From Southern coastal cuisine to tried and true fried seafood, these waterfront spots offer up views, cold drinks, and North Florida charms.
Enjoy some of our favorite picks in the St. Augustine area and beyond for waterfront eats and seafood treats. While you're in the area you can also visit some unique bars in St. Augustine. And when you're back in Central Florida you might be surprised at the amount of waterfront restaurants in Orlando.
Waterfront Restaurants in St. Augustine
Saltwater Cowboys
299 Dondanville Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Rustic decor and magnificent sunset views over the marsh await at the very traditional, very Southern Saltwater Cowboys restaurant. Expect long lines to get in at opening, so get there early. Locals and visitors alike love this spot for brunch in St. Augustine.
Weekly specials include:
- Tuesday: Happy hour 7-9, BOGO ½ off draft beers, house wines & well liquor
- Wednesday: $10 off bottles of wine
- Thursday: BOGO house margaritas and domestic bottled beers
- Weekends: brunch
St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Company
160 Nix Boat Yard Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Tucked unexpectedly behind rows of strip mall shopping, this seafood restaurant is a pleasant surprise along the waterway. Outdoor seating on their back deck is enjoyed alongside seafood-centric entrees like oysters, grilled fish, and shrimp.
Kids can delight in a fun dessert provided on the house: roasted marshmallows over the deck’s open fire pit.
Cap’s on the Water
4325 Myrtle St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Cap’s has a quaint and cozy indoor atmosphere, which spills out onto a large and shaded deck, under the natural shade of Spanish moss filled trees. The whimsical cover brags only a little, paled in comparison to the stunning sunset views over the Tolomato River. Save room for oysters and the fresh catch.
Aunt Kate’s
612 Euclid Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Also on the Tolomato River, Aunt Kate’s brings Southern hospitality to your plate with dishes like alligator tail and smoked fish dip. Get your typical clam strip basket, shrimp and grits or even a low country boil at this casual and comfortable destination along the river.
The Conch House
57 Comares Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32080
The Conch House has long been a staple for my family. Away from the historic district crowds, the Conch House offers up waterfront views from a classic wooden deck. Our favorite table is the palapa roofed tree house table, if we are lucky to snag one of them. These tables offer the best views of the marina and sundown.
Dishing out seafood and fried yumminess, service is laid-back and the vibes are happy. Speaking of happiness, check out their happy hour during the week from 4-7. With an added bonus of live music on the weekends, this tropical spot is sure to please all who visit.
Casa Reina
1 Anderson Cir, St. Augustine, FL 32084
I remember when this place used to be an American Legion, or something of the sort. A friend got married there and it was stunning inside and out, albeit a bit outdated. Today, the hall has been completely glammed up with a rooftop deck overlooking the water, indoor tiling that makes you want to head to Mexico City, and delicious cocktails or tequila flights to pair with the views.
Dress up or dress down, but this lively taqueria and Mexican hot spot is worth an add to your dining favorites. The waterfront views are just as pretty as the decor.
Waterfront Restaurants in Ponte Vedra
Palm Valley Fish Camp
299 Roscoe Blvd N, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Basically I hear the words “fish camp”, and I’m there. It’s a guarantee for unique seafood and awesome surrounds, and the Palm Valley Fish Camp delivers on both. Try their whole fried lionfish, their oysters rockefeller or the bread pudding. You’ll be glad you did!
Barbara Jean’s On the Water
15 S Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Oh Barbara Jean’s, if only your Southern coastal cuisine could crawl into my belly and snuggle up there forever. With all the Southern greats on the menu, it’s really hard to choose here. Go for the crab cakes or “she” crab soup, then dive into the shrimp and grits, if you’ve got the room after the complimentary cornbread and butter. You’ll probably want someone at your table to order some fried chicken too, because you bet your fork will be roaming from plate to plate. It also doesn’t hurt that this totally delicious spot is right on a tranquil channel along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Other Waterfront Restaurants Nearby
The Commander’s Shellfish Camp
7579 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Paired with a great little boat ride to the Fort Matanzas National Monument, The Commander’s Shellfish Camp in southern St. Augustine is a perfect stop for fresh local seafood. Peruse their small fish market, shuck your own steamed oysters, walk out on the jetty, or just pop in for lunch.
Dockside Seafood Restaurant Jax Beach
2510 2nd Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
The ever popular Dockside Seafood Restaurant in Jax Beach is an excellent place to grab a bite and cold drink at the marina. Order at the counter and choose from good fried food like fried clams, or try their freshly made ceviche and fish dip. Note that parking can be crowded so stake out a spot or get a valet.
Beaches at Vilano
254 Vilano Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32084
At Beaches, expect a no-frills seafood deck with umbrellas, perfect for sundowners and folks looking for a good lunch. Cedar Key clam chowder, peel-and-eat shrimp, and numerous handhelds and salads are available for your dining delight at this casual spot on the Tolomato River near the St. Augustine Inlet.
