Vibrant and continuously growing, South Florida is home to some spectacular views including plenty of water. Florida Yacht Broker Conrad Vanderlely hand-picked 7 restaurants in South Florida that complement such vistas with top food.

While you are there, stop into our Fort Lauderdale office located in the Downtown Yachting Center and let the entire Denison team provide you with all the local knowledge and must-see attractions allowing you to further enjoy your boating experience!

1. Southport Raw Bar

Calling all seafood lovers! SOPO (as we locals like to call it) has plenty of oysters to go around. Their clam chowder and bimini bread I dream of daily. Pitchers of beer, old bay shrimp and daily fresh fish specials- you really can’t go wrong here. Sit in or out; dockside. You won’t be disappointed. 🙂

FUN FACT: SOPO is the oldest raw bar in FTL!

2. Houston’s

Pour me a glass of wine, and serve me their Chicago Style Spinach Dip and I am in Heaven. Located in Pompano Beach, this waterfront dining is a staple. On a beautiful day you can sit outside on the patio or first come first serve high-top tables bar-side. It’s seen and be seen crowd is fun and flirty.

3. Le Tub Saloon

No, you are not in the wrong location if you pull up seeing toilets and bath tubs at the entrance (or all over the restaurant for that matter). Their creative, corky atmosphere bring locals and tourists for what else but BURGERS! BURGERS! BURGERS! Think juicy, thick burgers that are definitely enough to share. Nothing fancy about this dive of a place. And to be completely honest, you will either hate it or love it here.

4. Rustic Inn Crab House

WARNING: If you’re afraid of getting your hands dirty, this place is not for you! A place where newspaper-covered tables, plastic bibs and wooden mallets are the norm. Sick dockside or in the main dining room, this place is fun, loud (sometimes very loud) and always worth the wait. Yes, you will wait almost every time you go. This landmark has been home of the “World Famous Garlic Crabs” for over 50 years!

Side-note: This may be the only place to give wooden mallets a dual purpose; making it acceptable to use it as a hammer on tables when a birthday is announced. In any given night, this may happen every few minutes. I warned you!

5. Kaluz

Looking to impress a client or friends from out of town? This new addition to the Fort Lauderdale waterway in Lauderdale-by-the Sea might be for you. Its upscale, ultra-chic atmosphere will suit your needs for lunch, dinner or cocktails bar-side. Everything I have tried on the menu has not disappointed. Ingredients are fresh, and service is ready to meet your every need. Perfection.

6. 15th Street Fisheries

Great food. Great service. Amazing views. What more could you ask for? Sit dockside and enjoy casual dining or upstairs for a more upscale atmosphere. Either way, a menu full of fresh seafood favorites is to try. And their papaya chutney house dressing is MUST; it has been the Fisheries staple for more than 35 years. I may or may not be known to ask for a side of seconds or thirds. No judging, please!

7. Coconuts Waterside Grill

With a philosophy of “be nice” motto on the walls, shirts and menu’s you know both the food and service quality are top-notch. The waterfront view on their patio speaks for itself. Come Monday or Tuesday nights and enjoy half price bottles of wine. What they do best: seafood and comfort food dishes. If Paella is what you’re craving, arrive Tuesday’s nights at 6:30p for an outdoor feast!