Smith Mountain Lake Waterfront Dining Guide [2025]
This site contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure policy.
21 Lakefront Restaurants to Try by Boat
At SML Insiders, we don’t just write about waterfront dining—we live it. We’ve cruised, docked and tasted our way through all 21 of Smith Mountain Lake waterfront restaurants to bring you insider intel on cuisine, vibe, entertainment and must-try dishes, plus smart tips for navigating and docking.
Whether you’re a seasoned skipper or brand new to lake life, this resource delivers everything you need to dock and dine with ease. From casual bites to upscale meals with lake and mountain views, consider this your go-to guide for eating, drinking and boating like a local.
Best SML Restaurants on the Water
New for 2025: Tiff’s Lakefront
Tiff’s Lakefront is a welcoming new restaurant and bar at ground level of The Pointe at Mariners Landing, offering casually refined cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Operated by long-time lake restaurateurs Tiffany Silva and Bruno Silva, Tiff’s invites guests to cruise in—just 10 minutes up Craddock Creek from channel marker C1—to enjoy fresh California-inspired salads, seafood, sandwiches, pasta and more, all with stunning views.
Stable floating docks near the lakefront entrance, just beyond the pool area, make arrival a breeze. With affordable prices, extensive wine and whiskey collections, a fun cocktail menu and friendly service, Tiff’s is a delicious new reason to dock and dine. Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday, and for brunch with live music on Sundays.
Insider Tip: There’s a marked shortcut between the islands that guard the entrance to Craddock Creek, but it’s safest to idle between those unlit buoys if the water level is much below full pond. If you opt to go around C1, give it some space as there are shoals between the marker and the island nearest it.
Bridgewater Plaza Restaurants
Bridgewater Plaza, just across from channel marker R28, serves up six budget-friendly dining spots in one lively lakefront hub. Ample day docks await at the mouth of the cove below the bridge, with a scenic boardwalk leading you to restaurants, shops, public restrooms and plenty of lakeside fun.
At Bridgewater Plaza, you can also indulge in homemade fudge at Gifts Ahoy, explore 100-plus varieties at the Beef Jerky Experience, grab a snack at Bridgewater Marina and sample moonshine at Roosters Rise-N-Shine Distillery.
Mango’s Bar and Grill
Mango’s is a favorite for lakeside dining and rockin’ live music on weekends. Prefer a quieter vibe? Stop by for lunch or a relaxed weekday dinner. Dine under sail-like sunshades or umbrella tables to keep cool, and enjoy lake views from the outdoor bar. The menu features crowd-pleasers like burgers, salads, tacos and seafood—plus a few tasty treats just for pups. Mango’s is wheelchair accessible via a gently sloped walkway from the dock.
Insider Tip: Mango’s is the place to be for rockin’ live music on the weekends, so if that’s not your speed, choose a lunch or weekday dinner stop. Get the band schedule in our monthly Smith Mountain Lake events blog posts.
Moosie’s Restaurant
Moosie’s is a true SML institution. Snap a selfie with the giant, smiling moose mascot at the front entrance, then indulge in a variety of sandwiches, including turkey piled high, baked ham and Swiss and a delicious Reuben. Moosie’s also offers salads, burgers, Nathan’s hot dogs, tacos and massive portions of nachos. Save room for their signature NY cheesecake. With a half-dozen children’s menu options and spacious tables for family gatherings, Moosie’s offers affordable dining with a memorable flair—a lunch or early dinner worth sharing on social media.
Cancun Bar & Grill
Transport yourself south of the border at Cancun Bar & Grill at Bridgewater Plaza, where the music, décor and food create an authentic Mexican ambiance. Enjoy margaritas in this lively setting, and don’t forget to grab one to-go that the skipper can kick back and enjoy once he’s gotten everyone safely back to home port. Indulge in sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, steak, chicken or steak tacos, chimis, burritos and quesadillas. This is Cancun’s second location at Smith Mountain Lake; you can also dine at their off-water restaurant at Westlake Corner.
Smith Mountain Lake Coffee House
Don’t miss the bright and cheerful SML Coffee House, which overlooks Bridgewater Marina. Relax on comfy sofas while enjoying coffee, tea, sandwiches and free wifi. Outdoor tables on the boardwalk veranda offer views of the lake and rock climbing and sky-high trampoline activities. Grab breakfast, specialty sandwiches, salads or pastries to enjoy. Alternatively, take some treats to go for an on-board picnic in a nearby secluded cove.
Insider Tip: Don’t leave without ordering a glazed, stuffed croissant, available in blueberry, raspberry, lemon, chocolate and Bavarian cream. You’ll thank us.
Pizza Pub
If your hankerin’ is running toward crispy crust, melted cheese and toppings of choice, a stop at Pizza Pub may be just what the “dock-tor” ordered. Enjoy a steaming hot pizza indoors or on the boardwalk deck overlooking Bridgewater Plaza’s quaint rooftop mini-golf course, Harbortown. Pizza is a surefire crowd-pleaser for your crew, be it lunch, dinner or a mid-cruise snack. Call ahead (540-721-1234) to have yours ready upon arrival, minimizing your time off the water.
