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I feel like not much tops enjoying a delicious meal while enjoying stunning waterfront views. And if you’re searching for some of the best waterfront restaurants in Tampa, I have the perfect list! Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, international flavors, or classic American fare, these Tampa restaurants on the water promise an unforgettable dining experience!
Waterfront restaurants in Tampa
Salt Shack On The Bay
Salt Shack is a fan favorite, and most likely on everyone’s list for must-visit waterfront restaurants in Tampa. This is most likely attributed to its beautiful location and incredible Caribbean menu. It’s located in south Tampa at a place popularly known as Rattlesnake Point and right off the Gandy Bridge.
This little oasis features two roof-covered pavilions – one for the restaurant and one for the bar! Both of which offer a huge space where you can kick back and enjoy incredible food or cocktails.
Their dock or drive option is probably the coolest feature of the restaurant. Guests looking to enjoy a boat ride to this place can dock right outside!
Going with the setting and location, seafood is the chief delicacy in the restaurant. For starters, be sure to taste their Caribbean Fritters, or a cup of their lobster bisque (which has got to be tied with Catch Twenty Three for the best lobster bisque in Tampa Bay).
Next enjoy some of their fish tacos, or flavorful shrimp salad if you’re looking for something on the lighter side.
They also have watermelon, mango, or guava pina coladas! We did the guava and it was amazing! Another solid option though is their epic bloody Mary.
Jackson’s
Located a stone’s throw away from Tampa’s Convention Center you’ll find Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi.
It’s right on Harbor Island, so you can enjoy a combination of delicious food and excellent service while taking in breathtaking views of the Tampa cityscape and the gorgeous Garrison Channel.
Jackson’s features an extensive menu and even a wider selection of drinks. You’ll notice several sushi rolls, a variety of market-fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, and more to choose from.
This waterfront restaurant is particularly famed for its Sunday brunch. It starts as early as 10:30 AM and offers a wide variety of specialties along with a fun environment.
American Social
American Social is located right next door to Jackson’s and also has incredible views of Harbor Island. Along with that, they have 4 full-service bars and an award-winning menu. It’s one of the top places to eat in downtown Tampa!
To keep up with the name, the American Social menu features diversified, high-end classic American dishes such as sandwiches, meatballs, soups, salads, fish, and oysters.
Related read: best bars in Tampa
The restaurant is also very sports and music-centric, which draws a lot of crowds who enjoy the laidback vibe with an opportunity to catch the big game.
You can expect an incredible atmosphere, happy hour (4 to 7 PM Monday to Friday), and insanely fun weekend brunch. All brunch entrees include complimentary bottomless mimosas for women!
They also have several other locations including one in Orlando and Miami! It can be an especially fun option for birthdays, Tampa spring break crews, or bachelorette parties in Tampa.
Hula Bay Club
Soaked with a lot of local character, and a menu filled with delish options Hula Bay Club is a laidback local hangout. Their outside terrace is astounding, especially during milder weather. Sit outside, take in the views of the water and the sunset, and enjoy some of their daily or nightly live music.
Be sure to grab one of their refreshing cocktails and enjoy some of their fresh seafood. Sushi, poke, tapas, or any of their other Hawaiian-inspired dishes all proved to be fresh and flavorful.
I will say that when we went we didn’t have the best bar service. The food was so delicious though that I am hoping it was a fluke and plan to give them another chance.
Oystercatchers
Oystercatchers is perched at a picturesque tropical landscape right at the edge of Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. Take my word and go here and you will understand why Oystercatchers has established itself as one of the best waterfront restaurants in Tampa.
Encircled by palm trees, unrivaled bay views, and modern decor! It’s the perfect setting for a date night.
Their signature and crowd-approved dishes are lobster mac n’ cheese, along with surf n’ turf plates. But you can indulge in many other options of the freshest catch served blackened, sautéed, or wood-grilled. Their tuna and Brussels sprouts left us wanting more of their incredible flavors.
I have also heard their brunch is spectacular. So I will definitely be making my way there next to experience their caviar bar, charcuterie bar, and seafood section for myself!
Whiskey Joe’s
Whiskey Joe’s is not your average casual dining spot. With an island-inspired aura, frozen cocktails, an expansive seafood menu, and a legend to top it all up, this place oozes a vibe like no other.
This place gets especially lively on the weekends when boats and jetskis line the shore. The food and drinks are great, but the entertaining environment is what sells the place.
Their happy hour is every weekday from 3 to 7 PM and includes some of my favorites such as their nachos, buffalo chicken quesadillas, and mojitos!
Which of these waterfront restaurants in Tampa are you visiting first?
I hope this list helps you discover some of your new favorite spots! Whether you’re craving fresh seafood with a side of sea breeze or cocktails with a view, each of these waterfront restaurants in Tampa offers an unforgettable dining experience.
Before you go be sure to follow @sunkissedintampa_ on Instagram and check out some other Tampa blog posts:
Ultimate Tampa Riverwalk guide
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