You just can’t beat delicious food with a peaceful view. Wouldn’t you agree? Fortunately, the Buckeye State is home to several waterfront restaurants that are perfect for spring and summer dining.The following are 9 lakeside restaurants in Ohio with delicious grub—some of which you can dock your boat right up to.

See how many you’ve been to before:

1. Tilton Hilton (Lakeview)
Tilton Hilton/Facebook
Charlie Brown/Google Images
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. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
2. The Boat House at Confluence Park (Columbus)
The Boat House at Confluence Park/Facebook
The Boat House at Confluence Park/Facebook
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. To learn more, visit their website here.
3. Cranberry Resort (Hunstville)
Cranberry Resort/Facebook
Cranberry Resort/Facebook
Nestled along a string of islands on Indian Lake, you'll find this gem of a restaurant and bar. Cranberry Resort is located at 9667 State Route 368, Huntsville, OH 43324. To learn more, visit their website here.
4. Boathouse BBQ (Marietta)
Boathouse BBQ/Facebook
Boathouse BBQ/Facebook
This family style barbecue joint along the Ohio River has received more than 12 awards for its exceptional ribs, wings and chili. Boathouse BBQ is located at 218 Virginia St., Marietta, OH 45750. To learn more, visit their website here.
5. Rafter’s Restaurant (Deer Creek State Park)
J Stephen Conn/Flickr

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American Eskimo/TripAdvisor
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. To learn more, visit their website here.
6. Paradise Bay Waterfront Grill & Bar (Rock Creek)
Paradise Bay Waterfront Grill & Bar/Facebook
Paradise Bay Waterfront Grill & Bar/Facebook
Mouthwatering burgers, a casual atmosphere and pontoon boat rides await you at Paradise Bay Waterfront Grill & Bar. (Also, order chicken wings. You wont regret it.) It is located at 414 Geneva Pt., Roaming Shores, OH 44084. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
7. Cabana on the River (Cincinnati)
Cabana on the River/Facebook
Cabana on the River/Facebook
This casual outdoor eatery along the Ohio River is a popular dinner and (sometimes) live entertainment spot. Come and experience one of the best patios in Ohio! Cabana on the River is located at 7445 Forbes Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
8. Dockers Waterfront Restaurant and Bar (Kelleys Island)
Dockers Waterfront Restaurant and Bar/Facebook
Dockers Waterfront Restaurant and Bar/Facebook
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. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
9. Crosswinds Grille (Geneva-on-the-Lake)
The Lakehouse Inn & Winery/Facebook
The Lakehouse Inn & Winery/Facebook
Crosswinds Grille is a delicious farm-to-table restaurant with tall windows that feature gorgeous views of Lake Erie at The LakeHouse Inn and Winery. On the menu, you'll find a wide variety of wood-fired cuisine that's perfect to pair with one of their exceptional wines. You'll find it at 5653 Lake Rd. E Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041. To learn more, visit their website here.

Have you been to any of these lakeside restaurants in Ohio? If so, let us know what your experience was like!

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More to Explore

lakeside restaurants in Ohio

Elisa Regulski | March 12, 2020

Which restaurants have the best patios in Ohio?

Orchard Restaurant And Bar, located in Port Clinton, has one of the best patios in Ohio. When the weather warms up, there’s no place you’d rather be. Relax in the sunshine and scarf down some fresh fish tacos. With good friends by your side, life couldn’t get sweeter. Streetside 62, located in Washington Court House, is another wonderful restaurant with outdoor seating. Everyone raves about their refreshing drinks and delicious food.

What are the best waterfront restaurants in Ohio?

Tackle Box 2, located in Fremont, is one of the most delicious waterfront restaurants in Ohio. Relax along the Sandusky River with a hearty plate of fried seafood in front of you. This combination can’t be beat. If you’re a beer lover, you must visit Moerlein Lager House Restaurant and Brewery in Cincinnati. This exciting destination is nestled along Smale Riverfront Park, and it’s full of sunny views.

What are the best restaurants to visit in Ohio during summer?

Dock's Beach House Bar and Grille, located in Port Clinton, is one of the best warm weather restaurants in Ohio. In the summer, this place is always bustling with people. Enjoy the lively energy, flavorful tiki drinks, and mouthwatering pub fare. Sometimes, they even have live music! Cranberry Resort Waterfront Bar and Grill is another fantastic place to visit during summer. You’ll love their inventive cocktails and mouthwatering meals.

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Featured Addresses
10861 Township Rd 293, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA
679 W Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
9667 OH-368, Huntsville, OH 43324, USA
218 Virginia St, Marietta, OH 45750, USA
22300 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA
414 Geneva Point, Roaming Shores, OH 44084, USA
7445 Forbes Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233, USA
114 W Lakeshore Dr, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA
5653 Lake Rd E, Geneva, OH 44041, USA