Dining with a View: The Best Waterfront Restaurants in Metro Detroit

Living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit opens up a world of delightful waterfront dining experiences that are sure to captivate food lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you're a local or a newcomer, the region boasts an array of vibrant spots where you can savor exquisite meals while soaking in breathtaking views of the water. From the historic charm of Sindbad's Restaurant and Marina to the modern allure of Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar & Grill, each venue offers its own unique blend of delectable cuisine and picturesque scenery. Imagine sipping cocktails at Mike's on the Water or indulging in fresh seafood at Joe Muer Seafood as the city skyline glistens in the background. These hotspots are not just about the food—they're about the experience, making every visit a memorable one.

JP McGuire's Waterfront of Gibraltar, Facebook

JP's Waterfront

Open: mon (1-11pm) | Tue-thur & sun (11am-11pm) | Fri-sat (11am-12am)
13200 Middle Gibraltar Rd, Gibraltar, MI 48173
Phone: (734) 672-6299
Website: JP's Waterfront

Located within the picturesque Humbug Marina, JP's Waterfront is a recently renovated bar and grill that boasts new docks and an expanded outdoor space. Guests can relax with stunning river views from both the upper and lower patios while enjoying live entertainment. The menu features enticing weekly specials, including delicacies like duck tacos and Panko encrusted whitefish, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all.

Captain Jim's Marina & Bar

Open: mon-thur (4pm-12am) | Fri (4:30pm-1:30am) | sat (12pm-1:30am) | sun (12pm-12am)
13500 Middle Gibraltar Rd, Gibraltar, MI 48173
Phone: (734) 818-3050
Website: Captain Jim's Marina & Bar

Nestled along the scenic river, Captain Jim's Marina & Bar offers a unique dining experience in a transformed pole barn that is easily accessible by both land and water. Patrons are greeted by a refreshing breeze through the open rolling garage doors, creating a perfect ambiance for enjoying live music. The bar serves an array of domestic beers by the bucket and expertly crafted cocktails. Food lovers can savor delicious pizza, wings, and broasted chicken from Jim’s Galley, a local favorite just down the street.

The Waterfront Wyandotte

Open: mon-sun (11am-10pm)
507 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192
Phone: (734) 286-9046
Website: The Waterfront Wyandotte

The Waterfront Wyandotte offers a delightful dockside dining experience with stunning views of the Detroit River. This American eatery serves lunch and dinner favorites ranging from burgers and crab cakes to fresh salads and veggie pizzas. A must-try is their signature coconut shrimp with orange marmalade sauce and a hint of horseradish. Whether you choose to sit by the window, dock your boat, or enjoy the breeze from the spacious patio, the captivating waterfront scenery is what truly draws customers to this charming spot.

Detroit Princess Riverboat

Open: mon-wed (9am-5pm) | Thur (9am-9pm) | Fri-sat (9am-9:30pm) | sun (9am-5pm)
131 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (877) 338-2628
Website: Detroit Princess Riverboat

The Detroit Princess Riverboat offers an unforgettable cruise experience down the Detroit River, featuring stunning views of the city skyline illuminated at night. Guests can choose between a leisurely lunch cruise or a magical sunset dinner cruise, both providing family-friendly atmospheres. The riverboat also hosts a popular Motown cruise, celebrating Detroit’s musical heritage with all the greatest hits. Onboard dining includes a buffet with baked chicken and a prime rib carving station, ensuring a delightful.

Joe Muer Seafood

Open: mon-thur (11:30am-9pm) | Fri (11:30am-10pm) | sat (4-10pm) | sun (3-9pm)
400 Renaissance Center #1404, Detroit, MI 48243
Phone: (313) 567-6837
Website: Joe Muer Seafood

Joe Muer Seafood is an upscale dining destination offering breathtaking views of the Detroit River and Windsor, making it perfect for a romantic date or an impressive business lunch. The menu features a tantalizing array of seafood dishes, including spicy tuna tartare, colossal shrimp cocktails, king crab legs, and Maine lobster. Guests can also enjoy selections from the raw bar and sushi offerings. The restaurant is known for its exquisite, Instagram-worthy beverages that perfectly complement the culinary experience.

