Top 6 St. Augustine Restaurants on the Water

Florida earns top vacation destination status for many reasons—sun, nightlife, Walt Disney World—but one of the primary draws is its proximity to water. St. Augustine has plenty to offer in that category. Whether it’s the gentle waves of the ocean or the laid-back vibes of the local Matanzas and Tolomato rivers, this historic city offers a variety of options for dining with a water view. Here are six of our favorite St. Augustine restaurants on the water, all just a short distance from many St. Augustine hotels.

Gaze at the sunset from the dining deck at Cap’s on the Water

The rustic dock at Cap’s on the Water provides a unique dining experience. Photo Credit: Cap’s on the Water

Located just a short drive from downtown, Cap’s on the Water is a classic among St. Augustine restaurants with ocean views. This beautiful beachside restaurant offers several options for oceanside dining, including a rustic dock that’s perfect for taking in the sunset. Locals love this spot for evening cocktails, and their selection of fresh seafood is second to none. Get there early if you want to snag a prime spot, because they fill up quickly. But even if you have to kill some time waiting for the perfect table with an extra glass of wine, we suspect you won’t mind the view.

Listen to local music and the sounds of the cove at Kingfish Grill

Nestled in the Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, the hidden gem Kingfish Grill is exactly the kind of spot you’d hope to find on the Florida coast. From the brightly painted deck chairs in the garden to the cheerful orange walls inside, the Kingfish has island attitude to go with its reputation as one of the best St. Augustine restaurants on the water. Seafood is the specialty, of course, and you can have it prepared however you like it, from seared to sushi. Visit in the evening, when the trees are lit with twinkle lights and the waves provide a perfect soundtrack to your meal.

Enjoy a stiff cocktail and an easy view at Hurricane Patty’s

Be a little adventurous at Hurricane Patty’s, an island-influenced spot known for its signature cocktails. Photo Credit: Hurricane Patty’s Waterfront Bar and Grille

There’s more to St. Augustine restaurants on the water than fish, as the popularity of gator dishes at Hurricane Patty’s Waterfront Bar & Grill will tell you. This casual spot on the Rivers Edge Marina serves up the toothy critter in several ways, including blackened with Cajun ranch, and fried as a fritter. Floridians also love their hurricane cocktails, and as the name suggests, this venue mixes up a mean one. Spend a few hours with a strong drink and some great company, and know that you’re getting a real St. Augustine experience.

Get the flavor of Cajun cooking at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

Downtown St. Augustine is full of charming, romantic buildings, and with its location in a historic house on the Matanzas River, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille is no exception. A local favorite among the top St. Augustine restaurants on the water, this Cajun inspired classic first opened in 1987; and its popularity has led to new locations across the state. Guests love the fried green tomatoes and New Orleans specialties like jambalaya and red beans and rice almost as much as they love hearing about the history of this amazing building—more than one ghost has been known to wander its halls. Don’t worry, though. We have it on good authority that the spirits are just in search of a great po’boy!

Feel the ocean breeze at Beachcomber

Set yourself right on the ocean at Beachcomber in Anastasia Island. Photo Credit: Beachcomber

With its colorful sunset murals and bright blue walls, Beachcomber looks like a surf shack straight out of the movies! Of all the St. Augustine restaurants on the water, this one’s location—set right on the beach and surrounded by nothing but sand and the ocean—will make you feel as though you’ve found a private island getaway. The food is fresh and fun, with options including coconut shrimp and blackened fish tacos. Located on Anastasia Island, just a 15-minute drive from downtown St. Augustine, this chilled-out spot is well worth the trip.

Ease into a perfectly lazy Sunday at the Reef

Looking for a brunch spot with a view? You’d be hard-pressed to find a Sunday site better than The Reef, which is located just over the Vilano Causeway from the mainland. This Vilano Beach restaurant is famous for its incredible Sunday brunch buffets. Gaze out over the Atlantic as you sample fresh crab legs, savor eggs Benedict prepared to order and scope out their carving station. Brunch is accompanied by live acoustic music as well as complimentary champagne. With an experience this decadent, you may never want to leave!