Insider Tip: Be a real hero and treat your crew to some of the 20 varieties of ah-mazing homemade fudge available at Gifts Ahoy, just one flight up.
Ice Cream Cottage
Choose from a wide range of frozen treats made with Hershey’s ice cream at the Ice Cream Cottage, located on the middle level of Bridgewater Plaza and overlooking the lake. This long-time SML favorite is only open from late spring through early fall.
Beacon Seafood Pub
Beacon Seafood Pub is situated at Virginia Dare Marina near R21 and operates seasonally, opening in April and closing in November. It has ample transient slips suited to runabouts, tritoons and wake sports towboats. Rebuilt after a 2018 fire, the restaurant boasts a casual lake-themed décor and menu. Both indoor and outdoor seating provide nice lake views, and the restrooms are as clean as you’ll find.
Known as SML’s go-to for seafood, Beacon offers a range of land and sea options, including lobster roll, grouper BLT and shrimp tacos. Don’t miss Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, featuring enticing appetizers. Plus, enjoy a tasty breakfast every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Portside Grill & Bar
Escape to Key West vibes at Portside Grill & Bar for a lively waterside experience complete with colorful characters. Located at Virginia Dare Marina, this casual eatery offers a satisfying selection of favorites perfect for its open-air setting.
Indulge in peel-and-eat shrimp, a half-pound Angus Beef Burger and top-notch wings in Chili Lime, Jerk and Carolina Gold flavors. Pair your meal with a tasty margarita or an ice-cold bucket of beer, and enjoy live music featuring local solo and duo acts, as well as karaoke.
Free customer docking on recently refurbished docks is generally available at Portside, which is only open in season. Saturdays are generally busiest, so Sundays are when you’ll find the locals noshing and quenching. Find Portside just northwest of Marker R21, along with Beacon Seafood Pub and the Virginia Dare cruise boat.
Drifter’s
Drifter’s is renowned for its fun and relaxing atmosphere, delicious food, lively bar and lakeside live music. Find this dog- and family-friendly spot by turning into the cove that hosts Goodhue Boat Company, Eastlake (formerly Crystal Shores Marina), across from R27. Look for the unmistakable large sign at the cove entrance.
Insider Tip: Don’t even consider cutting between the sign and nearby shoreline. It’s shallow there!
With luck, one of the few slips or parallel docks lakeside of Drifter’s will be available (boats only, no PWCs allowed there). If not, circle around to the north and idle back into the marina where some transient docking is usually available.
Open only in season, you’ll also find a great selection of salads, tacos, wraps, quesadillas and nachos at Drifter’s. Gourmet burger lovers choose from an impressive lineup that includes the “Bedford Landings,” a half-pound prime beef patty topped with cheddar and bourbon-grilled bacon then drizzled with peanut butter and honey. Unforgettable!
Jake’s Place
Jake’s Place, named after the Gordon family’s beloved golden retriever, offers guest docks north of marker R28 (deep in the cove beyond Webster Marina). These docks are conveniently close to the covered dining porch and patio, which is shaded with thatched umbrellas.
The distinctive indoor bar, a lively spot for both regulars and visitors, serves up tasty bites and cold drinks. Start your meal with tempting appetizers like wings, crab dip, chicken nachos and peel-and-eat shrimp. Entrees include specialty burgers, steak or shrimp tacos, sandwiches and salads.
Keep an eye on the restaurant’s Facebook page for steak nights, a great value for meat lovers. Jake’s Place also serves intriguing breakfast options for those enjoying a calm morning boat ride. In the off-season, check out their beer dinners.
Insider Tip: Even the best restaurants in Smith Mountain Lake have variable hours so be sure to check online before heading out.
Napoli by the Lake
Tie up at Bernard’s Landing and treat yourself to a meal at Napoli by the Lake. Recently renovated by the owners of Napoli Cowboy (an off-water favorite with residents and visitors), this waterfront gem offers a casual, lake-lux atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. Outside seating by the bar is perfect for enjoying inviting weather.
Enter the harbor through no-wake markers near R11 and find transient slips mainly to the left of the covered docks, with a few tie-up spots on the far right.
The servers and bartenders are attentive and friendly at Napoli, which offers delectable starters like loaded tots, fried oysters and crab dip. There are several creative salads that can serve as meals, as well as entrees highlighting steak, chicken, seafood and pasta specialties. Be sure to listen to the daily specials, which are inventive and delicious.
Magnum Point Marina
Located near marker B37 on the peaceful Blackwater River, Magnum Point is a favorite among boaters seeking a relaxed, affordable dining experience. It’s about a 25-minute on-plane ride from markers B2, B4 and B6.
