By: Jennifer Agress and Yours Truly
As a city on the water, there’s no denying that Miami has some beautiful views. And because we pride ourselves on always finding the best Miami has to offer, we’ve come up with a list of the best Miami restaurants with a killer view. Go there for a meal or for happy hour. Many have good deals for happy hour which we’ve covered earlier in a three part series. Checkout our list below – it’s curated just for you.
Bagatelle on the Miami River
Several girlfriends’ birthdays are coming up and now I know the new restaurant that’s a wonderful new choice for a dinner celebration, Bagatelle Miami River. Many restaurants say they’re “an experience” but this one really is: the lovely outdoor terrace inspired by the golden age of the Cote d’Azur with view of the river and Miami skyline; eye popping presentations, many tableside; delicious cuisine from Michelin trained chefs; live music; and warm, friendly service. And then there’s the Sunday brunch in a large bar area with cabanas, live music and dancing, with “a beach vibe”.
If you had gone to the Miami Beach Bagatelle (I have and gave it a very good review), you’ll see that Bagatelle Miami River is different. It has what they call the “house”, an indoor dining area with its own bar , the terrace with high ceiling and handsome umbrellas; and the “beach” , a large bar area with cabanas and 192 foot dock (they waive docking fees for those arriving via a premium charter service). As you can imagine from a restaurant that is in some of the world’s glam capitals like Saint Tropez, St. Barts,Mykonos and London , it has its glam element.
Verde at PAMM: Most people go art museums to see the latest, or most revered art; but at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), the food also calls us. Coupled with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, the museum’s waterfront restaurant, Verde, is a spacious, Miami-centric bistro where guests can indulge in inventive cuisine, many times themed according to what’s currently on display in the museum. If it’s a drink you crave, try the eatery’s specialty cocktail, Bayfront Sangria, or go for Sunday brunch and order dishes like Peach Cobbler, Avocado Toast, Silver Dollar Cornmeal Pancakes and more. Whatever you choose, Verde is as creative and appealing as the art within its museum. 1103 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132
Il Gabbiano: If you’re looking for Italian fine dining, Il Gabbiano is where you want to be. Located just off the Miami River, this Italian haute spot is known for its exquisite take on classic plates; like porcini ravioli steeped in champagne sauce, black truffle, black pepper and Parmesan cheese, or heartier specialties like veal saltimbocca, osso buco and salt-crusted branzino, The pasta is sautéed in house, and the wine list and service are fine-dining quality. Il Gabbiano also offers sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, which in addition to the food, cements its appeal. 335 South Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33131
watr
Floating on top of the 1 Hotel South Beach, this Polynesian-inspired spot is one of Miami Beach’s most celebrated new haunts. With its stringed light canopy, large open-plan bar, white furniture and glittering pool, this sushi and Poke restaurant gives off distinct, St. Tropez vibes. Surrounded by glass, everywhere you turn, watr offers direct views of the waves crashing on the beach below. It’s food and cocktail menu only rivals the ambiance, and includes treats like Tuna Tartar Flatbread, Glass Noodle Stir Fry, Kimchi Tuna Poke and its signature drink, “Golden watr,” uniquely infused with apple and gold flakes. 2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Zuma
Zuma is world-renowned for its upscale Japanese menu, Zen-like dining room, top-notch service, beautiful food presentations, and sexy, see-and-be-seen vibes. Equal parts haute and welcoming, this stylish spot is known for its sushi (the freshwater eel roll with avocado, shiso leaf and pickled burdock is a favorite!), as well as its robata specialties: like chicken yakitori and baby leeks, rib eye steak with chili ponzu sauce and salt-grilled sea bass with spicy burnt tomato. Adding to its allure, Zuma is located in the EPIC Hotel, and overlooks the Downtown Miami skyline and enchanting Biscayne Bay. 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131
Seaspice
Imagine combining some of the best food from Sugarcane with the privileged setting at Seaspice, the creative taste sensations of Modern Garden and professional, friendly service. That describes Seaspice as we know it today – now run by Angel Leon (Sugarcane) and Benjamin Goldman (Shikany), with the service helmed by managers from Europe. Sitting right on the Miami River, the views are uncanny; think soft and romantic lighting, gentle waves, boats passing by or anchoring at the restaurant, and the Miami skyline. The menu is heavy on seafood, but offers a little something for everyone: like whole roasted suckling pig, pizzettas, prime meats cooked over hot stones, pasta, risotto and appetizers that would make an ideal meal in themselves. One favorite is the octopus a la plancha, which comes served on a sizzling platter and is tender, moist and perfectly charred on the outside. 422 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL 33128
Smith & Wollensky
With its sweeping ocean views, prime steaks and award-winning wine list, Smith & Wollensky has become a staple in the Magic City. The definition of steakhouse chic, it is the southernmost restaurant on Miami Beach and is known for its A-list patrons, warm and welcoming interior, posh décor, and despite its upscale appeal, a relaxing ambiance. Sit outside with a drink in hand, and watch as massive cruise ships and sea-bound freighters sail past you. It’s the perfect “aperitif,” before you even dig into your dry-aged beef – which is cured and butchered in-house, by the way. 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
