-by Discover the best coastal restaurants that offer stunning waterfront views and unforgettable dining experiences. This Coastal Restaurants Guide introduces you to top seaside eateries serving fresh seafood, creative dishes, and a relaxing coastal ambiance. Plan a romantic dinner by the shore, a family meal with panoramic water views, or a laid-back beachside brunch—each option blends flavor with scenery.
From upscale coastal dining rooms to casual surf-style cafés, every restaurant in this guide brings you closer to the soothing sound of the waves while serving meals made from the freshest local ingredients. Explore hidden gems, iconic waterfront spots, and must-try coastal flavors that elevate every bite. Start your journey to the most scenic coastal restaurants and enjoy delicious food paired with breathtaking ocean horizons.
Why Coastal Restaurants Are Becoming So Popular
Coastal restaurants are becoming more popular every year in the USA because they offer something special that regular restaurants can’t match — great food with a beautiful ocean view. Dining by the water creates a calm, relaxing feeling, whether you’re watching a colorful sunset, listening to waves, or enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.
From the beaches of California and Florida to Hawaii, South Carolina, and New England, people love the vacation-like atmosphere these restaurants provide. Oceanfront spots often serve fresh seafood, grilled meats, salads, and tropical drinks that pair perfectly with the coastal setting.
If you enjoy unique dining experiences, you may also like rooftop restaurants or waterfront cafés, which offer similar scenic views. But coastal restaurants are especially loved because they combine nature, fresh ingredients, and a peaceful beach vibe, making every meal feel a little more memorable.
Many oceanfront restaurants also focus on sustainability, use locally caught seafood, and offer outdoor seating with live music. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a casual meal, eating by the ocean adds an extra touch of magic.
What to Expect at a Coastal Restaurant
1. Beautiful Ocean Views
Most coastal restaurants offer amazing views of the water. You can enjoy your meal while watching waves, boats, sunsets, or beach activities. Many places have outdoor seating so you can sit close to the shoreline.
2. Fresh and Flavorful Seafood
Coastal restaurants are known for serving fresh seafood that often comes straight from local fishermen. Popular dishes include:
- Grilled fish
- Shrimp and lobster
- Crab cakes
- Fish tacos
- Clam chowder
- Oysters
Fresh ingredients help bring out natural flavors that seafood lovers enjoy.
3. Relaxed, Beachy Atmosphere
These restaurants usually feel warm and welcoming. Expect:
- Casual coastal décor
- Soft lighting
- Open-air patios
- Friendly service
- A calm, laid-back vibe
It’s the perfect setting for families, couples, or a peaceful meal with friends.
4. Options for Everyone
Coastal restaurants are great for both casual lunches and romantic dinners. Many offer kids’ menus, group seating, and special sunset dining for couples.
5. Refreshing Drinks & Light Desserts
Most menus include tropical and beach-inspired drinks and desserts like:
- Piña coladas
- Mojitos
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Key lime pie
- Coconut desserts
- Fruit sorbets
These choices are perfect for hot summer days by the ocean.
6. Seasonal and Local Specials
Some places offer seasonal dishes based on what’s fresh that week, like lobster in New England or mahi-mahi in Hawaii. Many also host themed nights, live music events, and weekend brunches that add to the fun experience.
Top 10 Coastal Restaurants in the USA
From California’s dramatic cliffs to Hawaii’s tropical beaches and the East Coast’s charming harbors, these oceanfront restaurants deliver unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, sunset views, or a romantic waterfront atmosphere, each spot offers its own blend of exceptional cuisine, coastal charm, and picture-perfect scenery. Perfect for date nights, family outings, or special celebrations, these oceanfront favorites showcase the very best of America’s shoreline dining.
01. Geoffrey’s Malibu – Malibu, California
A luxury cliffside restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean, known for breathtaking sunset views, celebrity sightings, and elevated seafood dishes. Geoffrey’s is ideal for romantic dinners, celebrations, and anyone wanting a classic Malibu dining experience with sweeping coastal scenery.
Address: 27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Phone: +1 310-457-1519
Menu Highlights: Lobster salad, miso-marinated sea bass, scallops, seafood paella.
Service Options: Dine-in, outdoor seating, reservations recommended.
02. Beachcomber Café – Crystal Cove, California
Located steps from the sand at Crystal Cove State Park, this restaurant offers a true laid-back beachfront vibe. Guests enjoy ocean-view breakfasts, handcrafted cocktails, and relaxed seaside dining. It’s especially popular for weekend brunch and sunset dinners with toes-in-the-sand ambience.
Address: 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Phone: +1 949-376-6900
Menu Highlights: Beignets, fish tacos, shrimp & grits, tropical cocktails.
