Whether grabbing a weekend cocktail along the Halifax, reminiscing with loved ones over a sunset dinner on the Tomoka or enjoying a beachfront burger overlooking the Atlantic, it’s no secret that the Daytona Beach area knows a thing or two about picturesque dining.
From ultra-casual seafood joints to vibrant tiki bars with live entertainment and historic pub fare go-tos, here are 10 of my favorite waterfront restaurants from New Smyrna Beach to Ormond Beach that deliver on food, views and ambiance.
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Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor
133 Inlet Harbor Road, Ponce Inlet; 386-202-4490, offthehookatinletharbor.com
Located right along the Halifax River, this scenic Ponce Inlet eatery was born from the dreams of a fisherman and boasts “real deal” seafood freshly prepared for all who walk through its doors. While you’ll witness some sea life indoors, passing by a fish tank or two and an array of nautical wall hangings, the restaurant’s light-strung, covered deck provides the photogenic views and waterfront experience that Florida diners like myself crave on a relaxing night out.
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Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor caters to all steamed, fried and roasted preferences, with a broad menu of steamed shellfish, Hawaiian-style favorites, fried platters, handhelds and more that range from the fried grouper bites and yellowfin tuna poke tacos to the pan-seared sea scallops served with beurre blanc, the Prince Edward Island mussels, and the blackened-, grilled- or fried-to-order fresh fish of the day — a firm, slightly sweet, yet mild helping of grilled mahi, served with fresh veggies and fries.
Whether grabbing a tropical cocktail while boat-watching or enjoying a laid-back dinner next to the sunset’s water-ricocheting glow, Off the Hook always makes the trip worth my while.
Our Deck Down Under
78 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange; 386-767-1881, ourdeckdownunder.com.
Our Deck Down Under is a Port Orange community favorite that serves up delicious seafood and waterfront views in an ultra-casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere. The popular spot, located on the edge of the Halifax River under the Dunlawton Bridge, requires no reservations and offers both indoor and deck seating, where you might find yourself accompanied by some of the beautiful beaked wildlife that often fly in for a visit — and always seem to fly away before I can snag a photo.
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The eatery showcases both a full bar and plentiful menu of seafood dinners, sandwiches and desserts with options that include the grilled crab cakes, served with my choice of hushpuppies and fries; the house-smoked BBQ ribs; the fried, grilled or blackened fish sandwich; grouper fingers; classic Key lime pie; and homemade cheesecake.
Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille
200 Boatyard St., New Smyrna Beach; 386-428-6888, outriggersnsb.com
Perhaps my favorite on this list, Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille is as it claims, a taste of the “ultimate Florida lifestyle.” With an expansive covered deck overlooking the water and passing yachts, this popular tiki bar and grill feels easygoing and beachy, yet altogether classy, captivating and carefree.
From its first-rate service and live entertainment to its sunset dock views and artfully crafted cuisine, Outriggers is my “taste of Florida” go-to when visitors are in town or when I’m simply craving a sunny Sunday afternoon bite.
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Its menu of mostly seafood plates includes the peel-and-eat shrimp; crispy crab and lobster cake sandwich; mahi, shrimp or chicken marina tacos; Korean BBQ Sticky Ribs — crispy, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs smothered in a rich, sticky Korean BBQ sauce and accompanied by bamboo rice and house-made kimchi; and walnut-encrusted fresh catch — a thick, flaky serving of fresh swordfish topped with pineapple and peppadew rum butter and served with creamy red bliss mashed potatoes and perfectly crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts.
Aunt Catfish’s On the River
4009 Halifix Drive, Port Orange; 386-767-4768, auntcatfishontheriver.com
Aunt Catfish’s captures the essence of every round table, home-cooked meal I once enjoyed with my family down South. The hospitable local seafood joint offers a beautiful view of the Halifax River in a cozy, laid-back environment.
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The eatery offers a full bar as well as a complimentary all-you-can-eat “fish camp fixin’s bar” and bakery alongside your entrée, with options that include freshly baked cinnamon rolls, cheese grits, coleslaw, baked beans and more. Aunt Catfish’s menu ranges from platters and sandwiches — like the ground and grilled gator tail burger and BBQ ribs and fried shrimp platter — to seafood favorites like the fried Carolina-style catfish; blackened or grilled salmon; and fried Cajun shark. The restaurant also offers a children’s menu and “blue jean” brunch until 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Hidden Treasure Rum Bar and Grill
4940 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet; 386-761-9271, hiddentreasurerestaurants.com
This colorful, Key-West-inspired venue is ideal for a casual night out with family or a buzzing weekend filled with your favorite drinks, live music and seafood. Hidden Treasure Rum Bar and Grill is a pet-friendly destination located right across from the historic Ponce Inlet light house. Like a watercolor painting brought to life before you, the eatery’s fiery sunset views and waterfront wildlife sightings can be enjoyed from the comfort of its colorful, covered outdoor deck built around a towering, twisted oak tree.
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Hidden Treasure’s menu features an assortment of mainly seafood plates, like the blackened, grilled or fried shrimp dinner; the shrimp, scallop and mussel-layered seafood pasta; and the steamed middle neck clams.
