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**Updated April 6, 2026
Metro Detroit has 22 exceptional waterfront restaurants spanning the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the Clinton River, and inland lakes across Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, and Livingston counties. Options range from a craft beer garden under $15 per person on the Clinton River to a James Beard Award-connected steakhouse 71 floors above the city. Boat docks are available at the majority of locations.
22 Best Waterfront Restaurants in Metro Detroit
There is something unmistakably Michigander about eating near the water. The state is ringed by Great Lakes and threaded with rivers, and Metro Detroit takes full advantage of that geography. The Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the Clinton River, the canals of Detroit's east side, and more than a dozen inland lakes spread across five counties put waterfront dining within a reasonable drive of nearly every resident in the region.
This guide covers 22 of the best waterfront restaurants in Metro Detroit. The range is intentional. A 76-year-old marina institution on the east side of Detroit sits on the same list as a brand-new Japanese and Mediterranean concept on the Nautical Mile. A farm-to-table canal restaurant hidden on Detroit's east side shares space with an upscale Italian experience on an 11-acre lake estate that opened on its current concept in 2025. Every budget and every body of water is represented.
Entries are organized geographically, moving from Detroit's riverfront outward through Downriver communities, along the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores, north through Macomb County, into Grosse Pointe Shores, up to Anchor Bay in Clay Township, and finishing with the inland lake destinations of Oakland and Livingston counties.
Price key throughout this guide: $ (under 15 per person) | $ (15 to $30) | $ (30 to $50) | $ ($50 and above)
Detroit Riverfront
The Detroit River anchors the region's waterfront dining identity. Its combination of international views, working marina culture, and decades of restaurant history creates a scene that no inland lake can replicate. Readers should note that three of the four Detroit Riverfront entries in this section are operating under confirmed closing timelines tied to the planned $1.6 billion redevelopment of the Renaissance Center by General Motors and Bedrock Detroit. All three remain open now and are worth visiting before those windows close.
Readers should note that three of the four Detroit Riverfront entries in this section are operating under confirmed closing timelines tied to the planned $1.6 billion redevelopment of the Renaissance Center by General Motors and Bedrock Detroit
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Detroit News, Facebook
Sindbad's Restaurant and Marina
Open: Tue-Thur, Sun (11am-9pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-10pm)
100 Saint Clair St, Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: 313-822-8000
Website: Sindbad's Restaurant and Marina
No waterfront dining guide in this region starts anywhere else. Sindbad's has been on the Detroit River since 1949, founded by two brothers-in-law in a building that previously operated as a Prohibition-era speakeasy on the east side. The Blancke family has run the restaurant ever since, and little about the core philosophy has changed: generous portions, fresh seafood, and a non-pretentious atmosphere that keeps generations of Metro Detroit families returning.
The marina accommodates more than 80 boats with transient slips available for guests arriving by water. Great Lakes perch and walleye come in from Kingsville, Ontario. Scallops are flown in natural and unsoaked from Boston. The homemade clam chowder draws consistent five-star mentions across review platforms. The upstairs Sohar Room, named after Sindbad's legendary ship, seats nearly 180 with panoramic river views and handles private events year-round.
Joe Muer Seafood
Open: Mon-Thur (11:30am-9pm) | Fri (11:30am-10pm) | Sat (4-10pm) | Sun (3-8:30pm)
400 Renaissance Center #1404, Detroit, MI 48243
Phone: (313) 567-6837
Website: Joe Muer Seafood
Closing notice: Joe Muer Seafood at the Renaissance Center is scheduled to close in June 2027 as part of the planned demolition of RenCen Tower 400. The restaurant remains fully open now. A new downtown Detroit location is being sought, though no address has been announced. Reservations are open and encouraged.
The most decorated seafood restaurant in the region, Joe Muer Seafood has earned the top seafood recognition from Hour Detroit magazine for 14 consecutive years. The restaurant traces its history back to 1929 and occupies 15,000 square feet on the first level of the Renaissance Center, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Detroit River and Windsor skyline.
The dining room seats 350 and features a grand central bar, driftwood lamps, checkered limestone floors, two fish tanks, a raw bar with freshly shucked oysters, a sushi bar, and a piano bar. Private dining ranges from the Ship Room (36 guests) to the Riverfront Room (up to 175). Fish is flown in whole daily. Business casual dress code is enforced. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Discounted parking is available at the SP Garage directly across Renaissance Drive, and the People Mover stops at the Renaissance Center.
