Nothing says summer in South County like waterfront dining. Soak up the sun, feel the sea breezes, and enjoy fresh, local seafood with a feast at an oceanfront deck on the blue waters of the Atlantic or a dockside table overlooking fishing boats and marinas. South County’s waterfront restaurants highlight local seafood and showcase the region’s ties to boating, fishing, and seaside life. Visit one of the restaurants below and experience the coastal magic of outdoor dining in South County.
Pleasant View
Dining on the deck at the Pleasant View comes with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Overlooking Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, it’s the perfect place to end a South County beach day. The restaurant serves New England coastal cuisine emphasizing fresh, local seafood. Dinner at the Pleasant view comes with coastal sunsets and the sounds of the ocean.
Coast Guard House
Dine al fresco at the Coast Guard House’s outdoor patio overlooking the rocky shoreline and beaches of Narragansett. The outdoor patio is situated immediately above the shoreline with views of the crashing waves and panoramic ocean scenery. Dinner at the famed Coast Guard House belongs on your South County bucket list.
*The Coast Guard House has received national recognition as one of the Top 15 Most Beautiful Restaurants in the United States, along with Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence and Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, placing it among the world’s top‑rated dining destinations.
Finn's Harborside
Finn’s Harborside offers relaxed waterfront views of the harbor in East Greenwich. Finn’s is a long‑standing Rhode Island waterfront institution, with deep roots in East Greenwich’s fishing and shellfish industry, and a history of family ownership spanning generations. Savor fresh seafood and a cold drink amidst summertime marina activity. A dock and dine experience is available for transient vessels.
** Finn’s Harborside has received Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, a prestigious distinction recognizing the top 10% of restaurants worldwide for consistently strong guest reviews.
River Bar
Waterfront dining at the River Bar in Downtown Westerly is relaxed, scenic, and all about soaking up the view. Set on the Pawcatuck River, the outdoor seating offers a front‑row spot to watch boats pass by while enjoying a drink or meal. With an easygoing vibe, fresh air, and sparkling water just steps away, dining outside at the River Bar feels like summer.
*River Bar made Esquire’s exclusive 2024 list of the Best New Restaurants in America
The Verandah at Ocean House
The Verandah at Ocean House offers laid‑back oceanfront dining. Indulge in a meal with sweeping ocean views and coastal elegance. Al fresco dining on the Verandah is the epitome of summer by the sea—refined, relaxing, and unmistakably Rhode Island.
*Rhode Island’s only Forbes Five‑Star, AAA Five Diamond resort
Tavern by the Sea
Located in the heart of Historic Wickford Village, Tavern by the Sea is perfectly suited for summer by the water. Dine with harbor views, and in the charm of one of Rhode Island’s most picturesque waterfront towns. Take in the timeless coastal atmosphere on one of their
*Wickford Village has earned national acclaim as the #1 Historic Small Town in America by USA Today, a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice destination, and a designated National Register Historic District.
George’s of Galilee
Outdoor dining at George’s of Galilee puts you right in the heart of one of Rhode Island’s most storied fishing ports. Overlooking the working docks of Galilee, the open‑air seating offers a front‑row view of boats coming and going. With a long history as a waterfront restaurant, dining outside at George’s is an authentic South County experience. Enjoy boat to plate seafood, salty breezes, and the rhythm of a real working harbor.
* George’s of Galilee has earned Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, a national Spectrum Award for Excellence in Customer Service, and long‑standing recognition as one of Rhode Island’s most iconic waterfront seafood restaurants.
Lake Taco
Outdoor dining at Lake Taco is along the shores of Tiogue Lake. The open‑air space offers wide lake views with a relaxed, laid‑back vibe. Tacos, margaritas, and fresh air enjoyed with live music and outdoor entertainment provide for a perfect summer night.
*Lake Taco opened in 2024 and was voted Best New Restaurant in Rhode Island
The Pub in Matunuck
Dine directly on the sandy shoreline of Matunuck Beach at The Pub. Established in 1926, The Pub in Matunuck is recognized as the oldest Irish pub on the water in Rhode Island and one of the oldest beachside Irish pubs in the United States. The pub features multiple outdoor decks, including a mid‑level oceanfront deck and a heated rooftop deck all with stunning ocean views.
Monahan’s Clam Shack
Visiting Monahan’s Clam Shack is a Rhode Island tradition that stretches back to the 1940s when the waterfront stand was first opened by Joseph Monahan. For locals, summer begins when the clam shacks open. Monahan’s serves all your favorites with front‑row ocean views. Chowder, clam cakes, and lobster rolls are best enjoyed al fresco.
* Monahan’s Clam Shack has earned Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide for consistently outstanding traveler reviews.
Skip’s Café
Skip’s Café is a waterfront café located in Jerusalem, a small fishing port. Enjoy your meal alongside an active waterfront where the local fishing tradition defines the atmosphere. Start your day off right with breakfast on the water.
Jim’s Dock
Outdoor dining at Jim’s Dock is, not surprisingly, dockside. Enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking boats and ever‑changing coastal views. Family‑run for three generations, Jim’s Dock is a South County staple for consistently good food, service and a memorable meal.
Two Ten Oyster Bar & Grill
Two Ten Oyster Bar & Grill overlooks the marina at Salt Pond with patio seating. Two Ten’s raw bar features locally farmed Rhode Island oysters, including those sourced from the South County waters of Ninigret Pond, Watch Hill, and Narragansett Bay. The oysters are served fresh and hand‑shucked, showcasing Rhode Island’s aquaculture industry.
* TwoTen Oyster Bar & Grill has received Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, identifying it as one of the top 10% of restaurants worldwide based on consistently strong guest reviews.
Blu on the Water
Blu on the Water in historic East Greenwich is home to Rhode Island’s largest waterfront deck offering multiple seating areas facing Greenwich Bay. Live music is featured regularly in the summer months as well as transient dockage allowing boaters to dock and dine.
* Blu on the Water has received Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, a prestigious designation recognizing the top 10% of restaurants worldwide based on consistently excellent guest reviews
