Guest post by Yours Truly and Jan Engoren

Waterfront restaurants in Miami are a top pick to take out of town guests. Here are our 17 favorite Miami restaurants on the water, from the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, to the ocean.

Avra Miami in Sunny Isles

Starting out the list of waterfront restaurants in Miami –The story of Avra begins in the coastal Greek village of Nafpaktos where cofounder Nick Tsoulos was born and raised. With fond memories of fishing for local seafood such as fagri, dorado, octopus and red mullet and enjoying the fresh grilled fish with homemade salads and other dishes, Tsoulos brought these memories with him when he emigrated to New York, opened a taverna and eventually opened Avra in midtown Manhattan offering simple Greek dishes made with the best ingredients and incredibly fresh seafood.

The main event is fresh fish, not only the usual selections but more unusual Mediterranean favorites like fagri and lithrini, prepared any way you like it – grilled whole over charcoal, baked in salt, made into ceviche or carpaccio, you name it.

Their freshly caught seafood is flown in daily from the Mediterranean and they feature local and sustainable catches.

From caviar to a raw bar serving east and west coast oysters, jumbo shrimp and lobster to sashimi and ceviche and appetizers such as tuna tartare, Portuguese sardines, Chilean sea bass souvlaki, grilled octopus and mussels – seafood rules the day. But, no worries – for your dining companions who prefer land-based dinners, Avra offers a selection of both beef and chicken options like grilled organic chicken and American Wagyu Cotes de Boeuf..  The high end, casually elegant restaurant features handsome décor, with an entryway framed by a bougainvillea intertwined pergola that adds a colorful and taverna-lik touch.  Picture yourself in the Greek islands on their spacious outdoor terrace with a view of the swimming pool and ocean beyond.  Apolamvano as they say in Greek – Enjoy!

Avra is located at 17945 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160.  Tel:
(786) 807-7555.

 

La Mar by Gaston Acurio

La Mar by Gaston Acurio  Peruvian eatery in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel has a lovely outdoor patio offering views of Biscayne Bay and the impressive Brickell skyline. The menu, created by Chef Diego Oka, ranges from upscale novo Andean to Asian Peruvian fusion creating a distinctive culinary experience.  Crowd favorites on the menu include Peruvian classics such as ceviche, arroz con mariscos, lomo saltado, and papa a la huancaina.

If you cannot decide, simply try a little bit of everything! La Mar by Gaston Acurio in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel,500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami 33131.

Casablanca on the Bay

Casablanca on the bay; sister restaurant on the River

One of the best places in Miami to buy fresh seafood happily has one of the classic waterfront restaurants in Miami that overlooks Biscayne Bay.  Enjoy air conditioned waterfront dining overlooking Biscayne Bay, The Casablanca team takes pride in the freshness of their product, calling it the key to their 20+ years of success.  There’s a wide variety of seafood items including grilled octopus, oyster on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, fresh Florida stone crabs, different kinds of ceviche, a variety of  grilled and fried fish as well as steak, pasta and more, 1717 N.Bayshore Drive, Miami 33132.There’s also a sister restaurant on the Miami River, Casablanca on the River.

Zuma

Although inspired by the traditional Izakaya dining style, Zuma, headed by Chef Rainer Becker, features authentic, non-traditional Japanese dishes. Its menu boasts three kitchens – the sushi counter, the robata grill, and the main kitchen. The place is elegant, and so are its guests, a great spot for people watching. Attentive and friendly service, simple yet creative presentation, an alluring menu, and quality ingredients make for a special occasion worthy dining experience (note from Karen: had my birthday lunch here). Their weekend brunches are tops too.

Enjoy this Miami restaurant with a water view from its newly expanded and covered terrace overlooking the Miami River and Brickell Key which is especially lovely now.  Zuma restaurants can be found in multiple locations across the US. The Miami restaurant is located in the heart of downtown and is accessible by yacht and by land. If you arrive by yacht, there is a (pricey) yacht-focused catering menu, a sommelier included. Zuma is located in the Kimpton EPIC Hotel, 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami 33131.

Amara At Paraiso

Amara at Paraiso  , Chef Michael Schwartz’s Love Letter to Miami, is an upscale waterfront restaurant in Miami set in Paraiso District, an up-and-coming neighborhood. Its proud owner is James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schwartz. Schwartz’s Amara celebrates his approach — natural ingredients and simple cooking techniques bringing Latin American and coastal flavors together. The menu is based on roasted and spit-fired meats and fish, as well as vegetables, grains, nuts, and sprouts. The wide choice of  seafood dishes includes golden tilefish ceviche, tuna tostadas, and grilled snapper.