Andiamo Detroit Riverfront
Open: Mon-Thur (3-10pm) | Fri (3-11pm) | Sat (12-11pm) | Sun (2-9pm)
400 Renaissance Center, Suite A-03, Detroit, MI 48243
Phone: (313) 567-6700
Website: Andiamo Detroit Riverfront
Closing notice: Andiamo Detroit Riverfront at the Renaissance Center is scheduled to close in November 2026. The restaurant remains fully open now. The Joe Vicari Restaurant Group will reopen as Andiamo Italian Chophouse at the new JW Marriott Detroit Water Square on the former Joe Louis Arena site, with that new location scheduled to open in January 2027.
Family owned and operated since 1989 under the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, Andiamo's riverfront location sits at the ground-level corner of the Renaissance Center with direct views of the Detroit River and Windsor. All pasta is made in-house. Fish is flown in whole daily. Meats are dry-aged a minimum of 29 days.
The dining room operates with urban energy: white tablecloths and city views without the stiffness of comparable fine dining rooms. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the bar area with half-price cocktails and small plates ranging from $5 to $7. Live entertainment runs Friday and Saturday evenings from 8 p.m. to midnight. Private event space accommodates up to 200 guests with plated, family-style, or buffet service. Parking validation covers up to three hours at the Beaubien Garage via a Level 2 walkway from inside the building.
The Joe Vicari Restaurant Group will reopen as Andiamo Italian Chophouse at the new JW Marriott Detroit Water Square on the former Joe Louis Arena site, with that new location scheduled to open in January 2027
Detroit Princess Riverboat
Open: Mon-Wed (9am-5pm) | Thur (9am-9pm) | Fri-Sat (9am-9:30pm) | Sun (12-6:30pm)
131 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (877) 338-2628
Website: Detroit Princess Riverboat
The largest dinner cruise boat in the Midwest and the only waterfront dining experience on this list that moves. Since 2005, the Detroit Princess has operated cruises down the Detroit River from Hart Plaza past the Ambassador Bridge, just past Belle Isle, and back to the dock. Each cruise runs two to three hours.
The experience combines dining with live entertainment. The Prolifics, a Motown tribute band, have performed aboard for more than 18 consecutive years. Themed cruise programs include murder mystery dinners, Big Band shows, and holiday events throughout the season. Dinner is buffet-style with prime rib carved to order, baked chicken, full sides, and desserts. Multiple bars operate throughout the vessel, which holds up to 1,500 guests. The Detroit Princess hosts weddings, corporate events, family reunions, and birthday parties.
Note for first-time visitors: parking near the Atwater Street dock is limited. Adjacent garages fill quickly on cruise evenings. Arriving early and booking tickets in advance are both recommended.
Coriander Kitchen and Farm
Open: Fri (11am-3pm, 5-9pm) | Sat (10am-2pm, 5-9pm) | Sun (10am-2pm)
14601 Riverside Blvd, Detroit, MI 48215
Phone: (313) 338-9466
Website: Coriander Kitchen and Farm
One of the most genuinely distinctive restaurants in Metro Detroit, Coriander Kitchen and Farm occupies a former marina tucked into Detroit's canal district on the city's far east side. The woman-owned restaurant describes its own atmosphere as a waterside hideaway right in the city, and the description holds. Canal-side patio seating, a heated and enclosed Greenhouse patio, and a colorful retro bar with roll-up garage doors give guests three distinctly different seating experiences on the same property.
The menu is farm-to-table, sourcing produce from the restaurant's own farm and proteins from Michigan family farms. The smoked fish dip and the Marrow Burger, made from pasture-raised dry-aged Michigan beef, are among the most-discussed dishes. Grilled fish rotates weekly based on sustainable catch. Guests arriving by boat can use six first-come, first-served canal slips for boats under 26 feet. Summer weekend waits can exceed an hour; reservations are strongly recommended.
Highlands
Open: Mon-Thur (5-9:15pm) | Fri-Sat (4:30-10:15pm)
400 Renaissance Center, Floors 71-72, Detroit, MI 48243
Phone: (313) 877-9090
Website: Highlands
Closing notice: Highlands Detroit has announced it will permanently close in May 2027, coinciding with the planned demolition of RenCen Towers 300 and 400. The restaurant is fully open now and actively taking reservations and private event bookings through May 2027. If this reservation has been on your list, now is the time to make it.
For a dining experience with no equal in the region, Highlands occupies the 71st and 72nd floors of Michigan's tallest building with panoramic views of the Detroit River, Windsor, Belle Isle, and the full Metro Detroit skyline. The restaurant opened in November 2019 under a James Beard Award-winning chef, three months before the pandemic shuttered much of the industry. It survived, and it continues to operate as one of the most celebrated dining destinations in the city.
