Best Daytona Beach Restaurants on the Water & Beyond (2024)

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I recently spent a week discovering and eating my way through some of the best restaurants in Daytona Beach on the water (and off). You can’t go wrong with any of these!

Since the sun rises over the ocean in Daytona Beach, restaurants with an ocean view are especially wonderful during the day. And for dinner with a sunset view, head to one of the many riverfront eateries.

Daytona Beach Restaurants on the Water

Racing’s North Turn (Oceanside)

4511 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32127
https://www.racingsnorthturn.com/
Live music at select times

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Not only will you enjoy the spectacular ocean vista with your meal, but you’ll also be sitting in the exact sand beach location where racing history began.

This Historic Landmark is situated at the original North Turn of the old beach road racing course. Take a few minutes before or after your meal to browse the museum’s collection of historic memorabilia.

And of course, the food itself is delicious!

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Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill (Oceanside on the Pier)

3701 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
https://www.crabbyjoesdaytona.com/
(Temporarily closed due to hurricane damage)

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A Daytona Beach restaurant favorite, this casual eatery is located right on the Sunglow fishing pier. Rent a bike from Blue Coast Shop and enjoy a morning beach bike ride followed by breakfast on the pier.

You can’t go wrong with anything here, but the Pancake Tacos and the Breakfast Bowl are recommended favorites.

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Ocean Deck (Oceanside)

127 South Ocean Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
https://oceandeck.com/

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This casual, relaxed restaurant on the beach is the perfect place to pop in for some live music and delicious eats. Enjoy a beach view or sit on the west deck for a sunset view.

LandShark Bar & Grill (Oceanside)

471 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
https://daytona.landsharkbarandgrill.com/
Live music at select times

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I know, I know… it’s a chain restaurant (which I normally don’t include) but it’s a Daytona Beach favorite and a lot of fun, so I couldn’t leave it out. Lots of Happy Hour specials, al fresco dining with fabulous views and scrumptious food… what’s not to love?

Down the Hatch (Riverside)

4894 Front Street, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
https://www.downthehatchseafood.com/
Boat slips/tie-ups available
Live music at select times

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A delicious selection of fresh seafood, pasta, burgers, sandwiches and salads await you at this casual eatery overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Don’t miss the popular smoked fish dip!

Our Deck Down Under (Riverside)

78 Dunlawton Avenue, Port Orange, FL 32118
https://www.ourdeckdownunder.com/
Live music at select times

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Enjoy panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and its wildlife while dining on tasty seafood, ribs, burgers, and house-made specialties. Located under the Dunlawton Bridge.

Off the Hook (Riverside)

133 Inlet Harbor Road, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
https://offthehookatinletharbor.com/
Live music at select times
Boat slips/tie-ups available

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For lunch, sit outside and enjoy the Intracoastal Waterway scenery and boat traffic. Later in the day, come in for happy hour and the amazing sunset views. And all day long, choose from a terrific selection of fresh seafood, burgers and sandwiches.

Caribbean Jack’s (Riverside)

721 Ballough Rd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
https://www.caribbeanjacks.com/
Live music at select times
Wet slips available for boats

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Grab a seat for lunch in one of the gently rocking tables on the deck for a real treat. You can’t go wrong with the spinach artichoke dip, soft pretzel sticks and a crisp, delicious specialty salad.

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Mama Foo Foo (Halifax Harbor Marina)

125 Basin Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
https://www.mffdaytona.com/
Live music at select times

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This exquisitely beautiful restaurant on the marina is the ideal place to come for a signature co*cktail at sunset and creative Asian fusion small and large plate dinner specialties.

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Boondock’s (Riverside)

3948 South Peninsula Drive, Wilbur By The Sea, FL 32127
https://www.boondocks-restaurant.com
Live music at select times
Boat slips/tie-ups available

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This lively and colorful open-air restaurant (enclosed for winter in this photo) on the Halifax River offers gorgeous sunset views, fabulous Tiki Bar co*cktails, seafood, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Guests can have their fresh catch cooked for them here too.

Dine and Cruise (Halifax Harbor Marina)

125 Basin St. Ste. 140, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
https://www.dineandcruise.com

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Enjoy dinner and a scenic 1-1/2 hour Intracoastal Waterway cruise on the Lady Dolphin of Daytona paddle wheeler.

