The 14 Best Waterfront Restaurants In Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, Florida has proven to be a wildly popular destination for travelers looking to take a break from reality and relax with their toes in the sand. Between the warm sandy beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Halifax River at your fingertips, it only makes sense that most of the restaurants here boast some of the best views in the area!
Not surprisingly, most of these spots feature menus highlighting the region's wealth of seafood options. From catfish and cod to shrimp and alligator, Daytona Beach's waterfront cuisine showcases the freshest variety of the region's resources. Many of these local establishments cater to the tropical energy of the town, offering live music, delicious cocktails, and impressively priced happy hours to keep the party going all day long. Whether you are looking for an elegant sit-down meal or a casual fried bite and a beer, these 14 waterfront restaurants in Daytona Beach have you covered!
1. The Pier House
With a stunning view of "The World's Most Famous Beach," The Pier House serves some of the best New American dishes in Daytona, with a unique take on classic steak and seafood. The menu puts a fresh and innovative twist on American favorites, resulting in flavorful and nostalgic meals. Some standouts include the mac and cheese ball appetizer, which features rich cheddar mac and cheese coated in panko bread crumbs and fried to perfection.
The real star of the show at The Pier House is the impressive array of steak and seafood entreés. With a wealth of delicious cuts to choose from, the high-quality beef and preparation of the steaks shine in every dish. Patrons can indulge in the juicy pan-seared and crowned filet mignon for a decadent plate. Or, check out the incredible snow crab clusters, and enjoy the fresh seafood while taking in the breathtaking Daytona Beach view.
2. Chez Paul
Chez Paul brings European luxury to Daytona Beach's shores with delicious French and Italian cuisine. Guests are invited to stay in its richly designed interior for a more royal dining experience. Or, take a step outside for dinner on the beautiful garden patio, which has sweeping views of the Halifax River.
Wherever you choose to enjoy your meal, the food at Chez Paul brings bold, delicious flavors to every meal. The diverse menu offers favorite dishes from across Europe, bringing a unique blend of cuisines to the Daytona Beach food scene. The restaurant is a crowd-pleasing favorite and a must-try for locals and visitors alike, with a wide array of steak, seafood, and pasta entrees for guests to choose from. Start your meal with classic French escargot, served in mushroom caps with a delicate white wine sauce and bright herb butter. And for the main course, try the German pork schnitzel, New Zealand lamb rack, or Italian lobster ravioli.
3. Chart House
Looking for the ultimate dinner with a view? Located at Marina Point, Chart House in Daytona Beach boasts floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the dining room, allowing guests throughout the restaurant to enjoy the sunset, yacht, and even dolphin views across the Halifax River during their meal. The unique architecture and careful styling of the space create an inviting and elegant ambiance that is perfect for date nights or celebrations with family and friends.
That said, Chart House offers so much more than just an incredible dining area. The signature seafood specialties like the Mac Nut Mahi highlight the delicious local fish. This particular dish is served with a warm peanut sauce, a mango relish soy glaze, and one-of-a-kind mango sticky rice with green beans. Pair any of Chart House's incredible seafood dishes with one of its signature cocktails for a meal that will keep you coming back time and time again.
4. Caribbean Jack's
Caribbean Jack's is more than just a restaurant; it is a complete experience. This local, famous establishment offers live music nightly on the dockside patio deck during happy hour, which is equally impressive — and affordable. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, for under $5, guests can enjoy classic bites of Florida beach food, like the fried gator tail bites with a spicy creole aioli or market-fresh jumbo lump crab cakes paired with a cocktail.
In addition to the incredible happy hour and vibrant outdoor dining experience, Caribbean Jack's also boasts a full menu of Caribbean-inspired food that uses local ingredients and flavors. The restaurant offers a wide array of dishes, from fresh seafood to fried favorites, ensuring there is always something available for every member of your party to enjoy. Check out the signature market-fresh Grouper served blackened, grilled, or with jerk seasoning for the full Caribbean Jack's experience.
