When you’re cruising from Florida’s major ports… Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, or PortMiami — there’s no better way to begin or end your journey than with a fantastic meal…

I’ve rounded up the top three restaurant picks for each port, each offering great food, waterfront views, lively bars, and an unbeatable cruise-ready vibe.

Port Canaveral
Top 3 Restaurants

1. Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar
505 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral
FL Vibe: Lively tiki bar energy with live music and a parade of cruise ships gliding by. Food: Local seafood like shark kabobs and grilled mahi. Bar: Frozen drinks, margaritas, and casual beachy cocktails.

2. Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
610 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL
Vibe: Nautical-themed, fun, and slightly more elevated than Grills but still casual. Food: Try the fish dip, crab cakes, ahi tuna salad, or the “Catch of the Day” sandwich. Bar: Great rum punches, local drafts, a waterfront deck and a rooftop bar for prime ship-watching.

3. Rising Tide Tap & Table
523 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL
Vibe: Trendy gastro-pub with a polished coastal atmosphere. Food: Craft burgers, smoked brisket, and creative seafood dishes with beautiful plating. Bar: Large craft beer selection and craft cocktails. Ideal for a relaxed, upscale bite before boarding.


Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)
Top 3 Restaurants

1. 15th Street Fisheries
1900 SE 15th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vibe: Classic marina-side dining with both casual dock seating and upscale upstairs dining. Food: Legendary peel-and-eat shrimp, fresh snapper, and seafood towers. Bar: Dockside happy hours, rum drinks, and waterside views.

2. Coconuts
429 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vibe: Bright, breezy, and very beachy, steps from the Intracoastal Waterway. Food: Fish tacos, lobster rolls, and their famous “Scoobies” (garlic blue crab claws). Bar: Relaxed, tropical cocktails and a good wine selection with casual vibes.

3. Boatyard
1555 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vibe: Upscale nautical — modern, trendy, and perfect for celebrating. Food: Elegant presentations of local seafood, oysters, and prime steaks. Bar: Craft cocktails, mojitos, and a lively indoor-outdoor bar scene overlooking yachts.


PortMiami
Top 3 Restaurants

1. The Wharf Miami
114 SW North River Dr, Miami, FL
Vibe: Open-air party with Miami River views, colorful cocktails, and food vendors. Food: Gourmet burgers, seafood bites, tacos, and fresh ceviche. Bar: DJs, waterfront cocktail lounges, and a buzzing tropical vibe.

2. Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market
398 NW North River Dr, Miami, FL
Vibe: Classic old-school Miami seafood spot, super casual, big on authenticity. Food: Grilled fish sandwiches, stone crabs (in season), and fresh shrimp platters. Bar: Cold beers, sangria, and breezy riverside seating where you can watch boats pass.

3. Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge
422 NW North River Dr, Miami,
FL Vibe: Upscale and glamorous waterfront dining, with yachts and ships cruising by. Food: Luxurious seafood towers, wood-fired steaks, and Mediterranean-inspired plates. Bar: Champagne-heavy, upscale cocktail menus perfect for a pre-cruise splurge.

Final Boarding Tip
No matter which Florida port you’re sailing from, these restaurants give you a front-row seat to the action… along with outstanding food, drinks, and coastal atmosphere. Arrive early, stay late, and turn your cruise into a full-blown waterfront vacation!
I love Florida. 😎