Food is always better with a view---and waterfront views are the best views. Fortunately, Ohio is home to several waterfront restaurants that feature beautiful backdrops and serve up exceptional cuisine. The following are 11 of our favorite waterfront restaurants in Ohio, and we think you should definitely check them out this summer.

1. Alley Cat Oyster Bar (Cleveland)

With delicious oysters, shrimp cocktails and a surf and turf burger, this place is well known for its wide variety of seafood options and waterfront view of the Cuyahoga River. Alley Cat Oyster Bar is located at 1056 Old River Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113.

2. Moerlein Lager House Restaurant and Brewery (Cincinnati)

Along the Ohio River and right next to the Great American Ball Park sits "Cincinnati's premier brewpub." With a casual atmosphere and casual attire, this is the perfect way to spend your evening after a ball game or shopping spree. Moerlein Lager House is located at 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

3. Boathouse BBQ (Marietta)

This family style barbecue joint along the Ohio River has received more than 12 awards for their exceptional ribs, wings and chili. Boathouse BBQ is located at 218 Virginia St., Marietta, OH 45750.

4. Dockers Waterfront Restaurant and Bar (Kelleys Island)

Enjoy views of Lake Erie, from Cedar Point to Mouse Island, at this popular seafood joint on Kelleys Island. Known for their homemade crab cakes and lobster bisque, this restaurant features the best of the best seafood. It is located at 114 W Lakeshore Dr,, Kelleys Island, OH 43438.

5. Beau’s on the River (Cuyahoga Falls)

At the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, you'll find this hidden gem of a restaurant, which features a casual atmosphere, stunning views of the river rapids and falls and floor to ceiling windows. Beau's on the River is located at 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221.

6. Tilton Hilton (Lakeview)

Where the burgers are bigger than your head and the floors are tilted, this local favorite is a fun, quirky stop after a day on Indian Lake. You can even dock your boat right alongside the restaurant. Tilton Hilton is located at 10861 Country Rd, 293, Lakeview, OH 43331

7. Real Seafood Company Toledo

Experience fresh seafood from Boston, Florida and the Great Lakes at this local favorite in Toledo. Real Seafood Company Toledo is located at 22 Main St., Toledo, OH 43605.

8. The Boat House at Confluence Park (Columbus)

At the confluence of the Olentangy and Scioto rivers, The Boat House overlooks the downtown Columbus skyline—and it's (surprisingly) the only restaurant in Columbus with a waterfront view of the city. Dinner, coffee and drinks are available here, and the restaurant doesn't open until 5 p.m. each day. The Boat House at Confluence Park is located at 679 W Spring St., Columbus, OH 43215.

9. Rafter’s Restaurant (Deer Creek State Park)

For a more peaceful, secluded scenic meal, check out Rafter's Restaurant within the Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center at Deer Creek State Park. Enjoy a bistro-style breakfast, lunch or dinner at this truly tranquil restaurant on the lake. Rafter's Restaurant is located at 22300 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143.

10. Pier W (Lakewood)

This landmark Cleveland area restaurant is suspended over Lake Erie to give customers a cruise-like dining experience. It also features patio seating overlooking the water during the warmer months. This unique waterfront restaurant serves up exceptional seafood and offers lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Pier W is located at 12700 Lake Avenue (Winton Place) Lakewood, OH 44107.

11. New Sandusky Fish Company

With fresh fish caught daily and cooked with expertise, you will experience what is arguably the best perch sandwich in Ohio at New Sandusky Fish Company. There's only outdoor seating here—but with a view like that it's all you really need. New Sandusky Fish Company is located at 235 E Shoreline Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870.

Have you been to any of these restaurants before? What other great waterfront restaurants are there in Ohio? Share your experiences and opinions with us!