Best Outdoor Restaurants on the Water | St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL

Dine right on Florida’s Historic Coast! For al fresco dining in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach, you’ve got lots of choices.

Mesmerizing sunsets, soul-warming sunshine and locally inspired fare are just a few perks of outdoor dining at St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach restaurants. From breezy beachside restaurants to romantic downtown courtyards, patio seating accentuates the natural beauty of Florida’s Historic Coast. Here, we introduce you to a few local favorites.

Beach Views

Located oceanfront in Vilano Beach – literally steps from the Atlantic Ocean – this fine-dining establishment serves up an ocean view alongside creative cuisine. The menu features innovative chef specials highlighting fresh fish and seafood, balanced with steaks, pasta and more. The Reef Restaurant has an extensive wine list and full bar (with a daily happy hour) and also serves a not-to-be-missed Sunday brunch.

Ocean breezes, live music, an expansive second floor deck with beach views and a first floor open air deck that’s pet friendly all set Salt Life Seafood Shack apart from your typical oceanside eatery. An eclectic menu featuring the freshest sushi, a raw bar and the coolest drinks make Salt Life Seafood Shack the place to take your family and friends for a great, casual dining experience. There are plenty of options to suit every taste and personality. Satisfy your cravings and create good times all with weekly specials and entertainment.

Bayfront Views

Draped with twinkling lights and shaded by leafy trees, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille courtyard in downtown St. Augustine is a charming setting for any occasion. Devotees of Cajun cuisine appreciate the selection of Louisiana classics, including crawfish etouffee, blackened redfish and po’boys, and out in the courtyard you can listen to live music while drinking a Hurricane or Sazerac.

Love traditional Irish fare such as Fish & Chips and Shepherd’s Pie? Crave some fresh local oysters? Or perhaps you’d just like to stop and have a cold brew with friends. You’ve come to the right place at Meehan’s Irish Pub & Seafood House. Locals love the view of the bayfront from the balcony, and all diners enjoy the lively atmosphere in the Backyard, which feels like a tropical paradise (because it is.) Even your furry friend will enjoy the welcoming outdoor ambience.

The Wharf Florida is set to make its debut in Summer 2023, offering a captivating dining experience that blends coastal charm with delectable cuisine. Nestled along the picturesque waterfront, this new culinary gem promises to be a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike, providing breathtaking views and a menu inspired by the rich flavors of the region.

Views on the Intracoastal Waterway

Nestled among the mangroves on the Intracoastal Waterway between Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine, Cap’s on the Water is known for its breathtaking sunset views and mouthwatering seafood. Choose a seat on the popular deck or cozy up to the Sunset Oyster Bar, which serves up raw, steamed or baked oysters and other fresh-off-the-boat shellfish.

There’s lots to like on the menu at Aunt Kate’s on the River. From classic Menorcan clam chowder to Pilau of the day, you’re just getting started. Enjoy some peel and eat shrimp or baby back ribs as you take in the gorgeous sunset view over the Intracoastal waterway. A local favorite, Kate’s is also popular with boaters and sailors, who often stop by as they meander down the Matanzas toward downtown.

Further up the Intracoastal you’ll find Palm Valley Fish Camp and discover your next favorite hangout. Spend some time outside basking in the fading sunlight as you sip on a craft cocktail. The sunset view from the patio and deck is as magical as the cuisine which includes the freshest seafood delicacies and farm-to-table fare you’ll find anywhere.

Rooftop Views

1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop Bar at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa offers guests sweeping ocean views from its airy rooftop space and floor-to-ceiling windows in the interior dining room. Enjoy craft cocktails, fine wines, and a menu of fresh seafood and small bites while immersed in breathtaking scenery.

The Cellar Upstairs Wine Jazz & Blues Bar always hits the right notes, especially if you’d like some wine and live music to accompany your light appetizers. Located on the rooftop of the San Sebastian Winery, the views from the open-air deck are mesmerizing and romantic. You might even find yourself in the mood to dance with your partner.

Panoramic Fairway Views

Two championship golf courses draw visitors to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, and NINETEEN coaxes them into staying. Perfect for post-round dining, NINETEEN complements its seasonal menu with outdoor seating offering panoramic views of the greens. Traveling with the family? Head here for Family Day every Sunday, when the restaurant offers a spectacular breakfast buffet as well as a crowd-pleasing supper.

Views on the San Sebastian River

Spectacular views await you at St. Augustine Fish Camp. Watch the boats go by as you indulge in some fresh oysters on a half shell and perfectly cooked seafood. This new addition to the culinary scene in St. Augustine lives up to all the hype, with friendly, knowledgeable staff, refreshing handcrafted cocktails and, yes, the amazing view.

Offering St. Augustine's most unique outdoor dining experience, you must experience a meal at Asado Life. With the backdrop of local fish and shrimp boats passing along the San Sebastian River, you will be immersed in a Live Fire Grilling Experience like no other. Inspired by the fire, menu options feature: an array of meats; pescatarian offerings; or Patagonian style, whole roasted pig or lamb.

Marina Munch, a waterside food truck park in the English Landing Marina hosts the area’s best-loved food trucks on rotation as they provide a diverse selection of culinary dishes to choose from as you enjoy the river view from the deck.

View of the Salt Run

The Conch House is another local favorite that many visitors call their own. Who wouldn’t want to dine in a grass hut under a thatched canopy overlooking the marsh? You’ll love the laid-back vibe as you feast on Caribbean dishes and listen to some live music from some of the best local talent. It always feels like a party here, because it is.

Find more outdoor restaurants in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach here.