The 71st floor houses three distinct dining experiences. Highlands Steakhouse is the main room, a non-traditional take on the American steakhouse format with wagyu beef tartare, oysters with horseradish granita, and an extensive temperature-controlled wine display. Hearth 71 is the more casual option, with an open kitchen and seasonally driven shared plates. High Bar anchors the entry point and is built around cocktails and a serious Scotch collection. The elevator ride alone, 71 floors up through the GM Renaissance Center, qualifies as an experience.
Moving Downriver
South of Detroit, Wayne County's waterfront communities offer their own distinct dining character. The stretch from Gibraltar to Wyandotte along the Detroit River and southwest to Belleville Lake represents a genuinely different atmosphere from the downtown corridor.
JP's Waterfront of Gibraltar, Facebook
JP's Waterfront
Open: Mon (1-11pm) | Tue-Thur (11am-11pm) Fri (11am-12am) | Sat (10am-12am) | Sun (10am-11pm)
13200 Middle Gibraltar Rd, Gibraltar, MI 48173
Phone: (734) 672-6299
Website: JP's Waterfront
Located inside Humbug Marina in Gibraltar, JP's Waterfront is the top-rated dining destination in its town and has built a following beyond the local boating community. Owners Joshua Cade and Justin Bise operate 32 transient boat slips just south of the building, and the upper and lower patios fill quickly on summer evenings. Live music runs Friday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m.
The kitchen takes its specials seriously. Wednesday prime rib night offers 12-ounce and 16-ounce cuts at prices well below comparable options elsewhere in the Downriver market. Walleye, Mahi tacos, fresh fish specials, and half-pound burgers anchor the everyday menu. Music Bingo Thursdays and family survey game nights extend the calendar through the cooler months.
Open Monday 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. with extended weekend hours.
The Waterfront Wyandotte
Open: Wed-Thur (11am-8pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-9pm)
507 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192
Phone: (734) 286-9046
Website: The Waterfront Wyandotte
Open since 2016 and a Community Choice Award winner in 2024, The Waterfront Wyandotte sits directly on the Detroit River in downtown Wyandotte with boat docks available for dining guests. The view across the river toward Canada on clear evenings is among the strongest Downriver has to offer.
The menu is more ambitious than a typical waterfront bar. Steak, fresh seafood, brick-oven pizza, and an extensive wine list co-anchor a kitchen producing dishes like Boursin Chicken in garlic cheese sauce and a shrimp fettuccine alfredo that regulars cite specifically when recommending the restaurant. Live entertainment from regional bands runs regularly on weekends. An indoor fireplace makes the dining room genuinely comfortable in the off-season. A banquet room handles private events.
Johnny's On The Lake Bar & Grill
Open: Mon-Sat (11am-11pm) | Sun (10am-11pm)
146 High St, Belleville, MI 48111
Phone: (734) 699-1777
Website: Johnny's On The Lake Bar & Grill
On the western edge of Wayne County, Johnny's On The Lake has served the Belleville community from its spot on Belleville Lake for more than 20 years. The two-deck building features a fully enclosed upper floor with a 270-degree lake view, making it a functional year-round destination rather than just a warm-weather stop. Dock-side seating is available.
The menu moves across American and Mediterranean influences: filet steak tips with mushrooms, cod fish tacos, Cajun shrimp, a full Sunday brunch program featuring shrimp and grits and Cajun steak and eggs dishes, and a half-pound burger that earns consistent mentions in reviews. Live music runs evenings.
The Nautical Mile: St. Clair Shores
The Nautical Mile along Jefferson Avenue in St. Clair Shores is the most concentrated stretch of waterfront dining in the entire metro area. Four distinct restaurants, all within approximately one mile of each other, cover a range from casual to upscale while sharing frontage on Lake St. Clair or sitting directly within marina properties. For families exploring whether a waterfront community is the right lifestyle fit, understanding this corridor firsthand is one of the better ways to answer that question, and connecting with someone who genuinely knows what real estate near the water looks like on both sides of the transaction is worth doing early.
Mike's on the Water, Facebook
Mike's on the Water
Open: Tue (11:30am-8:30pm) | Wed (8:30am-12am) | Thur (12-8:30pm) | Fri-Sat (11:30am-9pm) | Sun (12-8pm)
24600 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Phone: (586) 872-2630
Website: Mike's on the Water
The Nautical Mile's most beloved and broadly known destination, Mike's on the Water was transformed from an old bathhouse at Michigan Harbor by owner Mike LeFevre into one of the more genuinely personal restaurant experiences in the metro area. The interior is layered with customer boat photos donated by regulars. A dedicated banquet room displays LeFevre's personal collection of more than 16,000 Snoopy items, each tied to a different charity. The rooftop bar features a food truck. The outdoor deck sits directly on the water.
