Planning a vacation trip to Miami and not sure where to go for dinner? Whether you want to enjoy a romantic dinner or celebrate a special occasion, Miami restaurants offer spectacular sights. From pristine beaches to crystal clear waters to breathtaking skyline views, you won’t be able to exhaust Miami Beach’s attractions in a day.
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Miami that are right on the water and offer great views, check out these fifteen top restaurants. These restaurants offer a unique experience that will get your taste buds pumping.
1. Rusty Pelican
Source: therustypelican.com
If you want to eat right on the water while enjoying incredible views of Biscayne Bay, you should head to Rusty Pelican! Visitors to this cozy eatery should prepare for an upscale, sophisticated experience that will make them feel like royalty.
When you walk into the restaurant, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical island, which makes perfect sense considering it’s located in Virginia Key. Ocean Drive Magazine named it one of the 10 best patio restaurants in Miami to eat and drink outside.
The menu features many seafood specialties such as crab cakes, lobster tails and roasted beef tournedos. For dessert, there are several options, including Bananas Foster and Key Lime Pie.
Where’s the Rusty Pelican – Miami located?
2. Seaspice Brasserie and Lounge
Source: zomato.com
Seaspice is a seafood restaurant and lounge right on the banks of the Miami River and a place not to be missed, even for lunch or dinner. The distinctive character with its charm ensures that guests have the best time of their lives at Seaspice.
Just minutes from Downtown Miami and the Brickell Financial District, the brasserie has transformed a post-industrial warehouse with unexpected, sophisticated nautical touches into a world-renowned fine-dining destination.
The menu offers a wide variety of dishes including Chilean sea bass, pan seared jumbo scallops, steaks and even sushi. Although some seafood is a bit more expensive than other dishes like filet mignon or pork chops, almost everything on the menu is reasonably priced.
Where’s the Seaspice Brasserie and Lounge located?
3. Kiki on the River
Source: kikiontheriver.com
Kiki on the River is also an upscale Miami River restaurant located right on the water. The location is beautiful, and the atmosphere is relaxed. The service is impeccable and the waiters are very accommodating. It’s a great place for anyone looking for a delicious seafood meal or a romantic evening.
There’s also a large terrace which is great for events such as weddings or corporate parties! The kitchen serves fresh seafood dishes daily such as conch chowder, pan-seared grouper, or seared scallops with mango salsa.
The river view and natural lighting of the dining room create a casual atmosphere where you can meet for a drink after work, a long day of shopping, or on the beach.
Where’s the Kiki On The River located?
4. The Wharf
Source: miaminewtimes.com
This restaurant is located right on the Miami River. It’s also one of the best waterfront restaurants in Miami, offering both indoor and outdoor seating.
If you want to get an idea of how picturesque The Wharf is, watch the movie “Scarface” where Al Pacino rides around in beautiful boats and you’ll get a good idea of the scenery.
The menu includes snapper ceviche, lobster ravioli and even red snapper fries for seafood lovers. If you’re not hungry but still want to enjoy the view of downtown Miami, the Terrace Bar at the Wharf is a great place for drinks.
Where’s The Warf Miami located?
5. Monty’s Raw Bar Coconut Grove
Source: montysrawbar.com
Monty’s Raw Bar is located in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood, adjacent to Bayshore Landing marina, and offers a magnificent view of the waterfront and Biscayne Bay.
The restaurant takes its name from its owner Monty Trainer, an experienced captain. One of the most popular dishes is the seafood platter with fried crab, oysters on the half shell and even crispy calamari.
Monty’s Raw Bar is the perfect place to watch the sunset with a refreshing drink in hand. There’s something very special about watching the sunset with a cool drink and good company. Whether you’re having a beer or a cocktail, Monty’s is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful view.
Where’s Monty’s Coconut Grove located?
6. La Mar by Gaston Acurio
Source: timeout.com
Located on the shores of beautiful Brickell Key, La Mar is an upscale and chic waterfront restaurant specializing in Peruvian and fusion cuisine with bars for cocktails, ceviche and anticucho.
With its stunning views of the water and Miami skyline, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic evening or a night out with friends. It’s no wonder that La Mar is one of the best restaurants in Miami.
La Mar is the pinnacle of culinary excellence from renowned Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio. Here you can experience his art firsthand with a tantalizing array of flavors and masterful techniques.
Where’s La Mar by Gaston Acurio located?
7. Lido Bayside Grill
Source: lidobayside.com
Lido Bayside Grill is a casual waterfront restaurant at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach that brings farm-to-table dining to Miami. Based on local demand, Lido features fresh seafood, high-quality meats and vegetables sourced from local farms.
With its beautiful patio overlooking the bay and Miami Beach skyline, the restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a meal on a warm summer afternoon or evening. The Lido is definitely a great place to enjoy a true South Florida experience.
