A restaurant with a waterfront view can provide one of the most pleasant meals you will ever experience. The soothing ripples on the water provide a calming environment. If you actually hear the watery sounds, those moments are even better. Some of our most memorable experiences have been at Kentucky waterfront restaurants, as we’re big fans of waterfront environments. Dining near the rivers and lakes of Kentucky really offers patrons a special, one of a kind experience.

Here are 10 Kentucky waterfront restaurants that provide a memorable experience:

10. Riverfront Pizza at 617 W 3rd Street #2 in Covington
Trip Adviser
It is not just about pizza here, but the pizza is really good. Diners can enjoy subs, salads and pasta, as well as signature pizzas, good brews and a decent view. The bridge is in the background showing the close proximity to the river. This is a great little dive if your looking for a reasonable price and great food near the river.
9. Waterfront Grille and Gathering at 220 Athens Boonesboro Road in Winchester
Waterfront
They have unique items, like the PBJ and cheese quesadilla, and old favorites like crinkle cut fries and slaw. You can enjoy speciality pizzas, like BBQ chicken or steaks cooked to your liking. The cuisine is versatile and delicious, but the view makes everything taste a little better. The image is during the winter, but during the spring and summer the atmosphere outside is wonderful.
8. Welch’s Riverside Restaurant at 505 Main Street #1 in Carrollton
Trip Adviser
The patio view of the Ohio River is a perfect reason to make a stop here, other than the food. This is a small café style restaurant offering traditional meals at reasonable prices with a 5 star view. The breakfast is highly recommended, as is the ham plate with potatoes.
7. The Reef at Manhattan Harbour at 1301 South 4th Avenue in Dayton
Samantha Pulliam
Reef
You can sit, enjoy chicken, fish, salads, steak and a variety of other delicious food while gazing out at the boats. The onion rings are amazing with an excellent onion to batter ratio. You will find whatever you order here to be top notch, along with the view.
6. Patti’s 1880s at 1793 JH O’Bryan Avenue in Grand Rivers
Patti's
This is a favorite amongst people in the area, and with good reasons. You could drive 50 miles any direction and not find pies as good as Patti’s. The rest of the menu is also very tasty, including their delicious Hot Brown. This is primarily southern cuisine, but its got that special kinda flavor that sets it apart from other restaurants. Environment, food and service are always memorable when you come to this Settlement.

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5. Rivue at 140 N 4th Street in Louisville
Josh
Esther T
This is one of Louisville’s most renowned restaurants, as it actually rotates. The higher end dining experience doesn’t allow for the river sounds, but you get a view of the entire city, the Ohio River and Southern Indiana during our meal. The food is fantastic, especially their steak and chicken dishes, along with sandwiches. The desserts are absolutely to die for, with most being extremely rich.
4. Mitchell’s Fish Market at 1 Levee Way #2129 at Newport
Eric
Mr and Mrs G
The cuisine here is served up fresh with a touch of elegance. The fresh catch choices are always offered four differed ways, Asian, grilled, broiled or blackened with a special butter. You can’t go wrong regardless of your choice. The view just highlights the ambiance of your dining experience here.
3. Cunningham’s Creekside Grill at 6301 River Road in Prospect
Cunningham's
This is a great little place that doesn’t look like much from the outside that has limited seating inside. However, service is fast, friendly, and the fish fingers, oysters, chicken, fish sandwich, and burgers are always delicious. This is a go to spot for many of the locals in the area to have a drink and relax with a good meal. You can pull right up to the dock in a boat, or be seated on their covered patio deck for a serene river view. We’ve seen small groups of deer grazing on the opposite bank, while fish jumped in the water with an audible splash. It can be a very Zen environment on a not so busy evening. Weekends are often crowded with a wait, but once you get a taste of the food you will understand why.
2. Chart House at 405 Riverboat Row in Newport
Chart House
This is a higher end restaurant that offers an amazing brisket with a view. The Prime Rib, soups, salads and all the seafood dishes are delicious. Service is always friendly and usually fast unless it’s a busy night. The view is always great, rain or shine.
1. Captain’s Quarters at 5700 Captains Quarters Road in Prospect
Heather D
Alan H
This historic spot on the banks of the Ohio has been around a while, though remodeling has been done. It was once a booming port stop for those trading along the Ohio. Today it is still a favored spot for boaters, but also for anyone looking for a great meal with a breathtaking view. They have a variety of dishes, all of which are cooked to perfection. The fish is always tasty, as is the steak. The pizza is better than most local pizzerias. Sunsets at CQ make for a perfect romantic evening.

There is plenty of great food to be had in the Bluegrass State, but not all atmospheres are ideal. The fantastic food and serenity of our rivers and lakes make Kentucky waterfront restaurants a must-do experience. What are your favorite places to dine by water?

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