Mike's ranks as the number one restaurant in St. Clair Shores on TripAdvisor with a Travelers' Choice designation. The lobster roll is the most-cited menu item, but the coconut shrimp, fish sandwich, and clam chowder draw consistent repeat orders. Over 300 total seats span indoor, deck, and rooftop.
Open Wednesday and Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Confirm full seasonal hours at mikesonthewater.com.
Zef's Dockside Bar + Kitchen
Open: Mon-Thur (11am-9pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-10pm) | Sun (11am-8pm)
24026 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Phone: (586) 879-6279
Website: Zef's Dockside Bar + Kitchen
Located behind Trader Todd's Marina on Jefferson just north of 9 Mile Road, Zef's operates on two levels with more than 20 televisions throughout and garage-style doors on the second floor that open fully to a large outdoor deck. Marina access is directly behind the building. The kitchen is open year-round.
The downstairs dining room handles the more serious plates: bourbon salmon, lake perch, and street tacos. The upstairs bar menu runs lighter with smash burgers, popcorn fries, and the Fig and Pig pizza topped with pulled pork, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and balsamic drizzle. Weekend waits are common; heading upstairs to the bar while waiting for a downstairs table makes the experience considerably smoother.
Hook
Open: Thur (4-8pm) | Fri (4-10pm) | Sat (11am-10pm)
24214 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Phone: (586) 445-8080
Website: Hook
The newest and most ambitious entry on the Nautical Mile, Hook occupies the former Brownie's on the Lake location but bears no resemblance to its predecessor. The concept is built around Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine under the direction of Fox 2 News local celebrity Chef Bobby Nahra, whose culinary background spans global techniques and cuisines. The kitchen sources through a premium seafood and meat program the restaurant describes as accessible to only five percent of chefs worldwide.
The experience spans casual to elevated depending on how guests approach it. Arriving by boat for a burger at the bar is a completely different visit than booking the interactive Chef's Table. Gourmet sushi, prime seafood towers, house-smoked trout dip, and aged steaks anchor the menu. A lively indoor dance floor and entertainment program make weekend evenings feel more like an event than a standard dining out. The outdoor patio provides direct Lake St. Clair views.
Watermark Bar and Grille
Open: Tue-Wed (12-10pm) | Thur-Sat (12-11pm) | Sun (11am-8pm)
24420 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Phone: (586) 777-3677
Website: Watermark Bar and Grille
The year-round anchor of the Safe Harbor Jefferson Beach Marina at the southern end of the Nautical Mile, Watermark Bar and Grille welcomes guests arriving by boat or car at any point on the calendar. The kitchen blends Greek fare, American pub classics, and surf-and-turf options in a combination that sets it apart from its neighbors: grilled octopus, lamb chops, calamari, the Big Fat Greek Burger topped with kasseri cheese and tzatziki, and rotating pasta and pizza dishes share the menu with dependable bar favorites.
The expansive outside deck includes a tiki bar and seats 125 guests, making it one of the larger outdoor seating setups on the entire Nautical Mile stretch. The interior dining room handles year-round service comfortably. Heated winter igloos on the patio extend the outdoor season.
Thinking about making a move closer to the water? Whether it is the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores, the Clinton River communities of northern Macomb County, or an Oakland County lake neighborhood, the right street can look very different from the wrong one. The Perna Team has helped thousands of Metro Detroit families find exactly what they were looking for. Call (248) 494-4698 or visit pernateam.com to start the conversation.
Northern Macomb County: Clinton River and Lake St. Clair
Moving north from St. Clair Shores into Harrison Township, Ira Township, and Mount Clemens, the northern Macomb County waterfront follows the Clinton River toward Lake St. Clair and carries a more neighborhood-local character than the commercial Nautical Mile corridor.
Bumpers Landing
Open: Wed-Thur (11am-11pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-12am) | Sun (10am-11pm)
31970 N River Rd, Harrison Township, MI 48045
Phone: (586) 630-0501
Website: Bumpers Landing
Harrison Township's most consistent waterfront destination, Bumpers Landing sits on the Clinton River with boat slips for guests arriving by water throughout the boating season. A large tiki bar patio, covered outdoor seating, and live music on weekends give the property a Florida-inspired energy that regulars describe as a departure from the standard Michigan bar scene. Year-round operations keep the dining room active through the off-season with river views from both indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Mac Daddy burger has developed a reputation beyond the immediate community. Perch tacos, chicken and waffles, and Nashville hot sandwich round out the comfort-forward menu. Owner Paul Shamo built the destination from a neighborhood bar into a summer anchor for the Clinton River boating community.
