It’s official: that bright, burning ball in the sky has returned (for now), which means our days of hibernation are finally over! When the temperatures go up, we head out to enjoy our favorite city in a new light, and what better place to do that than on the waterfront? Here are our top Buffalo-area restaurants right on the lake you’re guaranteed to love.

  1. William K’s (329 Erie Street)

Larry W - TripAdvisor

GoogleMaps/Kris Z William K’s is the perfect lakefront destination for your next date night. Their elevated American menu and craft cocktail list are sure to impress. As good as their food is, it doesn’t quite compare to the views!

  1. Liberty Hound (1 Naval Park Cove)

TripAdvisor/tellemarie

Facebook/Liberty Hound If seafood and people-watching is your thing, head to Liberty Hound. This restaurant is located right next to the Naval Park and Canalside for prime scenery. Their food is fresh and delicious too!

  1. Templeton Landing (2 Templeton Terrace)

Facebook/Templeton Landing Restaurant & Special Events

Facebook/Templeton Landing Restaurant & Special Events Templeton Landing is the perfect spot to land on a Friday night. Enjoy a fire on their outdoor patio, then enjoy your meal surrounded by beautiful views.

  1. Buffalo RiverWorks (359 Ganson Street)

Facebook/Buffalo RiverWorks

ilive4sun - TripAdvisor Buffalo RiverWorks is the ultimate waterfront destination in Buffalo. Their on-site restaurant is great, so grab a drink and a dish while you enjoy the waterfront.

  1. Charlie’s Boat Yard (1111 Fuhrmann Boulevard)

Facebook/Charlie’s Boat Yard If you’re looking for a more casual spot, Charlie’s Boat Yard is right up your alley. This waterfront restaurant in Buffalo has an outdoor patio, updated dining room, and extensive menu. Watch the boats taking off from the harbor as you dine!

  1. Dockside Bar & Grill (153 Sweeney Street, North Tonawanda)

Facebook/The Dockside Bar & Grill

GoogleMaps/Mark Paladino We couldn’t leave the Northtowners out! There are several restaurants along the canal that make for great waterfront dining options. Dockside Bar & Grill is one of our all-time favorites in North Tonawanda.

  1. River Grill (70 Aqua Lane, Tonawanda)

GoogleMaps/Larry Fobbs

Facebook/River Grill The River Grill will make you feel like you’ve embarked on a tropical getaway. This waterfront restaurant near Buffalo has live music, great seafood dishes, and amazing views!

  1. The Public House On The Lake (4914 Lake Shore Road, Hamburg)

GoogleMaps/The Public House on the Lake

Facebook/The Public House on the Lake The Public House On The Lake is our top pick for the Southtowns. You can catch some of the best sunsets around at this spot along Lake Erie.

  1. Pizza Plant (125 Main Street)

management - TripAdvisor

GoogleMaps/Chris Betcher You can’t go wrong with pizza - especially when you get amazing views with your meal! Pizza Plant has a great downtown location at Canalside that is sure to satisfy both your appetite and your need to take in your surroundings.

Where are your favorite places to enjoy a meal along the water? Share the best lakefront spots with us in the comments below!

Larry W - TripAdvisor

GoogleMaps/Kris Z

William K’s is the perfect lakefront destination for your next date night. Their elevated American menu and craft cocktail list are sure to impress. As good as their food is, it doesn’t quite compare to the views!

TripAdvisor/tellemarie

Facebook/Liberty Hound

If seafood and people-watching is your thing, head to Liberty Hound. This restaurant is located right next to the Naval Park and Canalside for prime scenery. Their food is fresh and delicious too!

Facebook/Templeton Landing Restaurant & Special Events

Templeton Landing is the perfect spot to land on a Friday night. Enjoy a fire on their outdoor patio, then enjoy your meal surrounded by beautiful views.

Facebook/Buffalo RiverWorks

ilive4sun - TripAdvisor

Buffalo RiverWorks is the ultimate waterfront destination in Buffalo. Their on-site restaurant is great, so grab a drink and a dish while you enjoy the waterfront.

Facebook/Charlie’s Boat Yard

If you’re looking for a more casual spot, Charlie’s Boat Yard is right up your alley. This waterfront restaurant in Buffalo has an outdoor patio, updated dining room, and extensive menu. Watch the boats taking off from the harbor as you dine!

Facebook/The Dockside Bar & Grill

GoogleMaps/Mark Paladino

We couldn’t leave the Northtowners out! There are several restaurants along the canal that make for great waterfront dining options. Dockside Bar & Grill is one of our all-time favorites in North Tonawanda.

GoogleMaps/Larry Fobbs

Facebook/River Grill

The River Grill will make you feel like you’ve embarked on a tropical getaway. This waterfront restaurant near Buffalo has live music, great seafood dishes, and amazing views!

GoogleMaps/The Public House on the Lake

Facebook/The Public House on the Lake

The Public House On The Lake is our top pick for the Southtowns. You can catch some of the best sunsets around at this spot along Lake Erie.

management - TripAdvisor

GoogleMaps/Chris Betcher

You can’t go wrong with pizza - especially when you get amazing views with your meal! Pizza Plant has a great downtown location at Canalside that is sure to satisfy both your appetite and your need to take in your surroundings.

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