If you’re looking for true waterfront dining on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this is your complete, local-approved guide. From laid-back tiki bars to upscale sunset dinners—and even boat-up spots—here’s everything you need, now with addresses, phone numbers, and websites.


🐚 VENICE WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS

Sharky’s On The Pier

📍 1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285
📞 (941) 488-1456
🌐 https://www.sharkysonthepier.com
👉 Gulf-front, iconic sunsets, live music

Fins at Sharky’s

📍 1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285
📞 (941) 999-3467
🌐 https://www.finsatsharkys.com
👉 Upscale beachfront dining

Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina

📍 1968 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice, FL 34285
📞 (941) 484-9551
🌐 https://www.crowsnest-venice.com
👉 Inlet + marina views, upstairs fine dining

Dockside Waterfront Grill

📍 509 N Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285
📞 (941) 218-6418
🌐 https://docksidewaterfrontgrill.com
👉 Intracoastal, tiki vibe, boat access

Snook Haven

📍 5000 E Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34292
📞 (941) 485-7221
🌐 https://www.snookhaven.com
👉 Old Florida riverfront experience


🌴 NOKOMIS WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS

Pop’s Sunset Grill

📍 112 Circuit Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275
📞 (941) 488-3177
🌐 https://www.popssunsetgrill.com
👉 Huge tiki bar, dock your boat, sunsets

Pelican Alley

📍 190 Taft Dr, Nokomis, FL 34275
📞 (941) 484-5800
🌐 https://www.pelican-alley.com
👉 Intracoastal dining, local favorite

The Waterfrontoo

📍 2205 N Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, FL 34275
📞 (941) 966-1520
🌐 https://www.waterfrontoo.com
👉 Casual canal-side spot

Nokomo’s Sunset Hut ⭐

📍 690 S Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, FL 34275
📞 (941) 488-1324
🌐 https://www.nokomos.com
👉 One of the best hidden gems—live music + boat slips

Captain Eddie’s Seafood ⭐

📍 107 Colonia Ln E, Nokomis, FL 34275
📞 (941) 484-4755
🌐 (No official site – local spot)
👉 Old-school seafood, laid-back waterfront feel


🌅 OSPREY WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS

Casey Key Fish House

📍 801 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey, FL 34229
📞 (941) 966-1901
🌐 https://www.caseykeyfishhouse.com
👉 Classic Florida seafood right on the bay

Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House

📍 8695 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34238
📞 (941) 770-3337
🌐 https://www.deeplagoon.com
👉 Upscale seafood with waterfront views


🐬 ENGLEWOOD WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS

Farlow’s on the Water

📍 2080 S McCall Rd, Englewood, FL 34224
📞 (941) 474-5343
🌐 https://www.farlowsonthewater.com
👉 Caribbean-style, lush waterfront setting

Lock ‘N Key Restaurant

📍 2045 N Beach Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
📞 (941) 474-1517
🌐 https://www.locknkeyrestaurant.com
👉 Gulf-front, toes-in-the-sand vibes

SandBar Tiki & Grille

📍 1975 Beach Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
📞 (941) 460-8280
🌐 https://www.sandbartikigrille.com
👉 Beach bar with live music

Lighthouse Grill at Stump Pass

📍 260 Maryland Ave, Englewood, FL 34223
📞 (941) 828-1368
🌐 https://www.lighthousegrillfl.com
👉 Hidden marina gem


🌇 SARASOTA WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS

Ophelia’s on the Bay

📍 9105 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
📞 (941) 349-2212
🌐 https://www.opheliasonthebay.net
👉 High-end, romantic waterfront dining

Marina Jack

📍 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
📞 (941) 365-4232
🌐 https://www.marinajacks.com
👉 Iconic marina dining

O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill

📍 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
📞 (941) 953-7505
🌐 https://www.olearystikibar.com
👉 Casual bayfront hangout

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

📍 412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
📞 (941) 383-0102
🌐 https://www.drydockwaterfrontgrill.com
👉 Consistently top-rated waterfront dining


🌊 Final Thoughts

This stretch of coastline is loaded with legit waterfront spots—not just views, but real access to the water.

🔥 Best Picks by Category:

  • Best sunsets: Sharky’s, Pop’s, Nokomo’s
  • Best boat access: Dockside, Pop’s, Pelican Alley
  • Best locals vibe: Nokomo’s, Captain Eddie’s, Snook Haven
  • Best upscale: Fins, Ophelia’s, Deep Lagoon

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