Orlando may be best known for its theme parks and sunshine, but its dining scene deserves just as much attention. Tucked along its many lakes and waterways are restaurants that invite you to slow down, take in the view, and experience a more relaxed side of the city.
These are the top scenic waterfront restaurants in and around Orlando, FL:
Canvas Restaurant & Market (Lake Nona)
Located in Laureate Park, Canvas Restaurant & Market is one of Lake Nona’s best spots for a lakeside meal. A big part of Canvas’ appeal is the way the view and the dining experience work together. The water is right there, the layout makes the most of the view, and the indoor-outdoor feel suits Central Florida perfectly.
Food-wise, Canvas offers plenty of flexibility. The menu is contemporary American, with brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour, coffee, pastries, and cocktails, along with enough variety for different tastes and dietary preferences.
Where to find it: Canvas Restaurant & Market is located at 13615 Sachs Avenue, Orlando, FL.
The Boathouse (Disney Springs)
The Boathouse at Disney Springs is known for its scenic water views and broad menu of seafood and steakhouse favorites.
One of the most striking waterfront restaurants in the Orlando, FL area is The Boathouse, a marina-inspired restaurant in Disney Springs’ The Landing. The menu spans steakhouse and seafood favorites, from oysters and lobster bisque to chops, pasta, and fresh fish from the raw bar. Whether you’re there for a casual lunch or a proper night out, there’s something on the menu for it.
What keeps The Boathouse from feeling like just another theme park restaurant is how well it uses its setting without overdoing it. Multiple dining rooms and generous outdoor seating give guests different ways to enjoy the property, but the water is always the focal point.
Where to find it: The Boathouse is located in The Landing area of Disney Springs at 1620 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL. The waterfront restaurant is about 25 minutes away from Orlando, Florida.
Hillstone (Winter Park)
Set on Lake Killarney, Hillstone in Winter Park is one of the best scenic restaurants near Orlando. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Auldbrass Plantation,” its design gives the space a distinct look, and its Adirondack chairs by the lake make it an especially nice spot around sunset.
The menu is another reason Hillstone stays popular. It includes dishes like the Shrimp Louie Salad, the Classic Cheeseburger, and the Hawaiian rib-eye, along with seafood, salads, sandwiches, steaks, and prime rib.
Where to find it: Hillstone (Winter Park) is located at 215 S. Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, FL. The restaurant is around 15 to 20 minutes away from downtown Orlando.
Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe
Sitting right on Lake Ivanhoe in Ivanhoe Village, Russell’s has the kind of view that makes dinner feel a little more worth dressing up for, especially around sunset. Open since 2020, this waterfront restaurant in Orlando, FL serves dinner nightly and brunch on weekends.
Russell’s menu offers contemporary American fare with enough range to cover both seafood and steakhouse cravings. Current selections include dishes like blackened wild salmon, grilled swordfish, scallops pappardelle, shrimp linguini, and pepper-crusted beef tenderloin.
Where to find it: Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe is located at 1414 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL.
Other Orlando restaurants worth the stop
While they’re not waterfront, these restaurants are still well worth including for their food, atmosphere, and local following. Each one offers a different take on the Central Florida dining scene and is often mentioned alongside waterfront spots for good reason.
Boxi Park (Lake Nona)
Built from repurposed shipping containers in Lake Nona Town Center, Boxi Park is part food hall, part entertainment venue, and part neighborhood hangout. This 30,000-square-foot open-air dining and entertainment venue is the kind of place where dinner can easily turn into drinks, live music, or a long evening outside.
Apart from the open-air atmosphere, the food is another reason why Boxi Park stands out. The venue has everything from lobster rolls and tacos to housemade burgers, smoked wings, craft beer, and cocktails.
Where to find it: Boxi Park is located at 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., Orlando, FL.
Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen (Winter Park)
Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar might not sit right on the water, but it does capture the feel of a classic Florida fish camp. Inspired by old fish camp traditions, the restaurant focuses on fresh seafood, Southern hospitality, and a casual atmosphere that fits well in Central Florida.
Seafood is the focus, but the menu has plenty of range. Reel Fish serves seasonal fish from the Gulf and Atlantic, along with fried seafood platters, shrimp and grits, po’ boys, gumbo, low country boil, and raw bar items. There are also meat options for diners who want something other than seafood.
Where to find it: Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar is located at 1234 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, FL. The restaurant is around 15 minutes away from downtown Orlando.
High Tide Harry’s
High Tide Harry’s is not the kind of waterfront restaurant in Orlando, FL that people picture when they think of sunset views and outdoor tables, but that is part of its charm. Near Orlando International Airport on South Semoran Boulevard, this family-owned seafood spot has been around since 1995 and has built a loyal following.
The menu is a big reason it has lasted. Crab is the main event, with king crab, snow crab, Dungeness crab, and blue crabs when available, plus combinations like The Deadliest Catch and The Big Alaskan Feast. There are also oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, and seafood boils along with beer, wine, and cocktails.
Where to find it: High Tide Harry’s is located at 4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL.
EXPLORE THE ORLANDO, FLORIDA LIFESTYLE
In Orlando, Florida, some of the city’s best dining experiences happen by the water. From lakeside brunch spots to lively restaurants with sunset views, these places reflect the kind of lifestyle that draws so many people to the area.
If you’re interested in learning more about what this part of Central Florida has to offer, get in touch with me, Mike Derenthal. As a waterfront property expert for over 20 years, I’d be happy to help you explore the local Orlando, FL real estate market.
Work with one of the top real estate agents in Orlando, Florida today! Call me +1.321.662.8014 or send an email to browse the homes for sale in Lake Nona, Orlando, Florida.