Mar'sel in Los Angeles
When it comes to a fine dining experience, a table with a view is not always guaranteed, but if you simply must feel the ocean breeze in your hair and see the stars come out at night, a restaurant on the waterfront is just about the most romantic thing you can plan.
See also: 18 Of The Best Tasting Menus Across the U.S.
We asked our editors across the country to tell us the best spots for waterfront dining in their cities, and now, we’re gathering the best of their picks for you below. Whether you’re looking for something on the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans, finding an oasis in the Las Vegas desert or a lakeside spot in Chicago, you can’t go wrong with these restaurants.
Atlanta - Allatoona Grill
5989 Groovers Landing Road SE, Acworth / Website
Allatoona Grill offers pristine lakefront views, charcoal-grilled steaks and island-inspired muddled fruit cocktails. The menu boasts Southern classics with a modern twist like Gulf shrimp and grits and po’ boy sandwiches with freshly caught and fried Lake Allatoona catfish. There are yet even more beautiful views and delicious menus to explore on Atlanta’s full list.
Chicago - Beatnik on The River
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180 N. Wacker Dr. / Website
With a maximalist atmosphere and pristine views of the Chicago Riverfront, Beatnik offers inventive takes on global fare from Northern Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico and beyond. Score a window seat and dine on entrees like Angus beef short rib tagine with apricot and chickpea stew and pomegranate and sesame seeds, plus small bites like tahini labneh and pomegranate baba ganoush. Be sure to check the rest of the fine dining spots on Chicago’s full list.
Hamptons - Cowfish
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258 E Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays / 631-594-3868 / Website
Nestled along the scenic Shinnecock Canal, Cowfish offers a delightful dining experience with a vibrant menu featuring fresh seafood and American classics. The relaxed atmosphere and stunning water views make it a perfect spot for a memorable meal. You know the Hamptons are full of beautiful seaside views, so be sure to check the region’s full list.
Las Vegas - Lago
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3600 S Las Vegas Blvd / Website
Located at the Bellagio, Lago by Julian Serrano offers Italian cuisine with front-row seats to the famous Fountains of Bellagio. This esteemed Italian restaurant invites guests to indulge in a variety of flavors while watching the magnificent water show right from their table. The menu is a celebration of Italian favorites, featuring elegant antipasti, rich pasta dishes and delicate seafood and meat entrees. Dining at Lago is not just about the food but the ambiance—the sight of fountains dancing to a well-choreographed symphony under the Nevada sky. Whether you're sipping on a signature cocktail or relishing a risotto, Lago delivers a multifaceted sensory treat. It might be hard to believe, but this desert city has even more waterfront dining options to enjoy, so check Vegas’ full list.
Los Angeles - Mar’sel
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100 Terranea Way / Website
It’s all in the name for Mar’sel. A pairing of the Spanish word for “sea” and the French word for “salt,” the Ranchos Palos Verdes blufftop restaurant at the Terranea embraces the ocean breeze for sunny Sunday brunches and decadent dinners. While enjoying seasonal California dishes like Ibérico Pork Coppa Steak and lobster-stuffed pappardelle pasta, you marvel at the expansive sea. Explore even more of L.A.’s charming waterfront restaurants by trying more of the eateries on the city’s full list.
Miami - La Mar
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500 Brickell Key Dr., 305-913-8358 / Website
La Mar by Gastón Acurio offers elegant Peruvian fare overlooking a dramatic waterfront setting on Brickell Key, located within the Mandarin Oriental. A must-try is the cebiche with grouper, shrimp and octopus, along with any of their creative cocktails. And it’s a no brainer to request a table outdoors, where the Biscayne Bay skyline awaits your viewing pleasure. No city in the U.S. is better for waterfront dining than Miami, so be sure to check the rest of the city's full list.
NYC - The Fulton
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89 South St., 212-838-1200 / Website
Find wild-caught seafood and seasonal cocktails brought to Pier 17 by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Equipped with the historic charm of the Fulton Fish Market, this spot will bring everything we love about fresh seafood and New York all in one place. The best part is, of course, the view. Dig into the raw seafood bar as you gaze out at the glittering skyline and its reflection on the water. The Big Apple is one of the finest cities in the U.S., so you know you’ve got to explore the rest of NYC’s full list.
San Francisco - Waterbar
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399 The Embarcadero, 415-284-9922 / Website
With panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge, Waterbar is the ideal spot to enjoy some of the finest seafood the city has to offer. The venue, designed by restauranter Pat Kuleto, features an expansive oyster bar, outdoor terraces and floor-to-ceiling aquariums, which add to its exceptional atmosphere. With a daily menu of freshly caught and sustainably sourced fish and a broad array of oyster specials, this restaurant is a spot you won’t want to miss. There are even more beautiful Bay views to enjoy by checking the other restaurants on SF’s full list.
Looking for more delights on the road? Check our guide to the best margaritas across the country.
