Rocco Smith
If you’re planning a trip to Marco Island, or even if you live there year-round, you’re going to want to learn about all the absolutely best places to eat by the water since that’s pretty much the main attraction.
The waterways of Marco Island are world-famous for being crystal-clear and beautiful, as well as total hotspots for fishing and boating, so it makes sense that you’d want to eat at a waterfront restaurant while you’re here.
Luckily, I’ve spent lots of time in Marco Island checking out all the restaurants there and I’ve put together a handy guide ranking all the best ones with waterfront views.
Best Waterfront Restaurants in Marco Island
- CJ’s on the Bay
- Snook Inn
- Mango’s Dockside Bistro
- The SpeakEasy Marco Island
- Sunset Grille
- Capri Fish House
- Stilts Bar & Grill
- Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill
- Kane Tiki Bar & Grill
- Sale e Pepe
- The Oyster Society
If you’re having trouble deciding which waterfront restaurant to go to down here in Marco Island, then all you need to do is pull up this list and pick any one of these fantastic establishments for a delicious meal and a picturesque view of the Gulf of Mexico.
CJ’s on the Bay
740 N Collier Blvd #105, Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-389-4511
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Taking the number-one spot on my list is none other than CJ’s on the Bay. I’ve featured them before when it comes to seafood restaurants in Marco Island, but this time it’s all about the view of the water.
You can find CJ’s on the Bay off of North Collier Boulevard inside the Esplanade Shoppes at Marco Island.
It’s the perfect place for lunch or dinner by the water when you need a break during your shopping spree at all the fun stores nearby.
CJ’s has great drinks and, of course, lots of delicious food to choose from.
Snook Inn
1215 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-394-3313
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Up next, we have the Snook Inn located over off of Bald Eagle Drive near the Marco Island Villas and Dolphin Cove Marina.
I absolutely love coming here for a meal by the water and to enjoy the live music they have playing often.
What’s really convenient about Snook Inn is that they have boat docking for their patrons, so if you’re out on a boat fishing or hanging out and you start feeling hungry, simply come on by and tie up to their dock to grab something tasty and a drink or two.
Mango’s Dockside Bistro
760 N Collier Blvd # 109, Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-393-2433
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This next place is called Mango’s Dockside Bistro that you can find off of North Collier Boulevard inside the Esplanade Shoppes at Marco Island where CJ’s on the Bay is as well. This place is easy to find, in a convenient location, and the view never disappoints.
I like to come here for their weekend breakfast, but they serve lunch and dinner as well. I usually start with a mango mimosa, but then I move into the lobster Benedict if it’s the weekend.
If I’m here for lunch or dinner, I like to get sushi actually. The sushi served at Mango’s is so fresh and delicious that you’re going to love it.
The SpeakEasy Marco Island
1106 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-970-2929
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Right next to the Marco Island Area Chamber Of Commerce, in the same building, is The SpeakEasy Marco Island.
I really love coming to this restaurant because of its prohibition-inspired theme and, of course, the absolutely delectable food to go with the waterfront views.
Definitely start with a craft cocktail when you come to The SpeakEasy. Some of my favorites are the Asian pear martini, the Swedish paloma, and the frozen key lime colada if it’s a particularly hot day out.
As for food, I recommend the red snapper, but there are so many other great options to choose from.
Sunset Grille
900 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-389-0509
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This next waterfront restaurant, Sunset Grille, is located inside the Apollo Condominiums hotel, conveniently situated right next to the Marco Island South Public Beach Access.
It’s easily one of the best waterfront restaurants in Marco Island to visit if you’ve been spending all day at the beach nearby.
What I usually order from Sunset Grille is a frozen drink to start things off with and to help combat that infamous Florida humidity while I peruse the menu. As for food, I like to go for the fried shrimp basket or the fish and chips.
