Whether it’s a summer escape or a winter retreat, few things rival the serenity of a beach day. While picnics in the sand hold their appeal, there are moments when you crave a meal or a drink with the sun’s warmth, free from preparation or tide-watch duty.
Thankfully, a wealth of beachside restaurants offer the perfect solution. These gems allow you to relish food and drinks while waves lap the shore or a breathtaking sunset unfolds. Some even elevate dining over the ocean itself.
From sipping a daiquiri on the sands to savoring seafood by the water, this global roundup unveils the world’s most captivating beachside and waterfront eateries. Spanning from Italy to India, Saint Bart’s to the Seychelles, these culinary treasures cater to varied tastes and plans.
Le Plongeoir, Nice, France
Nice boasts a plethora of beach clubs offering delightful Niçoise salads. However, for those seeking a blend of gourmet cuisine and an elevated vista, Le Plongeoir is the ultimate choice. Once a perch for a fishing boat serving Belle Époque diners, René Livieri transformed this establishment into its present form in 1941—a restaurant on a standalone rock, complete with diving boards as its hallmark. Although the diving boards have vanished, this elevated perch (technically in the Mediterranean Sea) offers an ideal setting to bask in Cote D’Azur’s ambiance as the sun sets.
Rockhouse Restaurant, Negril, Jamaica
Cabo isn’t the sole destination for cliffside dining. At the picturesque Pristine Cove, where the Caribbean Sea meets volcanic cliffs, lies the Rockhouse Restaurant—a Negril gem that captivates from sunrise to sunset. Featuring a blend of contemporary and traditional Jamaican dishes, with the backdrop of brilliant blue waters splashing against the rocks just beneath your table, it’s evident why this intimate haven provides ample reason to explore Jamaica’s West End.
The Grotto at Rayavadee, Krabi, Thailand
In the shadow of a limestone cliff on the shores of Phra Nang beach sits The Grotto, a magical hideaway that’s a must-see for anyone staying at Rayavadee. By day, The Grotto’s natural shade offers a respite from the sun without sacrificing stunning views. But to get the full experience, book a Twilight Set Dinner to enjoy a special menu built on fresh, local ingredients while watching the sun’s last rays fade away over the ko in the distance.
Roof Deck Bar & Restaurant at The Surfrider, Malibu, CA
Off the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, The Surfrider awaits—a transformed 1953 motel where the essence of roadside and beachside dining seamlessly intertwines. Its roof-deck bar and restaurant offer a haven where innovative cocktails and thoughtfully crafted dishes, using locally sourced farm ingredients, come together to deliver an unmistakably Californian gastronomic journey. Complemented by inviting seating arrangements that harmonize with the calming rhythm of First Point Malibu’s waves, The Surfrider presents a tranquil ambiance. Whether you’ve spent the day riding the waves or you’re simply passing by, this exclusive retreat is well worth the price of admission.
Azido, Mahé, Seychelles
While the heart of the Indian Ocean might not initially come to mind as a hotspot for authentic Japanese fare, Azido defies expectations. This restaurant, situated within Seychelles’ Mango House resort, is ready to debunk any doubts. Nestled on the western coast of Mahé, the largest island in this remote archipelago, Azido invites guests to savor sushi or indulge in sukiyaki wagyu, all while soaking in the breathtaking view of Anse a la Mouche. Simply unwinding with a well-crafted cocktail in hand is sufficient to assure you that every moment spent traveling to the Seychelles was an endeavor well-rewarded.
