32 Tampa Bay Restaurants with Boat Docks to Dock and Dine

Tampa Bay is one of the best places to find delicious restaurants with boat docks. Nothing is genuinely better than relaxing by the water and having a carefree day eating out.

One of the things I love about Tampa Bay is the opportunity to boat to neighboring towns within a short proximity.

I’m an occasional boater who enjoys eating out. I prefer it over having to pack a meal!

I created this list for like-minded boaters who enjoy venturing to new places to taste the local cuisine. Most of these have their own docks, but I did list a few with public slips nearby. All of them are accessible by boat!

I fully admit to not being a foodie but rather, someone who enjoys good food! However, I included some top favorite dishes in case you can’t decide what to eat.

I encourage you also to share your favorites in the comments, and I can add them to the list.

Here is the list of Tampa Bay restaurants with boat docks by location:

Dunedin Restaurants

The City of Dunedin Marina provides public floating docks for boaters. They are available first come, first served with no reservations.

Enjoy a short walk to the many restaurants off Main Street and the downtown area. Here are just a few great cuisine choices in the charming town of Dunedin. On a side note, they also have a great craft brewery scene.

BON APPÉTIT RESTAURANT – 2-minute walk from docks
Staple restaurant in beautiful Dunedin that has some of the best water views and great seafood.
Favorite dishes: Lobster and Grouper
Seafood restaurant on the water with an elegant dining room & outdoor bar plus a patio & views.
148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 733-2151

THE LIVING ROOM – Short walk (9-minutes) from the docks
Casual dining eatery with a dog-friendly patio & live music serving locally sourced sharing plates.
Favorites: Beef Bulgogi Wraps, Brussels Sprout, & Blueberry Martini for Cocktails
487 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 736-5202

Hillsborough County – South East (Apollo Beach, Gibsonton, Ruskin)

CIRCLES WATERFRONT
Modern seafood-focused dock-and-dine restaurant with some of the best views in Apollo Beach.
Favorite dishes: crab chowder, grouper, and scallops
1212 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
(813) 641-3275

RIVERS EDGE BAR AND GRILL
Low-key outpost offering a casual burger and seafood menu with a pool & live music to enjoy.
6226 Ohio Ave, Gibsonton, FL 33534
(813) 671-9196

SUNSET GRILL
Beachfront with American fare, seafood, plus daily breakfast & champagne Sunday brunch.
602 Bahia Del Sol Dr., Ruskin, FL 33570
(813) 607-2900

Gulfport Restaurants

The charming town of Gulfport has a complimentary boat dock with multiple slips available to use. It is best to come early on the weekends to avoid missing one of these coveted spots. Restaurants in Gulfport are bountiful.

The City of Gulfport public dock is located off the Casino Pier in downtown Gulfport.

🌴 Read Next: The 13 Fun & Best Things to Do in Gulfport Florida

General Guidelines

• Docks are FREE to the public.
• Mooring is limited to 4 hours per 4-hour period.
• Mooring in designated berths only.
• Docking is on a first-come, first-served basis during operating hours only.
• No commercial activity and no water or electric hookups.
• For more information, call 727-893-1071.

Here are a few of my personal favorite restaurants to dock and dine at in Gulfport, FL.

O’MADDY’S BAR & GRILLE – 3-minute walk from the public docks
Free-spirited hub for American bites in an indoor/outdoor space across from expansive water views.
Favorite dishes/drinks: Happy Hour, Lobster Roll, Reuben, & Fish Tacos
5405 Shore Blvd S., Gulfport, FL 33707
(727) 323-8643

PIA’S – Short walk (less than 5 minutes) from the public docks
Old world Tuscan-themed surroundings with straight-up delicious Italian dishes.
Favorite dishes: Eggplant Parmesan, Shrimp Scampi, Bruschetta
3054 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707
(727) 327-2190

St Petersburg Downtown Restaurants

Downtown has dock spaces that are accessible for anyone to use, and not specific to a particular restaurant.

🌴 Read Next: 38+ Best Things to Do in St Petersburg Florida

General Rules & Hours
No reservations. Docking is on a first-come, first-served basis during operating hours only. One boat per slip, no commercial activity, including loading/unloading passengers, and no water or electric hookups. Must provide your own lines and fenders. Dock at your own risk.  