Service Options: Dine-in, beachfront patio seating.
03. Rusty Pelican – Miami, Florida
A Miami icon, Rusty Pelican combines luxury dining with dramatic ocean and skyline views of Biscayne Bay. The menu features seafood towers, fresh fish, and creative cocktails, making it a go-to spot for special occasions, romantic dates, and waterfront brunches.
Address: 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Phone: +1 305-361-3818
Menu Highlights: Seafood tower, lobster risotto, octopus, prime steaks.
Service Options: Dine-in, outdoor patio, private events.
04. Mama’s Fish House – Maui, Hawaii
One of the most famous Coastal Restaurants in the world, Mama’s Fish House offers fresh, locally caught fish with a Polynesian twist. Set on a private beach in Paia, it delivers a tropical, upscale atmosphere with palm trees, ocean waves, and unforgettable island flavors.
Address: 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
Phone: +1 808-579-8488
Menu Highlights: Fresh-catch mahi mahi, ono, ahi, coconut seafood dishes.
Service Options: Dine-in, reservation only (high demand).
05. Duke’s Waikiki – Honolulu, Hawaii
A legendary restaurant right on Waikiki Beach, Duke’s offers the perfect mix of Hawaiian comfort food, fresh seafood, and stunning beach views. Visitors love the casual, surf-inspired vibe, live music, and classic dishes like poke, hula pie, and grilled fish.
Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: +1 808-922-2268
Menu Highlights: Poke bowls, hula pie, grilled fish, Hawaiian-style ribs.
Service Options: Dine-in, beachfront seating, takeout.
06. Ray’s Boathouse – Seattle, Washington
Situated on the shoreline of Puget Sound, Ray’s Boathouse offers gorgeous water and mountain views paired with Pacific Northwest-style seafood. It’s a favorite for sunset dining, weekend brunch, and celebrating special moments with a serene waterfront backdrop.
Address: 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: +1 206-789-3770
Menu Highlights: Wild salmon, halibut, oysters, chowder.
Service Options: Dine-in, outdoor deck seating.
07. The Boathouse at Waterway – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Serving Southern-style seafood and Lowcountry classics, this restaurant provides beautiful river and ocean views. With live music, outdoor seating, and a relaxed coastal vibe, it’s a great choice for families, groups, and travelers exploring Myrtle Beach.
Address: 201 Fantasy Harbour Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Phone: +1 843-903-2770
Menu Highlights: Shrimp & grits, fried seafood platters, Lowcountry favorites.
Service Options: Dine-in, outdoor seating, bar service.
08. Fleet Landing – Charleston, South Carolina
Housed in an old naval building sitting directly over the water, Fleet Landing is famous for its panoramic harbor views and modern Southern seafood. Its combination of history, charm, and fresh local dishes makes it one of Charleston’s top waterfront dining spots.
Address: 186 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: +1 843-722-8100
Menu Highlights: Crab cakes, shrimp & oyster platters, she-crab soup.
Service Options: Dine-in, waterfront patio seating.
09. The Ocean House Restaurant – Newport, Rhode Island
Known for luxury New England coastal elegance, The Ocean House offers refined seafood, polished service, and spectacular beachfront scenery. Perfect for upscale dining, weekend getaways, and travelers seeking a classic East Coast oceanfront experience.
Address: 1 Bluff Ave, Watch Hill, RI 02891
Phone: +1 401-584-7000
Menu Highlights: Maine lobster, clam chowder, raw bar, upscale seafood.
Service Options: Dine-in, terrace seating, fine dining.
10. The Marine Room – La Jolla, California
A unique and dramatic dining destination where waves crash against the windows at high tide. The Marine Room offers fine dining with incredible oceanfront views, making it a must-visit for those looking for a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime coastal experience in Southern California.
Address: 2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: +1 858-459-7222
Menu Highlights: Lobster bisque, abalone, sea bass, gourmet tasting menu.
Service Options: Dine-in, reservations required.
Regional Atmosphere & Dining Styles You’ll Experience at Coastal Restaurants
Coastal restaurants in the U.S. are more than just places to eat — they offer a fully immersive coastal experience. With panoramic water views, fresh sea breezes, and regionally inspired menus, these restaurants bring together the best of local flavors and stunning scenery. Whether you’re perched on a California cliff, dining steps from a Florida beach, or overlooking a New England harbor, every coastal restaurant tells a story of its coast.
Here’s how coastal dining shines across different U.S. regions:
West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)
Expect breathtaking sunsets, cliffside tables, and menus built around fresh Pacific seafood. Dishes often include ahi tuna, salmon, Dungeness crab, oysters, ceviche, and farm-to-table coastal vegetables. The vibe ranges from sophisticated fine dining to relaxed surf-culture cafés.
