The beautiful turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay in Miami attract from every angle and the blue sky from the Atlantic Ocean greets you from A1A; in Miami, eating over water is a must.
ZUMA
The Miami stand of this globally acclaimed Japanese restaurant boasts stunning views of the Miami River and the city skyline. Zuma is located at EPIC Miami Hotel. The restaurant’s izakaya-style menu offers grilled dishes, sushi and sashimi, fresh vegetables and meats, and a wide selection of sake. Yachts dock outside and from your table you can see the drawbridge spanning the river. Toast (with sake, of course) for that. $$$
RUSTY PELICAN
This newly renovated seaside restaurant offers one of the best views of Downtown Miami’s cityscape. The menu offers modern American cuisine with small plates perfect for sharing, a wine list with unique varieties, and an impressive raw produce bar with fresh ceviche and freshly caught seafood. In the lounge and outdoor patio you can enjoy a cocktail under the stars with a selection of special libations, beers and wines by the glass. $$
LIDO RESTAURANT & BAYSIDE GRILL
Guests of The Standard Miami hotel and residents alike congregate at Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill. Bright umbrellas on the terrace, a fresh, Mediterranean menu, and expansive views of Biscayne Bay are just a few of the visual and meticulous design inspirations that make this place one of the best outdoor food stalls in the city. Inspired by the traditional Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, healthy, sunny, integral and natural, chef Marcos Zeitouni created a menu with an emphasis on quality, organic meats, fish, olive oil, fresh herbs, grill and organic and biodynamic wines. $$
LIGHTHOUSE CAFÉ
Located in Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is home to a historic lighthouse built in 1825 and rebuilt in 1846. The lighthouse is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County and is perched on one of Miami’s most beautiful beaches. A short walk from the lighthouse is the aptly named Lighthouse Café, where you can enjoy a fresh fish sandwich and other simple dishes, such as pastas, paella, and hot sandwiches. It is open for breakfast and lunch. $
GARCIA’S SEAFOOD GRILL & FISH MARKET
This casual seafood restaurant is located right on the Miami River and has its own fleet of fishing boats. The menu offers a wide variety of fresh seafood such as Moorish crabs, groupers, snappers, lobsters and shrimp. Eat along the historic Miami River as boats glide through the water on their way to the open sea. $$
GIBRALTAR
Why not escape to a private island for dinner? You can do that at Grove Isle Resort & Spa. Gibraltar is the elegant restaurant of Grove Isle, surrounded by the waters of Biscayne Bay. During the day it’s nice, but the twinkling city lights in the background are a reward at night. Here, you can relax in a comfortable chair surrounded by luxurious décor. The menu is just as nice. Sautéed branzino, toasted Chilean sea bass and black grouper with crusted potatoes will compete to capture the attention of seafood lovers, while freshwater sailors can soak in a 500-gram Black Angus bone entrecote, double lamb chop or dried and cured New York strip. The service is fast and professional. The desserts are dreamy. You probably don’t want to cross the bridge back to the mainland. $$$
RED FISH GRILL
Tucked away inside Matheson Hammock Park, this place is another of Miami’s hidden gems. Surrounded by a beach area and a lagoon connected to Biscayne Bay, you may think you’re dining somewhere in the Caribbean. View of water? Ready. Gently swaying palm trees? Ready. Tiki torches? Ready. It’s easy to understand why this small, cozy restaurant is a popular wedding venue. $$
SMITH & WOLLENSKY
This is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Miami. Located next to South Pointe Park in Miami Beach, Smith & Wollensky offers premium steaks and an award-winning wine list. Regulars enjoy a cocktail on the patio as they watch the sunset, which fills the Miami sky with dazzling shades of orange, lilac and pink. Cruise ships sail as they depart from the Port of Miami. An after-dinner stroll through one of Miami’s prettiest parks is the perfect way to end a meal here. $$$
SCOTTY’S LANDING
Residents go to Scotty’s during weekend afternoons for a cold beer and fried fish, shrimp, chicken and conch dishes. This small open-air bar and restaurant in Coconut Grove is perched right on Biscayne Bay next to Chart House. Park at the parking lot of Miami City Hall Miami and walk to the boardwalk. Scotty’s is popular with boaters, and dogs are also welcome. During the weekends, live music completes the informal and fun atmosphere of this pleasant riverside retreat. $
CHART HOUSE
This restaurant overlooks Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove, one of Miami’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Outside, sailboats and yachts float while inside, diners enjoy hearty portions of premium meats, fresh fish, pastas and salads. Chart House has always been the place in Miami to impress business clients and out-of-town friends, or for a “date night” with someone special. There is a beautiful outdoor trail where you can stroll in the light of the Miami moonlight or enjoy the fresh air before or after eating. $$
