Best Waterfront Restaurants in Tampa Bay: 5+ Local Spots

Check out the best waterfront restaurants in Tampa Bay

Salt Shack on the Bay

Looking for an experience beyond a waterfront view Try Salt Shack, which features a waterfront entrance! That’s right, you can not only reach the Bay restaurant by car but also by boat. This beach spot offers a beautiful view, seasonal seafood, and fun summer-inspired signature cocktails.

Our recommendation: They also have frozen drinks like the classic Piña Colada or The Dirty Banana made with banana, Bacardi, and coffee liquor! Enjoy your drinks while snacking on their cheesy baked oysters.

📍5415 W. Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611

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Spinners Rooftop Grille

Looking for the best views Then, you must check out one of the top waterfront restaurants in Tampa Bay – it probably has the best view! Plus, did you know the restaurant spins You get a real 360 view with this unique feature.

Our recommendation: Try the filet with lobster tail and scallops. If you’re a mac and cheese lover, you’ll go crazy for the lobster mac and cheese!

📍5250 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

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Photo credit Oystercatchers

Oystercatchers

The view at sunset is gorgeous, with lush greenery and twinkly lights. Enjoy Gulf and the far-off city skyline.

Our recommendation: While Oystercatchers is a perfect place for a date, we also suggest coming for brunch. With so many options in the buffet, you’ll have difficulty choosing what to put on your plate. There’s a caviar bar, charcuterie bar, seafood area, and all your favorite breakfast classics.

📍2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa, FL 33607

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Photo credit Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill, Inc.

Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill

Bring friends and family to enjoy live music, waterfront views, a busy bar, and always the freshest seafood.

Our recommendation: Get Rusty’s Pot Belly Bucket if coming with a group of friends or family. It comes with snow crab, gulf shrimp, mussels, clams, smoked sausage, corn, potatoes, citrus, and a hard-boiled egg!

📍937 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

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La Cabana Waterfront

The restaurant is known for its relaxed atmosphere, where guests can enjoy a casual meal while soaking in stunning views of the bay. La Cabana’s menu features a delightful mix of comfort foods like tacos, fresh salads, and seafood dishes, all crafted with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

📍13090 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

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Latitude 28

The menu features a creative array of dishes that highlight fresh, local seafood, from signature crab cakes to flavorful shrimp and grits. With a curated selection of craft cocktails, Latitude 28 offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience, making it a go-to destination for food lovers and beachgoers.

📍691 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

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The Deep End

Their menu features a variety of American classics and seafood favorites, like juicy burgers, crispy fish tacos, and fresh oysters. The vibrant outdoor seating area, complete with tiki-style decor and a view of the marina, makes it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors to unwind.

📍691 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

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Patrona Coastal Café

A cozy waterfront spot that offers an eclectic menu filled with fresh, flavorful options like the Coastal Breakfast Croissant to the Patrona Sandwich and Coastal Cuban. The cafe also features lighter fare, such as avocado toast and açaí bowls, perfect for a quick bite by the water!

📍13090 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

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Photo credit The Getaway

The Getaway

Come by land or sea! You can reach The Getaway by car or by driving your boat up to their back docks. The Getaway makes it convenient to enjoy fresh seafood and cold cocktails after a long day on the boat or at the beach.

Our recommendation: Located just off the Gandy Bridge, it is an easy location to visit from both Tampa and St. Pete! Order the Yucca fries as an appetizer, and the crispy lobster tacos as an entree. Finish off your meal with a classic slice of key lime pie!

📍13090 Gandy Blvd. N., St.Petersburg, FL 33702

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Photo credit Rusty Pelican

Rusty Pelican

Enjoy waterfront Gulf views while cooling down in the crisp air conditioning. Their menu gives a Florida spin on classic seafood and steakhouse specials.

Our recommendation: Start with the Lobster and Mango Salad, then finish with their crab-stuffed gulf grouper or the filet mignon! Did you know they also serve some of the best mimosas in Tampa Bay

📍2425 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607

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Photo credit Hula Bay Club

Hula Bay Club

THE spot for a sweeping view of the bay and its serene marina. They have a great highchair bar area to mix and mingle with other visitors, and there’s also a covered patio with plenty of ceiling fans to keep you cool during the summer.

Our recommendation: Their appetizer section includes yummy snacks like Sticky Wings, Conch Fritters, and Local Smoked Fish. They are also known for their Hawaiian Fish Sandwiches served on a homemade Hawaiian sweet bun with made-to-order cole slaw.

📍5210 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611

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Photo credit Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar

Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar

Their casual atmosphere is a perfect place to chill out, sit back, and enjoy some drinks with a beautiful view of the Gulf. Their menu features classic beach eats and refreshing summer drinks.

Our recommendation: Our go-to drink is the bold frozen Rum Runner! Also if you’re looking for a Florida spot with alligator bites, this is the place! Enjoy some Fried Gator Bites.

📍10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater, FL 33767

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