Downtown Daytona Beach Restaurants

Little Italy’s Ristorante

240 South Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
https://littleitalysrestaurantandpizzaria.com/
Live music at select times

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Take a break from the seafood, and make it a pasta night with authentic Italian dishes at Little Italy’s Ristorante. Start with a basket of warm bread and mozzarella wedges then tuck into a plate of hot, delicious carbonara, lasagna, ragu or a fresh-made pizza.

Ichi Ni San

246 South Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
https://www.ichinisanrestaurant.com/menu

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If you love ramen or sushi, you won’t want to miss a meal at this Daytona Beach restaurant fave. Enjoy creative yet authentic Thai-Japanese fusion dishes and Boba drinks with a lovely ambiance.

Dancing Avocado Kitchen

110 South Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
https://www.dancingavocadokitchen.com/

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Vegetarians, vegans and carnivores can all dine together happily from this eclectic menu of made-from-scratch shareables, sandwiches, salads and more.

Angell & Phelp’s Chocolate Factory

154 South Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
https://www.angellandphelps.com/

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This is the place for chocoholics! Cora Phelps and Riddell Angell began their chocolate-making business in 1925 on Mackinac Island in Michigan but moved it to Daytona Beach during WWII. Happy sweet-toothed Daytona Beach shoppers have been loading up on their homemade sweets ever since.

Stop in for a free self-guided tour to watch chocolates being made and enjoy a free sample as well. Be sure to take home some of their famous fudge, toffee and chocolates. I left with a box full of chocolate-covered caramels – my favorite.

One Daytona Place (Directly across from Daytona Speedway)

4 Rivers Smokehouse

1866 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
https://www.4rsmokehouse.com/daytona/

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Get yourself some of the best BBQ at this smokehouse directly across the street from the Daytona International Speedway.

Choose from brisket, pulled pork, chicken and turkey, ribs, burnt ends or combine your favorites. Add your choice of homestyle sides like baked beans and baked grits, then loosen your belt and dig in. It’s GOOD EATS.

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Donnie’s Donuts

225 Daytona Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
https://www.donniesdonuts.com/

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These mouthwatering fried cake donuts have been featured by Tyler Florence on The Food Network. You can order vintage donuts served plain or rolled in sugar or cinnamon sugar or go for one of the creatively topped donuts with a modern twist.

With dozens of varieties made fresh in-house daily, you’ll have your hands (and mouth) full picking out a favorite.

World Famous Daytona Beach Boardwalk

Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shoppe

2400 South Ridgewood Ave. Unit 63a,South Daytona, FL 32119
https://worldsmostfamoustaffy.com/

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If you love saltwater taffy (and who doesn’t?) Zeno’s “World’s Most Famous Taffy” comes in about every flavor you could possibly imagine.

Zeno’s taffy is ultra flavorful and whipped super smooth for a soft, delicious chew every single time, and I know because I bought A LOT of it to take home with me. It’s the ultimate Daytona Beach souvenir.

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To find even more suggestions on where to eat in Daytona Beach, visit the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.daytonabeach.com

Downtown Ormond Beach

Rose Villa Southern Table

43 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
www.rosevillarestaurant.com

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Originally an exclusive B&B add-on for VIP guests of Henry Flagler’s Ormond Hotel, the building was restored to its former 1920s grandeur and turned into a restaurant in the 2000s.

Try the house’s signature southern fried chicken and don’t miss the belly biscuits! Also, ask your server about the speakeasy door upstairs and take a peek before you leave.

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31 Supper Club

31 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
https://www.31supperclub.com
Live music at select times

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Step back in time with this homage to Prohibition era nightclubs. The Art Deco decor, throwback co*cktails and speakeasy feel turn lunch and dinner into a one-of-a-kind experience.

Rosie’s Cafe

136 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
https://dunnsattic.com/rosies-cafe/

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Stop in for a homemade breakfast, lunch or dessert at this hidden gem restaurant located inside Dunn’s Attic. You can also order a $1 mimosa and take it with you while you shop the 12,000-square-foot store full of treasures. It’s the only place you can sip and shop in Daytona Beach!