Docking is plentiful, but finger piers can get wobbly during busy times. Most dining is outdoors on a colorful, covered deck with heaters and clear panels for year-round comfort. Trivia nights happen on Mondays, with live music some weekends.
The menu includes sandwiches, wings, burgers, salads and pizzas—available for phone-ahead carry-out. Good food, a scenic ride and laid-back vibes make Magnum Point a great lake stop.
New for 2025: Coasters
New for 2025, you’ll find Coasters in the space formerly occupied by Los Amigos at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater at channel marker B10.
Operated by the same crew as lake-favorite Drifter’s, the new eatery offers American favorites with a seafood flair, two full bars, a dog-friendly lakeside patio and occasional live music. Come by car or boat—nearly 50 transient slips and sheltered floating docks make docking a breeze at Coasters.
Mitchell’s Restaurant and Lakeside Pizzeria
Located across from marker C3 on Craddock Creek, Mitchell’s serves up sizable portions of lunch and dinner favorites on a comfortable covered patio. Choosing between fresh pizzas, wings, fish and chips and a variety of sandwiches, including a hearty Philly cheesesteak, can be tough. Crispy fries and onion rings complement the meal perfectly. Hours vary by season, so check online to avoid tying up and finding the kitchen closed.
Enjoy live local entertainment on weekends. The docks were recently refurbished and the finger piers are stable, but dockage can get scarce during main mealtimes in the height of the season. However, it’s worth the wait for the family-friendly atmosphere and delicious food at Mitchell’s.
Sandy’s at Lumpkins
Just on shore at Lumpkin’s Marina, Sandy’s is popular with locals from the Penhook area as well as boaters seeking a destination near the foot of the western end of Smith Mountain. To get to , follow the shoreline from B1 toward the west end of the Smith Mountain and duck into the first deep (long) cove beyond the Boat Church and on through the no-wake markers.
Tucked into a deep cove near channel marker B1, Sandy’s at Lumpkin’s Marina is a favorite for boaters and locals on the west end of the lake. Order at the window and enjoy hearty breakfast and lunch fare like blueberry pancakes and BBQ on the covered patio.
Insider Tip: Prices at Sandy’s are as reasonable as you’ll find, but bring cash or check as credit cards are not an option.
The Dock at SML
Open seasonally, The Dock at SML is near Vista Pointe on the south side of the lake, closest to channel marker R6. Grab quick bites like wings, mozzarella sticks or Hunt Brothers pizza, then relax at covered lakeside picnic tables—or opt for takeout or dockside pickup. The Dock offers 24/7 pay-at-the-pump gas and a dozen transient slips. Approach near Vista Pointe to avoid shallow areas.
Insider Tip: The Dock at SML is known as the “Home of the Pet Carp” for the large fish that gather nearby. Embrace tradition by dipping your feet in for a unique toe-sucking experience. The truly adventurous will add peanut butter between their toes.
Mariners Marketplace: Smith Mountain Lake Starbucks
Adjacent to Tiff’s, the new restaurant now occupying the former home of The Landing, is Mariners Marketplace, a charming gift shop that goes beyond souvenirs. Here, you’ll discover gourmet grab-and-go options, fresh produce and a selection of wines, beers and snacks to satisfy any craving. Plus, indulge in your favorite Starbucks beverages at the indoor café or on the lakefront patio with picturesque views. marinersmarketplacesml.com
Nautical Bowls of Smith Mountain Lake
Nautical Bowls is a health-focused spot specializing in acai bowls and smoothies made with fresh ingredients. It’s located a short walk up the hill from the dockside store at Marina 66, just south of Hales Ford Bridge at channel marker R28. A perfect stop for boaters and locals looking for a refreshing, nutritious option.
Have your fenders and lines ready for tie-up at the Marina 66 floaters as weekend traffic can produce heavy wake wash. Using a down-river slip will leave the gas docks open for those needing engine fuel. Insider tip: The Marina 66 store also stocks ice cream treats.
Rod and Grill
Rod and Grill is a casual food truck permanently stationed at Indian Point Marina, just above Halesford Bridge near channel marker R37. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in season, the menu features burgers, hot dogs, bologna sandwiches and homemade chili. Dine on the deck under shaded umbrellas. Insider tip: Bring cash to the truck or you’ll need to swing by the marina store to pay.
SML Dawg House, Ice Cream Boat and Virginia Dare
In addition to nearly two dozen waterfront restaurants, Smith Mountain Lake boasts three unique floating eateries. Whether you’re craving a relaxing dinner cruise, a nostalgic ice cream treat or a quick bite on the go, these lake-based gems serve up something special.
SML Waterfront Restaurant Map (Google)
SML Waterfront Restaurant Map (Printable)
Jerry Hale
GUEST AUTHOR
When he’s not writing about the Smith Mountain Lake, you might just find Jerry out wake surfing or just idling through its coves, practicing guitar or banjo on his deck at the Cottages of Contentment Island, playing steel drums or volunteering with LCM, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, Neighbors Helping Neighbors or the SML Charity Home Tour.
