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Best Beach Restaurants in Florida

The best beach restaurants offer you a chance to relax and enjoy the sights of the sea. With clear, calm waters running through your toes, you can spend your days in the sand, sipping drinks, and eating fresh seafood. Almost every cove in the world has a restaurant that serves delicious, local seafood.

In Clearwater Beach, Florida, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill offers a casual, family-friendly seafood restaurant. Founded by Quebec native Michael Preston, it has been a favorite beachfront spot for over 20 years. At the restaurant, you can order seafood from the Gulf, sushi, steak, and burgers. You can also sit outside, or in the shaded, open-air patio.

Another popular restaurant in the area is The Coast Guard House, which features a quaint retro atmosphere and a wide array of comforting American favorites. This restaurant has a long wooden bar, as well as a large, sand-covered outdoor dining area that is reminiscent of a beach shack. Located within the 19th-century Coast Guard station, it offers a laid-back atmosphere for dining. Its menu includes seasonal cocktails, as well as the usual fried oysters, fried mac and cheese, and grilled fish.

If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, check out The Beachcomber, a cool, trendy beachfront restaurant. Located in the historic district of Crystal Cove, the restaurant features global cuisine and coastal culinary cultures. Here, you can dine on a Sexy Salad, a fried shrimp po’boy, and a candied jalapeno, among other options.

During the day, you can catch live music in the Blue Lounge, which is one of the most popular beach bars in the country. At night, the restaurant transforms into a romantic and elegant setting, with an incredible menu and day beds.

The Palm Pavilion on Clearwater Beach is a classic landmark. Offering open-air, shaded, and relaxing dining, the Palm Pavilion has been a local favorite since 1926. There is also a full-service bar, as well as a great Sunday brunch.

Another waterfront dining destination is Ginny Lane Bar and Grill, which is located at the Orange Beach Marina. Located in a secluded cove on the water, the venue offers a cozy, upscale atmosphere with gorgeous views of the bay. During the day, you can enjoy an impressive brunch, as well as live music. Afterwards, you can try out the local beer selection or sip on a craft cocktail.

Other restaurants on the Gulf of Mexico include Bill’s by the Beach, which is on a thin peninsula between the Gulf and Little Lagoon. Featuring an extensive wine and spirits list, this restaurant has modern takes on traditional American comfort foods. Guests can choose from a variety of dishes, including oysters on crostini, fried oysters with chipotle aioli, fried mac and cheese, and a fried shrimp po’boy.

Locally owned and operated, the Gulf Shore Steamer specializes in broiled and grilled fish. Located on a pier, this restaurant offers fresh fish with a variety of flavors. While there are plenty of seafood options, you may want to try the conch fritters, which come with a Bahamian sauce.