More Fun in Florida

  • What Makes a Daytona Speedway Tour So Fun
  • Unforgettable Panama City Boat Tours with Flippin’ Awesome Adventures
  • Mardi Gras Universal Studios Orlando
  • Things to Do in Tallahassee
  • St. Francis Inn – St. Augustine
Best Daytona Beach Restaurants on the Water & Beyond (2024)

FAQs

What food is Daytona Beach known for? ›

Daytona Beach, Florida is known for its fresh seafood including shrimp, crab, tuna, and all types of fish. It's also known for American classics like sizzling burgers, sandwiches, and delicious steaks.

Did the top of Daytona restaurant ever rotate? ›

Back when the real restaurant was Sophie Kay's Top of Daytona. (And no, the place did not have a revolving bar even though everyone says it did.) Like 1970s fashion, 1970s architecture generally hasn't aged well.

What is the busiest time at Daytona Beach? ›

Peak Season in Daytona Beach (February – May)

Undoubtedly, the height of peak season attracts visitors from around the globe.

Is the water pretty in Daytona Beach? ›

If crystal-clear waters are what you're after, Daytona Beach doesn't disappoint. Here are some beaches known for their pristine waters: Ponce Inlet: This beach, located near the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, boasts sparkling clear waters that are perfect for swimming or snorkeling.

What is the nickname for Daytona Beach? ›

By the 1920s, it was dubbed the "World's Most Famous Beach." As more and more racing took place, the sandy beaches gave way to the development of the famous racetrack known as the Daytona International Speedway, which was built by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France.

Is Daytona Beach still a party town? ›

Daytona Beach is home to a thriving nightlife scene where you can enjoy bars, live music, and nightclubs open until the early hours of the morning.

What is the best month to go to Daytona Beach? ›

The best time to visit Daytona Beach is between March and May. You'll miss the crowded Speedweeks, a series of events and races leading up to February's Daytona 500. Plus, the tourism hangover from busy February may reward you with cheap rates.

Can you walk on the beach at night in Daytona Beach? ›

Hours. The beach is accessible and free for pedestrians and bicyclists 24 hours a day, depending on tides and weather conditions. Driving and parking on the beach is open to vehicles from sunrise to sunset from November 1 through April 30 and from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm from May 1 through October 31.

What is the least crowded beach in Daytona Beach? ›

Top 10 Best Secluded Beaches Near Daytona Beach, Florida
  • All "Secluded Beaches" results in Daytona Beach, Florida - August 2024. Showing 1-17 of 17.
  • Playalinda Beach. 4.3 (74 reviews) ...
  • Ponce Inlet Town of. 4.8 (6 reviews) ...
  • Ormond Beach. 4.6 (20 reviews) ...
  • Daytona Beach. ...
  • Winter Haven Park. ...
  • Smryna Dunes Park. ...
  • Lighthouse Point Park.

What is the difference between Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Shores? ›

Because of the similarity in names, Daytona Beach Shores is frequently confused with Daytona Beach, which borders to the north. Daytona Beach Shores is much smaller with fewer hotels and a higher concentration of condominiums instead of hotels.

Can you drink on the beach in Daytona? ›

Alcohol, glass containers and pets are prohibited on Volusia County beaches. ​Use and/or possession of fireworks is prohibited on Volusia County beaches. Florida Senate Bill 140 regarding the use of fireworks on designated holidays does not apply to Volusia County beaches.

Why is Daytona Beach so famous? ›

World's Most Famous Beach

Located on the east coast of Central Florida, Daytona Beach is internationally known for its racing roots, hosting some of the largest motorsports events in the world including the Daytona 500, also known as the "Great American Race."

What is Daytona Beach known for? ›

World's Most Famous Beach

Located on the east coast of Central Florida, Daytona Beach is internationally known for its racing roots, hosting some of the largest motorsports events in the world including the Daytona 500, also known as the "Great American Race."

What is Daytona State known for? ›

Vision. Daytona State College, an outstanding leader in the Florida College System and a dynamic nationally recognized institution known for its quality, affordable and in-demand programs, seeks to be one of the top state colleges in the country.

What is Daytona Beach flavor? ›

It's a combination of barbecue sauce and the same cayenne sauce used to coat traditional buffalo wings, plus a few other important ingredients that make the sauce special—and things you won't find in other hacks—like Worcestershire sauce and minced jalapeños.

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