Romantic Waterfront Restaurants in Myrtle Beach give couples several ways to enjoy dinner with a coastal setting. Some sit directly along the Atlantic Ocean, while others overlook the Intracoastal Waterway, marinas, docks, or surrounding waterways. The setting can change the feel of the evening just as much as the menu.
For a relaxed date, look for an outdoor patio, sunset-facing table, or quieter dining area. For a more polished evening, waterfront restaurants with seafood, steak, wine, and comfortable indoor seating may fit better. Visit Myrtle Beach also highlights both oceanfront and Intracoastal dining as part of the Grand Strand’s restaurant scene. This guide covers Romantic Waterfront Restaurants and nearby dinner spots worth considering in 2026, with attention to atmosphere, waterfront setting, food style, and the type of date each restaurant suits.
Where to Find the Most Romantic Waterfront Dining
Myrtle Beach has two main types of waterfront dining: oceanfront restaurants and restaurants along the Intracoastal Waterway. Oceanfront locations put you close to the Atlantic, with beach or shoreline views. Intracoastal restaurants provide a different atmosphere, often with boats, docks, marinas, and calmer water in the background. For couples, the right choice depends on the evening you want. An oceanfront restaurant works well when the beach view is the main attraction. A waterway restaurant can feel more relaxed and is often better suited to watching boats while talking over dinner. Visit Myrtle Beach currently highlights restaurants such as Greg Norman’s Australian Grille, Local on the Water, Big Chill Island House, The Boathouse, and 357 Raw Coastal Bar among restaurants with Intracoastal Waterway views.
Greg Norman’s Australian Grille for an Upscale Waterfront Dinner
Greg Norman’s Australian Grille is at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach and sits along the Intracoastal Waterway. The restaurant combines a waterfront setting with wood-grilled steaks, seafood, and Australian-inspired dishes. For couples searching for Romantic Waterfront Restaurants, the setting is useful because you can combine a more polished dinner with an outdoor waterfront atmosphere. Visit Myrtle Beach notes that the restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and highlights its waterfront location and locally sourced ingredients where possible. This can suit couples who want dinner to feel more like a special occasion than a casual stop.
357 Raw Coastal Bar for Seafood and Water Views
357 Raw Coastal Bar sits near the Intracoastal Waterway at Marina Parkway. Its menu focuses on seafood, including oysters and other coastal dishes, while its windows and outdoor seating provide views toward the water. For Romantic Waterfront Restaurants, seafood and waterfront scenery make a natural combination, especially for couples who prefer a modern coastal setting rather than a formal dining room. Visit Myrtle Beach describes 357 Raw Coastal Bar as a waterfront restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and patio seating, making the view part of the dining experience. A table outside can be especially appealing around sunset, although weather and seating availability can affect the experience.
Local on the Water for a Relaxed Date Night
Local on the Water offers a more casual approach to Romantic Waterfront Restaurants. It sits directly on the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach and includes outdoor seating, a stage for live music, and waterfront views. The atmosphere is livelier than a traditional romantic restaurant. That makes it suitable for couples who prefer conversation mixed with music, drinks, and a casual meal. Visit Myrtle Beach lists Local on the Water among its waterfront dining choices and notes its outdoor seating, live music, firepit, and water views. If you want a quiet anniversary dinner, a busy music-filled evening may not be your first choice. For a relaxed vacation date, however, the setting can work well.
Sea Captain’s House for an Oceanfront Dinner
For couples who specifically want the Atlantic Ocean rather than an inland waterway, Sea Captain’s House is an oceanfront option in Myrtle Beach. The restaurant is located at 3002 N Ocean Blvd and has a long-standing presence on the city’s oceanfront dining scene. Its coastal location makes it relevant for travelers searching for Romantic Waterfront Restaurants close to the beach. Oceanfront dining can feel especially appealing around sunset, but the view should not be the only factor. Ask about available seating when making a reservation or arriving for dinner if the ocean view is important to you.
Pier 14 for a Dinner Beside the Atlantic
Pier 14 combines restaurant dining with a location directly over the ocean. It sits at 1306 N Ocean Blvd and is connected to the Myrtle Beach pier. For couples, Pier 14 can turn dinner into part of a broader evening by the beach. You can enjoy the waterfront setting and then continue with a walk along the shoreline or nearby attractions. This type of setting makes Pier 14 one of the more straightforward choices for travelers who use Romantic Waterfront Restaurants as a search for ocean views rather than Intracoastal scenery.
Filet’s Waterfront for a More Intimate Waterway Setting
Filet’s Waterfront is located in North Myrtle Beach along the Intracoastal Waterway. The restaurant focuses on steak and seafood, giving couples an alternative to casual beach restaurants. The combination of steak, seafood, and a waterfront location makes it relevant for travelers searching for Romantic Waterfront Restaurants for birthdays, anniversaries, or a special vacation dinner. Because waterfront restaurants can have different seating areas, couples who care about the view should confirm the available table type before settling on a reservation.
Big Chill Island House for Sunset Atmosphere
Big Chill Island House at Barefoot Landing brings a more tropical and social style to Romantic Waterfront Restaurants. Visit Myrtle Beach highlights its rooftop terrace and dockside patio overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. The setting can work well for couples who want a casual date rather than a formal meal. The waterfront environment also makes it easy to combine dinner with a walk around Barefoot Landing. For the most scenic experience, consider arriving before sunset rather than waiting until the sky is completely dark.
