Looking for a side of serenity on the menu at your local restaurant? There's no better way to tap that vibe than enjoying drinks and dining on the water. The sound of waves crashing and the sight of beautiful boats passing by rarely fails to inspire some tranquility. It makes the food taste just a little better and makes you never want to leave.
Fortunately, South Florida is flush with waterfront options. And Palm Beach County has so many, we've had to break out the master list by geography.
If you're living in southern Palm Beach County or looking for a reason to take a drive that way, here are more than a dozen restaurants with waterfront views.
Boynton Beach restaurants on the water
Two Georges Waterfront Grille
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway
A Boynton Beach staple for 60 years, Two Georges offers a great taste of Florida's laid-back coastal lifestyle. Dig into their Maryland crab cakes, panko fried ahi tuna bowl, swordfish piccata or any number of fresh seafood dishes, all while sipping a frozen cocktail along the water and have an epiphany awesomeness of South Florida.
Details: 728 Casa Loma Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-736-2717; twogeorgesrestaurant.com
Banana Boat
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway at the Boynton Harbor Marina
This family-owned restaurant has anchored Boynton’s Ocean Avenue area since 1978. It's best known for its seafood liked macadamia-crusted yellowtail snapper and their bronzed local mahi, salads and upscale bar food in generous portions. It is also a great spot to enjoy any number of the specialty frozen drinks and cocktails while watching the boats cruise along the Intracoastal.
Details: 739 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-732-9400; bananaboatboynton.com
Prime Catch
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway
Opened in 2004, their fresh fish options, including coconut-crusted halibut, grilled swordfish and miso-glazed salmon, steaks and more, combined with waterfront ambiance keep this restaurant packed. The bar off the outside deck perched on the edge of the waterway is a popular hangout for happy hour and beyond.
Details: 700 E. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach. 561-737-8822; primecatchboynton.com
A'Lu Mexican Cuisine
The water view: Quantum Lake
The invention of Richard Charleston and specializing in San Diego-style Mexican cuisine, this Boynton Beach restaurant features an outdoor patio that sits along Quantum Lake. Charleston describes their dishes as "more true to the heart of Mexican cuisine, with more of a street food flare."
Details: 1080 Gateway Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-310-4572; alupalmbeach.com
Delray Beach restaurants with a water view
Boston’s on the Beach
The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
This mainstay of Delray Beach has outdoor covered dining that looks out over A1A and the beach on the other side. Though with the dense foliage along the beach, the view isn’t always great, there’s almost always a breeze and the taste of salt in the air. An eclectic menu boasts local, fresh seafood options.
Details: 40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; bostonsonthebeach.com
50 Ocean
The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
On the second floor above Boston’s, 50 Ocean does offer an unobstructed view of the ocean. Enjoy their upscale, seafood-centric menu while gazing out of the floor to ceiling windows. This commercial stretch along Delray’s oceanfront has maintained its Old Florida flavor.
50 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; 50ocean.com
Pura Vida Miami
The water view: The Atlantic Ocean
Taking their name from the widely used Spanish phrase "Pure Life" and admonishing people to love and enjoy life, this restaurant features healthy and fun fare like smoothies, acai bowls, salads, all-day breakfast, sandwiches, salads and wraps.
Details: 6 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. puravidamiami.com
Caffe Luna Rosa
The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
Its well-dressed tables, art, granite and woodwork reminiscent of European cafe?s contrast nicely with the American restaurants on either side. Known for its homemade pasta and Italian influences, this restaurant is a go-to destination for breakfast and weekend brunch.
34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-274-9404; caffelunarosa.com
Sandbar Delray Beach
The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street
Sandbar Delray Beach can party all day and rock n' roll all night as it easily switches from beach bar to nightclub. Its rustic, weathered fixtures and furniture, brightly colored umbrellas and tropical food and drink make it a popular daytime venue. When the sun sets, however, the place transforms with guest DJs performing and VIP bottle service is available.
Details: 40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; bostonssandbar.com
Deck 84
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway
Consistently ranked as a top TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Restaurant, this local favorite offers picturesque views of the Intracoastal while its menu focuses on fresh local seafood (grouper, snapper, cobia and wahoo) plus prime beef steaks, burgers and salads. On weekends, there’s live music.
Details: 840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. 561-665-8484; deck84.com
Highland Beach
Latitudes at Delray Sands Resort
The water view: Atlantic Ocean
Featuring several distinctive dining areas, including the Ocean Terrace, the Chef's Seafood Bar and the Wave Pool Bar, Latitudes features fresh coastal cuisine, modern mixology and warm hospitality along the Atlantic Ocean. Come for the delicious food, stay for the killer ocean views.
Details: 2809 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. 561-278-2008; opalcollection.com/delray-sands/restaurants/latitudes
Boca Raton restaurants
SeaSpray Inlet Grill at the Waterstone Resort & Marina
The water view: Lake Boca Raton and the Boca Raton Inlet
With a menu inspired from coastal classics to create a menu of contemporary dishes, SeaSpray is open for lunch and dinner and features a 100-seat outdoor dining area. An access point for boats traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s the perfect place for yacht-watching.
Details: 999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton. 561-368-9500; seasprayboca.com
City Fish Market
The water view: sparkling man-made lake
This airy seafood restaurant features a wide selection of expertly-prepared, fresh fish and seafood, accompanied by a nautical ambiance next to a lake in Boca Raton. The menu includes classics such as fish and chips, their jumbo lump crab cakes and a wide selection of fresh catches that can be prepared to your taste. Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday featuring our signature cocktails and half-priced bottles of wine.
Details: 7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton. 561-487-1600; cityfishmarketboca.com
Chloe's Bistro at the Boardwalk at Boca Raton
The water view: The lake at Boardwalk at Boca Raton
This casual eatery prides itself on fresh ingredients and a diverse menu, from Italian to French. The understated ambiance and the reflection of lights on the water are a panacea for stress.
Details: 6885 SW 18th St. B7, Boca Raton. 561-334-2088; chloesbistro.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.