Introduction
Everyone says the Lake of the Ozarks is all about “sun, water, nature, and a whole lotta fun.” And you cannot go wrong with that! It has been the premier resort lake in the Midwest for decades and continues to draw more generations!
Whatever your hobbies are, be it boating, golfing, shopping, fishing, wave running, hiking, floating, or just quiet downtime with some pals, you can enjoy that in Lake of the Ozarks! Families, colleagues, friends, and even soon-to-be friends all agree: there’s no better place to soak up the sunshine and make memories.
But activities are not the only magic. Lakes of Ozarks are food havens catering to everybody’s taste, from exquisite cuisine to healthy vegan pleasures, juicy steaks, and whatever lies in between!
Are you ready to dive in? Come explore some great Lake of the Ozarks restaurants on the water!
Docknockers is truly the place for families in the American hangout set. It has a magnificent ambiance offered waterside for easy service and a laid-back yet vibrant spirit.
Known for its window-serve eats, this little jewel serves up a bang for your buck meal for everyone-from comfort food to fresh faves. Dock it all with one of their signature frozen cocktails for chilling out on a bright, warm day.
You can find Docknockers alive with live music-thereby making it the ultimate choice for good vibes, great food, and memorable waterfront moments.
⭐ Must-Try:
- The Hippie – The Hippie features four avocado halves stuffed with brisket, smoked chicken, pork, grilled shrimp, or smoked lobster. It is topped with pico wasabi sauce and drizzled with BBQ sauce, served with two sides.
- The Docknocker Slide – This delicious dish features charred steak topped with provolone cheese and onions, all served on a sweet Hawaiian bun for a perfect bite-sized delight.
- Brisket-N-Peppers Melt – Smoky brisket, grilled peppers, and onions, and melted Swiss cheese on a hoagie for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Review:
“They were busy but drinks and food was delish! Tipped the cook as he was running around like crazy trying to keep up!”
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 245 Wheel House Ct., Lake Ozark, MO 65049, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $20
- Click here to check out their menu!
A lot of dining on-site is an end-to-end experience happening in H. Toad’s Bar & Grill, providing menus rich in a varietal range of American fares that stuff every craving in combination with this premier Camden on the Lake resort, where great food turns into an electric atmosphere.
Be it marshaling the capacity for a casual meal or a celebration, H. Toad has what it takes to tingle with life and entertainment; there is always that live music that regularly adds flavor to the visit experience, very much setting up a scene for both residents and tourists.
⭐ Must-Try:
- Turkey Melt – Enjoy thinly sliced turkey on toasted wheat berry bread, complemented by stoneground aioli, crispy bacon, and melted Swiss cheese for a satisfying bite.
- Smoked Prime Rib French Dip – This dish offers slow-roasted prime rib, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and smoked paprika horseradish sauce.
- Cedar Plank Faroe Island Salmon – Topped with a tangy cranberry balsamic glaze and served alongside wild rice pilaf and tender asparagus for a flavorful and wholesome meal.
Review:
“Took chance and had Thanksgiving dinner. Had wonder table with lake view. Restaurant was decorated with just right amount of autumn decor. Table and staff were nice. The buffet was fresh with excellent taste and variety. Had 32 ounce prime rib steak and traditional turkey day foods. Over ate. Pies were perfect, even coffee was just right. Highly recommended for special occasion. Price was just right.”
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 2325 Bittersweet Rd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $45
- Click here to check out their menu!
Redhead Lakeside Grill is proud to have won the title of Best Waterfront Dining at Lake of the Ozarks for six years, and it isn’t difficult to see why.
The local joint serves a diverse menu of treasures concocted by Executive Chef Pierre Torres, including juicy steak and hamburgers, enticing pizzas brick oven-prepared, and many others. Be it dining in or partaking in the energized outdoor atmosphere, the experience is unbeatable.
If you are more inclined to mellow, slip into your bathing suit and head to the swim-up bar pool for refreshing drinks under the rays of the dear sun and fantastic lake views.
