24 essential waterfront restaurants in Central Florida

Relax Grill

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.

Fish on Fire

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.

Terralina Crafted Italian

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.

Swamp House Riverfront Grill

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.

Canvas Restaurant

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. Try the oak-charred octopus, to really drive home that on-the-water feel.

The Boathouse

1620 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Finishing the day at Orlando's theme parks and looking for a guaranteed relaxing treat? The Boathouse in Disney Springs has waterside views just out of reach of the park itself.

Salt Shack on the Lake Clermont

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.

Shake 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.

Old 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.

Hillstone

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.

The 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.

Harborside

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.

Gators Riverside Grille

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.

Fish 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.

Black 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.

Shady 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.

Aunt 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.

Boondocks 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.

Cherry 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.

Jolly 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.