5. The Beach Bucket
Located right on the beach, The Beach Bucket is the perfect spot to grab a bite or a drink while enjoying incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverages right by the shore. Its full bar serves bright and refreshing signature cocktails, including a daily special mixed drink for $4.95, making it the perfect spot to catch up with some friends and enjoy a warm Daytona evening.
In addition to the impressive beverage menu, The Beach Bucket also offers full breakfast, lunch, dinner, and kids menus daily with plenty of options to satisfy every palate. Stop by and enjoy the sound of the crashing waves over brunch, and be sure to check out the restaurant's house specialty seafood omelet stuffed with sweet blue crab meat and shrimp — topped with a decadent hollandaise sauce.
6. Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club
Ocean Deck is the life of the Daytona Beach party. For over 50 years, the restaurant has served some of the most delicious seafood, burgers, and other crowd-pleasing favorites, along with live music, dancing, and drinks. Ocean Deck is the only spot that brings the party directly to the beach, allowing guests to enjoy the full experience with their feet in the sand and a drink in their hand. The establishment is divided into three different deck areas: one beachfront and casual, one air-conditioned and cool, and one designed with private parties in mind.
The lively atmosphere draws from tropical influence, serving up tropical cocktails with Caribbean tunes and fresh, delicious seafood that is caught daily. In addition to the inviting and fun energy, Ocean Deck offers a full menu with plenty of options. Some of the most popular seafood dishes available at the restaurant include shrimp, crab legs, clams, and the house specialty mahi-mahi.
7. Oasis Tiki Bar & Grill
Located right on the shores of the World's Most Famous Beach, the Oasis Tiki Bar & Grill takes pride in being a local favorite. This beachside spot is great for food, drinks, and live music. Each day, a DJ starts the party at 1 p.m., playing classic hits, funky beach tunes, and top 100 songs. There are also live musicians in the evening on the weekends, allowing the establishment to bring easy island vibes to the shorefront.
The restaurant's classic American menu features shareable appetizers, delicious, juicy burgers served both traditionally and with an island twist, and — of course — a signature Florida fish dish. The shrimp basket comes with eight butterfly shrimp and a bright and tangy cocktail sauce, making it a solid meal for a beachside dinner. The house-made fries are also a local favorite, so be sure to order a side of them to share.
8. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
Located inside the beautiful Hilton Hotel, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse brings a high-quality experience to the Daytona Beach shoreline. The restaurant's interior is sleek and classic, with dark wood furnishings and simple yet stylish designs. Panoramic windows throughout the indoor dining room allow guests to enjoy sweeping views of the white sandy beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. The establishment also has a casual outdoor patio and bar, perfect for grabbing a drink or small happy hour bites while overlooking the shore.
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse offers a full fine-dining menu with a range of carefully crafted New American-style dishes. The surf and turf meal features a succulent 8-ounce filet mignon paired with buttery twin lobster tails, allowing guests to experience the best of the restaurant's seafood and steak-forward menu. This location is definitely a more upscale spot in Daytona, making it great for special occasions or celebrations.
9. Riptides Raw Bar & Grill
Riptides Raw Bar & Grill is one of the newer waterfront restaurants in Daytona Beach. This stylish establishment sets the scene for a beach-inspired meal right along the shore. With images of surfers lining the walls, a giant 12-foot smiling shark at the entrance, and incredible Atlantic Ocean views, Riptides Raw Bar & Grill serves delicious food and drink in a welcoming environment. They even have live music, so you can enjoy great tunes while you eat. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite and drink anytime.
Riptides' famed raw bar is a crowd favorite and a must-try for seafood lovers. It offers both fresh and baked oysters along with a daily all-you-can-eat crab special. Since the eatery is located by the water, it only makes sense to enjoy some fresh seafood while taking in the beachy atmosphere.
