Brian Nagele
Cleveland’s gorgeous waterfront locations enhance the city’s dining scene by offering a captivating backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Cleveland’s waterfront dining establishments provide the ideal fusion of scenic beauty and mouthwatering cuisine, whether visitors are dining on the serene shores of Lake Erie or the picturesque banks of the Cuyahoga River. These eateries bring the waterfront charm to their menus, whether you’re looking for succulent steaks, fresh seafood, or eclectic cuisine. With this one-of-a-kind dining experience, you can savor delicious meals while immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the waterside setting. Join us as we explore these eateries that have become popular destinations for tourists and locals alike.
Pier W
12700 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
216-228-2250
Visit Website
Pier W has one of the best modern aesthetics and views out of all the restaurants I have been to. Inside it has a white and blue theme that complements the beautiful view of Lake Eerie. Pier W has a menu full of fresh seafood and seasonal dishes. They work directly with fishermen to secure fresh fish, as stated by Executive Chef Regan Reik. I ordered a Grilled Hawaiian Tuna covered in sweet chile glaze. The tuna meal included grilled bok choy, glass noodle okonomiyaki cake, and grilled pineapple. Dining here was a great experience, and I would return for seconds.
Alley Cat Oyster Bar
1056 Old River Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113
216-574-9999
Visit Website
Alley Cat Oyster Bar has one of the best views in all of Cleveland. During the daytime the garage door with window panels is open, and you can see a beautiful view of the Cuyahoga River. My favorite dish to eat here is salmon. It comes with a summer Panzanella salad, heirloom tomato, cucumber, onion, chickpeas, baby kale, and red wine vinaigrette to complement the whole thing. This place also offers some of the best-tasting raw oysters I have eaten. Alley Cat Oyster Bar also has an amazing Blonde Bloody Mary cocktail to quench your thirst. It is mixed with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and a Natural Blonde bloody mary mix.
Collision Bend Brewing Company
1250 Old River Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113
216-273-7879
Visit Website
Inside Collision Bend Brewing Company you will find a trendy interior with a comfortable atmosphere. The menu is a nice blend of American cuisine and seafood, including chicken sandwiches, burgers, pizza, shrimp, and salmon. I enjoyed the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich containing pickles, slaw, and blue cheese aioli, which came with a side of fries. I enjoyed the beautiful riverfront view of the Cuyahoga River, which this restaurant is located on the banks of more than anything. Outside you can watch the boats pass down the river as you enjoy your food and drinks. It is a great spot with a great view!
Lindey’s Lake House Flats
1146 Old River Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113
216-727-0158
Visit Website
Located just under where the Cleveland Memorial State Highway crosses the Cuyahoga River, Lindey’s Lake House Flats offers great food and an even better waterfront view. Their menu is filled with a variety of seafood, poultry, and beef. My favorite dishes are their Lake House Fish Sandwich and Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. I often like to get Lindey’s Lakehouse thin-cut french fries along with either of these sandwiches. Outside they have very comfortable seating with umbrellas for shade. Once I got my food and my seating, I was greeted with a beautiful view of the river the restaurant is on.
Merwin’s Wharf
1785 Merwin Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
216-664-5696
Visit Website
Just like the previous entry, Merwin’s Wharf is also located on the Cuyahoga River, albeit a little further down the river. To be more specific, this restaurant is located on the Irishtown bend of the Cuyahoga River. Their menu features classic American cuisine with some seafood. I enjoyed their breaded walleye sandwich with their mac and cheese as a side. Merwin’s menu also has a host of thirst-quenching drinks and specialty ones. Their peach mimosa was excellent, containing champagne, peach puree, and a sugar rim. The riverfront view is also incredible, with a seating area outside that lets you take in the atmosphere of the water.
Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar
1000 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114
216-737-1000
Visit Website
Nuevo Modern Mexican and Tequila Bar is a lakeside restaurant with beautiful views, great Mexican food, and a comfortable atmosphere. Their menu is Mexican-inspired, with some of my favorite dishes being the birria quesadilla, papas fritas, and carnitas. Nearby you can find cool places to visit after eating, like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, First Energy Stadium, and the Great Lakes Science Center. Along with this great food, you get an amazing view of Lake Eerie, which left me speechless. Eating at this restaurant is definitely going to stick with me, and next time I am back in Cleveland, I will be sure to visit again.
Chez François Restaurant & Touche Bistro
555 Main St, Vermilion, OH 44089
440-967-0630
Visit Website
Chez François Restaurant & Touche Bistro is a waterfront restaurant with an upscale vibe. A unique thing about this restaurant is that they are the only restaurant in Northern Ohio with a dress code. The restaurant also splits into three parts the Riverfront cafe, Touche, and the Parisian Room. The Riverfront Cafe is for casual dining outdoors and has the best view. There are also three docks where you can park your boat. Touche is a martini/wine bar with small plates and entrees available. No reservation is needed to eat at Touche. The Parisian Room is for private dining events such as birthday parties or fundraising events. There are also no formal menu or restrictions, and they will cater to whatever your budget needs. Overall, Chez François Restaurant & Touche Bistro is one of the more sophisticated restaurants I have had the pleasure of eating in.
Lockkeepers
8001 Rockside Rd, Valley View, OH 44125
216-524-9404
Visit Website
Lockkeepers offer a small or large private dining experience in a trendy interior. Their menu has a variety of foods such as lasagna, shellfish, lobster, salads, fish, and soups. For private dining, Lockkeepers offer a ballroom, south room, north room, and a sommelier room. The menus offered for these private dining experiences include a three-course dinner, a four-course dinner, a three-course lunch, and an Italian Buffet. Of course, being located along the Cuyahoga river means getting a great waterfront view. I enjoyed the atmosphere, view, and calamari at Lockkeepers.
Shooters On The Water
1148 Main Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
216-861-6900
Visit Website
Each summer Shooters hosts events catering to thousands of guests while defining the draw of the Cleveland Flats. And believe you me, I was drawn in.The menu at Shooters on The Water offers quesadillas, shrimp, salads, burgers, and a variety of sandwiches. My personal favorite is the buffalo chicken wrap with a tomato tortilla wrapped around it. You can also hold group and private events at Shooters. There are multiple available areas for these events including the upper deck, right dining, upper bar/left, main dining room, lower bar, and the outside stage.
Summer House
At The Carlyle on The Lake, 12900 Lake Ave Unit 2, Lakewood, OH 44107
216-270-2300
Visit Website
The Summer House is a waterfront restaurant with some of the best views on this list. They also have a great menu of delicious food. I love the grilled oysters and shrimp ceviche they make, and I recommend trying them out if you visit the Summer House. The Summer House also has a private dining space, so if interested, make a reservation. The view and ambiance there are to die for, only being enhanced by the great food.
The Rusty Anchor at the Music Box Supper Club
1148 Main Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
216-242-1250
Visit Website
The Rusty Anchor at the Music Box Supper Club is a spectacular restaurant with live music and food. It has a beautiful view of the Cuyahoga River, with plenty to do around. Their menu offers a nice variety of seafood and American cuisine. The lobster mac and cheese is amazing, but I loved the Crab Cake they offer. This restaurant is for private events, its entire space available for events like fundraisers, private parties, or group tours.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 4 credible sites and blogs, including This is Cleveland and Trip Advisor.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 4 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.thisiscleveland.com/blog/7-waterfront-dining-spots-in-cleveland-that-offer
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g50207-zfp43-Cleveland_Ohio.html
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/76833/best-restaurants-with-a-view-in-cleveland
https://www.nissanstreetsboro.com/blog/top-5-waterfront-restaurants-in-cleveland-ohio/