Highlands Detroit, Facebook

Highlands

Open: mon-thur (5-9:15PM) | FRI (4-9:15PM) | SAT (5-10:15PM)
400 Renaissance Center floor 71, Detroit, MI 48243
Phone: (313) 877-9090
Website: Highlands

Perched on the 71st floor of the Renaissance Center, Highlands offers stunning panoramic views of the Detroit and Windsor skyline. This dining spot is ideal for celebratory occasions, featuring a menu that includes unique dishes like oysters with horseradish granita, tequila-lime, tobacco, and cucumber, as well as wagyu beef tartare with smoked egg yolk and marrow toast. To elevate the experience, guests can choose from an extensive wine list, with bottles showcased in a temperature-controlled display. The combination of exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views makes Highlands a top choice for special events.

Sindbad's Restaurant and Marina

Open: TUE-SUN (11AM-9PM)
100 St Clair St, Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: (313) 822-8000
Website: Sindbad's Restaurant and Marina

For over 75 years, Sindbad's Restaurant and Marina has been a beloved destination for Detroit’s boating community. Located dockside, boaters can easily anchor in the marina and head up to the dining room, which offers expansive waterfront views. The menu is a seafood lover's delight, featuring dishes such as rock lobster tails and fried shrimp. With its rich history and prime location, Sindbad's continues to be a cherished spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a maritime dining experience.

Coriander Kitchen and Farm

Open: mon, fri-sat (11am-3pm, 5-10pm) | thur (5-10pm) | sun (11am-3pm, 5-9pm)
14601 Riverside Blvd, Detroit, MI 48215
Phone: (313) 338-9466
Website: Coriander Kitchen and Farm

Coriander Kitchen and Farm offers a delightful canalside dining experience with a sunny, spacious patio perfect for enjoying food and drinks outdoors. Located near the Jefferson Chalmers waterways, this unique spot allows guests to arrive by car, bike, foot, or even paddle in by boat. The menu features fresh, farm-to-table options, including their popular farm margarita. While waiting for a table, guests can explore the small market inside, stocked with snacks from Coriander and other local provisions. Whether you're living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit, this charming venue is an ideal spot to savor the beauty of Detroit's waterways while enjoying a delicious meal.

Watermark Bar and Grille

Open: tue-wed (12-9pm) | thur-sat (12-10pm) | sun (11am-8pm)
24420 Jefferson Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080
Phone: (586) 777-3677
Website: Watermark Bar and Grille

Watermark Bar and Grille, located in the Safe Harbor Jefferson Beach Marina, is a year-round waterfront destination that welcomes guests arriving by boat or car. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring Greek fare, American pub grub, and surf-and-turf options such as calamari, grilled octopus, lamb chops, pasta, pizza, and the renowned Big Fat Greek Burger topped with kasseri cheese and tzatziki. The expansive outside deck includes a tiki bar and provides seating for 125, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.

Mike's on the Water

Open: tue-sat (11:30am-11:30pm) | sun (12-11:30pm)
24600 Jefferson Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080
Phone: (586) 872-2630
Website: Mike's on the Water

Mike's on the Water, located in St. Clair Shores, offers a charming nautical ambiance with ample marina space for boat docking. It's a favorite spot for locals enjoying a day near the Michigan Harbor Marina. Guests can relax on the lively waterfront patio or the rooftop, sipping chilled cocktails served in plastic cups. The restaurant is particularly famous for its delicious lobster rolls, making it an ideal destination for a delightful waterfront dining experience.

Zef's Dockside Bar + Kitchen

Open: mon-thur (11am-9:45pm) | fri-sun (11am-10:45pm)
24026 Jefferson Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080
Phone: (586) 879-6279
Website: Zef's Dockside Bar + Kitchen

Zef's Dockside Bar + Kitchen is a popular destination for waterfront dining, offering a variety of delicious entrees such as bourbon salmon, perch, and street tacos in its downstairs dining room. Due to its popularity, there is often a wait on weekends, but guests can head upstairs to the bar for stunning waterfront views and hand-crafted cocktails. The upstairs menu includes unique offerings like popcorn fries (fried shrimp and fries), smash burgers, and the Fig & Pig pizza topped with pulled pork, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and a balsamic drizzle. With its scenic views and delectable dishes, Zef's Dockside provides an enjoyable dining experience for all.

Bumpers Landing, Facebook

Bumpers Landing

Open: sun-thur (11am-11pm) | fri-sat (11am-12am)
31970 N River Rd, Harrison Twp, MI 48045
Phone: (586) 630-0501
Website: Bumpers Landing

Open year-round, Bumpers Landing is a bustling sports bar in Harrison Township, especially vibrant during Michigan's boating season. Guests can dock at one of the boat wells and enjoy views of the Clinton River from both the indoor space and the outdoor patio. The menu features bar classics such as burgers, nachos, and buckets of ice-cold domestic beer. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Bumpers Landing provides a lively atmosphere and a perfect spot to watch the river activity.

