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A dining room set on the water, with view of Canada’s casino across the river Joe Muer Seafood

Where to Wine and Dine with Views of the Water

Eat, drink, and enjoy live music on metro Detroit’s waterfronts

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Nothing says summer in the Great Lakes State quite like sitting by the water with a hot burger or fresh fish and a frosty brew. In metro Detroit, there are several lakeside and riverfront vistas that lend themselves to an idyllic meal near the water. Whether it’s a casual weekend brunch or a scenic sunset date or a business deal on the river, these destinations are worthy of a summer spot. Plenty provide live music right on the water and dock parking, so diners can pull up to the marina via bike, car, or boat.

Dining out still carries risks for unvaccinated diners and workers. Please be aware of changing local rules, and check individual restaurant websites for any additional restrictions such as mask requirements. For updated information on coronavirus cases, visit the state of Michigan’s coronavirus tracker or check the most recent guidance from the CDC.

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Portofino Restaurant & Banquet

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A favorite among locals, Portofino specializes in Italian fare and seafood, with a full menu that includes steaks, small plates to share, and several salads. Enjoy a meal with views on the patio or sign up for one of the popular dinner cruises.

Whiskeys on the Water

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This old-school but hip tavern is a go-to for eclectic American brunch fare such as chicken and waffles with jalapeno vanilla syrup or strawberry shortcake French toast. Finish things off on the patio with a build-your-own bloody Mary or mimosa.

The Waterfront Wyandotte

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This dockside restaurant offers standard American lunch and dinner fare ranging from burgers and crab cakes to salads and veggie pizza. Try the tasty signature coconut shrimp with orange marmalade sauce with a hint of horseradish, but understand that what customers really go for are the views of the Detroit River. Grab a seat next to the window, pull up in a boat to one of the 20 docks, or enjoy the breeze from the spacious patio overlooking the water.

Joe Muer Seafood

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This classic restaurant in a city institution, this restaurant on the main floor of the RenCen. With sweeping views of the Detroit River and Windsor, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic date or a business lunch. The menu includes spicy tuna tartar and Instagram-worthy beverages. Alongside a colossal shrimp cocktail, king crab legs, and Maine lobster, Joe Muer features a raw bar and sushi.

Andiamo Detroit Riverfront

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Andiamo, which sits inside the Renaissance Center, has a modern Italian menu full of pasta, seafood, veal, and steak. The extensive wine list has whites, reds, and sparkling Champagne, and there are cocktails to go. The food and white-tablecloth atmosphere is improved only by the panoramic views of the Detroit River and Canadian skyline.

The Rattlesnake Club

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The Rattlesnake Club’s minimalist dining room is a favorite spot for weddings and cocktail parties, thanks to its close proximity to the Detroit RiverWalk and panoramic views of downtown’s skyline. Standout menu items include the sweet pea and zucchini fritters and the braised Colorado lamb shank.

Sindbad's Restaurant and Marina

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This dockside restaurant has been serving seafood to Detroit’s boating crowd for nearly 70 years. Boaters can anchor in Sindbad’s marina and head up to the dining room for sprawling waterfront views and a feast of rock lobster tails and fried shrimp.

Coriander Kitchen and Farm

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One of Detroit’s most anticipated restaurants, Coriander Kitchen and Farm opened in March 2021 on the site of the former Fisherman’s Marina in Detroit’s canal district. Arrive via bike, kayak, or car for first-come, first-served seating at picnic tables on the canal-side patio, or reserve seating around a fire pit. Kick off the meal with grilled halloumi or the farmer’s plate, loaded with veggies from the restaurant’s nearby urban farm. Move on to a burger or flatbreads topped with seasonal squash and potatoes or grilled lamb.

Brownies On The Lake

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This restaurant, which has a nautical theme to match its location, serves seafood, burgers, and pizza. Go for drinks, the nightly live music and dancing, and a stellar view of Lake St. Clair.

Watermark Bar and Grille

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Arrive by boat or car to Watermark, which is located in Safe Harbor Jefferson Beach Marina. The year-round waterfront destination serves Greek fare, American pub grub, and surf-and-turf selections such as calamari, grilled octopus, lamb chops, pasta, pizza, and a Big Fat Greek Burger, topped with kasseri cheese and tzatziki. The outside deck, which includes a tiki bar, has seating for 125.