⭐ Must-Try:
- Bahama Chicken Sandwich – This dish includes a spicy jerk-marinated grilled chicken breast topped with grilled pineapple and bacon jam, served on a three-herb ciabatta.
- Redhead Jambalaya – This hearty meal combines grilled jerk chicken and shrimp with homemade jambalaya sauce, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and andouille sausage. It is served over rice.
Review:
“Dock staff to help get our boat parked. Service inside was attentive and efficient with taking our orders and getting food out to us. Meat lovers pizza tasted fantastic and I’d definitely go back for another. After we finished eating the kids loved the pool that they got to swim in before leaving while the adults also enjoyed another beverage.”
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 1700 Yacht Club Dr, Osage Beach, MO 65065, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $20
- Click here to check out their menu!
Shady Gators is all about lakeside fun: a great atmosphere, great food, and entertainment. Well known for its surface Cajun-American menu, Shady Gators is also a restaurant with the best pizza.
This establishment also features a multilevel bar, DJs, and live bands. Whether enjoying the swim-up pool bar or catching national acts at the fantastic concert venue at Lazy Gators, thrill seekers won’t be disappointed. Chomp Chomp! Shady Gators is that gem for everyone.
⭐ Must-Try:
- Seafood Ravioli – This dish boasts nine ravioli stuffed with crab, scallops, and lobster, all finished in a white wine and lemon caper sauce. It is rich and flavorful.
- Bennett Burger – This charbroiled burger is smothered in BBQ sauce and topped with smoked brisket and pepper jack cheese for a savory and satisfying bite.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch – it is a dish that combines grilled chicken and smoked bacon in a creamy Alfredo sauce, drizzled with homemade ranch dressing for a truly delightful meal.
Review:
“Nikki was helpful and informative for my fussy eater. Food was great. Service was fantastic! Queso was delish!”
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 132 Sweet William Rd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $20
- Click here to check out their menu!
At Baxter’s Lakeside Grille, all traditional American fare is served in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere with windows open to beautiful waterfront views.
True to the deep history and tradition of excellence that made the Lake of the Ozarks famous, Baxter’s is the perfect destination for anything from a delicious casual lunch to a special night out or a family gathering after a day spent on the water.
The menu features all hand-cut premium steaks, fresh cream and butter, house-made soups, and seafood flown in from the best suppliers. Every meal is an opportunity to sit down and enjoy mouthwatering food while experiencing breathtaking views at Baxter’s.
⭐ Must-Try:
- Braised Short Ribs – Slow-roasted beef short ribs are finished with a chipotle demi-glace and served on creamy polenta with fire-roasted poblano cream sauce and the vegetable of the day for a rich, flavorful meal.
- Cedar Plank Salmon – A fantastic dish offering fresh, BAP-certified Canadian salmon grilled to perfection, topped with Baxter’s house-made red wine Dijon sauce and paired with mashed potatoes for a deliciously balanced dish.
- Baxter’s Prime Bone-In Ribeye – This 20-oz. PRIME bone-in ribeye is served with your choice of potato and sautéed asparagus for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Review:
“Always a great meal here. Steaks, burgers , fish , desserts are always top notch. Upscale feeling to the place but being at the lake a person can wear about anything and not feel out of place. Service is always great! Chefs specials are always worth a try as they vary greatly and always impress.”
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 2124 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, United States
- Price Range: $15 - $75
- Click here to check out their menu!
Bentley’s Restaurant is a name known in every home, a favorite for high-quality seafood steaks and chops, all served in an informal but warm atmosphere.
You can come for a casual dinner with friends or arrange your celebrations. Bentley’s has the ultimate setting, a cozy bar with an enticing patio. The menu offers delicious options, each prepared with fresh and flavorful ingredients.
Regulars and newcomers would enjoy the experience of being in this go-to restaurant for a good dining adventure. Be it indoors or in an al fresco setting, Bentley’s has fantastic food and awesome vibes every time.
⭐ Must-Try:
- Chicken Piccata – Tender breast of chicken sautéed with white wine, red onions, lemon, and capers for a light and flavorful dish.