Brown's Bar

Open: thur-mon (12-8pm)
6630 Middle Channel Dr, Harsens Island, MI 48028
Phone: (810) 748-3640
Website: Brown's Bar

Situated on the Middle Channel of Harsen’s Island, Brown's Bar is accessible by car or boat via ferry, providing a unique and scenic dining experience. Open from noon to sunset, this popular spot offers a diverse menu featuring items such as a big crunchy fish sandwich and poke tuna served with greens, ginger, wakame, mango, wasabi cream, and sweet chili. Hurricanes, served by the bucket, are perfect for sharing, and the bar also offers classic burgers and cold beers. With its inviting atmosphere and docks that fill up quickly on sunny days, Brown's Bar is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors.

Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar & Grill

Open: mon-thur (11am-9pm) | fri-sat (11am-10pm) | sun (10am-9pm)
7317 Dyke Rd, Clay Township, MI 48001
Phone: (586) 900-2500
Website: Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar & Grill

Once an empty plot of land, Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar & Grill has transformed into a lively hotspot for boaters and water view enthusiasts. The menu features enticing dishes like Cajun broiled walleye and barbecue chicken flatbread, alongside refreshing mojitos and the popular Shark Bait — a vibrant fishbowl cocktail mixed with rum, vodka, blue curacao, and blue candy fish. The 2,000-square-foot patio is covered, ensuring that guests can enjoy the stunning waterfront views regardless of the weather.

Whether you're living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit, the vibrant waterfront dining scene is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. From the rustic charm of Brown's Bar on Harsen’s Island to the chic ambiance of Highlands perched high above the city, these eateries offer more than just food—they provide unforgettable experiences. Picture yourself lounging on the patio at Coriander Kitchen and Farm, cocktail in hand, or savoring the delectable dishes at Zef's Dockside Bar + Kitchen while watching the sunset. With each visit, you'll find yourself falling more in love with the culinary and scenic delights that make this area truly special. So, anchor your boat, grab a seat by the water, and let Metro Detroit’s waterfront gems whisk you away on a flavorful journey you won't soon forget.

For location and Directions Please see the interactive map below

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THINKING OF MOVING TO Metro Detroit, OR LOOKING TO RELOCATE IN THE AREA? VIEW A LIST OF CURRENT HOMES FOR SALE BELOW.

Metro Detroit Homes for Sale

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$2,650,000

18250 Weaver St, Detroit city

0 Beds 40 Baths 19,557 SqFt Multifamily MLS® # 20250033930

$2,629,900

↓ $70,000

2171 Klingensmith, Bloomfield charter township

4 Beds 4 Baths 5,714 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250016138

$2,600,000

2612 Invitational Dr, Oakland charter township

4 Beds 4 Baths 7,060 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050190829

$2,600,000

257 Ridge Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms city

7 Beds 7 Baths 10,346 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050188241

$2,500,000

744 Thayer Boulevard Boulevard, Northville city

4 Beds 7 Baths 7,125 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025051036

$2,500,000

379 Lakeland St, Grosse Pointe city

6 Beds 8 Baths 8,092 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050175039

$2,500,000

↓ $375,000

4144 Rouge Circle Dr, Troy city

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,096 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250034276

$2,499,999

2760 N Territorial Road W, Webster township

7 Beds 7 Baths 8,400 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025038698

$2,499,000

4670 Cove Rd, West Bloomfield charter township

7 Beds 9 Baths 17,500 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250008143

New

$2,495,000

809 Berkshire Road, Ann Arbor city

5 Beds 7 Baths 4,744 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025052490

$2,395,000

60330 Mount Vernon Rd, Washington township

5 Beds 5 Baths 4,615 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050176194

$2,350,100

↑ $100

122 E Cady St, Northville city

2 Beds 4 Baths 3,629 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 20240085181

$2,325,000

2827 John R St 8, Detroit city

3 Beds 3 Baths 3,258 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 2210067803

$2,300,000

369 N Old Woodward Avenue Building: Bldg#: Unit: 206 Modifier: 206, Birmingham city

2 Beds 3 Baths 2,371 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81024001035

$2,290,000

↓ $59,000

255 Camelot Way, Oakland charter township

5 Beds 8 Baths 8,518 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250020638

$2,287,000

↓ $50,000

000 Knights Bridge-2.02 Acres-new Build Rd, Addison township

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,610 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240060941

