a touch of coastal life here in Orlando.

Bonus idea – Cabana Live in Sanford

Also in Sanford is Cabana Live, this casual restaurant is parts sports bar, part pool bar, and it's right on the water. In fact, to get there you'll drive to the Port of Sanford Marina.

There are cabanas that overlook the water, and usually are available to use at no charge during weekdays – unless there is a special event. Weekdays offer fun happenings or specials, including Kids Eat Free + Movie Night on Wednesdays and Bingo on Fridays. Plus, Happy Hour is ALL DAY Monday – Thursday.

Fish Tacos Cabana Live Waterfront Restaurants Orlando Florida — Fish Tacos Cabana Live – image by Dani Meyering

8. Grills Lakeside Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar

4301 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804

Grills Lakeside Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar here in Orlando is part of a small group with two Grills locations on the Atlantic coast of Florida. So they know a thing or two about waterfront dining.

Kid-Friendly Orlando Restaurants with Playgrounds - Grills Lakeside Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar — Playground at Grills Lakeside – Image credit: Grills Lakeside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar

9. Black Hammock Lazy Gator Bar

2356 Black Hammock Fish Camp Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765

If you're ready for some backwater adventure, head to Oviedo and the Black Hammock area. OId Florida is alive and well here. You can hop aboard an airboat ride and explore.

The Lazy Gator Bar at Black Hammock has waterfront views, casual eats, and cold drinks.

10. St. Johns River Grille

2997 FL-44, DeLand, FL 32720

If casual and relaxed is your speed, head to the DeLand area for some riverside dining. St. Johns River Grille is as casual as they come. Sit on the screened-in porch, order up some fish dip and cold drinks as you watch the boaters go by.

Fish Dip at St. Johns River Grille DeLand, Florida – Dani Meyering

11. Swamp House Riverfront Grill

488 W Highbanks Rd, DeBary, FL 32713

Another super casual spot on the water is Swamp House Riverfront Grill in DeBary. Most of the dining room does not actually overlook the water, but it's worth a visit. Even if you're not able to snag a seat with a view, just being on the river is enough to satisfy that craving to dine on the water.

Parking is limited at this popular spot so get here early!

12. Crabby Bill's St. Cloud

1104 Lakeshore Blvd, St Cloud, FL 34769

Cast your worries away as you dine on the water's edge at Crabby Bill's St. Cloud. Another family owned and operated spot with locations out on the coast, you'll feel like you've gone coastal even though you're inland.

Whether you sit inside or outside you can bask in beautiful views of East Lake Toho in the Lakefront Park Marina.

13. Lakeside Bar + Grill

700 Bloom St, Celebration, FL 34747

If you prefer to stay sophisticated, then Lakeside Bar + Grill located inside the Bohemian Celebration Hotel offers romantic date night vibes. Situated on the small lake of downtown Celebration, Florida you'll experience small-town charm, just down the road from Walt Disney World.

14. Salt Shack on the Lake

846 W Osceola St, Clermont, FL 34711

This new spot offers wild-caught seafood and family fun off Highway 50 in Historic Downtown Clermont, right on Lake Minneola. Salt Shack on the Lake offers fresh fish and seafood caught by skilled fishermen of the Gulf to compliment its seasonal, Caribbean-inspired menu. Treat yourself to an island-infused craft cocktail that will take your tastebuds on a wave of flavor.

Salt Shack on the Lake – Image by Salt Shack

Salt Shack's sister location is a rustic-refined beach getaway just off the Gandy Bridge in South Tampa that we love. The tasty food and atmosphere seal the deal. There are very few places I don’t mind waiting for a table, and Salt Shack is one of them.

15. Kalua Beach Bar

181 S Joanna Ave, Tavares, FL 32778

Mount Dora gets all the love in this part of town, but Tavares is also on Lake Dora and worth a visit. The Kalua Beach Bar is perfect for casual lakeside dining near Orlando. Depending on what side of town you're on, Tavares is 30 – 45 minutes away.

Start your day at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive then head 30 minutes down the road to Kalua Beach Bar for cold drinks and casual eats like Chicken Wings, Burgers, or Blackened Fish Tacos. This spot is one of the most quintessential waterfront restaurants.

BONUS IDEA – Eaton's Beach Sandbar and Grill

15790 SE 134th Ave, Weirsdale, FL 32195

Experience a beachy getaway for the day, without heading to the busy beaches near Orlando. Not only can you dine right on the massive lake, but at Eaton's Beach Sandbar and Grill you can rent jet skis and more to go out on the water. It is a bit of a drive from Orlando but if you're up for a Florida adventure, this will do the trick.

Eaton's Beach Waterfront Dining Weirsdale Florida – Dani Meyering

I stopped here with my husband during a little Florida road trip and we loved it! There are two dining rooms, one upstairs and another downstairs. Plus plenty of outdoor dining and multiple bars make it possible for everyone to enjoy the views. The menu features Florida and Louisiana influences including Fried Shrimp and Gator Tail.

Fried Shrimp at Eaton's Beach Waterfront Dining – Dani Meyering

BEACHSIDE BRUNCH – If you're interested in a day trip, head to the lively Brunch at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach served every Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 3pm, with a gorgeous view of the beach.

Waterfront Restaurants at Disney World

Soak up the magic of Walt Disney World coupled with dining on the water. These waterfront restaurants at Walt Disney World are date-worthy.

Want to road trip? Check out Waterfront Restaurants in Tampa Bay

Feature image of this article from @colibriorlando

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15 Scenic Waterfront Restaurants Orlando – Around Town and Nearby