10. Millie's Restaurant
Millie's Restaurant is a family-owned establishment that incorporates fresh ingredients into each dish on the menu. With a focus on sourcing locally and maintaining relationships with area farmers, fishermen, and guests, Millie's is able to bring fresh seafood and seasonal produce to the table year-round. One of its standout menu items is the local fish française, which is an angel hair pasta dish served with a bright lemon caper beurre blanc and a market-fresh catch of the day. This is a wonderful option for diners seeking something light yet flavorful.
Millie's is the perfect spot to grab a casual sandwich before hitting the beach for a picnic, with indoor and outdoor dining options available during the lunch and dinner service. That said, guests seeking a more formal or traditional dining experience can just as easily dress up and sit down for a family dinner in the dining area.
11. Beaches
Looking for an eventful and lively Daytona Beach spot? Beaches, also known as Daytona's only "Entertainment Eatery," has created a dynamic establishment that fuses a restaurant, bar, concert venue, liquor store, and even car wash into one experience.
With a sports bar-style dining room, as well as a dance floor, live music, and an outdoor patio, Beaches brings the party to the shore no matter the day or time. The menu is pretty extensive, offering everything from hearty entrees to more casual sandwiches. The coconut shrimp appetizer provides a refreshing and tasty start to your meal, and the build-your-own burger allows you to customize the main course to your liking. If you manage to save room for dessert, the key lime pie provides a true taste of Florida. You can even pair the sweet treat with the key lime pie cocktail and really take things to the next level.
12. Pat's Riverfront Cafe
Located on the beautiful Florida Halifax River with direct dock access, Pat's Riverfront Cafe serves classic diner dishes in a quaint, cozy space. Pat's Riverfront Cafe has been locally-owned and operated for over 30 years and takes great pride in using only the freshest ingredients. This beloved cafe is known for mastering traditional dishes made from locally grown vegetables and sustainably-sourced Angus beef. Best of all, Pat's Riverfront Cafe offers breakfast all day long.
Some of the most delicious dishes come from the all-day breakfast menu. One of the most popular favorites is the creamy crab cake eggs benedict, served with fries made in-house. Those that prefer a true Southern experience can swap out the home fries for grits. The libations list boasts incredibly affordable wines and beers, and there is even a wide selection of mimosas for those looking to enhance their breakfast or brunch.
13. Aunt Catfish's on the River
Aunt Catfish's on the River is the ultimate family-owned and operated spot for Southern-inspired comfort food. The establishment's self-proclaimed "Down South River Cookin'" features a wealth of classics, highlighting river and ocean fish, fried gator, and a variety of buffet style-side dishes made in-house. Aunt Catfish's on the River also pours some stellar libations, ranging from wine and beer to signature cocktails. For a uniquely Floridian experience, try the gator burger served on a fluffy buttered and toasted kaiser with a homemade citrus ranch sauce.
The outdoor patio offers seating along the Halifax River, setting the scene for a local meal that fits the vibe. The service is also known to make patrons feel like family. Between the atmosphere and the fresh and delicious seafood, Aunt Catfish's on the River is the ultimate feel-good spot. And if you prefer beef, this local establishment also has a few steak options to cure your craving.
14. Our Deck Down Under
Located by the Dunlawton Bridge, Our Deck Down Under specializes in seafood and steak in an innovative and unique space. Only six miles south of downtown Daytona Beach along the Halifax River, this locally owned and operated restaurant has its own dock with plenty of slips available. Guests are able to dock their boat and literally walk straight from the vessel to their table for a true waterfront dining experience. The dining area is great for patrons looking to enjoy a crispy glass of white wine while escaping from the Florida heat. Customers can also enjoy the ocean breeze while watching the sunset on the patio deck.
Our Deck Down Under has plentiful food and beverage options for everyone. The signature jambalaya dish offers bold cajun flavors that pack a punch. Those craving a lighter and more refreshing bite will appreciate the fresh oysters and steamed clams.