You can’t be in Tampa without enjoying delicious meals. You just can’t, which is why you’d be happy to know that Tampa’s waterfront dining scene offers more than just meals.

It gives you a chance to enjoy Florida’s beautiful weather, watch boats glide past, and see the city from its best angles.

In this guide, we’ll show you the 6 best restaurants in Tampa on the water. From casual spots where you can grab drinks with friends to upscale dining rooms ideal for special celebrations, each place brings something unique to the table.

Enough with the introductions; let’s get right to the meat of it. 

1. Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi

• Address: 601 S Harbour Island Blvd Ste 100, Tampa, FL 33602
• Phone: (813) 277-0112
• Rating: 4.3
• Price Range: $$
• Highlights: Fast service, great beer selection, great cocktails, great coffee, great dessert, great tea selection, great wine list.
• Atmosphere: Casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, upscale.

Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi sits in a prime spot on Harbor Island, giving diners an amazing view of downtown Tampa. You can see the city lights sparkle on the water while you enjoy your meal, making it a perfect choice for special occasions.

The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating. If you pick the patio, you’ll get to feel the breeze coming off the water. Inside, large windows let you take in the waterfront views from any table.

Their menu goes beyond typical waterfront dining. The kitchen serves fresh sushi rolls, seafood caught that day, hearty sandwiches, and crisp salads. The Sunday brunch stands out as a local favorite, starting at 10:30 AM with plenty of unique dishes.

The location near Tampa’s Convention Center makes it easy to find. You’ll spot the restaurant right along the Garrison Channel, where the water meets the city. The outdoor tables put you so close to the water you might feel like you’re dining on a boat.

Jackson’s works well for both casual meals and fancy dinners. The bar area buzzes with energy during happy hour, while the dining room keeps things elegant for date nights and celebrations.

Related: Things to Do in Tampa for Couples: Romantic Activities and Spots

2. River’s Edge

• Address: 200 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
• Phone: (813) 223-2222
• Rating: 4.0
• Price Range: $$
• Highlights: Fast service, great coffee, live music.
• Atmosphere: Casual and family-friendly.

River’s Edge sits inside the Tampa Marriott Water Street Hotel, making it a perfect spot for hotel guests and visitors alike. The restaurant gives you clear views of the Hillsborough River through its floor-to-ceiling windows.

The menu shines with fresh Greek cuisine that brings Mediterranean flavors to Tampa’s waterfront. You can start your day here with breakfast, grab lunch during your afternoon walk, or wind down with dinner as the sun sets over the water.

The dining space offers both indoor tables and outdoor seating along the Tampa Riverwalk. The raw bar serves up fresh catches daily, while the main menu includes a good mix of seafood and land-based options.

The location at Marriott Water Street puts you right in the middle of downtown Tampa’s action. After your meal, you can take a stroll along the Riverwalk or head up to their rooftop dining experience for drinks with a view of the city lights.

The restaurant has earned its reputation for quick, friendly service and consistent food quality. Families love it for the kid-friendly menu, while business travelers appreciate its professional atmosphere and reliable WiFi.

3. Rick’s on the River

• Address: 2305 N Willow Ave, Tampa, FL 33607
• Phone: (813) 251-0369
• Rating: 4.2
• Price Range: $10–20
• Highlights: Live music, outdoor dining, raw oyster bar.
• Atmosphere: Casual and lively.

Rick’s on the River is a fan favorite waterfront restaurant among Tampa Bay locals. The restaurant sits right on the Hillsborough River, giving guests front-row seats to watch boats cruise past while they eat.

The pool bar adds a fun touch to the outdoor space, where you can order drinks and snacks without leaving your spot in the sun. Live music fills the air most afternoons and evenings, creating the perfect backdrop for casual meals with friends.

The menu goes beyond standard bar food with elevated food options that surprise first-time visitors. Fresh seafood arrives daily at their raw bar, and the kitchen turns it into seaside-inspired fare that keeps people coming back. The oyster selection ranks among the best in Tampa.

Rick’s shares the riverfront with spots like Columbia Cafe, but it sets itself apart with its lively atmosphere and spacious outdoor seating. Boaters often pull up to the dock for lunch, adding to the authentic waterfront vibe that makes Rick’s a true Tampa dining destination.

