Island Way Grill

When the kitchen sends boats out daily to pull the catch and the menu changes based on what came in, that’s a signal. Island Way Grill at 20 Island Way operates on that model — a marina-side seafood restaurant that sources its grouper, mahi, and snapper directly, and has the TripAdvisor ratings (4.2/5, 2,273 reviews, ranked #43 in Clearwater) to back it up.

📍 Where It Is & How To Get There

Island Way Grill is on Island Way, the road that branches off toward the Clearwater Beach marina district — slightly removed from the main Gulfview Blvd tourist strip, which works in your favor. Less foot traffic, dedicated parking, and a marina setting that gives the restaurant a working waterfront feel rather than a resort one. You can arrive by boat via the marina dock. By car, the address is 20 Island Way — easy to find, parking is available on site.

🍽️ Must-Order Dishes

Start with the fresh oysters when available — the bar here is a legitimate oyster spot. The sushi rolls are a surprise highlight that regulars recommend specifically; the specialty rolls get singled out in reviews consistently. For mains, the cedar-plank salmon is the signature preparation — the smoky char against fresh fish is well-executed. Stone crab claws (in season, October through May) are the seasonal must-order. The daily fresh catch runs as whatever came off the boat that morning — always worth asking.

🍹 Drinks

Full bar with a cocktail menu that leans coastal without being tacky about it. The marina setting works with a cold craft beer or a classic cocktail before dinner. Live saxophone on selected evenings creates an atmosphere that works surprisingly well against a waterfront backdrop. The Sunday brunch bar program is worth noting for weekend visitors.

🎶 Vibe & Atmosphere

Upscale casual with genuine marina character. The water views are of working boat slips rather than a resort pool, and the restaurant feels like a local’s discovery even when it’s full of out-of-towners. Live music (often saxophone) on weekend evenings gives it a low-key dinner-jazz feel that pairs naturally with the seafood-focused menu. Family-friendly without being a kids’ destination.

🌅 Best Time To Go

Weekend dinner for the full experience — live music, marina lights, and the freshest catch from the week’s haul. Sunday brunch is a local favorite and worth a specific trip if you’re in town for a long weekend. Weeknight dinners are quieter and the kitchen is no less sharp; the Monday–Thursday window is when locals who know the place actually go.

👨‍👩‍👧 Who It’s Best For

✅ Seafood-first diners who want true fresh catch
✅ Couples looking for upscale-casual without formal dress codes
✅ Sushi fans who didn’t expect to find a serious roll program at a Florida marina restaurant
✅ Boaters — arrive by water from the marina
❌ Budget travelers — this is a mid-to-upper price point
❌ Walk-in visitors on busy weekend nights (reservations recommended)

💡 Insider Tips

• Ask what came in on the boat that morning — the freshest daily catch isn’t always on the printed menu.
• The sushi rolls are a serious kitchen output, not an afterthought. Order them.
• Stone crab season is October through May — if you’re visiting in that window, this is the right place to order them.
• Sunday brunch is a local staple. The mid-morning window before noon is the sweet spot for seating.
• The marina-side deck tables go first. Request them when reserving.

⭐ What Guests Are Saying

Island Way Grill’s TripAdvisor profile (4.2/5 across 2,273+ reviews, ranked #43 in Clearwater) reflects a restaurant that locals and returning visitors treat as a reliable anchor. Guests consistently highlight the daily fresh catch, the sushi program, and the marina atmosphere as the three things that set it apart from other mid-range Clearwater Beach options.

• 💬 “The cedar-plank salmon was the best piece of fish I had in Florida. And I ate a lot of fish in Florida.”
• 💬 “I did not expect the sushi to be this good at a marina seafood restaurant. The specialty rolls are legitimately excellent.”
• 💬 “Stone crab season in October — we made a special trip for these. The freshness and the mustard dipping sauce were exactly right.”
• 💬 “Sunday brunch with the live saxophone is one of our favorite Clearwater Beach traditions. The marina setting makes everything feel special.”

Guest reviews consistently flag the freshness of the catch (noting the restaurant’s own boats), the surprisingly strong sushi program, and the relaxed marina atmosphere as key differentiators. Island Way Grill is frequently described as a “local’s secret” despite strong review volume — a sign that it genuinely earns its loyal following.

🏨 Where To Stay Nearby

Island Way Grill is in the marina district of Clearwater Beach. Check the Clearwater Beach Vacation Guide for accommodations nearby.

📋 Quick Info

Restaurant: Island Way Grill
Address: 20 Island Way, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Phone: (727) 461-6617
Hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–9pm | Fri 4pm–10pm | Sat 11am–10pm | Sun 10am–1:30pm & 4pm–9pm
Cuisine: Seafood / Sushi / Steaks
Price: $$$
Reservations: Recommended — Book on OpenTable
Outdoor Seating: Yes — marina-side
Live Music: Yes, selected evenings (saxophone)
Family-Friendly: Yes
TripAdvisor Ranking: #43 of 556 in Clearwater | 2,273 reviews

❓ Frequently Asked Questions