Yes, everything does taste better by the water, and if you live in Florida you'll want to know where to findthe best waterfront restaurants. We have a lot of waterfront in Palm Beach County, so we'll be delivering this wisdom in geographic bites, going from north to south.
If you live anywhere from Tequesta to Jupiter, or just happen to be looking for a dining experience with a view that's worth going the extra mile, check these out:
Tiki 52
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway
This hidden gem nestled among the palms on US 1 is an open-air restaurant and bar with woven tiki huts, a Caribbean feel and great cuisine. It's a great spot to enjoy a beverage while listening tolive music from both national acts and some amazing South Florida local bands as well. In addition to their great menu, they will cook your catch for you.
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18487 SE Federal Highway, Tequesta.561-744-9113;tiki52tequesta.com
Blue Pointe Bar and Grill
The water view:Intracoastal Waterway
This family-owned bar and grill is all about the waterfront experience and enjoying sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway surrounded by palm trees. The menu offers appetizers, salads and a good mix of seafood, flatbreads, sandwiches and a selection of hearty entrees.
18701 Federal Highway, Tequesta. 561-406-6270;bluepointebarandgrill.com
1000 North
The water view:Loxahatchee River
This venue offers four dining areas, all with views of the Jupiter Lighthouse, Jupiter Inlet and Intracoastal. Modern American cuisine — think prime steaks and fresh seafood — are delivered with panache, and the wine list is first rate. The Terrace gives guests the option of alfresco dining.
1000 U.S. 1, Jupiter. 561-570-1000;1000north.com
Jetty’s
The water view:Jupiter Inlet Waterway
The sprawling wooden deck at Jetty's offers plenty of outdoor seating and delivers a view of the Jupiter Lighthouse and the boats that cruise in and out of the Jupiter waterway. Jetty's signature menu items include fresh fish and shellfish, certified angus steaks and ribs.
1075 N. A1A, Jupiter. 561-743-8166;jettysjupiter.com
U-Tiki Beach
The water view:Jupiter Inlet Waterway
There's plenty of outdoor seating at this upscale-casual waterfront restaurant with a view of the Jupiter Lighthouse. Family-friendly al fresco dining will make you feel like you’re on vacation even when you’re not. The seafood-dominant menu features prime burgers and Caribbean flatbreads.
1095 N. A1A, Jupiter. 561-406-2210;utikibeach.com
Beacon
The water view:Jupiter Inlet waterway
Beacon calls itself “a contemporary American grille” inspired by coastal Mediterranean cuisine. What you get is fresh, vibrant, colorful dishes that pay homage to local seafood. The restaurant offers seating in the “front row” at the chef’s counter where diners can experience the art of the preparation of Beacon’s culinary creations up close.
1107 Lighthouse Promenade (aka Love Street), Jupiter. 561-532-3280;thebeaconjupiter.com
Love Street:A food and drink guide to Jupiter Inlet’s new restaurant complex
Topside at Beacon
The water view:Jupiter Inlet Waterway
This rooftop bar started off as a strictly tapas spot with a focus on handcrafted, tiki-inspired co*cktails and locally brewed craft beer. Recently, TopSide dramatically expanded its menu at theCharlie and Joe’s at Love Street complex. The bar, which offers some of the best Jupiter Lighthouse views on the inlet from atop Beacon fine-dining restaurant, now offers Beacon’s full menu.
1107 Lighthouse Promenade, Jupiter. 561-532-3270;topsidejupiter.com
Lucky Shuck
The water view:Jupiter Inlet Waterway
The Lucky Shuck lives up to its name with its showcase raw bar. Its signature Gulf Coast cuisine includes the freshest shellfish and Southern fare that includes ribs, fried chicken and Cajun-grilled steak. Its list of 45 beers — many from local craft breweriesand New Orleans-inspired co*cktails will make everyone happy.
1116 Love St., Jupiter. 561-532-3331;luckyshuckjupiter.com
The Square Grouper
The water view:Jupiter Inlet Waterway
Hiding under palm trees at the end of Love Street since 2003, this popular laid-back restaurant has been serving locals and the boating community live music every night.
1111 Love St., Jupiter. 561-406-6417;squaregrouper.net
Guanabanas
The water view:Intracoastal Waterway
This Jupiter bar and restaurant is 100% open-air with woven tiki huts and banyan trees so thickly foliaged you feel like you’ve stepped in a tropical rainforest. Opened by Jupiter surfers as a sandwich shop in 2004, its signature pastel Adirondack chairs soften the wait for a table. The bar offers live entertainment, especially reggae, on weekends. The seafood-centric menu combines fresh-catch entrees with wild-caught Florida Atlantic shrimp from Cape Canaveral, fresh Florida blue crab and other local fish.
960 N. A1A, Jupiter. 561-747-8878;guanabanas.com
Calaveras Cantina in Harbourside Place
The water view:Intracoastal Waterway
Drawing heavily from Mexican culture, this eatery makes all its drink sour mixes and purees from scratch every day for screamingly fresh drinks. If you crave a margarita, this may be your ideal destination. Its spicy savory guacamoleprepared tableside
125 Dockside Circle, Jupiter. 561-576-2132;calaverascantina.com
The Jupiter Grillin Harbourside Place
The water view: Intracoastal Waterway
Featuring a menu by celebrity chef Paul Niedermann, who rose to fame as the winner of Gordon Ramsay's "Hell's Kitchen" in 2012, The Jupiter Grill features premium cuts of meats and fresh seafood in creative dishes. A few of these include the angry cashew lobster, the wagyu tomahawk and the Cajun ribeye. They also feature creative co*cktails and over 140 wines to choose from and a sommelier to help patrons make the perfect choice.
149 Soundings Ave., Jupiter; thejupitergrill.com
Dive Bar
The water view:Jupiter Yacht Club Marina
The Dive Bar is a one-of-a-kind waterfront dining experience. With a South Florida raw bar feel, it’s got the bar food you’d expect, with a twist. The specialty is Asian-American cuisine, including sushi and sashimi. The open-air bar area features a giant saltwater aquarium. A large, al fresco patio dining area overlooks the Jupiter Inlet and public docks.
318 S. U.S. 1, Jupiter. 561-747-4767;divebarrestaurant.com
Latitudes
The water view: Atlantic Ocean
This beautifully renovated Jupiter Beach Resort introduced its newly rebranded restaurant, Latitudes, in May 2023. The restaurant debuted in the former Sinclair’s space with a more refined and relaxing look.With a wide-ranging, coastal-inspired menu, the restaurant is open from breakfast through dinner and offers a variety of water views, from ocean to poolside looks.
5 N. Hwy A1A, Jupiter, 561-745-7120, OpalCollection.com
Café des Artistes On the Water
The water view:Jupiter Yacht Club Marina
Located in the heart of the marina, this upscalebistro captures everything we love about French dining: the crisp white table linens, the fragrant herbs and spices, all with classic French dishes anda largeFrench wine list.
318 S. U.S. 1, Jupiter. 561-747-0998;www.cafedesartistesfrenchbistro.com
Palm Beach Post food and dining writer Liz Balmaseda contributed to this story.
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com.