Amara’s beautifully designed 4,500 square foot indoor-outdoor space complements the natural beauty of its tropical surroundings. There is a deck on the water with a lovely view of Biscayne Bay and the dramatic Miami skyline. The main dining room and bar have large, floor-to-ceiling windows where you can admire the view when it rains.

Amara at Paraiso is located at 3101 NE 7th Avenue, Miami 33137.

More Waterfront Restaurants in Miami

 

Seaspice

Seaspice Brasserie and Lounge is now a classic classic, fine-dining Miami restaurant on the water,   on the Miami River, minutes from Downtown Miami and the Brickell Financial District. This elegant and “buzzy”  oasis offers a wide choice of seafood, signature wood-fired casseroles, and globally inspired dishes. Its open-air Courtyard Lounge and bar serves signature crafted cocktails. You can dine on the open-air deck lit with soft, romantic lighting overlooking the River with its passing boats or the Miami skyline. Or choose to dock here with your yacht and have lunch. They often have entertainment so check the website for details.

Signature dishes include a Japanese Miyazaki A-5 Wagyu burger, Australian rack of lamb, Sea Salt Encrusted market fish and hand made Blue Crab ravioli. For non seafood eaters Seaspice offers a selection of meat including Wagyu Steak Tartare, organic filet mignon and pizzettas and salad.  Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge is located at 412 NW North River Drive, Miami 33128.

 

Il Mulino at Acqualina

Acqualina Resort & Residences’ Il Mulino New York restaurant in Sunny Isles Beach offers a fine dining experience in a Mediterranean villa environment. It offers beach and water views on the spacious terrace and classic Italian cuisine inspired by the dishes of Southern Italy. With imported ingredients and fresh pastas made on site each morning, signature dishes include veal osso bucco served over saffron risotto, house made ravioli with black truffle and a variety of tableside pasta preparations. Another option is a private dinner on the beach. If you want to try it and are looking for a good deal, check out their fixed price lunch specials.  Team dinner up with a Staycation at the resort. In case you missed it, here’s Karen’s Staycation experience there. Il Mulino at Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach, 17875 Collins avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160.

Miami Staycation: Acqualina Resort & Residences

The Deck at Island Gardens

Another top choice in waterfront restaurants in Miami, The Deck at Island Gardens provides the perfect setting for guests to wine, dine, and dance outdoors while enjoying picture perfect views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. For extra privacy and small groups, super special are the lovely waterfront cabana lounges. The menu consists of a wide selection of seafood, as well as Italian cuisine and cocktails. Menu highlights include lasagna al forno, The Deck Burger and Homestead Farm tomato salad, as well as berry stuffed pancakes and carbonara pizza. Don’t miss the brunch with its party like atmosphere.

Smith and Wollensky

If you want a top steak with your view, and looking for a waterfront restaurant in Miami Beach,  Smith and Wollensky is the place. With spacious indoor and outdoor areas dining areas, a beautiful waterside setting and large outdoor patios, the iconic waterfront restaurant offers fine American culinary dining. . The S&W menu is heavy with beef, but there are also popular seafood dishes, salads, sandwiches, classic and new sides, and, of course, decadent desserts such as their gigantic chocolate cake. Smith and Wollensky is located at One Washington AVenue, Miami Beach 33139.

 

Baia Beach Club

In the Mondrian South Beach, Baia Beach Club , a “living room on the beach”offers an elegant and fresh Mediterranean menu that pairs alongside the views of Biscayne Bay.

Inspired by the laid-back bohemian energy, casual chic and welcoming multicultural spirit of the Mediterranean, Baia Beach Club brings the Old World to the New.  With a focus on health and local ingredients, the menus represent a fresh take on traditional Mediterranean fare – elevated in approach and informal in attitude.

It takes full advantage of the waterside location with tables that are so close to the water you feel you can touch it. The menu includes Middle Eastern spreads, seared lamb chops, and a sizeable selection of seafood which captures the essence of coastal living. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch are offered, along with “Sundown Social” happy hour at t heir Round Bar which includes special pricing on select drinks and light bites. With various seating options on the deck or terrace, as well the green house (offered for private parties only) there are plenty of tables that display the waterfront views. The indoor dining room also features sliding glass doors that open up the room to the outdoor terrace. Baia Beach Club, 1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach 33139.

 

 

Verde at PAMM

At Verde at the Pérez Art Museum Miami you sit on an expansive waterfront terrace and enjoy an expansive view of the Bay and cruise ships in the distance. A bonus is the landmark building designed by award-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron. Verde’s menu features locally inspired salads, pizza,  burgers, sandwiches and signature pastries.

