Few things say “Southwest Florida” quite like dining on fresh seafood while watching boats cruise by at sunset. From laid-back tiki bars to upscale waterfront dining destinations, the Fort Myers area is packed with incredible restaurants where the views are just as memorable as the food. Whether you’re looking for Gulf seafood, tropical cocktails, steaks, sushi, or live music by the water, these waterfront restaurants deliver a true Florida experience.
Here are 10 of the best waterfront restaurants in and around Fort Myers that locals and visitors love. For more local flavor, Suncoast Post readers can also check out our guide to the Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival.
1. Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant
A longtime Fort Myers favorite overlooking the water near Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach, this restaurant is known for fresh seafood, steaks, sunset dining, and live entertainment. The outdoor deck creates a classic Old Florida waterfront atmosphere.
- Type: Seafood / New American
- Address: 14301 Port Comfort Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33908
- Phone: (239) 489-0770
- Website: Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant
2. Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant
Located on Fort Myers Beach, Snug Harbor offers casual waterfront dining with excellent seafood, tropical drinks, and beautiful harbor views. Their grouper dishes are especially popular.
- Type: Seafood / Casual Waterfront Dining
- Address: 645 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Phone: (239) 463-4343
- Website: Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant
3. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
One of the most famous waterfront restaurants in Southwest Florida, Doc Ford’s combines island-style seafood, waterfront seating, live music, and a fun atmosphere inspired by the novels of author Randy Wayne White. Their Yucatan shrimp is legendary.
- Type: Seafood / Caribbean / Tropical Grill
- Address: 708 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Phone: (239) 765-9660
- Website: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
4. Oxbow Bar & Grill
Situated along the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers, Oxbow has quickly become one of the hottest dining destinations in the River District. Expect panoramic river views, oysters, burgers, seafood, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
- Type: Coastal American / Seafood / Bar & Grill
- Address: 1300 Hendry St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 314-3856
- Website: Oxbow Bar & Grill
5. Boathouse – Fort Myers
The Boathouse offers a relaxed riverside atmosphere complete with tiki-style seating, live music, and boat access. It’s especially popular for casual lunches, seafood baskets, burgers, and sunset cocktails.
- Type: Seafood / Tiki Bar / Casual Dining
- Address: 17101 State Rd 31, Fort Myers, FL 33905
- Phone: (239) 332-2628
- Website: The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill
6. Matanzas on the Bay
An iconic Fort Myers Beach waterfront restaurant with dockside seating, seafood favorites, live music, and beautiful bay views. It’s accessible by both land and boat, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Type: Seafood / Waterfront Grill
- Address: 416 Crescent St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Phone: (239) 463-3838
- Website: Matanzas on the Bay
7. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill
Known for colorful tropical décor and laid-back island vibes, Parrot Key is a favorite for Caribbean-inspired seafood, frozen drinks, and waterfront sunsets near Salty Sam’s Marina.
- Type: Caribbean / Seafood / Tropical Bar
- Address: 2500 Main St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Phone: (239) 463-3257
- Website: Parrot Key Caribbean Grill
8. Dixie Fish Company
A historic seafood spot with rustic Old Florida charm, Dixie Fish is famous for fresh local seafood, shrimp baskets, grouper sandwiches, and dockside dining. If fresh Gulf seafood is on your mind, you may also like our look at the best restaurants in Cortez, Florida.
- Type: Seafood Shack / Casual Waterfront Dining
- Address: 714 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Phone: (239) 233-8837
- Website: Dixie Fish Company
9. Fresh Catch Bistro
Fresh Catch Bistro blends upscale dining with waterfront views overlooking Estero Bay. The restaurant is known for creative seafood dishes, steaks, and elegant sunset dining.
- Type: Upscale Seafood / Fine Dining
- Address: 3040 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Phone: (239) 463-2600
- Website: Fresh Catch Bistro
10. Flippers on the Bay
Located on Estero Bay, Flippers is known for scenic waterfront dining, fresh seafood, breakfast, and romantic sunset views. It remains one of the most relaxing dining spots in the region.
- Type: Seafood / Waterfront Resort Dining
- Address: 8771 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Phone: (239) 765-1025
- Website: Flippers on the Bay
Why Waterfront Dining Is So Popular in Fort Myers
The Fort Myers area offers one of the best waterfront dining scenes in Florida thanks to its combination of Gulf-access waterways, fresh local seafood, incredible sunsets, boat-friendly restaurants, and outdoor tropical dining year-round. Many restaurants even offer “dock and dine” access, allowing boaters to pull up directly to the restaurant…