Beach restaurant recommendations near Delray Beach

Question

Hi, we are staying in West Palm Beach and driving down to Delray Beach. I’m looking for recommendations to eat along the beach with a beautiful view of the ocean. Nothing fancy though 😀.

Thanks!

Answer

Delray Beach has a gorgeous shoreline, but one thing to know in advance is that there are very few restaurants directly on the sand due to coastal building restrictions. However, there are several great options that are either beachfront, across the street from the ocean with clear views, or just steps from the beach with a relaxed, casual vibe — perfect for a not-fancy meal with a beautiful setting.

Below are the best options for ocean views or very close-to-beach dining when you're visiting Delray Beach from West Palm Beach.

Top casual and oceanfront (or near-ocean) recommendations:

Boston’s on the Beach — Located right across A1A from the beach with big windows and an unbeatable view. Very casual, lively, and good for families. Classic beach-bar vibe with seafood, sandwiches, and burgers. You don’t need to dress up, and the ocean is right in front of you.
Sandbar (next to Boston’s) — Outdoor tiki-style bar/restaurant also right across from the beach. Super casual, beachy, and fun, especially for a sunny day. Great for quick bites like tacos, fish sandwiches, and cold drinks with ocean breezes.
Caffé Luna Rosa — Just across from the beach with partial ocean views. It’s a local favorite and very family-friendly. Known for breakfast and brunch, but also solid for lunch and dinner. Not fancy, but nicer than a beach bar — still casual and relaxed.
Deck 84 — Not oceanfront (it’s on the Intracoastal), but it’s still on the water with great outdoor seating. A few minutes from the beach area. Laid-back, popular, and scenic with boats passing by. If you don’t mind a view of the water instead of the ocean, this is one of Delray’s best casual spots.

If you want something extremely casual or snacky on the beach:

Delray Beach Pavilion area — While it doesn’t have full-service restaurants directly on the sand, it does have nearby grab-and-go spots within walking distance that you can take to the beach.
Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar (Hampton Inn on A1A) — A casual tiki bar technically attached to a hotel but open to the public. Steps from the beach with a relaxed, vacation-like feel.
Pizza, ice cream, and café options just west of A1A and Atlantic Avenue if you want something simple and then walk back to the beach with your food.

Suggested plan if you're making the drive from West Palm Beach:

Park near the Delray Beach Pavilion (the main beach area).
Walk the beachfront path to enjoy the view.
Pick either Boston’s, Sandbar, or Caffé Luna Rosa depending on what you’re in the mood for.
After eating, head back to the beach for a stroll or bring a towel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.

Overall, for the best ocean view while seated and eating, Boston’s on the Beach and Sandbar offer the clearest beach-facing vistas. Caffé Luna Rosa is a great pick if you want delicious food with a casual but slightly elevated vibe, and Deck 84 is ideal if you’re open to a waterfront meal that isn’t directly on the ocean.

Beach restaurant recommendations near Delray Beach

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