Bobby Mac's Bayside Tavern & Grill
Open: Wed-Thur (4-9pm) | Fri (12-9pm) | Sat-Sun (10am-9pm)
8287 Dixie Hwy, Ira Township, MI 48023
Phone: (586) 725-5602
Website: Bobby Mac's Bayside Tavern & Grill
Further north in Ira Township along the Lake St. Clair shoreline, Bobby Mac's Bayside is a family-run operation that the McRae family has built into a true community destination. The restaurant has won the local Taste Fest competition five consecutive times in years it has entered. Every seat in the building offers a Lake St. Clair view.
A large stone fireplace makes the interior dining room a genuinely comfortable winter destination, while the dockside patio and a regular live entertainment calendar fill up during warmer months. BBQ pulled pork nachos, coconut chicken, and white cheddar cavatappi are among the most frequently recommended dishes.
Octopus' Beer Garden
Open: Thur (3-11pm) | Fri-Sat (12pm-12am) | Sun (12-10pm)
152 N River Rd, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
Phone: (833) 367-8900
Website: Octopus' Beer Garden
The most unconventional entry on this list, Octopus' Beer Garden sits on the Clinton River in Mount Clemens on a property that the Halaas family first developed as The Captain's Landing and then transformed into its current form in 2019. The concept is unapologetically Beatles-themed, and the outdoor setup reflects that sensibility: picnic tables, fire pits, yard games, tents, and riverfront seating that functions as a collective backyard.
The kitchen consistently surprises guests expecting simple bar food. Brisket sliders, walleye calamari, coconut shrimp, Asian ginger soy asparagus salad, and scallops draw five-star mentions from guests who arrived expecting nothing more than pub snacks. The craft beer program is taken seriously, with rotating Michigan brews and national selections. The Halaas family earned a 96 percent recommendation rate on Facebook across more than 700 reviews.
Open Thursday through Sunday. Primarily seasonal, operating late spring through early fall. Arrive close to opening on Thursdays; the space fills quickly and waits can extend well past an hour.
Grosse Pointe Shores
One of Metro Detroit's most distinctive dining settings sits inside a historic estate on Lake St. Clair's western shoreline, combining a full-service restaurant with one of the most beautiful properties in the region.
The Continental at Ford House, Facebook
The Continental at Ford House
Open: Tue-Wed (11am-3pm) | Thur-Fri (11am-3pm, 4-8pm)
1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
Phone: (313) 884-4222
Website: The Continental at Ford House
The Continental sits inside the Visitor Center of Ford House, the historic lakeside estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores. Opened in 2021 as part of a renovation project, the restaurant is genuinely unlike any other on this list: dining within view of Ford Cove and the lake on 87 acres of estate grounds that guests can explore before or after the meal.
The seasonal menu offers creative takes on familiar American dishes, with a full bar, curated wines, and craft cocktails. Menu items with connections to the Ford family's history appear throughout, including the Maurice salad with housemade popovers, a recipe tied to the original Hudson's department store restaurant that Eleanor Ford frequented. Patio seating overlooks Ford Cove. Sunday brunch runs weekly, with lunch Tuesday through Saturday and dinner Thursday through Saturday.
Note that Ford House is a ticketed attraction. Guests who wish to tour the grounds in addition to dining will need an admission ticket. Indoor dining reservations are available through the Ford House website. Reservations are not available for patio seating.
Anchor Bay and Clay Township
Two miles apart on Dyke Road in Clay Township, Cabana Blue and On the Rocks offer distinctly different waterfront bar experiences on Anchor Bay, the western reach of Lake St. Clair accessible from the St. Clair River.
Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar & Grill
Open: Mon-Thur (11am-9pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-10pm) | Sun (11am-9pm)
7317 Dyke Rd, Clay Township, MI 48001
Phone: (586) 900-2500
Website: Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar & Grill
Opened in October 2021 on a four-acre island accessible by bridge by car or by boat from the Anchor Bay channel, Cabana Blue quickly became one of the most-discussed new waterfront destinations in the region. The building's light blue shiplap exterior, open glass garage doors facing the water, and Key West-adjacent atmosphere drew immediate comparisons to coastal Florida from guests who had never expected to feel that way in Clay Township.
Owner Joe Henninger built the menu around crowd-pleasing signatures: Mon's Artichoke Dip, the Cabana Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and Joe's Smash Burger are the most-cited dishes. Four frozen specialty drinks on tap, a tiki bar setup for weekend evenings, and a full sports bar with multiple televisions complete the picture. The Sunday prime rib special runs weekly and sells out regularly. Gluten-free options are extensive, including a dedicated fryer.