$2,250,000

322 E Liberty Street Unit: 13, Ann Arbor city

2 Beds 3 Baths 2,205 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025041656

$2,250,000

901 Spring Dr, Northville township

6 Beds 6 Baths 11,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250022998

$2,199,900

640 Virginia Park St, Detroit city

0 Beds 21 Baths 11,556 SqFt Multifamily MLS® # 20250027785

$2,199,000

↓ $196,000

530 N Division Street Unit: Unit D, Ann Arbor city

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,459 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025038791

$2,199,000

↓ $50,900

595 Army Rd, Addison township

4 Beds 4 Baths 8,047 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250017489

$2,199,000

↓ $51,000

19193 Maybury Meadow Court, Northville township

4 Beds 6 Baths 5,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81024059033

$2,198,000

↓ $1,000

13281 Haddon St, Fenton charter township

4 Beds 5 Baths 3,718 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250018962

$2,175,000

↓ $20,000

2182 Buckingham Ave, Birmingham city

4 Beds 5 Baths 5,979 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240085487

$2,170,100

↑ $100

120 E Cady St, Northville city

2 Beds 4 Baths 3,391 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 20240085178

$2,100,000

403 W Liberty Street, Ann Arbor city

6 Beds 6 Baths 3,700 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025043204

$2,078,000

1644 Vista Dr, Oakland charter township

5 Beds 5 Baths 3,950 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050181930

$2,050,000

↓ $145,000

2865 Walters Way, Scio township

7 Beds 6 Baths 6,893 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025007365

$1,999,999

↓ $285,001

2010 Devonshire Road, Ann Arbor city

4 Beds 6 Baths 6,904 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025031703

$1,999,950

↓ $200,050

6230 Winkler Mill Rd, Rochester Hills city

4 Beds 6 Baths 6,047 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20240083944

$1,999,950

5769 Cotswold Dr, Washington township

4 Beds 5 Baths 6,650 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050143031

$1,999,900

8044 Dexter-pinckney Road, Dexter township

6 Beds 4 Baths 4,575 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025048583

$1,999,900

00 Middlebelt, Romulus city

0 Beds 3 Baths 4,026 SqFt Multifamily MLS® # 20240070334

$1,999,000

↓ $296,000

520 Pleasant St, Birmingham city

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,958 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050188477

$1,999,000

↓ $400,000

6279 Canter Creek Crt, Grand Blanc charter township

6 Beds 10 Baths 15,031 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250037683

$1,999,000

2959 John R St, Detroit city

2 Beds 4 Baths 4,400 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250025362

$1,998,000

↓ $200,000

189 Cloverly Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms city

7 Beds 6 Baths 9,600 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050146034

$1,998,000

↓ $752,000

5910 Cherry Hill Road, Superior charter township

4 Beds 5 Baths 5,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81024026360

$1,996,000

61570 Cotswold Dr, Washington township

3 Beds 3 Baths 3,659 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050178274

$1,995,000

↓ $80,000

1053 Canterbury Street, Birmingham city

5 Beds 5 Baths 4,954 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025030339

$1,995,000

1850 Shipman Blvd, Birmingham city

5 Beds 6 Baths 4,419 SqFt Residential MLS® # 20250029465

$1,974,900

↓ $100

36270 Vita Bella Dr, Clinton charter township

4 Beds 7 Baths 8,324 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050174589

$1,970,000

1886 Henrietta Street, Birmingham city

5 Beds 5 Baths 5,400 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025048645

$1,949,000

↓ $246,000

530 N Division Street Unit: Unit C, Ann Arbor city

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,513 SqFt Condominium MLS® # 81025037372

$1,928,000

1632 Vista Dr, Oakland charter township

4 Beds 5 Baths 3,870 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050182131

$1,900,000

↓ $290,000

270 N Rochester Rd, Addison township

1 Bed 1 Bath 25,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 58050177041

$1,899,500

↓ $100,000

2380 Galaxy Way, Unknown City

5 Beds 5 Baths 5,146 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025035730

$1,895,000

↓ $100,000

3250 Oak Hollow Drive, Scio township

4 Beds 6 Baths 7,170 SqFt Residential MLS® # 81025038596

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