The Boathouse for Dinner and Live Music
The Boathouse sits along the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach and combines restaurant dining with live entertainment. Visit Myrtle Beach describes it as a brewery, restaurant, and live music venue with indoor and outdoor seating. It is a useful choice for couples who want more activity during dinner. The atmosphere is less formal than some upscale restaurants, so it may suit a first date or relaxed vacation evening. For couples looking specifically for quiet conversation, check the entertainment schedule before visiting.
How to Choose Between Oceanfront and Intracoastal Dining
Choosing among Romantic Waterfront Restaurants becomes easier when you decide what kind of view matters most.
| Setting | Best For | Atmosphere |
| Atlantic Oceanfront | Beach views and sunset | Coastal and scenic |
| Intracoastal Waterway | Boats and marina views | Relaxed and lively |
| Upscale waterfront | Anniversaries and special occasions | Polished |
| Casual waterfront | First dates and vacation nights | Easygoing |
| Waterfront with music | Couples who enjoy entertainment | Social |
Oceanfront dining is usually the better fit when the beach itself is central to your evening. The Intracoastal Waterway can offer more activity, including passing boats and marina scenery.
What Time Should Couples Book Dinner?
For many Romantic Waterfront Restaurants, timing can make a major difference. A reservation around sunset can give you daylight views followed by evening lighting. However, sunset times change throughout the year, so check the local sunset time for your travel date. During busy vacation periods, reserve ahead when possible. Summer weekends can bring heavier traffic and larger dinner crowds across the Grand Strand. If the restaurant does not guarantee waterfront seating, ask whether you can request an outdoor, ocean-facing, or waterway-facing table.
Tips for a Better Waterfront Date Night
A few simple details can improve your experience at Romantic Waterfront Restaurants:
- Reserve ahead for popular dinner times.
- Ask whether waterfront seating can be requested.
- Check the weather before choosing outdoor dining.
- Arrive before sunset if the view is important.
- Confirm dress expectations for upscale restaurants.
- Allow extra travel time during busy beach periods.
- Check live-music schedules if you prefer quiet conversation.
- Ask about parking before your dinner reservation.
- Consider combining dinner with a beach walk afterward.
Waterfront seating is often the most requested option, so it may not always be available even when the restaurant itself has water views.
Are Waterfront Restaurants Good for Anniversaries?
Yes, but the right restaurant depends on the type of anniversary evening you want. For a more polished meal, consider a restaurant with steak, seafood, wine, and comfortable indoor seating. For a casual anniversary, a patio beside the Intracoastal Waterway may feel more appropriate. The important distinction among Romantic Waterfront Restaurants is that “romantic” does not always mean formal. Couples have different preferences, and Myrtle Beach provides both relaxed and upscale waterfront settings.
What Should Couples Expect to Spend?
Restaurant prices vary by location, menu, drinks, seafood selections, and the type of dining experience. Waterfront dining does not automatically mean fine dining, so couples can find both casual and upscale choices. Instead of choosing a restaurant based only on price, consider the complete evening: food, drinks, waterfront seating, parking, entertainment, and how long you plan to stay. Menu prices and restaurant policies can change, so check the restaurant’s current menu before making plans.
FAQs About Romantic Waterfront Restaurants
What are the best areas for waterfront dining in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach has both Atlantic oceanfront restaurants and Intracoastal Waterway restaurants. Barefoot Landing and North Myrtle Beach are useful areas to consider for waterway dining.
Are Romantic Waterfront Restaurants Expensive?
Not necessarily. Myrtle Beach has casual waterfront restaurants as well as more upscale choices. Prices depend on the menu and dining style.
Can I request a waterfront table?
You can often request a preferred seating area, but a specific table may not be guaranteed. Ask the restaurant when booking.
What is the best time for a romantic waterfront dinner?
Around sunset can provide the most changing scenery, especially at oceanfront and outdoor restaurants. Check the sunset time for your travel date.
Should I reserve waterfront restaurants in advance?
For popular dinner periods, advance reservations are sensible. This is especially useful during busy weekends and vacation seasons.
Are Intracoastal restaurants different from oceanfront restaurants?
Yes. Intracoastal restaurants overlook the waterway, marinas, docks, or passing boats, while oceanfront restaurants face the Atlantic Ocean and beach.
What should couples wear?
Dress depends on the restaurant. Casual waterfront venues generally have relaxed attire, while upscale restaurants may expect a more polished look. Check the restaurant’s current policy before dinner.
Can I combine waterfront dinner with other activities?
Yes. Depending on the location, couples can combine dinner with a beach walk, shopping, live entertainment, or an evening around Barefoot Landing.
Conclusion
The best Romantic Waterfront Restaurants for your trip depend on the atmosphere you want. For an upscale waterway dinner, Greg Norman’s Australian Grille provides a polished setting at Barefoot Landing. For seafood and a modern coastal atmosphere, 357 Raw Coastal Bar is another option. Local on the Water and The Boathouse suit couples who prefer a more relaxed evening with entertainment.
For an oceanfront experience, Sea Captain’s House and Pier 14 put the Atlantic closer to the center of the meal. Filet’s Waterfront provides another choice for couples who want steak or seafood beside the Intracoastal Waterway. The most useful approach is to choose the setting first, then compare the menu, atmosphere, seating, and timing. That makes it easier to find Romantic Waterfront Restaurants that match the kind of evening you actually want rather than choosing a restaurant based on its waterfront