Open from 6 am to 11 pm with a 6-hour maximum. Contact the Marina Office at 727-893-7329. After hours contact Marina Security at 727-639-5790 or Pier Security at 703-863-1794.

Weekday Rates

• 1-4 hours = $2 per hour
• 5th hour = $3/hr
• 6th hour = $4/hr
• 6 hours cost $15/hr

Weekend Rates

• 1-4 hours = $2.50 per hour
• 5th hour = $3.50
• 6th hour = $4.50/hr
• 6 hours cost $18/hr

Payment is accepted via machine, either cash or credit card. Park Mobile to be added in the near future. Please note the machine does not dispense change when paying in cash.

Here are just a few of the plethora of dining options in the fantastic downtown St Pete.

DOC FORD’S RUM BAR & GRILLE – 2 minute walk from docks
Located at the St Pete Pier, Doc Ford’s has stunning inside and outside views of both downtown St. Pete, and Tampa Bay.
Favorite dishes/drinks: Doc Ford’s Mojitos and Yucatan Shrimp
610 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 857-8118

CEVICHE TAPAS BAR & RESTAURANT – Short walk, less thank 5 minutes from docks
20+ years of sharing the magic of the Iberian coast here in the Bay area with delicious small plates
Favorite dishes/drinks: Oxtail, Brussels Sprout, Churros, & Sangria
332 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 209-2299

FRESCO’S WATERFRONT BISTRO
Relaxed dockside spot serving global eats & drinks in casual digs featuring a waterfront patio.
300 2nd Ave. NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 894-4429

PARKSHORE GRILL – Short walk, less than 5 minutes from the docks
Scrumptious steaks & seafood paired with fine wines served inside or on the sprawling patio.
Favorite dishes: Sharp Cheddar Mac and Cheese, Parkshore Salad, Scallops, & Scottish Salmon
300 Beach Dr NE #104, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 896-9463

PIER TEAKI – 5 minute walk from docks or take a the Pier shuttle
Located on the top floor of the new St Pete Pier with wide open 360 degree views.
800 2nd Ave NE 5th Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 513-8325

St Petersburg – North Pinellas / Gandy Restaurants

I.C. SHARKS SEAFOOD MARKET
A waterfront bar and restaurant with some of the freshest seafood in Tampa Bay.
13040 Gandy Blvd N, St Petersburg, FL 33702
(727) 914- 4087

THE GETAWAY
Relax at the tiki beach bar offering coastal favorites, tropical cocktails, craft beers all while watching dolphins.
Favorite dishes: Seared Tuna Tacos & Shrimp and Crab Quesadilla
13090 Gandy Blvd N, St Petersburg, FL 33702
(727) 317-5751

RICKS ON THE RIVER
Casual riverfront pub where raw oysters & classic bar bites are complemented by good music daily.
Free to use dock when dining, or $1 per foot for overnight rentals.
2305 N Willow Ave, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 251-0369

St Petersburg / Maximo – South

TIKI DOCKS BAR + GRILL
Chill spot with Polynesian-themed decor, seafood dishes & live music, plus a beach bar & water views. Located in Maximo Marina, make sure to use space marked for Tiki Docks patrons. On a side note, they also have a sister location in Riverview.
Favorite dishes: Shrimp Tacos and Chicken Tenders
3769 50th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
(727) 810-8454

St Petersburg – West Coast Pinellas

St. Pete Beach

CASTILE RESTAURANT + 360 ROOF TOP BAR
The Hotel Zamora’s Castile Restaurant merges the atmosphere of a stylish sidewalk cafe with the sunny sensibility of a modern seaside grill.
Check out the 360 Roof Top Bar for amazing sunset views!
3701 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
(727) 456-8900

John’s Pass

John’s Pass Marina now offers public rental slips on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee. This is a great way to check out John’s Pass via boat.