On the Rocks Smoke House & Tiki Bar
Open: Wed-Thur (3-9pm) | Fri-Sat (12-10pm) | Sun (12-8pm)
7479 Dyke Rd, Clay Township, MI 48001
Phone: (586) 210-7625
Website: On the Rocks Smoke House & Tiki Bar
Two miles north of Cabana Blue on the same road, On the Rocks takes the smokehouse approach to the same Anchor Bay waterfront. Arriving by boat, look for the bright yellow seawall. By car, watch for the Piers Marina sign at the street. The combination of a serious BBQ smoke program and a lakeside tiki bar produces something that feels distinct from anything else in the Clay Township dining scene.
The brisket is the clear menu centerpiece: slow-smoked, tender, and available in multiple formats including nachos, a dip sandwich, and straight cuts. Baby back ribs, a smoked meat platter, the slider flight, and the Rocks Dinner Burrito round out the smoked protein options. The Chicken Caprese brings a lighter option. Tiki cocktails, including the Miami Vice, are the bar standards. Google rating of 4.3 across more than 775 reviews.
Oakland and Livingston County: The Inland Lakes
Heading northwest from the Detroit River corridor into Oakland and Livingston counties, the waterfront dining scene transitions from river and Great Lakes character to Michigan inland lake culture. Walled Lake, Union Lake, and Whitmore Lake each anchor their own dining destination, and the communities surrounding those lakes represent some of the most sought-after real estate in the western suburbs. Understanding the lifestyle that surrounds these lakes, including the dining culture that comes with year-round waterfront living in places like Novi and Commerce Township, is part of what makes the home search in these communities more than just a numbers exercise.
Understanding the lifestyle that surrounds these lakes, including the dining culture that comes with year-round waterfront living in places like Novi and Commerce Township, is part of what makes the home search in these communities more than just a numbers exercise
Driftwood Bar and Grille, Facebook
Driftwood Bar & Grill
Open: Mon-Fri (11am-11pm) | Sat (10am-11pm) | Sun (10am-10pm)
1103 East Lake Dr, Novi, MI 48377
Phone: (248) 668-9005
Website: Driftwood Bar & Grill
On the shore of Walled Lake in Novi, Driftwood Bar and Grill occupies the category of lakefront bar-restaurant that often underdelivers on food. Driftwood is a genuine exception. The kitchen extends well beyond bar basics: herb-crusted lamb chops, lobster ravioli, shrimp and crab pasta, sauteed lake perch, a 16-ounce hand-cut ribeye, and Maui chicken topped with avocado pineapple pico share the menu alongside the expected burgers and wings.
The indoor dining room and deck patio both offer Walled Lake views. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. Boaters on Walled Lake pull up to the area regularly throughout the summer. Trivia nights and live events appear on the calendar through the year.
Aurora On The Lake
Open: Mon-Thur (4-10pm) | Fri-Sat (4-11pm) | Sun (4-9pm)
2323 Union Lake Rd, Commerce Township, MI 48382
Phone: (248) 360-6650
Website: Aurora On The Lake
Aurora On The Lake in Commerce Township carries one of the more interesting origin stories on this list. The property at 2323 Union Lake Road operated as "It's a Matter of Taste" for more than three decades as a community fine dining landmark before Barbat Holdings, the West Bloomfield-based real estate and hospitality group behind the Aurora Italiana brand, acquired the property and completed its transformation in 2025. The result brings upscale Italian lakeside dining to 11 scenic acres overlooking Union Lake.
The dining room is among the most visually striking in Oakland County. Complimentary valet is standard. Tableside Caesar salad, Pasta Carbone, Rigatoni al Bosco, Branzino, grilled octopus, Meatball Siciliano, and prime steaks anchor a seasonal menu. A dress code applies in the dining room: no athletic shorts, hoodies, flip-flops, or tank tops. The 30-foot bar operates under slightly relaxed standards. Event space accommodates up to 375 guests. Cafe Aurora, a carryout counter on the same property, opens daily from 7 a.m. with pastries, cannolis, and prepared Italian specialties.
Captain Joe's Grill
Open: Mon-Tue (11am-10pm) | Wed-Thur (11am-10:30pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-11pm) | Sun (11am-9pm)
901 N Main St, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189
Phone: (734) 57-9000
Website: Captain Joe's Grill
The furthest west on this list, Captain Joe's Grill in Whitmore Lake has served the community since 2009 and ranks as the top restaurant in its town. The location, off Exit 53 on US-23 next to the Days Inn, reads as easy to overlook on a first pass. Regulars know it as a hidden gem with a patio on Whitmore Lake and one of the more distinctive menus in the Livingston County dining scene.
