Best Waterfront Dining in South Florida: It’s Time to Cast Your Vote!
Introduction
What’s the next best thing to being on a boat? Watching them pass by while you enjoy a good meal from your favorite waterfront dining destination, of course. We’re spoiled in South Florida with seemingly endless options when it comes to eating with a view and a breeze — whether it’s overlooking the ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, a yacht-filled marina, or a hidden lakeside gem.
The Competition
We put the task of choosing the best waterfront restaurant in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties in your hands. And for the first time in the competition, we asked you to consider atmosphere and views in addition to food and drinks. After a weeklong wave of submissions wrapped up, we counted them and have landed on the top five finalists. They are, in alphabetical order:
- 15th Street Fisheries
- Aruba Beach Cafe
- Boathouse at the Riverside
- Deck 84
- Sea Watch on the Ocean
What Fans Had to Say
In nominating Aruba Beach Cafe, readers raved about the live music as well as the service and views. Of course, there’s also the "phenomenal food," according to Fort Lauderdale resident Jennifer Golubski.
"I recommend the ahi tuna, Florida seafood soup and sesame-crusted salmon," she wrote in her nomination form. "Amazing and friendly staff. Ocean views. Cute and family-friendly location."
Fans of Boathouse at the Riverside, which is part of the Riverside Hotel, lauded the menu and views of boat traffic. One recommended an after-dinner walk along the New River.
"The ambience is wonderful and location is amazing!" wrote Fort Lauderdale resident Marianna DeJager. "The food is delicious and service is top-notch. There is nothing better than sitting at the Boathouse on a sunny day and enjoying a cocktail and meal, and watching our tourism and marine industries in action."
The Finalists
Here are the top five finalists:
- 15th Street Fisheries: Fort Lauderdale views of the 17th Street Bridge and Pier 66 were top of mind for some folks who nominated this eatery. Pembroke Pines resident Jonathan Gomez said he’s even made a few friends at the restaurant.
- Aruba Beach Cafe: Mixed drinks on a beachside table at Aruba Beach Cafe in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
- Boathouse at the Riverside: Fans of this eatery, which is part of the Riverside Hotel, lauded the menu and views of boat traffic. One recommended an after-dinner walk along the New River.
- Deck 84: Susan Schwartz called this Boca Raton eatery the perfect place to pull up and dock your boat. The Boca Raton resident also mentioned the "fabulous food, views, and live music," "best drinks" and a "wonderful" staff as part of her nomination.
- Sea Watch on the Ocean: "TRADITION!" is what Pompano Beach resident Maria Soldani emphatically wanted us to know first about her reasons for nominating this eatery. "This is my favorite place to make memories with family and friends," she wrote. "The breezes through the open porch give a salty feeling to the atmosphere. The service is impeccable, the waiting staff is solicitous, well-trained and can make recommendations from the menu."
Cast Your Vote
Now that you’ve heard from readers, it’s time to make your voice heard! Cast your vote using the form below. You have until Friday, February 28.
Don’t Miss Previous Winners!
Top food truck
Top brunch
Top sushi
Top craft beer
Top steak
Top Cuban sandwich
Top ice cream
Top pizza
Top burger
Top donut
Top BBQ
Top bagel
Top fried chicken
Conclusion
We’re excited to see which waterfront dining destination will take the top spot. Remember to cast your vote by February 28, and don’t miss our previous winners in the Best of South Florida Dining series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I cast my vote?
A: You can cast your vote using the form below or by clicking here.
Q: When is the deadline to cast my vote?
A: The deadline is Friday, February 28.
Q: Can I vote for more than one restaurant?
A: No, you can only vote for one restaurant.
Q: What if I don’t see my favorite waterfront dining destination on the list?
A: Unfortunately, we can only consider restaurants that were nominated by our readers. However, we encourage you to continue to support your favorite local businesses and keep an eye out for future nomination opportunities.
