Sailor's Return Restaurant - Stuart, Florida
If you’re looking for a waterfront dining experience with the option to arrive by boat, Sailor’s Return in Stuart, Florida, is about as ideal as it gets. Situated on the St. Lucie River at 625 SW Anchorage Way, it occupies prime marina-side real estate at Sunset Bay Harbour & Marina.
Dock & Dine: A Boater’s Welcome
One of the biggest draws of Sailor’s Return is its generous courtesy dockage. You’ll find approximately 930 feet of courtesy dock right in front of the restaurant.
Whether you’re piloting a powerboat or sailing up with friends, you can pull up, tie off, and walk right in — no shuttle, no fuss.
The “Directions / By Boat” section of their website confirms that courtesy docking is available right at the frontage. It’s one of the more visible dock-and-dine setups around Martin County.
That makes Sailor’s Return a favorite among boaters exploring the Treasure Coast waterways. After a day on the water, you can simply pull in at sunset and enjoy dinner without stressing over where to leave your vessel.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
With roughly 8,000 square feet of space and seating for about 220 guests, Sailor’s Return combines casual elegance with waterfront charm.
It features indoor dining rooms as well as terraces overlooking the water, offering scenic views of passing boats, shimmering river channels, and sunset skies.
Architectural details—including nautical-themed shade sails, outdoor decks, and large windows—underscore its harbor-side setting. Live music plays on select evenings, further enhancing the relaxed yet upscale vibe.
Cuisine & Experience
Sailor’s Return offers an eclectic menu: seafood takes center stage alongside steaks and classic American fare. In other words, it blends the freshness of Florida’s coastal bounty with dishes that appeal to land-lubbers too.
Whether you’re craving a seared fish entrée, a hearty ribeye, or something in between, the kitchen is tuned to satisfy both locals and visitors.
Service is polished without being stuffy — fitting for a place that expects walk-ups from the marina as much as dinner reservations by car.
Why It Works
For boaters cruising the St. Lucie River or exploring the Intracoastal Waterway near Stuart, Sailor’s Return checks key boxes:
Convenience: You don’t have to motor inland or haul your boat somewhere else; you pull into the dock, you dine, you depart.
Scenery: Waterfront tables, dockside promenades, and a marina backdrop deliver ambiance you won’t get at an inland restaurant.
Quality: Great food, well-maintained facilities, and live entertainment make it more than just a convenient stop—it’s a destination.
Scale: With its sizable facility and two bars, it can accommodate individual diners, couples, or larger groups arriving by water or by land.
Tips for Boaters:
Call ahead to verify slip availability, especially on busy weekend evenings.
Check tide and draft — though it’s on the river side, you’ll want to be sure your vessel can safely approach the dock area at your time of arrival.
Arrive a little ahead of dinner time so you can settle in slowly — step off the boat, stroll the deck, enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the water.
Stay for sunset if you can: the view over the marina and river as daylight fades is part of the draw.
If you’re cruising the Treasure Coast or just want to combine fine dining with the pleasure of arriving by boat, Sailor’s Return deserves a place on your shortlist.
Nautical Mile Magazine