The American and Mediterranean combination is consistent throughout the kitchen: lamb burgers with tahini, rotisserie chicken with pita and seasoned onions, crab cakes with honey dijon sauce, blackened ahi tuna with mango salsa, and baked salmon with artichoke caper sauce. The steak program uses 28-day aged Iowa Black Angus beef. Prime rib is available Friday and Saturday evenings. CJ's Lounge runs comedy shows, live music, and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights until 2 a.m., making Captain Joe's one of the rare dinner-and-full-evening-entertainment options in the outer market.
What Makes This Region Special
Twenty-two restaurants across five counties and four distinct bodies of water represent a waterfront dining scene most metros with more geographic celebrity would envy. What makes Metro Detroit's version of this distinctive is the combination of genuine accessibility, authentic history, and real range. Sindbad's has been on the river for 76 years. The majority of locations have boat docks. The price range spans from a dollar-beer craft garden on the Clinton River to a James Beard Award-connected room 71 floors above the Detroit River. None of these spots require a vacation. They are all within a reasonable drive of the overwhelming majority of Metro Detroit's 4.4 million residents.
For residents considering a move toward the water, whether that means the Downriver river communities, the Nautical Mile corridor in St. Clair Shores, or the inland lake neighborhoods of Oakland County, proximity to waterfront culture tends to factor meaningfully into the lifestyle side of the decision. The Perna Team has helped buyers and sellers navigate the full range of Metro Detroit waterfront communities for more than two decades. If knowing what life actually looks like in these neighborhoods before making a real estate decision sounds valuable, the conversation starts with a single phone call.
Reach out at (248) 494-4698 or visit pernateam.com to connect with a team member who genuinely knows the water.
Key Takeaways
- Metro Detroit has 22 verifiable waterfront dining destinations spanning Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, and Livingston counties, covering every major body of water from the Detroit River to Whitmore Lake.
- Three Renaissance Center restaurants are operating under confirmed closing timelines: Highlands Detroit closes May 2027, Andiamo Detroit Riverfront closes November 2026 and relocates as Andiamo Italian Chophouse to the new JW Marriott Detroit Water Square in January 2027, and Joe Muer Seafood closes June 2027 with a new downtown Detroit location being sought.
- The Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores is the most concentrated waterfront dining corridor in the region, with four distinct restaurants (Mike's on the Water, Zef's Dockside, Hook, and Watermark) within approximately one mile of each other.
- Sindbad's Restaurant and Marina is the oldest continuously operating waterfront restaurant in Metro Detroit, serving the Detroit River community since February 1949.
- The majority of restaurants on this list offer boat dock access, making the guide equally useful for boaters planning a day on the water as for landlocked diners.
- Price ranges span from under $15 per person at Octopus' Beer Garden on the Clinton River to $50-plus per person at Joe Muer Seafood, Highlands, Aurora On The Lake, and Andiamo Detroit Riverfront.
- Aurora On The Lake in Commerce Township completed its transformation from the long-running "It's a Matter of Taste" in 2025, bringing an upscale Italian concept to an 11-acre lakefront estate on Union Lake.
People Also Ask: Metro Detroit Waterfront Dining
What are the best waterfront restaurants in Metro Detroit?
Metro Detroit's best waterfront restaurants span multiple bodies of water and price points. Sindbad's on the Detroit River (open since 1949), Joe Muer Seafood at the Renaissance Center (14-time Hour Detroit best seafood award), Cabana Blue on Anchor Bay, Zef's Dockside on the Nautical Mile, and Highlands on the 71st floor of the RenCen consistently rank among the most recommended. This guide covers 22 total options across five counties.
Which Metro Detroit waterfront restaurants have boat docks?
Most waterfront restaurants in Metro Detroit offer dock access. Sindbad's accommodates more than 80 boats including transients. JP's Waterfront in Gibraltar has 32 dedicated transient slips. Bumpers Landing and Bobby Mac's Bayside offer Clinton River and Lake St. Clair docking. Mike's on the Water, Zef's Dockside, Watermark, and Hook all sit within marina properties on the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores. Coriander Kitchen and Farm offers six canal slips for boats under 26 feet.
What is the best waterfront restaurant on the Detroit River?
Sindbad's Restaurant and Marina, open since 1949, is the most storied Detroit River dining destination. Joe Muer Seafood at the Renaissance Center is the most upscale option, with 350 seats and floor-to-ceiling river views. For Italian cuisine with river views, Andiamo Detroit Riverfront at the same complex offers white tablecloth northern Italian dining with panoramic views of the Detroit River and Windsor skyline. Both Joe Muer and Andiamo have confirmed closing timelines at the RenCen as part of the planned redevelopment, so visiting soon is recommended.
