Who Has the Best Waterfront Dining in South Florida?
The urge to head to the water for an enjoyable dining experience is strong in South Florida. A sunny day calls us to venture east to restaurants on the ocean or along the Intracoastal Waterway, where we can sit at an umbrella-covered table, order a frozen drink and tasty meal, and savor the view. Throw in some boats (either docked at a marina or cruising by, we’re not picky), palm trees swaying in the breeze and live music to set the scene, and we’re hooked!
With plenty of fish in the sea to choose from, we turned to you, our readers, to help us find the quintessential waterfront restaurant in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties as part of February’s Best of South Florida Dining series.
The five finalists that emerged after nomination round were, in alphabetical order:
(Note: A sixth restaurant, Kaluz in Fort Lauderdale, was tied for a finalist spot, but the eatery declined to participate in the free readers’ poll.)
After a week’s worth of votes rolled in, we tallied them and now have your people’s-choice waterfront winner, inspired by a Caribbean paradise … Aruba Beach Cafe!
The Response
“It’s awesome. It feels incredible,” general manager Dwayne Wiseman said. “We feel the love, the appreciation. [After] the hard work we put in for years, it shows that what you’ve done pays off.”
Aruba Beach Cafe opened 35 years ago and uses the slogan “One Happy Restaurant,” paying homage to Aruba, which is known as “One Happy Island.” Good vibes, food, and music are always the catch of the day here, Wiseman said.
The Waterfront Experience
What sets Aruba Beach Cafe’s view apart from other waterfront dining destinations?
“Every table has a beautiful view of the ocean,” Wiseman said.
Some of them even sit directly on the sand.
“It’s one of the few restaurants where you can sit on the sand … You get the whole tropical experience,” he said. “And all the tables that are in the restaurant look over these floor-to-ceiling windows, these big sliding windows that are open when the weather is beautiful.”
For those who want some tunes with a view, the restaurant also offers daily live music.
“People get up and dance at their table,” Wiseman said. “It’s great energy.”
What’s on the Menu?
Executive chef Christopher Nealon has been carefully crafting Aruba Beach Cafe’s extensive menu since the beginning, with dishes featuring fresh, local seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and quesadillas as well as appetizers, soups, and desserts.
“We make sure we cover everybody’s appetite,” Wiseman said.
Among the most popular entrees, he said, are the sesame-crusted salmon topped with teriyaki soy glaze and served with white rice, tropical vegetables, wakame, wasabi, and pickled ginger, and the blackened seafood trio that includes shrimp, scallops, and catch of the day sautéed with spicy cajun seasoning and accompanied by rice, black beans, and vegetables.
Sunday Funday Brunch
Want to dip your toes in the sand on a Sunday morning and savor some brunch? Order from Aruba Beach Cafe’s brunch menu from 10 to 11:30 a.m., featuring Avocado Toast, Smoked Salmon Platter, Quiche Lorraine, Breakfast Burrito, the Grilled Classic Egg Sandwich, and The “Sunday Funday” parfait. Don’t forget the $5 blood marys, mimosas, and bellinis!
“We used to do the buffet years ago, which people love,” Wiseman said. “During COVID, we couldn’t do the buffet anymore.”
But there may be some good news on the horizon for buffet-brunch fans.
“It is something that we are considering bringing back,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of people ask about it.”
What Fans Had to Say
What draws Lauderdale-by-the-Sea resident Patty Pagana to Aruba Beach Cafe?
“The warm vibes, food and drink variety, the music, the staff, and bars!” she wrote in her nomination form.
Another Lauderdale-by-the-Sea resident, Barbara Cole, said “the food and the atmosphere are equal to its beach/oceanfront location … as loyal residents and traveling patrons have known for decades!”
Fort Lauderdale resident Jennifer Golubski concurred, saying the cafe’s fare is “phenomenal.”
“I recommend the ahi tuna, Florida seafood soup, and sesame-crusted salmon,” she wrote. “Amazing and friendly staff. Ocean views. Cute and family-friendly location.”
Conclusion
Aruba Beach Cafe is the perfect spot for a relaxing day out with friends, a romantic evening, or a family outing. With its stunning ocean views, delicious menu options, and lively atmosphere, it’s no wonder it’s the readers’ top choice for waterfront dining in South Florida. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and head to Aruba Beach Cafe for an unforgettable dining experience!
FAQs
Q: Can I make reservations at Aruba Beach Cafe?
A: Yes, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends or during peak season. You can book a table through their website or by calling the restaurant directly.
Q: What are the hours of operation for Aruba Beach Cafe?
A: The cafe is open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is served from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Sundays.
Q: Can I bring my kids to Aruba Beach Cafe?
A: Yes, the cafe is family-friendly and welcomes kids. They have a play area and a kids’ menu available.
Q: Is Aruba Beach Cafe wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the restaurant has wheelchair ramps and elevators, making it accessible to guests with mobility issues.
Q: Can I get a table with a view?
A: Yes, many of the tables at Aruba Beach Cafe have a direct view of the ocean. Be sure to request one when you make your reservation.
