Best waterfront restaurants in southern Palm Beach County for dining and drinking

Yes, everything really does taste better by the water and if you live in Florida you'll want to know where to find the best waterfront restaurants.

We have a lot of waterfront in Palm Beach County, so we'll be delivering this wisdom in geographic bites.

If you live in southern Palm Beach County or just happen to be looking for a dining experience with a view that's worth going the extra mile, here they are.

More meals with a view:Best waterfront restaurants in central Palm Beach County

Dining further north?:13 best waterfront restaurants from Palm Beach Gardens to Riviera Beach

Openings: New waterfront restaurant in Palm Beach County carries iconic name, brand

Boynton Beach restaurants

Banana Boat

The Banana Boat in Boynton Beach offers good food and fun boat watching.
The Banana Boat in Boynton Beach offers good food and fun boat watching.

The water view: Intracoastal Waterway at the Boynton Harbor Marina

This family-owned restaurant has anchored Boynton’s Ocean Avenue area since 1978. Best known for its seafood, salads and upscale bar food in generous portions, it’s also top-rated for the best boat-watching.

739 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-732-9400; bananaboatboynton.com

Prime Catch

Prime Catch in Boynton Beach.
Prime Catch in Boynton Beach.

The water view: Intracoastal Waterway

Opened in 2004, their fresh local fish options (and a great Wagyu steak) and waterfront ambiance keep this restaurant packed.

700 E. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach. 561-737-8822; primecatchboynton.com

Two Georges Waterfront Grille

A boat cruises by Two Georges restaurant the Boynton Harbor Marina.
A boat cruises by Two Georges restaurant the Boynton Harbor Marina.

The water view: Intracoastal Waterway

In 1997, the Scaggs family bought Two George’s and it’s still family-owned and operated today. It’s known for fresh seafood and salads, plus a popular happy hour and plenty of live music.

728 Casa Loma Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-736-2717; twogeorgesrestaurant.com/boynton

Delray Beach restaurants

Boston’s on the Beach

Boston's on the Beach in Delray Beach.
Boston's on the Beach in Delray Beach.

The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street

This mainstay of Delray Beach has outdoor covered dining that looks out over A1A and the beach on the other side. There’s so much foliage, the view isn’t always great, but there’s almost always a breeze. An eclectic menu boasts local, fresh seafood options.

40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; bostonsonthebeach.com

50 Ocean

The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street

On the second floor above Boston’s, 50 Ocean does offer an unobstructed view of the ocean. The upscale menu is seafood-centric. This commercial stretch along Delray’s oceanfront has maintained its Old Florida flavor.

50 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; 50ocean.com

Burger Fi

The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street

The new kid on the block among these established eateries is the chain that boasts 100 percent natural American Angus beef with no steroids, antibiotics or growth hormones, as well as premium Wagyu Beef, cage-free chicken and the Beyond Meat Burger, served with fresh-cut fries or beer-battered onion rings.

6 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-9590; burgerfi.com

Cafe Luna Rosa

Cafe Luna Rosa in Delray Beach offers some views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cafe Luna Rosa in Delray Beach offers some views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street

Its well-dressed tables, art, granite and woodwork reminiscent of European cafés contrast nicely with the American restaurants on either side. Known for its homemade pasta and Italian influences, this restaurant is a go-to destination for breakfast and weekend brunch.

34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-274-9404; caffelunarosa.com

Sandbar Delray Beach

Sandbar at Boston's in Delray Beach.
Sandbar at Boston's in Delray Beach.

The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street

Sandbar Delray Beach goes from beach bar to nightclub. Its rustic, weathered fixtures and furniture, brightly colored umbrellas and tropical food and drink make it a popular daytime venue. When the sun sets, guest DJs perform and VIP bottle service is available.

40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-665-4669; bostonssandbar.com

Deck 84

In addition to fabulous food and views of the Intracoastal Waterway, patrons can bring their well-behaved dogs with them.
In addition to fabulous food and views of the Intracoastal Waterway, patrons can bring their well-behaved dogs with them.

The water view: Intracoastal Waterway

Deck 84, named one of the top 100 al fresco dining restaurants by OpenTable diners, offers picturesque views of the Intracoastal while its menu focuses on fresh local seafood plus prime beef steaks, burgers and salads. On weekends, there’s live music from 2 to 5:30 p.m.

840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. 561-665-8484; deck84.com

Highland Beach

Latitudes Restaurant at Delray Sands Resort

Fresh seafood and great views await at Latitudes at Delray Sands Resort in Highland Beach.
Fresh seafood and great views await at Latitudes at Delray Sands Resort in Highland Beach.

The water view: Atlantic Ocean

Fresh coastal cuisine, modern mixology and warm hospitality along the Atlantic are promised by this Highland Beach locale. From early morning to late at night, sample culinary experiences including the upscale chef’s seafood bar and “cozy” al fresco ocean terrace.

2809 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. 561-278-2008; latitudesdelray.com

Boca Raton restaurants

SeaSpray Inlet Grill at the Waterstone Resort & Marina

A meal comes with a view at SeaSpray Inlet Grill at the Waterstone Resort and Marina in Boca Raton.
A meal comes with a view at SeaSpray Inlet Grill at the Waterstone Resort and Marina in Boca Raton.

The water view: Lake Boca Raton and the Boca Raton Inlet

The SeaSpray is open for lunch and dinner and offers an excuse to visit the resort.  An access point for boats traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s the perfect place for yacht-watching.

999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton. 561-368-9500; waterstoneboca.com

City Fish Market

The water view: sparkling man-made lake

They have a wide selection of expertly-prepared, fresh fish and seafood, accompanied by a nautical ambiance next to a lake in Boca Raton. The menu includes classics such as fish and chips, and their jumbo lump crab cakes, to a wide selection of fresh catch that can be prepared to your taste. Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday featuring our signature cocktails and half-priced bottles of wine.

7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton. 561-487-1600; buckheadrestaurants.com/restaurant/city-fish-market/

Chloe's Bistro at the Boardwalk at Boca Raton

The water view: The lake at Boardwalk at Boca Raton

This casual eatery prides itself on fresh ingredients and a diverse menu, from Italian to French. The understated ambiance and the reflection of lights on the water are a panacea for stress.

6885 SW 18th St. B7, Boca Raton. 561-334-2088; chloesbistro.com


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Carrabba’s Italian Grill at the Boardwalk at Boca Raton

The water view: The lake at Boardwalk at Boca Raton

The water view isn’t the Atlantic or even the Intracoastal, but it is a nice lake and the food is consistent Italian fare.

6909 S.W. 18th St., Boca Raton. 51-544-8838; carrabbas.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best restaurants on the water in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton