Best Waterfront Restaurants in Naples, Fort Myers & Cape Coral
Best Waterfront Restaurants in Naples, Fort Myers & Cape Coral
Where stunning views meet unforgettable dining across Southwest Florida.
If there’s one thing Southwest Florida knows how to do, it’s dining with a view. Whether you’re celebrating a sunset, entertaining guests, or simply craving fresh seafood with a salty breeze, the waterfront restaurants in Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral deliver some of the most memorable culinary experiences in the region.
From casual dockside hangouts to upscale coastal cuisine, here are the best waterfront restaurants that showcase the beauty — and flavor — of SWFL living.
Best Waterfront Restaurants in Naples, Florida
Naples is known for its luxury dining scene, but its waterfront restaurants take the experience to another level. Expect exceptional cuisine paired with stunning seaside ambiance.
1. The Turtle Club (Vanderbilt Beach)
An iconic toes-in-the-sand dining experience, The Turtle Club blends coastal elegance with unbeatable Gulf views. Perfect for sunset dinners and special occasions.
2. BALEEN Naples (LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort)
Known for its dramatic beachside seating and upscale menu, BALEEN offers a romantic, resort-style atmosphere with panoramic Gulf-front views.
3. The Dock at Crayton Cove
A longtime Naples favorite, The Dock delivers classic seafood, tropical cocktails, and a breezy Old Naples marina vibe overlooking Naples Bay.
4. M Waterfront Grille (Venetian Village)
Refined yet approachable, M Waterfront Grille offers contemporary cuisine with sweeping views of Venetian Bay — perfect for brunch or date night.
Best Waterfront Restaurants in Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers brings a mix of laid-back beach bars and elevated coastal kitchens. Whether on the river or the beach, the views never disappoint.
5. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – Fort Myers Beach
A Southwest Florida staple overlooking Matanzas Pass. Guests love the rum drinks, island-inspired menu, and unbeatable sunset views.
6. Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant
A local favorite right on Fort Myers Beach’s back bay. Fresh seafood, creative drinks, and dolphins cruising by — it’s peak island living.
7. Bayfront Bistro (Fort Myers Beach)
Known for its romantic setting above the marina, Bayfront Bistro combines coastal elegance with a quiet, serene waterfront view.
8. The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar (Sanibel/Fort Myers area)
Located near the causeway, this marina-front spot serves great seafood and offers a front-row seat to boating traffic and beautiful sunsets.
Best Waterfront Restaurants in Cape Coral, Florida
Cape Coral’s canals make it one of the best waterfront dining cities in Florida. With more than 400 miles of waterways, you’ll find breezy, scenic restaurants perfect for every taste.
9. Rumrunners (Cape Harbour)
Upscale yet relaxed, Rumrunners is known for fresh seafood, steaks, and gorgeous views of the marina. Popular for date nights and celebrations.
10. Fathoms Restaurant & Bar
A chic, global-inspired menu paired with a lively marina-side atmosphere. Live music, weekend crowds, and colorful sunsets make it a Cape Coral must.
11. The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar
Located at The Westin Cape Coral Resort, this dockside favorite offers excellent seafood, craft cocktails, and sweeping views of Tarpon Point Marina.
Why Waterfront Dining Defines SWFL Living
Waterfront restaurants offer more than delicious meals — they embody the lifestyle that draws people to Southwest Florida:
Year-round outdoor dining
Sunset backdrops that feel unreal
Boat-friendly access
Fresh, Gulf-to-table seafood
Relaxed, vacation-style ambiance
Whether you’re house-hunting, living the SWFL dream, or planning your next night out, these restaurants capture the beauty and flavor of the Gulf Coast.
Explore Southwest Florida, One Waterfront View at a Time
From Naples’ luxury beachfront dining to Fort Myers’ island waterfront hangouts and Cape Coral’s colorful canal-side gems, Southwest Florida offers some of the best coastal cuisine in the state.
If you're searching for homes near the water — or simply love the waterfront lifestyle — these restaurants offer a taste of what makes SWFL living truly exceptional.
