Clearwater Waterfront Restaurants: Where to Eat and Enjoy the View

Clearwater often ranks among the best destinations in the U.S., and its local food scene is just one reason why. Fresh flavors, creative chefs and scenic spots make dining in Clearwater a treat. To visit some of the best, here are some Clearwater waterfront restaurants.

Dig Into the Best Clearwater Waterfront Restaurants

Maggie Mae’s Waterfront

Searching for a great breakfast in Clearwater Beach? Come to Maggie Mae’s Waterfront. This local gem has welcomed everyone to enjoy beachfront views paired with home-style goodies.

For breakfast, browse a large menu that includes omelets, pancakes, skillets, Benedicts, wraps, muffins and fruits. Those coming for lunch will enjoy the salads, burgers, tacos and house sandwiches. Some popular options include Philly steak and cheese, Spam meat, melts, and super BLT.

Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill and Bar

A casual atmosphere and direct beach access make Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill and Bar a must. The restaurant overlooks Gulf of Mexico and offers live entertainment. Even locals come here to enjoy fresh dishes and incredible views.

The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner. Start with shrimp and crab chowder, chips and salsa, wings, cheese sticks, and seafood bites. For the main course, visitors can order salads, burgers, wraps, tacos and big baskets. In addition, Palm Pavilion serves seafood and farm dinners with fresh catches, shrimp, barbecue ribs, steak and chicken.

Crabby’s Dockside

For views of Clearwater Beach and Clearwater Bay, dine at Crabby’s Dockside. This hot spot also has live music and is part of a family of restaurants, which includes Salty’s Island Bar and Grill and Salty Crab.

Come to Crabby’s Dockside for lunch, dinner and hand-crafted cocktails. Kick off the experience with calamari, shrimp, avocado egg rolls or fried pickles. Then select from salads, homemade chowder, steaks, pasta, local seafood, burgers and sandwiches. Visitors may also make a custom platter with two of their favorites such as crab cake, ribs, shrimp, lobster tail, oysters, chicken and more.

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is one of the top-rated Clearwater waterfront restaurants in the Frenchy’s family. What makes this one so special? It is the largest location and offers open-air beachfront dining directly on the Gulf.

Open for lunch and dinner, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill offers local seafood and land options. Appetizers include garlic-crab fries, jalapeno poppers, oysters, octopus, soft pretzels, shrimp and more options. Afterwards, select from salads, soups, their famous grouper sandwich, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, tacos and seafood baskets. In addition, the restaurant also serves grilled steaks perfect for surf and turf.

Jimmy’s Fish House and Iguana Bar

Get a little Key West flair at Jimmy’s Fish House and Iguana Bar. This spot ranks among the top Clearwater waterfront restaurants for fun, dancing, entertainment and sprawling views. It houses the largest deck on Clearwater Beach, too.

Jimmy’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day with mini waffles, Benedicts, chicken biscuits, pancakes and wraps. Those coming later in the day can kick it off with seafood dip, shrimp and a trio sampler. For something heartier, try the tacos, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, seafood platters, bowls, pizza, pasta and salads.

Tate Island Grill

Looking for a casual yet upscale atmosphere? Come to Tate Island Grill. Located in the Sandpearl Resort, this restaurant features beachside seating, views and a fire pit.

Guests are welcome to enjoy lunch and dinner at Tate Island Grill. Hummus, wings and fresh fruit are all popular starters. Main entrees range from salads and sandwiches to wraps and burgers. For some ideas, try the classic cheeseburger, tarpon-chicken wrap or Caribbean grouper sandwich. While dining, guests can also try a signature beach cocktail or non-alcoholic option.

Badfins Food + Brew

For more beach and sunset views, Badfins Food + Brew will not disappoint. This family-friendly spot has ranked among the best Clearwater Beach waterfront restaurants for seafood paired with Mexican flavor.

Badfins Food + Brew also serves lunch and dinner. Top appetizers include avocado hummus, chips and salsa, guacamole, snapper nuggets and other goodies. Then select from fresh tacos, mac and cheese, fish plates, bowls, lobster rolls, Cuban, and surf and turf. There are also tasty nachos, quesadillas and salads.

After reading about the best waterfront restaurants, check out some Clearwater sightseeing tours. Then book a spacious vacation condo in Clearwater.