Eddie RitzPalm Beach Post
If you lived in Florida for any length of time you know that everything really does taste better by the water. If you're new to the state or new enough that you haven't yet experienced this dining phenomenon, however, now is the time.
Whether on the ocean, along the Intracoastal Waterway, various canals or even lakes, there are quite a few waterfront restaurants spread throughout Palm Beach County, so let's assimilate this aquatic, culinary wisdom in geographic bites.
If you live in southern Palm Beach County or just happen to be looking for arestaurantwith a view that's worth going the extra mile, here they are.
Boynton Beach restaurants on the water
Banana Boat
The water view:Intracoastal Waterway at the Boynton Harbor Marina
This family-owned restaurant has anchored Boynton’s Ocean Avenue area since 1978. It's best known for its seafood liked macadamia crusted yellowtail snapper, blackened scallop mac n' cheese and their bronzed local mahi, salads and upscale bar food in generous portions. It is also a great spot to enjoy any number of the specialty frozen drinks and co*cktails while watching the boats cruise along the Intracoastal.
739 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-732-9400;bananaboatboynton.com
Prime Catch
The water view:Intracoastal Waterway
Opened in 2004, their fresh local fish options, including honey almond roasted snapper, grilled swordfish and pecan grouper, steaks and more, combined with waterfrontambiance keepthis restaurant packed.The bar off the outside deck perched on the edge of the waterway is a popular hangout for happy hour and beyond.
700 E. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach. 561-737-8822;primecatchboynton.com
Two Georges Waterfront Grille
The water view:Intracoastal Waterway
In 1997, the Scaggs familybought Two George’s and it’s still family-owned and operated today. Dig into their Maryland crab cakes, panko fried ahi tuna bowl, swordfish piccata or any number of fresh seafood dishes, all while sipping a frozen co*cktail along the water and have an epiphany about waterfront dining and the awesomeness of South Florida.
728 Casa Loma Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-736-2717; twogeorgesrestaurant.com
A'Lu Mexican Cuisine
The water view: Quantum Lake
Opened in Dec. 2023, this Boynton eatery is the invention of Richard Charleston and specializes in San Diego-style Mexican cuisine. What is 'San Diego-style' Mexican food? Charleston describes it as "more true to the heart of Mexican cuisine, with more of a street food flare." Though the interior is beautiful and was created by Shea Design, there is also an outdoor patio with plenty of seating along the water.
1080 Gateway Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-310-4572; https://www.alupalmbeach.com/
Delray Beach restaurants with a water view
Boston’s on the Beach
The water view:The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
This mainstay of Delray Beach has outdoor covered dining that looks out over A1A and the beach on the other side. Though with the dense foliage along the beach, the view isn’t always great, there’s almost always a breeze and the taste of salt in the air. An eclectic menu boasts local, fresh seafood options.
40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364;bostonsonthebeach.com
50 Ocean
The water view:The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
On the second floor above Boston’s, 50 Ocean does offer an unobstructed view of the ocean. Enjoy their upscale, seafood-centric menu while gazing out of the floor to ceiling windows. This commercial stretch along Delray’s oceanfront has maintained its Old Floridaflavor.
50 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364;50ocean.com
Caffe Luna Rosa
The water view:The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
Its well-dressed tables, art, granite and woodwork reminiscent of European cafés contrast nicely with the American restaurants on either side. Known for its homemade pasta and Italian influences, this restaurant is a go-to destination for breakfast and weekend brunch.
34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach.561-274-9404; caffelunarosa.com
Sandbar Delray Beach
The water view:The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
Sandbar Delray Beach goes from beach bar to nightclub. Its rustic, weathered fixtures and furniture, brightly colored umbrellas and tropical food and drink make it a popular daytime venue. When the sun sets, however, the place transforms with guest DJs performing and VIP bottle service is available.
40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; bostonssandbar.com
Deck 84
The water view:Intracoastal Waterway
Named a Top 100 Al Fresco Restaurant by Opentable for years and consistently ranked as a top TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Restaurant, Deck 84 offers picturesque views of the Intracoastal while its menu focuses on fresh local seafood plus prime beef steaks, burgers and salads. On weekends, there’s live music.
840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. 561-665-8484;deck84.com
Highland Beach
Latitudes Restaurant at Delray Sands Resort
The water view:Atlantic Ocean
Promising "A Coastal Florida Dining Experience to Remember," Latitudes features fresh coastal cuisine, modern mixology and warm hospitality along the Atlantic Ocean. From early morning to late at night, sample culinary delights including the upscale chef’s seafood bar.
2809 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. 561-278-2008;latitudesdelray.com
Boca Raton restaurants
SeaSpray Inlet Grill at the Waterstone Resort & Marina
The water view:Lake Boca Raton and the Boca Raton Inlet
With a menu inspired from coastal classics to create a menu of contemporary dishes,SeaSprayis open for lunch and dinner.An access point for boats traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s the perfect place for yacht-watching.
999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton. 561-368-9500;seasprayboca.com
City Fish Market
The water view: sparkling man-made lake
They feature a wide selection of expertly-prepared, fresh fish and seafood, accompanied by a nautical ambiance next to a lake in Boca Raton. The menu includesclassics such as fish and chips, their jumbo lump crab cakes and a wide selection of fresh catches that can be prepared to your taste. Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday featuring our signature co*cktails and half-priced bottles of wine.
7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton.561-487-1600;cityfishmarketboca.com
Chloe's Bistro at the Boardwalk at Boca Raton
The water view:The lake at Boardwalk at Boca Raton
This casual eatery prides itself on fresh ingredients and a diverse menu, fromItalian to French. The understated ambiance and the reflection of lights on the waterare a panacea for stress.
6885 SW 18th St. B7, Boca Raton. 561-334-2088;chloesbistro.com
Carrabba’s Italian Grill at the Boardwalk at Boca Raton
The water view:The lake at Boardwalk at Boca Raton
The water view isn’t the Atlantic or even the Intracoastal, but it is a nice lake and the food is consistent Italian fare.
6909 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. 51-544-8838;carrabbas.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist atThe Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network.You can reach him ateritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism.Subscribe today.