The seafood is fresh and delicious and the wide selection of drinks is refreshing. The Lido has a great selection of cocktails to please any palate. From the classic Caipirinha with sugar cane liquor to the delicious Gin Fizz and the refreshing Coconut Mojito, there’s a cocktail to suit every mood. Enjoy the view of Miami Beach or have a drink at the bar and enjoy a delicious meal.
Where’s The Lido Bayside Grill located?
8. Joia Beach Restaurant
Source: joiabeachmiami.com
Located right on the waterfront in Jungle Island, it’s a perfect place to entertain guests. The name “Joia” comes from the Italian word for “jewel,” which aptly describes how beautifully it glitters in the sunlight.
Even if you come after dark, you’ll have a beautiful view of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Island. Joia Beach not only has great indoor and outdoor seating, but also a bar and VIP cabanas that you can rent.
If you’re looking for a high-energy place to enjoy signature cocktails at happy hour, or a chic place to spend a night with friends, check out Joia!
Where’s Joia Beach located?
9. Tigre Restaurant & Bar
Source: opentable.com
On the banks of the Little River Canal is the Tigre Miami Argentine restaurant. It’s a popular place for couples who want to spend a romantic evening or for groups of friends who want to enjoy good food and wine.
Surprisingly, the food is known as one of the best in Miami because of the fresh seafood. Manatees and paddle boats swim by and watch diners eat their steak, milanga or swordfish.
The dining room looks more than three-dimensional, with geometric tiles, wallpaper and wood paneling, a curved ceiling and vines creeping around the trellis. The curved ceiling makes it look more like a fancy den. But the patio area is where you’ll want to be, overlooking the river.
The menu is fairly simple, with some great dishes like juicy steaks and delicious seafood, as well as a hearty lunch offering of paninis, fresh salads, and lighter fare.
Where’s Tigre Miami located?
10. Havana 1957 Ocean Drive
Source: thebentleyhotel.com
Havana 1957 is a Cuban restaurant chain that redefines traditional Cuban cuisine. It’s not like the others – it’s unique and offers a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that takes you back to 1950s Cuba.
The exotic menu at Havana 1957 starts with a Cuban breakfast that ranges from egg white omelets to vaca frita & eggs, and with main dishes like guacamole & pork masitas, flank steak empanadas, and Cuban-style shrimp cocktail, you’ll definitely be intrigued by Cuba’s rich culinary culture.
Havana 1957 is a family-friendly restobar located on Miami’s famous Ocean Drive and 14th Street. It’s the perfect place to enjoy good Cuban food, drinks, music and the company of family and friends.
Where’s Havana 1957 Ocean Drive located?
11. Nikki Beach
Source: thebentleyhotel.com
Nikki Beach Miami is the perfect place to enjoy international culinary experiences right by the ocean. With signature sushi boats, platters to share, oversized salads and grilled chicken, there’s something for everyone. And with creative cocktails and the world’s best wines and champagnes, you can indulge in a magical atmosphere.
Breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean await you at Nikki Beach. Located in the exclusive South of Fifth neighborhood, the restaurant serves fresh seafood and other delicious dishes. Whether you’re relaxing in one of the cozy seating areas or enjoying a meal al fresco, you’ll be mesmerized by the mesmerizing waves rolling in from the distance.
Where’s Nikki Beach located?
12. Amara at Paraiso
Source: amaraatparaiso.com
James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Schwartz’s distinctive Amara at Paraiso restaurant on Paraiso Bay is a great choice for enjoying a luxurious, Latin-inspired meal. The chic dining room and large terrace overlooking Biscayne Bay create an elegant atmosphere while the exquisite cuisine tantalizes your taste buds.
Amara Paraiso serves up some of the most enticing dishes you’ll ever taste. From Yuca Cheese Puffs to Jalisco By Night, there’s something for everyone. And don’t even get me started on the Biscayne Breeze. It’s like a party in your mouth! But leave room for dessert, because the Coconut Cake is out of this world. Trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve tasted it!
Where’s Amara at Paraiso located?
13. Cipriani Downtown Miami
Source: cipriani.com/us/cipriani-downtown-miami
Located on the south side of the Miami River in Downtown’s North Financial District, Cipriani Downtown Miami restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. The chic restaurant has a nautical aesthetic inspired by its waterfront surroundings, making it the perfect spot for an unforgettable dining experience.
The impressive international crowd at this upscale restaurant enjoys delicious Italian food and Classic Bellini Cocktails. It’s a scene of sophistication and good taste, where the most beautiful people come to see and be seen.
Where’s Cipriani Downtown located?
14. American Social Brickell
Source: thebentleyhotel.com
The American Social Brickell is a lively gastropub where you can enjoy a delicious meal, watch your favorite sports team on TV and take in the breathtaking views of the Miami River.
This wonderful Sports Bar has a spectacular waterfront patio that will satisfy your hunger day and night. Here you can enjoy classic American dishes for brunch, lunch, dinner or even a late night snack.
