The lakes and rivers of our state are a gift from Mother Nature, even the ones that are manmade. A waterfront view can be very soothing, and dining by water makes for a very enjoyable meal. Some say the flow of the water aids in digestion. Others say it is just the serenity of the area that creates the perfect ambiance. Whatever the case, these 10 waterfront restaurants in Kentucky offer a perfect place to relax and enjoy some fabulous food.

10. Joe’s Crab Shack, Louisville

This energetic restaurant at 131 River Road may be a chain, but it is a unique chain well worth a visit. They have some of the greatest seafood dishes around, and since it is their specialty, it gets prepared right.

9. Cunningham’s Creek Side, Louisville

We recently visited Cunningham’s at 6301 Upper River Road, which we love to frequent in the summer months. The fish hang by the docks hoping for a fry or crust of bread. They have lessened their portions since last summer, but the food is still extremely good. The fish fingers are fantastic and one can make a meal on them with a side. The fried cheese is also amazing, but the portion is small compared to what it once was. Overall, the ambiance makes this dockside place worth the visit, IF you sit outside on one of the deck levels.

8. Waterfront Restaurant and Lounge, Winchester

This local favorite at 220 Athens Boonesboro Road offers a comfortable waterfront environment and some great cuisine. They serve up a variety of seafood dishes, ribs, chicken and even homemade pizza. They also have some mouthwatering drinks that they create, like the watermelon crawl.

7. Mariners Restaurant, Jamestown

This dockside restaurant is located at 3677 S Highway 92 and is a favorite of anyone who spends time at the docks. You get fantastic, home cooked food served buffet style, or you can order off the menu. The seafood is mostly fried, but very tasty with a nice crust and tender meats. The ribeye is cooked to order, always perfect. The view of the Cumberland is nothing short of postcard worthy.

6. Fishtales at Wolf Creek, Nancy

This seasonal restaurant is located at 782 Island Ramp Road, but the waterside ambiance makes it worth the limited availability. It has a Tiki like appearance and unique fish dishes make things even better. The Mahi dinner, Ahi Tuna, pizza, burgers and other dishes are all quite good. This is in a dry county, so no alcoholic beverages are sold here.

5. Rowena Landing, Lake Cumberland

This restaurant is located in Lure Lodge, at 5465 State Park Road. The breakfast buffet is probably the best one in the area, and the eggs with bacon are excellent. The Hot Brown is a unique version that is VERY generous with the cheese sauce, which is not the traditional Mornay. The view is breathtaking, and makes the experience incredibly memorable.

4. Ralph’s Harborview Grill, Gilbertsville

The ambiance at 570 Moors Road is unmatched anywhere else around. They have live music on some nights, and just the serenity of the water’s sounds on others. We prefer the latter. The food is great and they have both a small buffet and made to order dishes. The Hot Brown and fresh baked bread are both amazing. Honestly, all the desserts there are pretty hard to beat, bring an appetite.

3. Dick’s Last Resort, Newport

This unique restaurant at 1 Levee Way #1118, is anything but a last resort. Our mighty Ohio River shows its good side to Dick’s patrons, offering a view with ambiance, especially at night. The food here is cooked to order and everything on the menu is delicious. They offer up some tasty pies and perfect fries. The burgers are juicy, the chicken crisp on the outside and tender inside, and the sides are spiced just right. Dick’s is a first resort in our opinion.

2. Rivue, Louisville

This high end restaurant 140 N 4th Street sits atop one of Louisville’s finest hotels, and rotates. That is what makes Rivue so enticing, as you get a constant change in waterfront scenery from an aerial view. You see Jeffersonville Indiana and the downtown portion of Louisville, along with the great Ohio River and several bridges. The food is created by chefs that take their work seriously. Everything is cooked to perfection, producing memorable meals you’ll want to experience again.

1. Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grill, Prospect

This gorgeous Ohio River front restaurant is located at 5700 Captains Quarters Road. You can sit on the deck for a relaxing view of the river and the boats going by. They offer dock side service if you happen to be in a boat as well. The food here is cooked to order and offers a variety. Their fresh fish sandwich is always a win, and the salads are always fresh. The pizza is a favorite, along with their steak, which is nicely spiced. Captain’s Quarters is one of our personal favorites and is highly recommended for a romantic night on the river and a fine meal.

A waterfront restaurant in Kentucky can be the perfect start to a romantic evening, or the perfect end to a long, tiring day. The ambiance can be a little different for everyone, but the gentle flow of the water’s sound is proven to be relaxing. Here are some other great places to relax around the beautiful waters of Kentucky.