The casual setting works well for families during the day and transforms into a lively hangout spot as evening approaches. You’ll find locals gathering here after work, tourists discovering it during their walks, and regular customers who’ve made Rick’s their go-to spot for waterfront dining.

4. American Social

• Address: 601 S Harbour Island Blvd #107, Tampa, FL 33602
• Phone: (813) 605-3333
• Rating: 4.2
• Price Range: $20–30
• Highlights: Sports viewing, outdoor seating.
• Atmosphere: Trendy and upscale.

American Social brings upscale dining to Harbour Island with an approachable seafood forward menu that appeals to both casual diners and food lovers. The restaurant sits near the JW Marriott, making it a popular spot for hotel guests and locals who want waterfront views with their meals.

The place shines brightest at sunset when guests can watch the sky change colors over the water from the outdoor patio. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows keep the breezy ambiance flowing throughout the dining room while comfortable seating invites guests to settle in and enjoy their evening.

The kitchen puts a fresh spin on French classics while keeping true to American comfort food roots. Small plates work well for sharing, while main courses satisfy bigger appetites. The bar program matches the food quality, featuring craft beers and creative cocktails that complement the menu.

Superior service sets American Social apart from other best waterfront restaurants in Tampa. The staff knows the menu inside out and helps guests pick dishes that match their tastes. They keep water glasses full and timing perfect between courses without hovering or rushing.

The space works equally well for watching sports at the bar, celebrating special occasions in the dining room, or enjoying drinks on the patio. The mix of great food, skilled service, and stunning views makes American Social a standout choice for waterfront dining in Tampa.

5. Armature Works

• Address: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
• Phone: (813) 250-3725
• Rating: 4.6
• Price Range: $10–20
• Highlights: Live music, diverse dining options.
• Atmosphere: Trendy and casual.

Armature Works is a unique restaurant offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Hillsborough River from its restored warehouse space. The food hall captures a piece of Tampa’s history while offering some of the most creative dining options in the city.

The building’s tall windows and outdoor seating area put the city skyline on full display. You can watch the water traffic glide past as you sample food from multiple vendors, each picked to bring something special to the mix.

Fresh seafood stars in many of the food stands, and one spot even features dishes from a Michelin-starred chef. The variety means everyone in your group can find something they love, from morning coffee to late-night snacks.

The M.Bird rooftop lounge adds another layer to the experience with craft cocktail pairings and more breathtaking panoramic views. The bar staff creates drinks that complement the food hall’s offerings, using local ingredients and creative techniques.

The space buzzes with energy from morning until night. Early birds grab breakfast while watching the sunrise over the water. Lunch crowds mix with tourists exploring Tampa’s food scene. Evening brings out couples and groups looking for dinner with a view of the lights reflecting off the river.

6. Café Waterside

• Address: 505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
• Phone: (813) 204-6388
• Rating: 4.1
• Price Range: $$
• Highlights: Great cocktails and desserts.
• Atmosphere: Cozy and family-friendly.

Café Waterside may not exactly be a fully fledged restaurant, but it still invites guests into a bright, modern space inside downtown Tampa with clear views of the water. The cafe puts a fresh twist on Florida favorites, offering plates that look as good as the marina view outside.

The kitchen brings local ingredients to life in both simple and creative ways. Breakfast starts with classics like eggs benedict, but lunch and dinner show off the chef’s skills with seafood and steaks cooked exactly how you want them.

Indoor seating gives you views through large picture windows, while the outdoor tables put you closer to the water. Both spots work perfectly for watching boats coming and going from the marina throughout the day.

The dessert menu deserves special attention, with house-made treats that change with the seasons. The bar matches this quality with carefully mixed cocktails that use fresh fruits and local spirits.

The service team makes everyone feel welcome, from families with kids to couples on date night. They keep the mood relaxed but professional, fitting right in with the restaurant’s waterfront setting.

Small touches, like bringing water without asking and remembering regular customers’ preferences, show their attention to detail.

Final Words

These waterfront restaurants show why Tampa ranks among Florida’s top dining destinations. Each spot offers its own mix of great food, friendly service, and beautiful views.

Whether you want a casual lunch by the marina or an elegant dinner watching the sunset, these restaurants deliver unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate Tampa’s connection to the water.

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