Top Dock & Dine Restaurants on the Gulf Coast of Florida
After a long day out on the boat, nothing is more satisfying than being able to pull up to a dockside restaurant to refuel your body. The Gulf Coast of Florida is known for more than its beaches and attractions. It is also a delicious locale for fresh seafood, straight from the Gulf of Mexico. From the Northern Gulf down to the keys, we listed the hottest spots loved by locals to grab a bite to eat. Check out our list of the top-rated dock and dine restaurants on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House | Destin, FL
Starting on the beautiful Destin Harbor, this local favorite features southern-style seafood served in a casual setting with ocean views and two full bars. Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House makes it their mission to offer quality dining within a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. This restaurant encourages its guests to be as comfortable as possible; while maintaining the absolute finest Gulf to table dining on the Destin Harbor.
The Grand Marlin | Panama City Beach
Fun, great food and drinks, and an atmosphere reflecting the simple Caribbean lifestyle are what the Grand Marlin is all about. This upscale waterfront destination offers a raw bar serving refined, locally sourced seafood dishes and creative cocktails with a spectacular view. Since its opening, The Grand Marlin has proven to be quite a tasty catch and now offers two restaurants on the Gulf Coast: Panama City Beach and Pensacola.
The Freezer Tiki Bar | Homosassa, FL
This relaxed hideaway offers all the fixings including, cold beer, plates of shrimp, stone crab, and outdoor seating by a marina. This Florida gem is located on the Homosassa River and situated in an old fish freezer, hence the name. With a 4.5 star Google rating and over three-thousand reviews, this local hotspot is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Inn on the Gulf Restaurant | Hudson, FL
The Inn of the Gulf brings you some of the best and freshest seafood dishes found on the Gulf. From their warm hospitality to their famous fish and chips and gorgeous sunset views, this local favorite is sure to impress. They also offer upscale dining in their Sunset Room Restaurant. Here you can enjoy some of Florida’s best grouper, steaks, and seafood specialties in a nautical chic dining room. Or, enjoy ocean views with their alfresco dining option on their large outdoor patio.
Island Way Grill | Clearwater, FL
Island Way Grill in Clearwater is all about fresh fish. Their boats make daily trips to the Gulf, where they catch everything from fresh grouper, Mahi, snapper, and other local varieties. Most of their dishes revolve around oak and citrus-fired open pit, which sears at a high temperature and adds a delicious smokiness to everything grilled. They also offer a sushi bar, water views, and an award-winning Sunday brunch menu.
Salt Rock Grill | Indian Shores, FL
Salt Rock Grill is a renowned restaurant on the Gulf Coast for delectable food, enticing drinks, and enjoyable surroundings. This local favorite is well-known for its hand-cut U.S.D.A prime and choice grade beef, daily fresh-caught seafood, raw bar, and top-notch wine cellar. Salt Rock Grill is the perfect choice for an evening of fine dining, superior service, and genuine hospitality.
Marina Jack | Sarasota, FL
Nestled in the heart of downtown Sarasota, this award-winning restaurant on the Gulf Coast offers the finest steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes. From patio self-seating to fine dining upstairs, Marina Jack offers a variety of options for the best of waterfront dining. Also, the Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar offers the perfect setting for cocktail hour. Marina Jack is also home to our Sarasota dealership, located just outside of the restaurant’s front doors. Stop in and say hi, our office is open from 8:30-5, Monday through Friday.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille | Ft. Myers Beach, FL
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille takes pride in providing customers only the freshest seafood and ingredients available. All of their dishes are prepared fresh in-house every day. Locals love this restaurant for its daily specials for lunch and dinner, full menu option from open to close, signature cocktails, and extensive premium rum selection. Doc Ford’s also has three other locations on Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and St. Pete Pier.
The Dock At Crayton Cove | Naples, FL
The Dock at Crayton Cove is located in the heart of Old Naples, offering waterfront dining since 1976. While a lot has changed over the years, their philosophy has not. Give people what Naples is all about: great views, great food, and great fun. They specialize in serving only the freshest fish and shellfish from regional and international waters, with tropical flavors and preparations that reflect the area’s rich cultural history.
Key Largo Fisheries | Key Largo, FL
Key Largo Fisheries is a family-owned business that has been feeding customers fresh seafood since 2011. Their backyard café features a relaxed, casual atmosphere, which makes for the perfect place to enjoy a delightful meal and some “Keys” style fun! With over 100 menu items, there is sure to be something for everyone. Local favorites include fresh crab dishes, Florida lobsters, shrimp, or Mahi, to name just a few.
Hurricane Hole Restaurant & Marina | Key West, FL
This Key West favorite features new American and seafood fare, served up in a lively eatery with outdoor seating on a boat dock. They also offer a full-service Marina, dock-side bar, watersports, and fishing charters. Whether relaxing on the outdoor deck by the water or gathering in the comfortable indoor dining room, Hurricane Hole is well known for some of the freshest seafood available in Key West, straight from their docks to your plate.
