From storied fish camps to upscale bistros, the Orlando area is home to a variety of restaurants with waterfront views. So forget driving all the way to the coast and set out for one of these picturesque, but closer-to-home eateries instead.
Here are 24 essential seafood shacks, fish camps and classic patios offering waterfront dining across Central Florida.
211 Eola Parkway, Orlando A Lake Eola Park staple, Relax Grill is an ideal spot for those looking to do just that: relax. No frills, no hustle and bustle, just casual patio seating and some classic American dishes and drinks. Credit: Photo via Relax Grill/Facebook
7937 Daetwyler Drive, Orlando
Fish on Fire is a rustic Orlando seafood spot and fish camp. The restaurant, open since 2004, boasts fresh seafood and frequent live music and lively events. Credit: Image via Google Maps
1650 E. Buena Vista Drive, Orlando Be transported to Little Italy at this Disney Springs hotspot. Run by Top Chef master Tony Mantuano, you can find comfort specialties like eggplant Parmesan stack and ravioli gigante here. Come with an empty stomach so you can get your fill of tantalizing flavors and savory views from the veranda. Credit: Photo via Yelp
488 W. Highbanks Road, DeBary DeBary’s Swamp House boasts a prime location on the St. Johns River, fried seafood, a tiki bar and frequent live music. Credit: Image via Google Maps
13615 Sachs Ave., Orlando Besides the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, the flashy yellow lamps and the brick walls, Canvas restaurant overlooks a beautiful lake with a partially covered patio. The restaurant has recently introduced a food and drink happy hour menu featured Monday through Friday. Credit: Photo via Canvas Restaurant/Facebook
1620 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista “You will hands down never have a bad meal at Boathouse. Staff is always friendly as well which is shocking considering how crazy busy they always are. They are on top of it! It also helps that there are so many decor oriented things to look at it inside the restaurant with the many different rooms or if you sit on the water!” — Marielle M. Credit: Photo via The Boathouse/Facebook
846 W. Osceola St., Clermont After years of success, Tampa’s waterfront restaurant Salt Shack on the Bay opened a second location in a vacated lakefront space in downtown Clermont. The “rustic-refined” eatery serves fresh seafood, seasonal cuisine and tropical cocktails. Credit: Photo via Salt Shack on the Lake Clermont/FacebookShake Shack
119 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
Shake Shack might not be your first thought when it comes to scenic patio dining. But this location, located right on the edge of Lake Killarney, is a prime spot to down a burger and pretend you’re on a lakeside vacation. FWIW, this is also the very first outpost of the New York City-based chain to open in Central Florida. And the prices aren’t half bad, either. Credit: Photo via Shake Shack Winter Park/YelpOld Man Frank’s
1005 Lake Howard Drive, Winter Haven
Opened in 1954, Old Man Frank’s has been around to serve decades of Winter Haven locals and visitors from abroad. The lakeside hangout spot has a sprawling deck, live music and dancing, and a classic seafood menu highlighting a raw bar. Credit: Image via Google MapsHillstone
215 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
Guests can access Hillstone’s scenic lakeside patio by car, boat or seaplane. Choose from a lunch, dinner or wine menu, and bask in the beautiful view of Lake Killarney with friends and strangers. Credit: Photo via Hillstone/FacebookThe Waterfront
4201 S. Orange Ave., Orlando
The Waterfront offers homestyle classics like burgers, pulled pork sandwiches and fries, along with featured fresh seafood appetizers and entrees like blackened catfish. Enjoy your meal while looking out across Lake Jennie Jewel, and wash it all down with a microbrew or cocktail. Credit: Photo via The Waterfront/FacebookHarborside
2435 Seventh St. SW, Winter Haven
This casual eatery serves seafood, steak and other classic American fare on its waterside patio and lower-level lakeside bar. Credit: Photo via Harborside/Facebook
4255 Peninsula Point, Sanford Gator’s Riverside Grill, located in Sanford, is nestled along the St. Johns River and offers cheap drinks and tons of good old-fashioned Southern fried seafood. Credit: Photo via Gators Riverside/GrillFish Camp on Lake Eustis
901 Lakeshore Blvd., Tavares
This old-fashioned restaurant on Lake Eustis offers waterside dining and a bounty of seafood (plus some turf to go with your surf) and craft beers. Credit: Photo via Fish Camp on Lake Eustis/FacebookBlack Hammock Restaurant
2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo
This Oviedo favorite acts as the adjoining restaurant to a marina and airboat spot. Grab a seafood-centric meal before you soak up some Central Florida sun. Credit: Photo via The Black Hammock/YelpShady Oak Restaurant
2984 New York Ave. W., DeLand
This casual seafood spot in DeLand offers riverside dining and a bar. Menu highlights include fried catfish, scallops, coconut shrimp and every other fried fish combo you can think of. Credit: Photo via Google MapsAunt Catfish’s on the River
4009 Halifax Drive, Port Orange
This family-owned Port Orange spot serves up classic Southern-style seafood right on the water. Don’t forget to snap a picture with the giant catfish. Credit: Image via Google MapsBoondocks Restaurant
704 S. Lakeshore Blvd., Howey-in-the-Hills
Located along the Halifax River in Port Orange, Boondocks Restaurant’s guests can enjoy quality seafood, riverside views and a pet-friendly patio. Credit: Photo via Boondocks/FacebookCherry Pocket Steak n Seafood Shak
3100 Canal Road, Lake Wales
Attached to the Cherry Pocket Motel on Lake Wales, Cherry Pocket Steak n Seafood Shak offers heaping helpings of fried seafood and Florida vibes. Credit: Photo via Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak/FacebookJolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill
4650 FL-46, Geneva
This riverfront spot has seafood classics (as well as some not-so-classic gator burgers), plus karaoke and live music, making for a lively, very Florida vibe. Credit: Photo via Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill/FacebookOur Deck Down Under
78 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange
This Volusia county favorite seafood shack offers not only a beefy menu and waterfront views in every direction, there’s also a full bar and a boat dock for easy river access. Credit: Photo via Our Deck Down Under/FacebookJB’s Fish Camp
859 Pompano Ave., New Smyrna Beach
Located on New Smyrna Beach, this beloved fish shack also offers a full bar, kayak and paddleboard rentals. Grab some classic Southern fried fish, get out on the water and make a day of it. Credit: Photo via JB's Fish CampLone Cabbage Fish Camp
8199 W. King St., Cocoa
At Lone Cabbage Fish Camp, guests can grab all the seafood classics (hush puppies, gator and everything in between) before heading out on the water for an airboat ride. The true Florida experience. Credit: Photo via Google MapsSalt Cracker Fish Camp
25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach
Clearwater beach haven for those hungering for local seafood and cocktails, conveniently located right near the marina. Credit: Photo via Salt Cracker Fish Camp/FacebookCredit: Photo via Canvas Restaurant/Facebook