It’s open Monday and Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 pm  and Thursday until 8pm.  And while you’re there, don’t miss  their top-notch gift shop..

Verde at PAMM is located at 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132.  Tel:  (786) 345-5697.

 

Joia Beach Restaurant and Beach Club

And another great pick of waterfront restaurants in Miami –Joia Beach Miami Restaurant & Beach Club is unlike any other restaurant in Miami. Its tables are literally on the beach, and you can take a dip in Biscayne Bay, enjoy a full restaurant menu, entertainment, and instagrammable views of the Venetian islands and the Miami skyline.

This oasis happens to be adjacent to Jungle Island, right off the MacArthur Causeway with its own convenient parking.  Since opening in 2020 it has attracted the likes of Dwyane Wade, the Estefans, Ryan Seacrest, Brazilian model Adriana Lima and more. 

For my review click here.

Lido Bayside Grill in the Standard Hotel

Next to the happening swimming pool is the casual Bayside Grill restaurant offering everything from Niçoise and Caesar salads to burgers to blackened salmon BLTs. With a full bar, they offer a selection of wines and spirits and their signature cocktails such as the stress-reducing Niña de las Flores, made with Mezcal, jasmine tea, and lavender or their invigorating Untold Story with Aperol and cold pressed watermelon. . This Miami restaurant with a water view of the Bay enjoyes expansive views of the Venetian islands and Miami Beach. The umbrella topped Grill is all about casual dining, the kind of casual decor you’d find at the beach in one of the Greek islands. Umbrellas are set up so that they can provide coverage in case of rain, and strings of lights add a touch of a festive air.

Lido Bayside Grill is located in the Standard Hotel, 40 Island Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139.  Tel:  (786) 245-0880.

 

Newest Additions to Waterfront Restaurants in Miami

La Canita

A downtown choice in waterfront restaurants in Miami –Well known Miami chef Michelle Bernstein and husband partner David Martinez of Cafe La Trova have opened their latest pan-Latin and Caribbean restaurant,La Cañita in Bayside marketplace . It celebrates the  food and flavor and the rum culture of tropical destinations like Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and Puerto Rico, along with influences from Central and South America. The restaurant offers waterfront views of Miami, a festive and fun decor, great drinks, and live music. Music is offered Thursday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

La Cañita is located at 401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132. Tel:  (305) 392-0811.

Bayshore Club

Located in Coconot Grove, Bayshore Club is at Regatta Harbour, near Dinner Key which got its name for being a beautiful picnic stop while traveling by boat along the coastal waters of the city. It’s part of the Grove Bay Hospitality Group known for high profile restaurants ranging from Stubborn Seed and Stiltsville to Red Rooster Overtown and more. The multi-level 300 seat restaurant in Coconut Grove is open air with a massive overhang and electric heaters on the way for the cooler winter months. A centerpiece is an oval bar seating 34 people. The vibe is friendly and easy, and the furniture is like what you’d find on a friend’s patio. Just north of the restaurant, Bayshore Club has an outdoor “hangout”, the lawn, with private cabanas, lounge seating, game stations like ping pong and cornhole and fire pits for the coming winter months. 

The menu is well curated, designed to appeal for lunch, dinner, light bites and brunch. It’s divided into raw bars, small plates, salads, handhelds, for the table, signatures, and sides. Grove Bay Chef/Partner Jeff McInnis has done his job well in developing the menu featuring classic fare with tropical Miami and Latin Influences.

The Bayshore Club is located at 3391 Pan American Dr., Miami, FL 33133.  Tel:  (305) 209-1200.

Tanuki at River Landing

A romantic setting, pampering service and many of my favorite modern pan-Asian dishes made me feel like it was date night at the new Tanuki at River Landing. The flagship of the group that also owns Tanuki in South Beach faces the Miami River which, if you sit on the lovely outdoor terrace, you can see through rich vegetation and enjoy Miami’s special sunsets.That combined with the handsome teak furniture, deep purple cushions, rattan chairs and sense of serenity, made me feel as if I were in Southeast Asia.

The large menu under the direction of company Brand Chef Gustavo Montes is divided into hot appetizers, dim sum, wok, peking duck, prime grill, omakase, premium nigiri, salad, appetizers, maki, nigiri and sashimi. The food is delicious and well presented.Tanuki is located at 1420 NW North River Dr., Miami, FL 33125.  Tel:  (305) 433-2436.

 

 

Want to be out on the water for the day? Here are top picks for yacht and boat rental in Miami along with watersports. 

Best Boat Rental in Miami and Watersports Picks