- Grilled Shrimp – Brushed with a blend of honey, garlic, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Baked Shrimp Scampi – Showcases jumbo shrimp baked with garlic, bread crumbs, white wine, tomatoes, onions, and Parmesan cheese for a savory and indulgent meal.
Review:
“Bentley’s is your classic, old school style eclectic steakhouse and oh boy is it good.. The restaurant has a beautiful ambiance with wood trim, stained glass, and candlelit tables. A beautiful patio although personally I’ve not sat out there (yet).
The service is absolutely incredible. Servers are very attentive and friendly, they really know their stuff and make every table feel welcomed and special. Ask for Steve, he’s a legend and will make sure you’re well taken care of!
Food is of course delicious.. excellent prime rib, escargot are the best I’ve ever had, the salad with house Mayfair dressing is delicious, apps, French onion soup, scallops, etc.. anything you want, they have! Same with desserts.. a huge dessert menu with after dinner drinks and boozy ice cream.
I’ve been to pretty much every restaurant at the lake and in this “fine dining/steakhouse” category you aren’t going to find anything better than Bentley’s.
Do yourself a favor and check this place out.. prices are still extremely reasonable, and you will love your dinner experience at Bentley’s!”
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 3100 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, United States
- Price Range: $30 - $50
- Click here to check out their menu!
Little Rizzo’s is a casual, laid-back Italian restaurant and sports bar at Lake Ozark, serving delicious pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and decadent dessert calzones. Be it a classic pasta dish, scrumptious pizza, or a sweet treat at the end of a meal, everyone can always find a suitable offering at Li’l Rizzo’s.
⭐ Must-Try:
- Fettuccine Con Pollo – Fettuccine Alfredo and broccoli topped with a perfectly grilled chicken breast for a creamy and satisfying dish.
- Big 10 Pizza – Packs a flavor punch with the 10 most popular toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bacon, hamburger, Canadian bacon, onions, black olives, green peppers, tomatoes, and extra cheese.
- Beef Sotto – An 8-ounce top sirloin topped with Provel cheese, bacon, and mushrooms, served in a white wine, lemon, butter, and garlic sauce over angel hair pasta for a rich and hearty meal.
Review:
“These place didn’t disappoint, great food, terrific service, beautiful atmosphere. The food was plentiful and great tasting. Would go again for sure.”
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 2146 Horseshoe Bend Pkwy, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $20
- Click here to check out their menu!
8. The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar
There is already an idea developed in the mind of the founders of Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar: to be the best restaurant and entertainment complex in the country, offering the best dining and entertainment experience in a casual yet upscale environment.
Opened in November of 2021, The Encore is fast becoming a neighborhood favorite among locals as a part of all the top tourist destinations.
This mega-complex, which spans an impressive 50,000 square feet, houses four bars, three kitchens, three entertainment stages, and over 10,000 square feet of banquet and convention space.
Its lakeshore amphitheater with an under-roof area of 8,000 square feet provides concerts in a very intimate setting, while the lakeside swimming pool and swim-up bar add a luxurious and fun component to the overall experience.
⭐ Must-Try:
- Crab Crusted Walleye – Oven-baked with white wine, herbs, and artichokes, then finished with a roasted tomato cream sauce and a port wine glaze for a rich and flavorful seafood dish.
- Surf & Turf – An 8 oz. center-cut broiled filet topped with house-made steak butter, accompanied by two 4 oz. sweet chili-glazed lobster tails, garlic herb butter, and crispy onion straws for a luxurious dining experience.
Review:
“Nestled by the Ozark waters, dining at Encore is an exquisite experience that promises both culinary delights and serene ambiance. The food took our experience to another level & drinks complemented our meal impeccably, enhancing every flavor profile.
Service was impeccable, our waitress Katie ensured every need was met promptly and with a genuine smile and good humor.
As the sun set over the water, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for stumbling upon such a gem. The Encore exceeded our expectations in every way, making it an unforgettable dining experience.”
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 3076 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, United States
- Price Range: $20 - $100
- Click here to check out their menu!
