What’s the next best thing to being on a boat? Watching them pass by while you enjoy a good meal from your favorite waterfront dining destination, of course.
We’re spoiled here in South Florida with seemingly endless options when it comes to eating with a view and a breeze — whether it’s overlooking the ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, a yacht-filled marina or a hidden lakeside gem.
But how do you pick the right place to savor the alfresco experience or impress out-of-town visitors? That’s why we turned to you, our readers, for help with February’s topic in our Best of South Florida Dining series.
We put the task of choosing the best waterfront restaurant in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties in your hands. And for the first time in the competition, we asked you to consider atmosphere and views in addition to food and drinks.
After a weeklong wave of submissions wrapped up, we counted them and have landed on the top five finalists. They are, in alphabetical order:
A sixth restaurant, Kaluz in Fort Lauderdale, was tied for a finalist spot, but the eatery declined to participate in the free readers’ poll.
WHAT FANS HAD TO SAY
In nominating Aruba Beach Cafe, readers raved about the live music as well as the service and views. Of course, there’s also the “phenomenal food,” according to Fort Lauderdale resident Jennifer Golubski.
“I recommend the ahi tuna, Florida seafood soup and sesame-crusted salmon,” she wrote in her nomination form. “Amazing and friendly staff. Ocean views. Cute and family friendly location.”
Meanwhile, fans of Boathouse at the Riverside, which is part of the Riverside Hotel, lauded the menu and views of boat traffic. One recommended an after-dinner walk along the New River.
“The ambience is wonderful and location is amazing!” wrote Fort Lauderdale resident Marianna DeJager. “The food is delicious and service is top-notch. There is nothing better than sitting at the Boathouse on a sunny day and enjoying a cocktail and meal, and watching our tourism and marine industries in action.”
In Palm Beach County, Susan Schwartz called Deck 84 the perfect place to pull up and dock your boat. The Boca Raton resident also mentioned the “fabulous food, views and live music,” “best drinks” and a “wonderful” staff as part of her nomination.
Fort Lauderdale views of the 17th Street Bridge and Pier 66 were top of mind for some folks who nominated 15th Street Fisheries. Pembroke Pines resident Jonathan Gomez said he’s even made a few friends at the restaurant.
“I love having lunch there and feeding the tarpon that accumulate under the dock,” he wrote. “Great food, great views, easier to access (and) park at than the hectic beach areas. This is great for lunch or dinner.”
“TRADITION!” is what Pompano Beach resident Maria Soldani emphatically wanted us to know first about her reasons for nominating Sea Watch on the Ocean.
“This is my favorite place to make memories with family and friends,” she wrote. “The breezes through the open porch give a salty feeling to the atmosphere. The service is impeccable, the waiting staff is solicitous, well trained and can make recommendations from the menu.”
Her favorite menu item: the Karen’s Club, with grilled chicken breast, Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, tomato, avocado and mayonnaise on grilled sourdough bread.
Now that you’ve heard from readers, it’s time to make your voice heard! Cast your vote using the form below (or click here). You have until Friday, Feb. 28.
Don’t miss previous winners!
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