Few things say “Southwest Florida” quite like dining on fresh seafood while watching boats cruise by at sunset. From laid-back tiki bars to upscale waterfront dining destinations, the Fort Myers area is packed with incredible restaurants where the views are just as memorable as the food. Whether you’re looking for Gulf seafood, tropical cocktails, steaks, sushi, or live music by the water, these waterfront restaurants deliver a true Florida experience.

Here are 10 of the best waterfront restaurants in and around Fort Myers that locals and visitors love. For more local flavor, Suncoast Post readers can also check out our guide to the Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival.

1. Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant

A longtime Fort Myers favorite overlooking the water near Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach, this restaurant is known for fresh seafood, steaks, sunset dining, and live entertainment. The outdoor deck creates a classic Old Florida waterfront atmosphere.

Type: Seafood / New American
Address: 14301 Port Comfort Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Phone: (239) 489-0770
Website: Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant

2. Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant

Located on Fort Myers Beach, Snug Harbor offers casual waterfront dining with excellent seafood, tropical drinks, and beautiful harbor views. Their grouper dishes are especially popular.

Type: Seafood / Casual Waterfront Dining
Address: 645 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: (239) 463-4343
Website: Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant

3. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

One of the most famous waterfront restaurants in Southwest Florida, Doc Ford’s combines island-style seafood, waterfront seating, live music, and a fun atmosphere inspired by the novels of author Randy Wayne White. Their Yucatan shrimp is legendary.

Type: Seafood / Caribbean / Tropical Grill
Address: 708 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: (239) 765-9660
Website: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

4. Oxbow Bar & Grill

Situated along the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers, Oxbow has quickly become one of the hottest dining destinations in the River District. Expect panoramic river views, oysters, burgers, seafood, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.

Type: Coastal American / Seafood / Bar & Grill
Address: 1300 Hendry St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: (239) 314-3856
Website: Oxbow Bar & Grill

5. Boathouse – Fort Myers

The Boathouse offers a relaxed riverside atmosphere complete with tiki-style seating, live music, and boat access. It’s especially popular for casual lunches, seafood baskets, burgers, and sunset cocktails.

Type: Seafood / Tiki Bar / Casual Dining
Address: 17101 State Rd 31, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Phone: (239) 332-2628
Website: The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill

6. Matanzas on the Bay

An iconic Fort Myers Beach waterfront restaurant with dockside seating, seafood favorites, live music, and beautiful bay views. It’s accessible by both land and boat, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Type: Seafood / Waterfront Grill
Address: 416 Crescent St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: (239) 463-3838
Website: Matanzas on the Bay

7. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

Known for colorful tropical décor and laid-back island vibes, Parrot Key is a favorite for Caribbean-inspired seafood, frozen drinks, and waterfront sunsets near Salty Sam’s Marina.

Type: Caribbean / Seafood / Tropical Bar
Address: 2500 Main St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: (239) 463-3257
Website: Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

8. Dixie Fish Company

A historic seafood spot with rustic Old Florida charm, Dixie Fish is famous for fresh local seafood, shrimp baskets, grouper sandwiches, and dockside dining. If fresh Gulf seafood is on your mind, you may also like our look at the best restaurants in Cortez, Florida.

Type: Seafood Shack / Casual Waterfront Dining
Address: 714 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: (239) 233-8837
Website: Dixie Fish Company

9. Fresh Catch Bistro

Fresh Catch Bistro blends upscale dining with waterfront views overlooking Estero Bay. The restaurant is known for creative seafood dishes, steaks, and elegant sunset dining.

Type: Upscale Seafood / Fine Dining
Address: 3040 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: (239) 463-2600
Website: Fresh Catch Bistro

10. Flippers on the Bay

Located on Estero Bay, Flippers is known for scenic waterfront dining, fresh seafood, breakfast, and romantic sunset views. It remains one of the most relaxing dining spots in the region.

Type: Seafood / Waterfront Resort Dining
Address: 8771 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: (239) 765-1025
Website: Flippers on the Bay

Why Waterfront Dining Is So Popular in Fort Myers

The Fort Myers area offers one of the best waterfront dining scenes in Florida thanks to its combination of Gulf-access waterways, fresh local seafood, incredible sunsets, boat-friendly restaurants, and outdoor tropical dining year-round. Many restaurants even offer “dock and dine” access, allowing boaters to pull up directly to the restaurant.

For visitors planning a Southwest Florida getaway, waterfront dining is one of the true highlights of the region. And if you like pairing food with live entertainment, our coverage of the Punta Gorda Seafood & Music Festival is another good stop.

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