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15 Best Waterfront Restaurants in the Tampa Bay Region

| Suncoast Post Staff |

There’s something special about dining on the water in the Tampa Bay region. From sunset views over the Gulf to marina-side seafood spots and elegant restaurants overlooking Tampa Bay, the area offers some of Florida’s best waterfront dining experiences.

Whether you are planning a romantic dinner, a family outing, sunset cocktails, or a casual meal with visiting friends, these 15 waterfront restaurants are worth putting on your list. If waterfront dining is your thing, Suncoast Post readers may also enjoy our guide to waterfront restaurants in Fort Myers and our look at fresh seafood and hidden gems in Cortez.

1. Salt Shack On The Bay — Tampa

Salt Shack On The Bay is one of Tampa’s most popular waterfront dining destinations, located near the Gandy Bridge with wide-open views of Old Tampa Bay. The atmosphere is relaxed, tropical, and casual, making it a great spot for seafood, drinks, live music, and sunsets.

The menu features fresh seafood, burgers, tacos, salads, tropical cocktails, and island-inspired favorites. It is especially popular for outdoor dining and a true “Florida on the water” experience.

2. Rusty Pelican — Tampa

Rusty Pelican is a longtime Tampa Bay favorite known for upscale waterfront dining and sweeping views of the bay. Located on Rocky Point, it is a popular choice for special occasions, romantic dinners, brunch, and celebrations.

The restaurant serves seafood, steaks, craft cocktails, and elegant coastal dishes in a polished setting. The sunset views are one of its biggest attractions.

  • Address: 2425 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
  • Phone: (813) 281-1943
  • Website: Rusty Pelican Tampa

3. Hula Bay Club — Tampa

Hula Bay Club offers a tropical waterfront setting in South Tampa with marina views, outdoor seating, sushi, seafood, and island-style drinks. It has a casual vacation feel and is popular with boaters, locals, and visitors looking for a laid-back meal by the water.

The menu includes seafood, sushi rolls, burgers, salads, and tropical cocktails.

  • Address: 5210 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611
  • Phone: (813) 837-4852
  • Website: Hula Bay Club

4. Ulele — Tampa

Located along Tampa’s Riverwalk, Ulele is one of the most recognizable restaurants in the region. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored historic water works building and features native-inspired Florida cuisine.

Guests can enjoy riverfront views, outdoor seating, house-brewed craft beer, seafood, steaks, charbroiled oysters, alligator hush puppies, and creative Florida dishes.

  • Address: 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
  • Phone: (813) 999-4952
  • Website: Ulele

5. Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi — Tampa

Jackson’s Bistro sits on Harbour Island and offers some of the best skyline and waterfront views in downtown Tampa. It is a versatile destination for lunch, dinner, brunch, sushi, cocktails, and nightlife.

The menu includes sushi, seafood, steaks, pasta, salads, and modern American dishes. Its patio views of the water and downtown Tampa make it a standout.

6. Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill — Tampa

Whiskey Joe’s is a casual waterfront restaurant along the Courtney Campbell Causeway with a beach-style setting, outdoor seating, bay views, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

The restaurant is known for seafood baskets, burgers, tropical drinks, appetizers, live music, and sunset watching.

7. Columbia Restaurant Sand Key — Clearwater Beach

Columbia Restaurant Sand Key brings the legendary Columbia name to the Clearwater waterfront. This location offers Spanish and Cuban cuisine with beautiful water views near Clearwater Beach.

Popular menu items include the famous 1905 Salad, Cuban sandwiches, seafood dishes, paella, sangria, and classic Columbia specialties. Suncoast Post has also covered how Columbia Restaurants support local causes through Community Harvest.

  • Address: 1241 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
  • Phone: (727) 596-8400
  • Website: Columbia Restaurant

8. Island Way Grill — Clearwater

Island Way Grill is an upscale Clearwater waterfront restaurant known for fresh seafood, sushi, steaks, and marina views. It is a favorite for dinner, celebrations, and Sunday brunch.

The restaurant emphasizes fresh fish, raw bar selections, sushi, hand-cut steaks, and a polished coastal dining experience.

  • Address: 20 Island Way, Clearwater, FL 33767
  • Phone: (727) 461-6617
  • Website: Island Way Grill

9. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill — Clearwater Beach

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a Clearwater Beach classic located directly on the Gulf. It is casual, colorful, lively, and famous for beachfront dining, live music, and fresh grouper.

This is a great choice for visitors looking for a true beach restaurant experience with seafood, sandwiches, cold drinks, and sunset views.

10. Oystercatchers — Tampa

Oystercatchers is an upscale seafood restaurant located at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. It offers elegant waterfront dining with views of Old Tampa Bay and a refined coastal atmosphere.

The menu focuses on seafood, craft cocktails, brunch, fresh fish, and classic coastal cuisine.

  • Address: 2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
  • Phone: (813) 207-6815
  • Website: Oystercatchers

11. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille — St. Petersburg

Located on the St. Pete Pier, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille combines waterfront views with Caribbean-inspired food and drinks. It is one of the most popular dining stops at the pier.

The menu includes seafood, sandwiches, salads, tropical cocktails, and the restaurant’s signature Yucatán shrimp.

12. Bon Appétit Restaurant — Dunedin

Bon Appétit Restaurant sits beside the Dunedin Marina and offers one of the most scenic waterfront dining locations in Pinellas County. It is a strong choice for sunset dinners, special occasions, lunch, and cocktails by the water.

The menu features seafood, steaks, salads, pasta, and classic American coastal cuisine.

13. The Getaway — St. Petersburg

The Getaway is a tropical waterfront restaurant and tiki bar on Gandy Boulevard in St. Petersburg. It has a relaxed, island-inspired feel with outdoor seating, sand, drinks, music, and bay views.

The menu includes seafood, burgers, tacos, cocktails, and casual Florida favorites.

  • Address: 13090 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
  • Phone: (727) 317-5751
  • Website: The Getaway

14. Circles Waterfront Restaurant — Apollo Beach

Circles Waterfront Restaurant is a popular Apollo Beach dining destination with marina views, seafood, steaks, sushi, and a lively tiki bar atmosphere. Guests can dine indoors, outdoors, or near the water.

It is popular with boaters and anyone looking for a South Shore waterfront restaurant with plenty of menu variety.

15. Marker 8 On the Water — Dunedin

Marker 8 On the Water is a waterfront restaurant and bar in Dunedin known for sunset views, casual coastal dining, and a relaxed Florida atmosphere. It is located at the Beso Del Sol Resort and overlooks St. Joseph Sound.

The menu includes seafood, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, cocktails, and casual waterfront favorites.

Final Thoughts

The Tampa Bay region is filled with waterfront dining options for every mood and budget. From elegant seafood restaurants to relaxed tiki bars and beachfront classics, these restaurants offer more than just a meal — they deliver the views, flavors, and atmosphere that make Florida’s Gulf Coast so special.

Whether you are watching the sunset in Clearwater, enjoying cocktails on Tampa Bay, dining along the Riverwalk, or relaxing at a marina in Dunedin or Apollo Beach, these waterfront restaurants are a great way to experience the best of the Tampa Bay region.

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