Top Riverfront Restaurants In Philly

Spring days are here again, and with that, comes weather that's ideal for enjoying a meal al fresco. (Or at least with a beautiful view of the outdoors.) While you'd have to drive to the Jersey Shore to get an ocean view, there are plenty of riverside restaurants in the Philly area that provide relaxing, scenic views. Here are just a few of the best.

Morgan's Pier
221 N. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 279-7134
www.morganspier.com

You'll have to wait for mid-spring for Morgan's Pier to open, but after that, it's a favorite Penn's Landing-area spot until the weather cools down in the fall. In fact, according to FourSquare, it was the bar most checked-into in the state during 2015. The seasonal restaurant/beer garden is a completely open-air concept offering incredible views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge. Family-friendly during the day with more of a club vibe by night, the popular spot invites a new chef to take over the menu each year. Last year, Nicholas Elmi of "Top Chef" fame and Owner of Laurel ran the show, but you'll have to stay tuned for this season's chef and menu.

In Riva
4116 Ridge Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19129
(215) 438-4848
www.in-riva.com

As the Italian translation of the restaurant's name suggest, In Riva is located along the banks of the Schuykill River. The East Falls spot is Chef Arthur Cavaliere's first restaurant, specializing in wood-fire pizzas, housemade pastas and his versions of Southern Italian classic dishes. The Sunday brunch is also a favorite with options like polenta and eggs, frittata, Belgian waffle with lemon ricotta and a breakfast pizza topped with egg, potato, onion and pancetta. The open-air bar and patio offers views of the river and a relaxed spot to enjoy drinks and a bite to eat during warm weather.

Related: Top Restaurants With A View In Philadelphia

Moshulu
401 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-2500
www.moshulu.com

Originally used as a shipping vessel that launched from Scotland in 1904, the Moshulu is the largest and oldest 4-masted tall ship in the world. The ship-turned-restaurant is permanently docked at Penn's Landing, offering incredible views of Philadelphia and the Delaware River along with modern American cuisine. The menu changes often but highlights include the house made sushi rolls, tuna tartare, lobster tail and Rohan duck breast. Dinner is served nightly and a new three-course brunch is offered on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $39 per person. Visit during spring and summer to take full advantage of the open-air decks and the Bongo Bar, complete with live music. The Moshulu offers private spaces and packages for parties and weddings.

Related: Top Waterside Bars In Philadelphia

The Landing Restaurant
22 N. Main St.
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-5711
www.landingrestaurant.com

Often named as one of Bucks County's best spots for outdoor dining, The Landing Restaurant in New Hope boasts picturesque views of the Delaware River and the Free Bridge connecting New Hope to Lambertville. The outdoor terrace provides seating for 50 tables during the warm months, while the indoor seating offers cozy fireside dining in the winter. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily with an all-day menu available from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The selection changes seasonally, but standard favorites include the award-winning chili made with ground pork and beef, filet tips and andouille sausage as well as the seared scallops over risotto and fresh mussels steamed in Corona.

King George II Inn
102 Radcliffe St.
Bristol, PA 19007
(215) 788-5536
www.kginn.com

Bristol Borough's King George Inn is located on the Delaware River in Bucks County. The restaurant offers waterfront views from several of the dining rooms as well as from the outdoor patio area that opens during the warmer months. The historic spot is the oldest continuously operated inn in the United States and has the traditional charm to go with that distinction. Multiple dining rooms, an old-fashioned tavern and the outdoor space make it a favorite local spot for occasions ranging from happy hour pub fare to family dinners, date nights, baby showers and weddings. Menu highlights include crab cakes, pork chops, fish and chips, and slow-roasted prime rib on Fridays and Saturdays.

Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery…perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer husband would love to open.
< a href=http://www.examiner.com/user-michelle-hein