Florida’s Treasure Coast, comprising Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties, has some of the best waterfront restaurants on the state’s East Coast. Feel the tropical vibe in seaside settings that offer everything from sensational seafood and steaks to classic burgers and creative cocktails. Indoors or outdoors, day or night, if you want an outstanding meal with a spectacular ocean view, here are five of the best waterfront Treasure Coast restaurants to find it.
Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House
Built by Golden Age starlet Frances Langford in the 1960s, the Polynesian-themed restaurant in Jensen Beach was then-known as the Outrigger Restaurant. In the 1990s, the establishment was renamed the Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House. Situated along the Indian River, the restaurant offers panoramic waterfront views from the Stuart Causeway up to the Jensen Beach Causeway Bridge. Dock and dine daily for lunch and dinner or Sunday brunch. Be sure to try the signature dish: Dolphin a la Dolphin, fresh dolphin sauteed in herbs and Parmesan topped with a lemon butter caper sauce and served with grilled asparagus. The family friendly spot has a kids’ menu as well as live music and trivia nights. Book a private event for up to 100 guests in the historic Langford Marina Room. dolphinbar.com
Sailor’s Return
Sailor’s Return in Stuart is the perfect waterfront restaurant to enjoy an alfresco dining experience. Nestled on Sunset Bay Harbour and Marina, the restaurant with two bars and a nautical atmosphere offers spectacular sunset views, live music, and a wide selection of seafood, steaks, and other American fare that will delight any palette. With 930 feet of courtesy docking up front, boaters are very much welcomed. There are daily drink specials and Happy Hour at both bars. In the mood for a specialty cocktail? Try the Sailor Jon: 21 Seeds Cucumber, Jalapeño Tequila, muddled cucumber, and fresh jalapeño, finished with agave and sour mix. Or for something sweeter, Sailor Jon’s Sister: 21 Seeds Valencia Orange Tequila, muddled pineapple, and fresh jalapeño, finished with agave and sour mix. Both are served on the rocks. thesailorsreturn.com
Twisted Tuna
The Twisted Tuna is the largest family owned and operated waterfront restaurant in Martin County. The spacious two-story restaurant offers casual indoor dining, covered outdoor dining, and three full bars. Enjoy lunch and dinner daily from a slightly “Twisted” menu (18 pages!) featuring the freshest seafood dishes, traditional Italian favorites, pizza, and the finest sushi and raw bar selections. Landlubbers are not forgotten—chicken, steak, and burgers are all available. Daily specials include Taco Tuesday (20 percent off tacos and $5 margaritas) and Buck a Shuck Thursday ($1 oysters), and they host a Bottomless Bloody Mary Brunch on Sundays. Additionally, there is a Happy Hour Bar Bites menu, a kids’ menu, and a late-night menu. Delicious specialty drinks, nightly live music, and a pet-friendly patio add to the upbeat ambience. thetwistedtuna.com
Blackfins
Grab a seat on the riverfront deck at Blackfins at Capt Hirams Resort for delectable delights served along Sebastian’s best views of the river. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Blackfins has something on the menu for everyone, even gluten-free items. The breakfast omelets and biscuits and gravy are enough to satisfy your appetite, but don’t miss island-style favorites for lunch or dinner like fish tacos, conch fritters, crab cakes, and the signature dish, Dirty Oysters, featuring fresh-shucked oysters served with caviar, sour cream, onions, and hot sauce. Wash it all down with a Hurricane Hiram, a mix of rum, amaretto, sour mix, pineapple juice, grenadine, passionfruit syrup, and a 151 floater. You choose between a Cat 3, 4, or 5, but as the menu says, it’s “not for the faint of heart.” hirams.com
Pirate’s Loft Restaurant
Located at the Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina in Port Salerno, Pirate’s Loft Restaurant is open daily for casual or gourmet dining with gorgeous waterfront views. The extensive menu offers everything from flavorful salads to outstanding seafood, which the chef hand-picks and prepares with a Caribbean flair. Other tempting lunch and dinner choices include pasta, chicken, steak, burgers, and more. Dine under the covered deck, inside one of the two dining rooms, or in the bar at the Pirate’s Loft Lounge. Happy Hour is daily from 2-6 PM. Enjoy live music by various local musicians on weekends. piratescoveresort.com
-by Bonnie Schultz
