8 Scenic Waterfront Restaurants for Your Next Getaway

What makes a meal exceptional? It’s not just the recipes, the preparation, or the ingredients, but the atmosphere. Whether it’s the Mississippi River or the Atlantic, dining is always better with a view. These 8 restaurants understand the atmospheric dining experience and provide some of the most beautiful waterfront views. 

Chemin a la Mer | New Orleans

Discover a medley of Louisiana and French flavors at this steakhouse and oyster bar on the edge of the Mississippi River. Accompanying the seafood is a spectacular view from the fifth floor of the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, where you can overlook the river that is the source for the melting pot of cultures and flavors guests get to experience at Chemin a la Mer. Be sure to make a stop at the Purple Grackle Lounge before you head out. 

Caps on the Water | St. Augustine

Settled along the Tolomato River in St Augustine, Caps on the Water provides some of the most beautiful views of the sunset over the water in East Florida. With fresh seafood made from scratch with local ingredients, craft cocktails, and a wine menu with over 500 options, this menu will leave your mind reeling and your mouth watering.

Moonrakers | Beaufort, SC

With three floors of waterfront dining along the Atlantic, Moonrakers offers enough entrees, sides, soups, salads, small plates, and drinks to make your head spin. The mouth watering menu and inviting decor will have you planning your next trip before the meal is over.

The Spot at Belmont Bay | Woodbridge, VA

The Spot at Belmont Bay, named appropriately, is the ideal Sunday morning spot for brunch along the water. Soak in the beautiful views of Belmont Bay, pull up by boat with their Dock and Dine service, and enjoy a craft cocktail with a house-made brunch. Whether you’re arriving by land or water, The Spot is the ideal place to relax, unwind, and enjoy great food with a waterfront backdrop. 

Rays on the River | Sandy Springs, GA

Treat yourself to a 5-star meal at this Atlanta institution alongside the Chattahoochee River and sit back and relax while you receive top tier service, fresh steak and seafood, quality cocktails, and fine wines. The cozy setting of the dining room with the view of the quaint river works to make the already exceptional food and service even better. Ray’s also has a direct walking path along the river for guests to relax before or after their meal.

Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina | Chesapeake City

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this Maryland Marina restaurant on Chesapeake Bay will deliver something memorable. Arrive by car, boat, or the complimentary water taxi for dinner and drinks and stay for the dreamy view, live music, and the electric atmosphere of the Deck and Tiki Bar.

The Oasis | Austin, TX

The Oasis on Lake Travis is the Texas destination for a delicious waterfront Mexican meal. Known for a unique, entertaining atmosphere, and drinks that are to die for, Grab a seat outside in the Austin Hill Country, or the “Sunset Capitol of Texas” with a margarita and a panoramic view of the lake. The Oasis has the largest seating in Texas, so show up, settle in, and grab anything from enchiladas to paella.

The Paper Canoe | Duck, NC

On the edge of North Carolina, The Paper Canoe is ready to welcome guests to a reimagined American gourmet cuisine sourced from  the Outer Banks. Directly on the ocean, The Paper Canoe allows guests to experience everything from handmade pasta to locally-caught seafood.

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