Where’s American Social Brickell located?
15. Hard Rock Cafe Bayside Marketplace
Source: hardrockcafe.com
Hard Rock Cafe Miami is the perfect place for an afternoon or evening in the town. Located in the Bayside Marketplace on Miami’s beautiful Biscayne Bay, you can enjoy award-winning food and drinks while listening to live music and taking in the breathtaking views of the bay. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted cocktails, boozy shakes or legendary steak burgers, Hard Rock Cafe Miami has it all.
Where’s Hard Rock Cafe located?
16. Smith & Wollensky
Source: thebentleyhotel.com
Smith & Wollensky is a classic steakhouse in Miami Beach’s South Pointe Park, offering great views of the bay flowing into the ocean and the cruise ships coming in and out of the harbor. Here you can sip classic martinis and enjoy an aged American Wagyu steak with all the trimmings like truffle macaroni, creamed spinach and whipped potatoes. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, but if you sit on the patio, you’ll be rewarded with pink sunsets over the Miami skyline.
17. Il Gabbiano
Source: miaminewtimes.com – Courtesy of Il Gabbiano
On the first floor of One Miami Condominium (West Tower) is Il Gabbiano, one of the city’s most famous Italian restaurants. Here you’ll be treated to fried zucchini, aged parmesan, bread baskets and more before you’ve even glanced at the menu. Pay attention to the daily specials – a list that’s often longer than the actual menu – because that’s where you’ll find the best deals. The old-fashioned waiters, extensive wine list, and views of Biscayne Bay make this upscale restaurant a real hit.
18. The Deck at Island Gardens
Source: islandgardens.com
In the heart of Miami’s opulent superyacht heaven awaits The Deck at Island Gardens – a lush Mediterranean paradise where bubbling champagne and tantalizing tropical sounds create an atmosphere of pure indulgence. Marvel at the luxurious yachts while savoring the delicious flavors of grilled branzino, Maine lobster ravioli and grilled octopus. Experience a magical atmosphere at Sunday brunch at this fine restaurant.
19. The Ocean Grill
Source: thesetaihotel.com/miami-beach-restaurants/ocean-grill
Enter the lush tropical paradise at The Setai Hotel and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from a luxurious cabana-style dining deck, The Ocean Grill. Here you can experience the exquisite fusion of classic American cuisine with a touch of Southern European esthetics in the casual atmosphere of this luxury hotel. The pizzas are a masterpiece of culinary art, but other exquisite dishes like Spanish octopus grilled over smoldering wood, delicious and fresh tuna tartare, and decadent truffle risotto also grace the menu.
20. Verde
Photo by Jason Koerner Photography
Verde is an idyllic, secret place rarely discovered unless you take a trip to the renowned Perez Art Miami Museum. Let your taste buds explore a world of delicious flavors with Verde’s brunch and lunch menu Thursday through Sunday. The sun-drenched patio is the ideal spot to enjoy exquisite main courses like the delectable Delicata Squash Salad with labneh, mizuna, radish, pickled onions, lemon vinaigrette and candied pepitas or the heavenly pan-seared salmon with cauliflower puree, black garlic, caper relish and celery apple salad.
21. Ocean Social
Source: edenrochotelmiami.com/dine/ocean-social
Experience a breathtaking destination at Ocean Social at Eden Roc Miami Beach. With its spectacular views of the mid-beach shoreline, this fantastic coastal restaurant makes every lunch and sunset happy hour an unforgettable experience! The breathtaking view of the Miami Beach coastline is the perfect complement to the wood-fired dishes, hearty salads, and lively cocktails that create a dramatic coastal atmosphere. Enjoy the delicious lobster pizza with tarragon and Calabrian peppers or the kale salad with smoked egg yolk and garlic sourdough – whatever your palate desires is here!
22. Shuckers Waterfront Bar and Grill
Source: bestwesternonthebay.com/shuckers-waterfront-grill
For more than thirty years, Shuckers Waterfront Bar & Grill at the Best Western on the Bay in North Beach has captured the hearts of all who cross its path, whether by land or sea! Enjoy the breathtaking sunset views and tantalizingly affordable cold beers! This cozy locals’ favorite restaurant serves up delicious sports bar classics like a wood-roasted prime rib sandwich, Chilean black mussels, fish tacos, veggie burgers and more. Experience it all today!
Experience the Best Waterfront Dining in Miami Beach Today
It’s no secret that Miami has the best waterfront restaurants in Florida. These waterfront restaurants in Miami not only serve the best food, but also give you the best view of the water. Planning a visit to Miami to try different cuisines and enjoy the great views of the city, but don’t know the best place to stay?
At Bentley Hotel South Beach, we offer you affordable, comfortable and first-class accommodations in South Beach. If you’d like to book accommodations or inquire about our services, give us a call today.