Mike's on the Water

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With its nautical aesthetic and ample space in the marina for boat docking, Mike’s on the Water in St. Clair Shores is popular with locals spending a day out near the Michigan Harbor Marina. Sip chilled cocktails in plastic cups on the lively waterfront patio or on the rooftop while filling up on its acclaimed lobster rolls.

Portofino Restaurant & Banquet

A favorite among locals, Portofino specializes in Italian fare and seafood, with a full menu that includes steaks, small plates to share, and several salads. Enjoy a meal with views on the patio or sign up for one of the popular dinner cruises.

Whiskeys on the Water

This old-school but hip tavern is a go-to for eclectic American brunch fare such as chicken and waffles with jalapeno vanilla syrup or strawberry shortcake French toast. Finish things off on the patio with a build-your-own bloody Mary or mimosa.

The Waterfront Wyandotte

This dockside restaurant offers standard American lunch and dinner fare ranging from burgers and crab cakes to salads and veggie pizza. Try the tasty signature coconut shrimp with orange marmalade sauce with a hint of horseradish, but understand that what customers really go for are the views of the Detroit River. Grab a seat next to the window, pull up in a boat to one of the 20 docks, or enjoy the breeze from the spacious patio overlooking the water.

Joe Muer Seafood

This classic restaurant in a city institution, this restaurant on the main floor of the RenCen. With sweeping views of the Detroit River and Windsor, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic date or a business lunch. The menu includes spicy tuna tartar and Instagram-worthy beverages. Alongside a colossal shrimp cocktail, king crab legs, and Maine lobster, Joe Muer features a raw bar and sushi.

Andiamo Detroit Riverfront

Andiamo, which sits inside the Renaissance Center, has a modern Italian menu full of pasta, seafood, veal, and steak. The extensive wine list has whites, reds, and sparkling Champagne, and there are cocktails to go. The food and white-tablecloth atmosphere is improved only by the panoramic views of the Detroit River and Canadian skyline.

The Rattlesnake Club

The Rattlesnake Club’s minimalist dining room is a favorite spot for weddings and cocktail parties, thanks to its close proximity to the Detroit RiverWalk and panoramic views of downtown’s skyline. Standout menu items include the sweet pea and zucchini fritters and the braised Colorado lamb shank.

Sindbad's Restaurant and Marina

This dockside restaurant has been serving seafood to Detroit’s boating crowd for nearly 70 years. Boaters can anchor in Sindbad’s marina and head up to the dining room for sprawling waterfront views and a feast of rock lobster tails and fried shrimp.

Coriander Kitchen and Farm

One of Detroit’s most anticipated restaurants, Coriander Kitchen and Farm opened in March 2021 on the site of the former Fisherman’s Marina in Detroit’s canal district. Arrive via bike, kayak, or car for first-come, first-served seating at picnic tables on the canal-side patio, or reserve seating around a fire pit. Kick off the meal with grilled halloumi or the farmer’s plate, loaded with veggies from the restaurant’s nearby urban farm. Move on to a burger or flatbreads topped with seasonal squash and potatoes or grilled lamb.

Brownies On The Lake

This restaurant, which has a nautical theme to match its location, serves seafood, burgers, and pizza. Go for drinks, the nightly live music and dancing, and a stellar view of Lake St. Clair.

Watermark Bar and Grille

Arrive by boat or car to Watermark, which is located in Safe Harbor Jefferson Beach Marina. The year-round waterfront destination serves Greek fare, American pub grub, and surf-and-turf selections such as calamari, grilled octopus, lamb chops, pasta, pizza, and a Big Fat Greek Burger, topped with kasseri cheese and tzatziki. The outside deck, which includes a tiki bar, has seating for 125.

Mike's on the Water

With its nautical aesthetic and ample space in the marina for boat docking, Mike’s on the Water in St. Clair Shores is popular with locals spending a day out near the Michigan Harbor Marina. Sip chilled cocktails in plastic cups on the lively waterfront patio or on the rooftop while filling up on its acclaimed lobster rolls.

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