There\u2019s 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\u2019s best waterfront dining experiences.<\/p>\n
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<\/a> and our look at fresh seafood and hidden gems in Cortez<\/a>.<\/p>\n 1. Salt Shack On The Bay \u2014 Tampa<\/p>\n Salt Shack On The Bay is one of Tampa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The menu features fresh seafood, burgers, tacos, salads, tropical cocktails, and island-inspired favorites. It is especially popular for outdoor dining and a true \u201cFlorida on the water\u201d experience.<\/p>\n 2. Rusty Pelican \u2014 Tampa<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The restaurant serves seafood, steaks, craft cocktails, and elegant coastal dishes in a polished setting. The sunset views are one of its biggest attractions.<\/p>\n Address: 2425 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607 3. Hula Bay Club \u2014 Tampa<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The menu includes seafood, sushi rolls, burgers, salads, and tropical cocktails.<\/p>\n Address: 5210 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611 4. Ulele \u2014 Tampa<\/p>\n Located along Tampa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Guests can enjoy riverfront views, outdoor seating, house-brewed craft beer, seafood, steaks, charbroiled oysters, alligator hush puppies, and creative Florida dishes.<\/p>\n Address: 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 5. Jackson\u2019s Bistro, Bar & Sushi \u2014 Tampa<\/p>\n Jackson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 6. Whiskey Joe\u2019s Bar & Grill \u2014 Tampa<\/p>\n Whiskey Joe\u2019s is a casual waterfront restaurant along the Courtney Campbell Causeway with a beach-style setting, outdoor seating, bay views, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere.<\/p>\n The restaurant is known for seafood baskets, burgers, tropical drinks, appetizers, live music, and sunset watching.<\/p>\n 7. Columbia Restaurant Sand Key \u2014 Clearwater Beach<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Address: 1241 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 8. Island Way Grill \u2014 Clearwater<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The restaurant emphasizes fresh fish, raw bar selections, sushi, hand-cut steaks, and a polished coastal dining experience.<\/p>\n Address: 20 Island Way, Clearwater, FL 33767 9. Frenchy\u2019s Rockaway Grill \u2014 Clearwater Beach<\/p>\n Frenchy\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n This is a great choice for visitors looking for a true beach restaurant experience with seafood, sandwiches, cold drinks, and sunset views.<\/p>\n 10. Oystercatchers \u2014 Tampa<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The menu focuses on seafood, craft cocktails, brunch, fresh fish, and classic coastal cuisine.<\/p>\n
\nPhone: (813) 281-1943
\nWebsite: Rusty Pelican Tampa<\/a><\/p>\n
\nPhone: (813) 837-4852
\nWebsite: Hula Bay Club<\/a><\/p>\n
\nPhone: (813) 999-4952
\nWebsite: Ulele<\/a><\/p>\n
\nPhone: (727) 596-8400
\nWebsite: Columbia Restaurant<\/a><\/p>\n
\nPhone: (727) 461-6617
\nWebsite: Island Way Grill<\/a><\/p>\n