Brick House Gastropub is a must-visit place since it offers palatable American cuisine and cocktails mixed perfectly with a lively and inviting atmosphere.
This gastropub is located in the central part of the Bagnell Dam Strip. It stays true to the fantastic, funky spirit of Lake of the Ozarks and adds extra flavor to the experience.
Guests can choose indoor warmth or sit on a gorgeous outdoor patio with panoramic views of the historic strip. The Brick House shows sports live on 30 TVs, has live entertainment, and boasts an irresistible menu.
It serves as a feast for the senses and a meeting ground to create unforgettable memories.
⭐ Must-Try:
- The Brick House Burger – A 1/4-pound locally sourced fresh Angus patty topped with your choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house-made garlic aioli, all served on a toasted bun. Available as a single or double patty option.
- Lobster Mac N Cheese – Butter-poached lobster, fresh green onions, and crispy bacon bits tossed with cavatappi pasta in a house-made creamy gouda cheese sauce, accompanied by a side salad or Caesar salad.
- Ultimate Steak Sandwich – Sliced strip steak topped with a sautéed medley of peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all served on a freshly toasted hoagie for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Review:
“Went in for a getaway date night to avoid a stressful day and our server/bartender Heather completely made our night 100% better!! She is so kind and generous and took care of me and my girl! She went above and beyond our needs thanks so much! 😉😊🤗💝 shes truly the best and we will be back because of her!!!! Thanks heather!!!”
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 1333 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $20
- Click here to check out their menu!
HK’s Restaurant and Bar view is a great way to experience an outstanding dining ambiance with unmatched views from the Lake of the Ozarks and the beautiful Japanese Gardens.
It provides a stylish yet relaxed venue with a varied menu of modern American cuisine, including top steaks, seafood specialties, and delectable pasta dishes.
The Escollo Club room can accommodate up to 60 people on a private basis, perfect for personal events. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails by the outdoor fire pit or the cozy lobby fireplace while benefiting from complimentary valet parking.
⭐ Must-Try:
- Chicken Nachos – A delicious combination of tortilla chips topped with shredded chicken, creamy cheese sauce, jalapeños, pico de gallo, scallions, and a drizzle of lime sour cream for a flavorful bite.
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwich – A crispy breaded pork tenderloin served on a soft brioche bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion for a satisfying handheld meal.
Review:
“Wendy was our server for a delightful New Years dinner. My wife is extremely picky and we both agreed the service and food were phenomenal! Certainly worth a review.”
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 315 Four Seasons Dr Lakefront, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, United States
- Price Range: $50 - $100
- Click here to check out their menu!
Wrap Up
And there you have it, the 10 Must-Try Lake of the Ozarks Restaurants! Enjoy a mouthwatering dish while being surrounded by enchanting views of the Lake.
Every restaurant has unique beauty and flavors, which helps them make every visit pretty memorable!
Are you ready to experience the best memories at lakeside dining? Find your new favorite among these restaurants on the water Lake at the Ozarks and have a memorable time.
Let us know your thoughts! Call us today at 573-746-0133 or via ryan@ryansells.com to get in touch with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Lake of the Ozarks restaurants?
The best time to visit Lake of the Ozarks restaurants on the water is during warmer months, typically from late spring to early fall.
This is when you can take full advantage of the outdoor seating, enjoy the stunning views of the Lake, and soak up the calm atmosphere that many of these places provide.
Weekdays or early evenings are the ideal times for a low-key dining experience, as crowds come during the weekends.
Are these restaurants kid-friendly?
Yes! Many restaurants at Lake of the Ozarks are family-friendly. They provide appropriate dishes for kids, outdoor spaces, and informal atmospheres for kids. Some even provide a play area or poolside seating to keep the kiddos occupied while you enjoy your meal.
Do these restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions?
Most of the Lake of the Ozarks restaurants on the water try to cater to different diet restrictions and preferences, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
It’s always best to call ahead or check their menus online to ensure your needs are met. Most of these restaurants have no problems customizing meals or suggesting suitable dishes for guests with specific requirements.
