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 10 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.
Juvia: Offering a fusion of regional Asian cuisine, French cooking techniques, and South American and Floridian flavors, Juvia is already known for its tasty and abundant selection of tapas-style ceviche, tiraditos, fresh seafood, prime meats and more. Helmed by Chef Sunny Oh and Chef Laurent Cantineaux, the food would have to be good to match its impeccable view and location – Juvia is located on top of a parking garage on Lincoln Road, and overlooks both the Downtown Miami skyline and dazzling Miami Beach. 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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
Palmeiras Beach Club at Grove Isle
Fusing sexy, Mediterranean beach-chic vibes with waterfront views, Miami’s finest foodies and an air of romance, Palmeiras Beach Club is a Coconut Grove gem. Go on different days of the week, and listen to live music from a jazz performer, a pianist or even a DJ, and enjoy it while sipping on a creative cocktail around one of a few outdoor fire pits. When it’s time for dinner, opt for a table under an arbor or nestled among palm trees, and enjoy views of Key Biscayne and Biscayne Bay. In terms of food, some favorites include: Mediterranean-inspired plates like golden-brown branzino with garlic broccolini, baby zucchini, and baby carrots, all topped with a saffron garlic sauce; or grilled prawns with steamed bamboo rice, lemon butter, scallion, tomato confit and broccolini. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, try the New Zealand lamb with persillade, couscous, and mustard spiced au jus. It is delicious. 4 Grove Isle Drive, Miami, FL 33133
La Mar by Gastón Acurio
There is little that compares to dinner on the water at La Mar; both because of the views and because it’s the brainchild of none other than Peruvian culinary ambassador, Gastón Acurio. Located in the Mandarin Oriental, on Brickell Key, guests get amazing views of Biscayne Bay and the Downtown Miami skyline. Pair that with a tasty cocktail and inventive, Peruvian cuisine – like the Flor causa, which is a ball of Maine Lobster tartare covered in squid ink-infused potatoes, and garnished with caviar, avocado, and gold – and like we said, you just can’t compare. 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL 33131