A plethora of burgers, sandwiches and “treasured creations” can also be found at the eatery, including the creole-inspired, mildly spiced chicken and sausage gumbo; and the surf and turf burger. Hidden Treasure also offers a daily happy hour from 2 – 5 p.m. with $1 off all beer, wine and liquor.
The Breakers Restaurant
518 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-428-2019, breakersnsb.com
When it comes to beachfront dining, it doesn’t get much more up close and personal with the Atlantic than this joyous burger joint. The iconic New Smyrna Beach staple is never short of packed on any given evening, inviting guests to “grab a seat where you can find one” during its bustling dinner hours. The eatery’s well-loved, home-like wooden interior feels intimate yet still energetic — a casual, fresh-off-the-beach go-to that simply doesn’t disappoint.
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The Breaker’s is known for its distinctively delicious thick burgers dripping with flavor through every juicy bite, with options ranging from the blue cheeseburger — beach burger topped with blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, tomato and onion; and the mushroom burger — layered with provolone cheese, sautéed mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and onion; to other options like the mahi mahi, fish and chips, wings and more — not to mention a full bar offering the Breaker’s Mule and other house specialties.
RiverGrille on the Tomoka
950 U.S. 1, Ormond Beach; 386-615-2004, rivergrille.net
This Cajun-inspired seafood restaurant is a family-friendly favorite with live entertainment, vibrant views and surplus of stuffed, spiced and layered fish dishes. Nestled eye-to-eye with a plethora of towering palm trees, the spacious covered deck overlooks the Tomoka River, while the eatery’s casual indoor space is decked out with winding, overhead branches, mason jar light fixtures, light-strung wooden logs and other rustic, country décor.
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RiverGrille on the Tomoka offers a full bar, happy hour specials and a vast menu, featuring the sweet and mildly spiced Key lime jerk chicken and shrimp — served with Cajun corn salsa and honey mustard over beans and andouille rice; the citrus bourbon BBQ sauce-topped salmon; the pulled pork sandwich — smoked in-house and served with your choice of sweetened or tangy BBQ sauce; and the shrimp and grits — shrimp, peppers, onions and mushrooms served in a Cajun gravy.
Mama Foo Foo
125 Basin St., Daytona Beach; 386-287-0180, mffdaytona.com
An atmosphere for relaxation and socialization, Mama Foo Foo embodies a chic, cocktail-lounge vibe where specialty craft cocktails meet serene riverfront views. The dimly lit Daytona restaurant feels both upscale and alluring from its cozy dark wood design and subtle auburn lighting to its lush greenery coating every corner and front row view of the Halifax Harbor Marina.
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The eatery’s menu features a medley of shareable small plates, as well as pasta, seafood and steak dishes that include the sweet potato hash and Brussels sprouts-accompanied Atlantic salmon; the rich, slightly spiced curry peanut sauce-topped chicken satay; the Bolognese — slow-cooked beef paired with rigatoni, garlic bread and chilled whipped ricotta; and the crisp, pan-seared bourbon BBQ chicken.
Mama Foo Foo’s nightlife focus and swanky, fun vibe makes it a Friday night no-brainer for dinner and drinks on the water.
Riverside Johnny’s
115 Main St. Bridge, Daytona Beach; 386-238-9349, riversidejohnnys.com
Riverside Johnny’s is a 2023-born staple for seafood, wings and burger lovers alike in Daytona Beach. With both indoor, outdoor and bar seating, the waterfront restaurant is known for its easy-going atmosphere, sunset views along the Halifax, and versatile menu of seafood, steak, sandwiches and more.
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Whether watching the game on one of the restaurant’s many TVs or enjoying a cocktail and shareable plate with friends, this local eatery is a quickly growing, friendly favorite in the area.
Riverside Johnny’s menu includes the Johnny’s Bleu Burger — a rich, caramelized layering of double beef smash patties with melted blue cheese and Cajun seasoning; the fried calamari; the grilled or blackened grouper sandwich; the shrimp tacos; and the marinated skirt steak dinner.
Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar and Grille
4511 S. Atlantic Ave., Port Orange; 386-322-3258, racingsnorthturn.com
Racing’s North Turn, not only a historic landmark, but undoubtedly one of the most iconic waterfront restaurants in the Daytona Beach area, is a cult favorite whose wings, drinks and animated crowd has stood the test of time for racing fans, NASCAR drivers and beachfront dining-lovers alike.
The eatery sits at the very site where “racing history began” back in the ‘30s, and showcases an extensive indoor photo library, featuring some of the most beloved bike racers and racecar drivers known to man.
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Its outdoor deck and covered bar area is never short on locals and visitors alike enjoying live entertainment, big-screen games and a casual, beachfront bite. The eatery’s menu features a variety of sandwiches and seafood plates, including the Ponce Inlet chicken sandwich — a thick serving of grilled chicken breast, smoked gouda, Applewood bacon, lettuce and guava jam on a pretzel roll; the grilled grouper dinner; snow crab legs; sautéed lobster flatbread with creamy, house-made alfredo; and the shrimp and grits.
Helena Perray is the restaurant and dining writer for The Daytona Beach News-Journal. A New Jersey native and passionate storyteller, she can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Support local journalism by subscribing.