Northern California has many waterways, but there are only a few places to dine right on the river. Below is our round-up of the restaurants right on a river in Northern California. From classic American fare to gourmet seafood to elevated bar food, Northern California’s river restaurants provide good food with a view.

1. Rio City Cafe- Old Sacramento

This popular restaurant in Old Sacramento has been in business for more than 25 years. With a large deck over the Sacramento River, you can enjoy your meal outside. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Occasionally, a sea lion swims up the river and makes the local news. You’ll have a good chance of a sighting from this deck.

2. Alamar Marina, Restaurant & Bar- Sacramento

This restaurant on the river has a private dock for boaters who want to stop in for a meal and get fuel and bait. If you’re coming to the restaurant on foot, you’ll walk down a covered ramp. Take a seat inside or on the large outdoor floating dock. Alamar Marina, Restaurant & Bar serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Stop in on Sundays for their Louisiana-style gumbo.

3. Swabbies On The River Restaurant & Bar- Sacramento

They have an extensive appetizer menu with pulled pork sliders, jalapeno poppers, and sweet potato fries. If you want something more hardy, order one of their famous tacos. They’re open for lunch and dinner every day of the week. The large outdoor area features picnic tables and bistro tables, all spread out facing the river and a stage. When they host live music events, you may need to buy tickets first– the restaurant can get crowded for big events.

4. Crawdad’s on the River- Sacramento

This riverside patio restaurant has been in operation since 1986. The comfortable cushioned outdoor seating on the dock is perfect for taking in a sunset while having drinks. Order a bucket of crawfish while taking in the view. The ambiance can’t be beat!

5. Smith's Landing Seafood Grill- Antioch

Between California’s central valley and the Bay Area, the city of Antioch sits on the San Joaquin River. The menu at this restaurant includes seafood classics like clam chowder, shrimp tacos, and crab Louie salad. It also includes seafood specialties you don’t find everywhere, like cioppino, Brazilian seafood pasta, and fettuccine ala Monte Carlo.

6. The Point Restaurant- Rio Vista

The bright blue restaurant is right on the Sacramento River. They have a big menu with burgers, pastas, and seafood specialties. After your meal, explore the city of Rio Vista and the many quaint Sacramento Delta farm stands in the area.

7. Scott's Seafood On The River- Sacramento

Scott’s Seafood On The River serves a variety of fresh seafood options, plus a wide selection of wines and cocktails. Stay awhile and play a game of bocce ball on their outdoor courts overlooking the river. Or enjoy a cocktail while sitting by a fire pit. Scott’s Seafood On The River serves lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch. If you can’t get enough of the view, Scott’s Seafood can be booked for weddings or special events.

8. The Virgin Sturgeon Restaurant & Marina- Sacramento

North of Old Sacramento, on the Sacramento River, you’ll find The Virgin Sturgeon Restaurant & Marina. Walk down the ramp leading to this restaurant on a floating barge. Built in 1976, this restaurant has great views of the river. Guests can sit outside or inside. Menu highlights include smoked sturgeon, peel-and-eat shrimp, and steamed clams in white wine.

What is your favorite over-the-water dining experience? Tell us in the comments.