Miami's Top Waterfront Restaurants

Greater Miami & Miami Beach is renowned for its beautiful beaches, water views and culinary landscape, so it’s no surprise that its dining scene offers a gorgeous array of waterfront locations. Whether on the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay or even the Miami River, these restaurants are sure to excite your senses.

Amara at Paraiso: Latin Flavors With Bay Views

At Amara at Paraiso by celebrity chef and restaurateur Michael Schwartz, you’re greeted by a view of Biscayne Bay when you walk through the door. Located in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, Amara’s relaxed atmosphere, vibrant Latin flavors and outdoor dining area make it a great choice for anyone seeking the quintessential Miami vibe. Try dishes like yuca cheese puffs, half chicken a la brasa with aji verde and pickled onions, or the signature seafood parrillada with a half Maine lobster, octopus, spicy tiger prawns and local fish.

Lido Bayside: Waterfront Dining on Biscayne Bay

Lido Bayside, located at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach, offers a laid-back ambiance and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay. Serving lunch, dinner and brunch, the restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring fresh, local seafood and produce and showcases a range of dishes, from passion fruit ceviche to vegan mushroom risotto and cedar-roasted whole branzino. Lido Bayside offers a happy hour menu from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, so you can enjoy the sunset and special pricing on drinks and bites.

Joia Beach: Exclusive Beachside Dining on Watson Island

Head to Joia Beach Restaurant & Beach Club for beachfront dining. Located on Watson Island – off the mainland and east of Downtown Miami – the restaurant is part of an exclusive private beach club that offers a secluded setting on Biscayne Bay. Joia Beach features several menus, including a fixed-price lunch, happy hour, dinner and Sunday brunch. Enjoy fresh seafood, artisanal pizzas and handcrafted cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. Menu highlights include crispy lobster tails with spicy aioli, baby lamb chops, and baked eggplant with pistachio tahini.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio: MICHELIN-Recommended Peruvian

La Mar by Gastón Acurio, located on Brickell Key, offers authentic Peruvian dining with a modern twist plus views of the Downtown Miami and Brickell skyline over the bay. Known for its flavorful ceviches, inventive tiraditos and exceptional seafood, La Mar has a vibrant, sophisticated atmosphere. MICHELIN-recommended and one of the most-glamorous restaurants in the destination, La Mar’s stylish décor and creative cocktails make it a popular choice for both casual meals and upscale celebrations. The menu ranges from upscale novo-Andean to Asian-Peruvian fusion.

Rusty Pelican: Iconic Views Day & Night

A Miami institution, Rusty Pelican is renowned for its breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and the Downtown Miami skyline, thanks to its Key Biscayne location. Take in the stunning vistas through dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, or savor your meal on the waterside terrace, famous for its view of the sunset. With arguably one of the best restaurant views in Miami and a menu of contemporary American cuisine and fresh seafood, Rusty Pelican is a go-to destination for first-time visitors and a favorite among locals. Savor starters like shrimp tempura ube bao buns or fresh oysters from the raw bar. Entrées include grass-fed filet mignon, Chilean sea bass with smoked sweet plantain mash, and squid ink bucatini. Try the Rusty Pelican “Board For Two” with local whole crispy snapper, lobster and shrimp risotto and a New York strip steak.

Kiki On The River: Riverside Greek Dining

Located on the Miami River, Kiki on The River is a Greek restaurant occupying the former site of Miami’s fish markets. It evokes the charm of the Mediterranean islands and has 150 feet of dock space, enabling patrons to arrive by boat and dock on site. Explore Kiki’s craft cocktails and an extensive menu featuring dishes such as caviar with tzatziki and lemon, watermelon salad with baby arugula, and lamb chops in honey truffle sauce. For an extravagant treat, indulge in the luxurious seafood tower, which includes Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster, mussels and a variety of oysters.

NOMA Beach at Redfish: Bayside Dining in a Historic Park

NOMA Beach at Redfish, located in Matheson Hammock Park on Biscayne Bay in Coral Gables, is the newest venture by celebrity chef and “Iron Chef” judge Donatella Arpaia. The menu at NOMA features a fusion of classic and modern seafood, focusing on fresh, seasonal fish, shellfish and other ingredients. Enjoy indoor or alfresco dining with bay views and menu items such as NOMA croquettes with caramelized figs, crispy tuna rice with avocado mousse, and Arpaia’s acclaimed veal and beef meatballs.

Gramps Getaway: A Laid-Back Local Favorite In Key Biscayne

Gramps Getaway in Key Biscayne is a local favorite that merges easygoing, vintage ambiance with breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay. Featuring a quaint, retro, waterfront setting and the option to dock your boat, the restaurant offers a diverse menu of comfort foods presented with a creative twist. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and live music events, Gramps Getaway is an ideal place for a casual, wallet-friendly bite and a fun, laid-back lunch or dinner. Enjoy frozen cocktails and a variety of dishes, such as fresh oysters, local snapper in strawberry tomato sauce, and grilled half chicken with sungold tomatoes. Don’t miss the Key lime pie, made from freshly squeezed Key limes.

Smith & Wollensky: Great Steaks & Cruise Ship Views

Smith & Wollensky, an iconic steakhouse known for its prime cuts of beef and refined dining, requires little introduction. Located in South Pointe Park with views of cruise ships sailing in and out of PortMiami, it combines exceptional service with a menu featuring aged steaks and fresh seafood as well as an extensive wine list. The elegant atmosphere, water views and top-notch cuisine make it a premier choice for special dinners and celebratory meals.

Miami is the perfect place for year-round alfresco dining. Explore more of the best outdoor restaurants in the destination.