Are there any upscale waterfront restaurants in Metro Detroit?
Several restaurants offer upscale dining with waterfront views. Highlands Detroit on floors 71 and 72 of the RenCen is the most dramatic, with a James Beard Award-connected kitchen and panoramic views. Joe Muer Seafood is the region's premier upscale seafood destination. Aurora On The Lake in Commerce Township offers lakeside Italian on 11 acres overlooking Union Lake. Hook on the Nautical Mile brings gourmet sushi and prime seafood to Lake St. Clair.
Which waterfront restaurants in Metro Detroit are open year-round?
Watermark Bar and Grille, Zef's Dockside Bar and Kitchen, and Bumpers Landing explicitly promote year-round operations. Sindbad's, Joe Muer Seafood, Andiamo Detroit Riverfront, Highlands, Driftwood Bar and Grill, Aurora On The Lake, Johnny's On The Lake, and Captain Joe's Grill also operate year-round. Coriander Kitchen and Farm and Octopus' Beer Garden are primarily seasonal with limited or no winter hours.
Where can I dine near the water in Oakland County, Michigan?
Oakland County offers three notable waterfront dining destinations. Driftwood Bar and Grill in Novi sits directly on Walled Lake with a patio deck and an elevated menu that goes well beyond bar food. Aurora On The Lake in Commerce Township operates on 11 acres overlooking Union Lake with upscale Italian cuisine and complimentary valet. Captain Joe's Grill in Livingston County's Whitmore Lake is the closest option for residents near the Oakland-Livingston border.
What is the most scenic waterfront restaurant in Metro Detroit?
Highlands Detroit holds the most dramatic view in the region: 71 stories above the Detroit River with unobstructed sightlines over Windsor, Belle Isle, and the full Metro Detroit skyline. Among ground-level options, The Continental at Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores offers a uniquely scenic setting on 87 acres overlooking Ford Cove and Lake St. Clair. The Waterfront Wyandotte on the Detroit River and Sindbad's east-side patio with its Belle Isle view are also consistently cited for scenic character.
Which waterfront restaurants in Metro Detroit are best for special occasions?
For special occasion dining, Highlands Detroit, Joe Muer Seafood (private dining rooms up to 175 guests), and Aurora On The Lake (lakeside Italian, event capacity up to 375) represent the top tier. Andiamo Detroit Riverfront and The Continental at Ford House both cater specifically to celebrations, with private room options and waterfront settings suited to milestone events. The Detroit Princess Riverboat handles events including weddings and corporate dinners on the water.
What is the oldest waterfront restaurant in Metro Detroit?
Sindbad's Restaurant and Marina in Detroit is the oldest continuously operating waterfront dining establishment in Metro Detroit, having served the community since February 1949. Founded by two brothers-in-law on the site of a Prohibition-era speakeasy on the east side of the Detroit River, the restaurant has operated under the Blancke family since its founding and celebrated 76 years of continuous operation in 2025.
Which waterfront dining spots in Metro Detroit are best for families with children?
Several restaurants on this list cater explicitly to families. Bumpers Landing in Harrison Township, Bobby Mac's Bayside in Ira Township, Driftwood Bar and Grill in Novi, and Captain Joe's Grill in Whitmore Lake are all family-friendly in both atmosphere and menu. JP's Waterfront in Gibraltar and Johnny's On The Lake in Belleville also accommodate families comfortably. Hook and The Waterfront Wyandotte skew toward adult-focused atmospheres, particularly on weekend evenings with live entertainment.
Are there waterfront restaurants near Lake St. Clair in Metro Detroit?
Yes. The Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores features four waterfront restaurants within approximately one mile on Lake St. Clair: Mike's on the Water, Zef's Dockside Bar and Kitchen, Hook, and Watermark Bar and Grille. Bobby Mac's Bayside Tavern and Grill in Ira Township and The Continental at Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores also sit on the Lake St. Clair shoreline. Cabana Blue and On the Rocks in Clay Township sit on Anchor Bay, the western arm of Lake St. Clair.
What is the newest waterfront restaurant in Metro Detroit?
Hook on the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores and Aurora On The Lake in Commerce Township are among the newest entries in the Metro Detroit waterfront dining landscape. Hook transformed the former Brownie's on the Lake location with a Japanese and Mediterranean concept led by a local celebrity chef. Aurora On The Lake completed its full transformation from the long-running It's a Matter of Taste in 2025, bringing the Aurora Italiana brand to an 11-acre Union Lake property in Commerce Township.
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