Waterfront dining creates an ambiance that is desired by many. Listening to the water rush down the banks or crash against the shoreline as you wait for your dinner is calming and romantic.
While coastal cities like Miami and Tampa receive praise for waterfront dining, it is vital to not overlook the smaller and lesser-known riverfront cities like Philadelphia.
Philadelphia offers some of the best waterfront dining in the United States that should be on your restaurant bucket list.
Whether you enjoy the up-scale dining at Chart House or the open-air casual dining at SSHP Oasis, you’re in for a treat when you dine at one of the highest-rated waterfront restaurants in Philadelphia.
Don’t believe me?
Check out my list of the best waterfront restaurants in Philadelphia below and see for yourself!
Best Waterfront Restaurants in Philadelphia
Whether you’re looking for a classic dish like a Philly cheesesteak or you prefer to dine the seafood route, here are the best waterfront restaurants in Philadelphia.
Morgan’s Pier
221 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-279-7134
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Seasonal menus at Morgan’s Pier in Philadelphia keep things fresh and customers coming back for more.
The made-from-scratch menu items like the flatbreads and seafood dishes give you a taste of the city while also offering a unique waterfront atmosphere.
Small plates like Crispy Chicken Wings, Empanadas, and Watermelon Salad line the appetizer menu while flatbreads, sandwiches, and seafood highlight the entrees.
A separate beer and cocktail menu is available to help you find the perfect pairing for your savory dish.
While it is nearly impossible to make a poor choice when it comes to ordering, the Warm Corn Dip is a must-try when you visit Morgan’s Pier.
Moshulu
401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-923-2500
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A unique and historic waterfront dining experience in Philadelphia is Moshulu. Moshulu is noted as being the oldest and largest “square-rigged sailing vessel” still floating in the world.
What makes it even better is that you can board the vessel and enjoy a bite to eat while you take in its rich history.
The best way to get the full dining experience aboard Moshulu is by consuming the same type of meal as the original sailors. Try the Mango Seafood Maki Sushi Roll or the Surf & Turf Lux Toast for a sea-inspired meal.
A variety of options on the dinner, brunch, dessert, cocktail, and midway menus ensure you will find a plate suitable to your taste buds if sushi isn’t your forte.
The Garden at Cherry Street Pier
121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-923-0818
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The Garden at Cherry Street Pier is an unmissable waterfront restaurant in Philadelphia. Located on Christopher Columbus Boulevard, this beautiful outdoor space features a variety of plants as well as an amazing view.
The Garden is open on weekends and for special events, so contact them if you’re planning on visiting.
The menu includes snacks and salads, tacos, sandwiches (like my favorite, the grilled chicken with avocado mayo, fontina cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, and bacon on a seeded roll), sweets, and even a kid’s menu that features hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and pulled pork.
Their cocktails are also pretty good, offering specialty cocktails like the Orange-Mango Margarita and the Cherry Street Sour.
Maggie’s Waterfront Cafe
9242 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19114
Phone: 215-637-6716
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A family-owned restaurant with calming waterfront views, Maggie’s Waterfront Cafe is a casual dining joint perfect for a quick bite for lunch or an afternoon beverage.
Maggie’s offers over 40 beers on draft and has an extensive cocktail menu, making it a popular destination.
Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, soup, salads, pizza, flatbreads, pasta, entrees, and shareables line the menu.
So many options are available at Maggie’s Waterfront Cafe, making it a top destination for large groups with varying dining preferences.
Whether you’re out on the town with your girlfriends or shopping with the family, Maggie’s Waterfront Cafe has something for everyone.
Chart House
555 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215-625-8383
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Stunning views, spectacular seafood, and upscale dining are what you will find when you dine at Chart House.
Guests can take in views of the Delaware River and Battleship New Jersey as they sit back and enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.
The fine dining at Chart House is the perfect option for those looking to create romantic memories on date night.
Start your dinner at Chart House with a glass of wine from the extensive wine menu. Move onto appetizers like Kim Chee Calamari or Ship, Avocado, and Mango Stack.
Select a seafood entree like Mahi, Ahi Tuna, Salmon, or Halibut and complement items like Baja Shrimp or Island Spiced Salsa.
If you’re not in the mood for fish, try an option from the Bowls and Greens or Land and Sea section of the menu.
Whether you visit Chart House for the spectacular seafood or the stunning view, we know you won’t be disappointed.
Manayunk Brewing Company
4120 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: 215-482-8220
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The Manayunk Brewing Company is another good waterfront restaurant in the city. It offers an incredible 600+ varieties of small-batch beer and has been in business since 1996.
A wonderful outdoor space located on the water for al fresco dining is a cozy spot for a dinner date.
There are a variety of small plates like wings, dips, and fries to start. Since it’s a brewery, there are a wide array of draft beers, wine, and a huge selection of cocktails.
I highly recommend trying out their Apple Bear + Brie Salad, which includes a spring mix with dried cranberries, walnuts, and brie cheese in a poppyseed dressing.
Keating’s Rope and Anchor Bar + Kitchen
201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-521-6509
Located on Christopher Columbus Boulevard is Keating’s Rope and Anchor Bar + Kitchen, a sleek spot known for its diverse dishes featuring an American flavor with a modern twist.
You’ll find everything from seafood to steak to sandwiches and more here. Their fresh, locally sourced ingredients that add great flavor to every dish and will wow you when you savor them.
If you go, I highly recommend exploring their cocktails. They do nothing but the classics like mimosas and mojitos, but they do them really well.
You will not be disappointed. What’s more, as you sip you can enjoy a view of the Delaware River from the outdoor dining area.
Cavanaugh’s River Deck
417 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: 215-629-7400
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Regarded as the city’s biggest waterfront restaurant, Cavanaugh’s River Deck is situated along the Delaware River.
There’s always something going on at this restaurant. With tons of themed events like their exciting Mug Nights, Thirsty Thursdays, or Friday and Saturday nights dance party, their menu includes cheesesteak spring rolls, bangin’ shrimp, and more.
This place is always busy. The last time I was there, I had the cheesesteak, and it was incredible. I highly recommend it if you visit.
Liberty Point
211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-315-9023
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Another great waterfront restaurant in the Philadelphia area is Liberty Point. Enjoy a drink and watch the ships pass on the river at this impressive three-level restaurant with five bars.
It has everything from DJs to live music and a wide selection of drinks and seafood. Some of their most craved snacks are Fried Clam Strips and Spicy Tuna Tostada.
My favorite is the Lobster Quesadilla, though. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-good, it’s become my go-to when I’m at the waterfront.
Waterfront dining in Philadelphia is an experience you don’t want to miss. Sit back and enjoy watching the sparkling water of the Delaware River ripple along the banks as you sip on a glass of wine and enjoy a bite to eat.
Whether you prefer a quick bite at Waterfront Gourmet Cafe and Deli or a relaxing dinner at Moshulu, Philadelphia offers some of the best waterfront dining destinations.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!