Dining in Sandusky

Once you’ve had your fill of all the water parks, amusement rides, and sightseeing in Sandusky, we’re sure you’d love nothing more than to sit down somewhere nice and have a bite to eat. And you’re in luck! Just as much as it has water parks, Sandusky is full of great dining options that’ll whet your appetite and leave you wanting more.

Check out our selection of some of the best restaurants and dining spots found all around Sandusky!

The Best Dining Options in Sandusky, OH

Al Fresco

Al Fresco is the newest waterfront restaurant in Sandusky. Located right on-site in our very own Battery Park Marina, Al Fresco brings you fresh food from their very own garden growing right next door. Its menu features a Lake Erie yellow perch, gourmet burgers and sliders, sandwiches and paninis, salads, lobster, and crab rolls, among other things. Combined with outdoor seating (it is ‘al fresco’, after all) with a lovely view of the marina and Sandusky Bay, you get an excellent dock and dine experience.

Dockside Cafe

For more wonderful waterfront views and dining just west of the marina, Dockside Cafe at Paper District Marina is a strictly outdoor dining experience that serves up spectacular views of Lake Erie and great food. This restaurant is open seasonally with something new on the menu every time. Here you can enjoy a nice, laidback atmosphere while you snack on their fish tacos, burgers, sliders, fries, and casual fare and watch the sunset over Lake Erie. Ideal for casual hangouts with family and friends!

Berardi’s Family Kitchen

Berardi’s Family Kitchen is a proudly family-owned and operated local restaurant that has been around for over 75 years. Starting out as nothing more than a humble french fry stand, Berardi’s has grown and expanded into one of the best family restaurants in the area and a particular favorite of locals and tourists alike. Owing to their origins, the place is best known for its Famous Fries, which anyone who drops by should definitely order. They’re also known for their classic American home cooking, including their all-day breakfast options. In the mood for some hearty, homey, comfort food? Berardi’s is the place to be.

J Bistro Downtown

For a more upscale dining option, J Bistro Downtown prides itself on its fine dining aesthetic, warm ambiance, and its classy bistro menu. It’s perfect for a romantic date night or an intimate get-together with friends or family. J Bistro offers a wide selection of fine wine and cocktails and a mouth-watering menu featuring steak, pasta, seafood, shellfish, artisan bread and cheeses, and homemade desserts. Make that special someone feel even moreby taking them out to this excellent fine dining restaurant. And this restaurant is under a mile away from the marina!

Bay Harbor

If you find yourself feeling a little peckish after a day out with the family at Cedar Point, Bay Harbor is Sandusky’s premier waterfront restaurant located right near where all the action is. Boasting the title of one of the best seafood restaurants in Sandusky, Bay Harbor is best known for its delightful seafood fare, from lobster bisque to Lake Erie perch. Its convenient location, unparalleled views of Lake Erie, and delicious seafood definitely make it a popular spot for families, friends, and couples to dine.

The Brick Oven Bistro

At the end of the day, there’s nothing like a good cheesy pizza! Whether you’re knocking back a few brews with the boys or taking the family out for dinner, you can never go wrong with some mouth-watering pizza. And when it comes to pizza, The Brick Oven Bistro knows how to do it well! This family-owned pizza parlor bakes their pizzas and calzones in a real brick oven and is a popular joint among locals and tourists alike. Other than pizza and calzones, they also serve wings, sandwiches, salads, craft beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails. Great for a fun and casual dining experience!

Sandusky Bay Pancake House

Start off your mornings in Sandusky right at the Sandusky Bay Pancake House! Regarded as one of the best places to get breakfast and brunch in Sandusky, the Sandusky Bay Pancake House was first opened in 1966 and has been fulfilling the sweet and savory breakfast cravings of the people of Sandusky since. Although they’ve had to rebrand after the pandemic, their signature taste remains the same, with fares such as pancakes (of course), waffles, French toast, crepes, omelets, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and specialty coffees and cold brews. Everything served fresh and delicious every morning!

Small City Taphouse

If you’re in the mood for some good Asian food, look no further than Small City Taphouse, an Asian fusion resto-bar known for its sushi and curated selection of craft beers from all over the country. Enjoy their menu of Pan-Asian cuisine favorites, like pho, noodles, dumplings, and banh mi, and choose from over 80 craft beers, bourbon, and scotches from their bar. You’ll definitely fall in love with the casual, laidback ambiance, if not their complex and exciting combination of flavors and drinks, and it’s location right in downtown makes this an easy option while at the marina!

Chet & Matt’s Pizza

Chet & Matt’s Pizza has been making one of the best pizzas in Sandusky for over 20 years. Started by brothers Chet and Matt, this family-friendly establishment includes an arcade, a banquet room, a bar, and walls and walls of sports memorabilia and murals. This, combined with its close proximity to Cedar Point, makes it a popular spot for kids and adults alike. If you happen to stop by, why not try their whopping 29-inch “King Kong” pizza, or their other classic and specialty pizza toppings? Other than their famous pizzas, Chet & Matt’s also serves wings, burgers, subs, pasta, and other appetizers.

Crush Wine Bar

Finally, if the adults want to spend a little time away from the kids and the stress, stop by Crush Wine Bar. Crush Wine Bar is an elevated resto-bar known for its extensive, award-winning wine list and signature drinks. You’ll also find a refined menu featuring small plates, appetizers, and entrees that are sure to pair well with something on their wine menu. One of the more upscale dining options in Sandusky, Crush Wine Bar is an excellent place for a romantic night out, or if you just want to enjoy some time with close friends and colleagues.

Sandusky has everything to fulfill your food cravings, from classic American to Asian cuisine. Whatever it is you’re hungry for, eating in any of these restaurants in Sandusky is sure to be a memorable dining experience! Experience any of these great places soon right from the marina! Book your slip with us today and let us know which spot you hit while in town.