East Coast (New England, Mid-Atlantic, Florida)
Known for classic coastal comfort foods — lobster rolls, clam chowder, crab cakes, oysters, steamers, and seared scallops. Many coastal restaurants here sit along boardwalks, historic piers, or picturesque beaches, offering a blend of charm and tradition with unbeatable Atlantic views.
Gulf Coast (Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida Panhandle)
Here, oceanfront dining comes with bold flavor and Southern hospitality. Expect blackened fish, shrimp and grits, gumbo, Cajun-spiced dishes, grilled Gulf shrimp, and seafood platters served on breezy decks with live music and a laid-back beach atmosphere.
Hawaii & the Pacific Islands
Tropical ingredients and vibrant Polynesian culture define Hawaiian coastal restaurants. Popular dishes include poke bowls, macadamia-crusted mahi-mahi, coconut shrimp, grilled pineapple, taro rolls, and island-style cocktails. Many restaurants sit directly on the sand, offering breathtaking sunset dining.
Wherever you dine, coastal restaurants let you experience the coastal lifestyle through fresh ingredients, local traditions, and unforgettable views.
Why Coastal Restaurants Are Perfect for Every Occasion
Coastal restaurants offer the perfect balance of ambiance, scenery, and exceptional food — making them ideal for many types of gatherings and celebrations.
Romantic dinners
Sunset views, candlelit patios, and the sound of waves create the perfect backdrop for date nights, anniversaries, or special moments.
Family meals
Many coastal restaurants offer spacious outdoor seating, kid-friendly options, and relaxed beachfront vibes that make dining fun and stress-free.
Vacation dining experiences
Nothing says “vacation” like enjoying fresh seafood and tropical drinks overlooking the ocean — a must-do for travelers in coastal cities.
Celebrations & group events
From weddings and birthday parties to corporate events, coastal restaurants provide scenic venues that elevate any celebration.
Casual lunches or brunch
Enjoy fish tacos, shrimp bowls, beachside burgers, and refreshing cocktails in a laid-back, breezy setting that captures the spirit of coastal living.
Oceanfront restaurants blend flavor and atmosphere effortlessly, delivering memorable dining moments for all occasions.
Tips for Choosing the Best Coastal Restaurant
Choosing the perfect coastal restaurant is easy when you know what to look for:
1. Check the view
Look for restaurants with direct ocean views, beachfront patios, rooftop terraces, or pier-side seating.
2. Explore the menu
The best coastal restaurants highlight regional seafood: oysters, crab, mahi-mahi, lobster, poke, shrimp, ceviche, and fresh-catch specials.
3. Read reviews & photos
Guest feedback reveals whether a restaurant truly delivers on food quality, service, and views — especially during peak dining times like sunset.
4. Consider the vibe
Do you want upscale and romantic? Casual and family-friendly? Trendy and modern? Coastal restaurants offer a wide range of atmospheres.
5. Reserve in advance
Popular coastal restaurants book quickly, especially for sunset dining and weekend brunch.
Conclusion
Coastal restaurants across the U.S. deliver some of the most unforgettable dining experiences — combining scenic views, fresh coastal flavors, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re enjoying seafood on a rugged California bluff, savoring tropical dishes in Hawaii, or tasting East Coast classics by the Atlantic, every coastal restaurant offers its own slice of coastal magic.
Perfect for couples, families, vacationers, and food lovers, these dining destinations bring the beauty of the ocean straight to your table — morning, noon, or night. From laid-back beachside cafés to upscale waterfront dining rooms, coastal restaurants offer something for every taste and occasion. The sound of crashing waves, the salty breeze, and breathtaking sunsets create an atmosphere that elevates every bite. No matter where you travel, these coastal gems turn simple meals into unforgettable moments.
FAQs – Coastal Restaurants
Q: What makes a coastal restaurant unique?
Ans: Their combination of high-quality food, fresh ocean air, and scenic waterfront views creates a dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Q: Do coastal restaurants only serve seafood?
Ans: No. While seafood is a highlight, most menus include steaks, salads, pastas, vegetarian dishes, and other options.
Q: Are coastal restaurants expensive?
Ans: Prices vary. Many upscale spots charge premium prices for the view, but plenty of casual beachfront restaurants are affordable.
Q: Are reservations necessary?
Ans: Highly recommended — especially for sunset or weekend dining.
Q: What dishes are popular at coastal restaurants?
Ans: Lobster rolls, oysters, grilled fish, shrimp cocktails, ceviche, crab cakes, poke bowls, and coastal-inspired cocktails.
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