Capri Fish House
203 Capri Blvd, Naples, FL 34113
Phone: 239-389-5555
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This next place is called Capri Fish House and it’s right off of Capri Boulevard near the Isle of Capri Marina.
If you’re looking for one of the nicest waterfront views in Marco Island, you need to make yourself a reservation and head down here.
My absolute favorite part about Capri Fish House is that they have a waterside tiki bar if you want to be even closer to the water’s edge while you eat and drink.
What I usually recommend from Capri Fish House are the scallops, by far. They are so fresh and seared absolutely beautifully for that golden brown crust.
Stilts Bar & Grill
600 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-393-6790
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Right inside the Marriott’s Crystal Shores hotel off of South Collier Boulevard is a place called Stilts Bar & Grill that I think everyone should stop by for a delicious meal with an unbeatable view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Not only is this one of the best places to eat in Marco Island, but it’s inside one of my favorite places to stay here as well. It’s really a dynamic duo.
Personally, I like the fish tacos a lot from Stilts Bar & Grill, but that’s just one of the many delectable things they offer on their menu.
Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill
1021 Anglers Cove, Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-394-4048
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Overlooking Factory Bay off of Anglers Cove next to the Rose Marina is none other than Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill and I highly recommend checking out this place if you’re in the area looking for a pleasant waterfront dining experience.
This popular Marco Island haunt is perfect for anyone wanting a laid-back, open-air restaurant and bar with tropical drinks alongside some classic seafood dishes.
I always start with the seared ahi tuna appetizer and then I go for one of their famous Tiki grouper sandwiches. It comes either grilled, fried, blackened, or with lemon pepper seasoning.
Kane Tiki Bar & Grill
400 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-394-2511
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Just south of the Marco Island Public Beach Access on South Collier Boulevard is Kane Tiki Bar & Grill that you can find right inside of the luxurious and popular JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.
There’s no better place to dine by the water, especially if you happen to be staying at the hotel in which it sits.
This place is so relaxing and it has all the charm of a tiki bar but with a delightful Asian flair when it comes to the cuisine.
My go-to order from Kane Tiki Bar & Grill is usually the ahi tuna poke. I find it so refreshing and filling.
Sale e Pepe
480 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-393-1600
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Sale e Pepe, or “Salt and Pepper” in Italian, is one of my all-time favorite Italian restaurants and I make sure to visit them every time I have the pleasure of staying near Marco Island, Florida.
This refined Italian restaurant has perfected its cuisine and the atmosphere is as intoxicating as the craft cocktails.
What I recommend is the classic branzino with roasted tomatoes and fennel salad. It’ll make you feel like you’re dining somewhere on the Amalfi Coast, especially when you gaze out at the clear waters of the gulf.
Look for Sale e Pepe inside the Marco Beach Ocean Resort off of South Collier Boulevard.
Stan’s Idle Hour Seafood Restaurant
221 Harbor Pl N, Goodland, FL 34140
Phone: 239-394-3041
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This last place that I want to mention,Stan’s Idle Hour Seafood Restaurant, is actually located in Goodland nearby, but it’s completely worth the 6-minute drive that it takes to get here from Marco Island.
Stan’s Idle Hour Seafood Restaurant looks out over Goodland Bay and you get spectacular views from their outdoor patio.
What I love the most from Stan’s Idle Hour Seafood Restaurant is their New England clam chowder. I think it’s the perfect start to any meal, especially on one of those rare, chilly winter days.
Be sure to check out Stan’s the next time you’re looking for a fantastic waterfront restaurant experience in Marco Island!
Final Thoughts
Marco Island is, well, an island, so it’s not incredibly surprising that there are plenty of places to eat by the water, but who knew that they’d all be this amazing?
The next time you’re thinking of going out to eat and you want a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico, all you have to do is pull up this guide and pick any one of these restaurants that I’ve listed above for a wonderful waterfront dining experience.
If you’re not interested in Marco Island waterfront restaurants, check out these incredible seafood restaurants in the city!
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
