YOU EAT WITH YOUR EYES first, as the old adage goes. And though elegant plating may whet one’s appetite, an enviable view makes the meal taste brighter, bolder and just plain better. So go ahead and eat with your eyes in the pages that follow — and keep them peeled for a list of other favorite waterfront dining spots as well. 

Tybee Island’s only true beachfront restaurant, The Deck makes it easy to dip your toes in the water between drinks and dessert. Keep it local with the Lowcountry boil or a dozen raw oysters — and don’t forget the crab cakes. They also make a mean burger if you’re looking for more turf than surf. 404 Butler Ave.  |  Tybee Island

Fresh-caught seafood (dock-to-table same day) is what it’s all about at Hudson’s, located on Hilton Head Island. The island’s oldest restaurant has a (fish) tale even longer than its more than 50 years of casual dining. It was originally built as an oyster factory in 1912, and the discarded shells created the peninsula on which the restaurant currently stands. 1 Hudson Road  |  Hilton Head Island

Seated along the salt marsh, Pearl’s boasts more than a 180-degree panoramic water view. A Savannah favorite, this mainstay has all the classic seafood fare along with trendy dishes like ahi tuna in an Asian style. There’s truly something for everyone, and you just can’t beat the view. 7000 La Roche Ave.  |  Savannah

A-J’s Dockside 1315 Chatham Ave. Tybee Island

CoCo’s Sunset Grille 1 Old US Hwy. 80 Tybee Island

Fish Tales 3203 Fort McAllister Road Richmond Hill

North Beach Bar and Grill 33 Meddin Ave. Tybee Island

The Original Crab Shack 40 Estill Hammock Road Tybee Island

The Wyld 2740 Livingston Ave. Savannah

The Porch Southern Kitchen & Bar 1 S. Forest Beach Drive Hilton Head Island

Skull Creek Boathouse 397 Squire Pope Road Hilton Head Island

Vic’s on the River 26 E. Bay St. Savannah