CRABBY’S ON THE PASS
Located just across from super fun John’s Pass Village with ample boat parking and live music.
12754 Kingfish Dr, Treasure Island, FL 33706
(727) 300-0191

Read Next: 13 Best Things to Do in Madeira Beach, Florida

Indian Shores

SALT ROCK GRILL
Popular spot for grilled fish & steaks with views overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
Favorite dishes: Bacon Wrapped Scallops & Steaks
19325 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785
(727)593-7625

Pass-a-Grille

RED, WHITE, & BOOZE (PRIOR: SEA CRITTERS CAFE)
Old Florida seafood cafe on the water with deck dining overlooking the Vina Del Mar bridge in Pass-a-Grille.
2007 Pass a Grille Way, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
(727) 360-3706

THE WHARF RESTAURANT
Rustic restaurant with rugged beach feel serving American & seafood dishes with water views.
2001 Pass a Grille Way, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
(727) 367-9469

Tampa Restaurants – Downtown Area

CAFE DUFRAIN
A relaxed warm ambiance with a global cuisine and waterfront dining off Harbour Island in Tampa.
707 Harbour Post Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 275-9701

COLUMBIA CAFE
Great location near Amalie Arena & Tampa Riverwalk with delicious Spanish style food. They even will deliver food and drinks to the dock!
Favorites: 1905 Salad, Chicken and Yellow Rice; Spanish Cava Sangria
801 Water Street, Tampa, Florida 33602
(813) 229-5511

Columbia Cafe has 8 tie-ups at the boat docks. Open 24/7 with a pay box on the dock. Docking rates are $2 per hour, up to 10 hours. Long-term is $25 for up to 72 hours.

Boat Dock Phone: 813-259-1604 (day) or 813-274-8615 (evenings)

JACKSON’S BISTRO & SUSHI BAR
Waterfront spot with an eclectic menu, including sushi with nightlife and a patio to enjoy.
601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 277-0112

Tampa Restaurants – South

BAHAMA BREEZE
Chill eatery featuring Caribbean entrees, tropical cocktails and live music, amid a fun beach decor.
3045 N Rocky Point Dr. E., Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 289-7922

HULA BAY CLUB
Bayside haunt for Hawaiian-style food, featuring a lively poolside lounge & dockside dining.
5210 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611
(813) 837-4852

SALT SHACK ON THE BAY
American bar food & drinks, specializing in seafood, in a chill setting with access by land or boat.
5415 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611
(813)444-4569

Tampa Restaurants – Hillsborough River

One of the trendiest areas these days is down on the Hillsborough River around Armature Works. For boaters, it is a paradise of things to do and explore. Park your boat at either Water Works Park or Armature Works and enjoy all this area has to offer.

Armature Works has multiple restaurants all with the same easy access to Heights Public Boat Docks. The Heights Public Boat Docks has 40 slips available for public use. There is an hourly rate, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Prefer not to drive your boat? There is also a Pirate Water Taxi option to enjoy!

HEIGHTS PUBLIC MARKET – ARMATURE WORKS
Located in Armature works, this 22,000 square foot industrial style market features an open floor plan with communal seating surrounded by restaurants showcasing the top chefs and restaurateurs in the Bay Area.
1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 250-3725

STEELBACH – ARMATURE WORKS
Enjoy a full-service dining experience at Armature Works, specializing in grass-fed beef and handpicked flavors for every dish.
1902 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 693-5478

ULELE – less than 5 minute walk from either boat dock
A family-friendly restaurant next to Armature Works with delicious menu items in a Floridian fare and house-brewed beers. They even will deliver food and drinks to the dock!
Favorite dishes/drinks: Ulele Pilsner (House Brewed Beers), Calamari, Seafood Risotto
1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 999-4952

Tierra Verde Restaurants with Docks

BILLY’S STONE CRAB
A steaks and seafood restaurant for over 50 years. Enjoy the upper deck for gorgeous views and bird watching before heading out to Shell Key or Fort De Soto Park.
1 Collany Rd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
(727) 866-2115

ISLAND GRILLE & RAW BAR
Pull up with your boat and enjoy the pool, live music, and indoor/outdoor bar area.
Favorite dishes: Fish tacos
210 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
(727) 767-0020

Pin It for Later!

I hope you enjoyed this detailed article on Tampa Bay restaurants with boat docks. If you are looking for other great things to do in the article check out some of my other articles.

Related Tampa Bay Articles

12 Unique & Fun Things to Do in Tierra Verde FL

St Petersburg vs Tampa For Vacation + Best Things to Do

The 27 Fun & Best Kids Things to Do in Tampa Bay in 2022