Top 4 Waterfront Restaurants In Miami For 2023

The Best Waterfront Restaurants in Miami

One of the best things about living in a coastal city is having access to so many great waterfront restaurants. Whether you’re looking for something to eat by the water or a spot for drinks, there are plenty of options here in Miami.

Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market is a longtime favorite among locals for its laidback seafood dining and stunning vistas overlooking the Miami River. The menu features a cornucopia of seafood dishes, ranging from king crab legs to yellowtail and shrimp.

Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market

If you’re looking for an eye-catching restaurant with some serious finesse, look no further than Garcia’s. This second-generation Cuban American family business is a combination fish market and ode to the sea, with dockside dining and an upscale deck up top. The restaurant is also a bit of a local landmark, a favorite among in-the-know Miamians and visitors alike.

The menu is a mix of the usuals and a few surprises. Among them is the fried shrimp in Creole sauce and yellow rice with sweet plantains, a dish that has earned a spot on many a visitor’s bucket list. The grilled mahi mahi and grouper sandwiches are worth a try as well, and if you’re into your seafood you’ll want to check out their oysters.

They also have a solid wine list and an excellent selection of cocktails, including the aforementioned mojitos, gin and tonics and other high-end libations. The aforementioned cocktail list isn’t for the faint of heart, but that’s okay; it’s all about balancing the right ingredients with the right amount of spiciness to produce a drink with the requisite balance of flavor and complexity.

Located in the burgeoning Fontainebleau district, this unpretentious old-school joint has a lot to offer. A few blackboard specials are worth a second look, and the outdoor patio offers river views and weather-appropriate breezes. In the words of local fisherman Mike Sutton, ”it’s like going on a fishing expedition without leaving your neighborhood.”

There are several other restaurants in the area that you may want to check out for the same ol’ waterside dining experience, but that’s no reason to miss out on this one. The one-of-a-kind restaurant is a must visit for any foodie on a quest to find the best in the city. You’ll be able to take home the best seafood in town and enjoy it with your choice of side dishes in a truly unique setting. The one-of-a-kind experience has something to suit all tastes and budgets, from high-end eats to low-brow delights, all in an impressive space.

Il Gabbiano

If you’re craving refined Italian food in a waterfront setting, Il Gabbiano is your destination. This downtown Miami restaurant boasts a stunning view of Biscayne Bay. You’ll also be surrounded by an extensive wine list and solid service.

It’s no surprise that this upscale restaurant is a favorite among locals. It offers a great selection of Italian food and is renowned for its quality ingredients. You’ll find everything from grilled seafood to pasta dishes.

For dinner, you can order grilled octopus, veal chops and lobster ravioli here. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, don’t miss the perfectly prepared tiramisu or cannolis.

At Il Gabbiano, you can enjoy the vista of Biscayne Bay and the city’s skyline. The menu has by-the-book Italian classics like gnocchi, tortellini and burrata, but also has an impressive array of contemporary dishes.

The ambiance is elegant, with a white tablecloth and floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views of the water. There are also large outdoor patios with an open-air feel.

Its signature dish is octopus carpaccio. Other standouts include a hefty veal chop with Gorgonzola mushroom cream sauce and porcini ravioli with champagne truffle cream.

This spot has an excellent Italian wine list and a bar that serves craft cocktails. It’s a good place to bring a date for a romantic night out on the town.

To start, your waiter will offer a wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano from a giant wheel garnished with sweet balsamico. Fried zucchini slivers, tomato bruschetta and rustic bread are also served to set the stage for your meal.

Don’t forget to order some fresh fruits and a glass of wine to complete your meal. It’s also worth asking your server about the specials of the day.

Guests can take advantage of free Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast, and there’s a small wellness area with sauna and Turkish bath. The property also features a 24-hour front desk and multilingual staff.

This family-run hotel is a 15-minute walk from Positano’s center and the beaches. Rooms feature air conditioning and simple decor, with a minibar. There are also apartments with kitchenettes and sea views.

Verde at the Perez Art Museum

Verde at the Perez Art Museum serves up gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay alongside seasonal bites, handcrafted cocktails and specialty coffee drinks. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean and American cuisine, and the restaurant takes pride in serving local, sustainable products.

The museum itself was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron, and the architecture is as stunning as the collection of contemporary and modern art it houses. Aside from a rotating series of exhibits, the museum offers tours, art talks and salon series to help you delve deeper into its collection.

For those who want a more relaxed atmosphere, the museum's cafe, Verde, is also an excellent place to spend a few hours. Its massive outdoor terrace overlooking the water is a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of rose sangria while enjoying the sweeping waterfront view.

Featuring a menu that celebrates the best of Miami's produce and seafood, the museum's dining room also features an extensive wine list with some interesting offerings. The restaurant also has an extensive beer selection and a full cocktail menu.

The food at Verde is a mix of Mediterranean and Italian dishes, as well as a few American favorites. They have an extensive selection of pizzas, as well as burgers, pasta and grilled seafood, including Florida snapper.

With a limited seating capacity, it's important to reserve a table when you visit. Guests can book timed tickets online ahead of their visit to ensure they are seated at the table of their choice and are not crowded in.

After you've finished your meal, be sure to stop by the museum shop for a unique selection of art books, furnishings and handmade items. There are even quirky t-shirts and magnets for you to take home as gifts!

The Perez Art Museum Miami is a must-visit for anyone visiting Miami. Its modern and contemporary art exhibits, workshops, social events and stunning waterfront & lush setting make it one of the most popular museums in the city. Its galleries are arranged in a way that makes it easy to find the pieces you're looking for, and there is always something new to see.

Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge

Located on the Miami River, Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge has a distinctive character and charm that ensures guests enjoy their dining experience to the fullest. Whether it is lunch or dinner, this waterfront restaurant and lounge can be found near Downtown Miami and the Brickell Financial District.

The menu features signature wood-fired casseroles, globally influenced seafood and more. The dining area is chic and luxurious, featuring an outdoor patio with a view of the downtown skyline and the pristine waters of the Miami River. The wine list is also impressive and includes a selection of cocktails.

Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio’s downtown Miami outpost in Brickell Key serves up contemporary Peruvian cuisine and has a gorgeous waterfront location. The enticing terrace offers glittering views of the downtown skyline and is the perfect backdrop for grilled branzino, Maine lobster ravioli and more.

Verde at the Perez Art Museum is a hidden gem that offers a stunning view of the mid-beach waterfront and serves up fresh Mediterranean fare. The sun-drenched patio is the perfect spot for brunch and lunch Thursday through Sunday. Try the Delicata Squash Salad with labneh, mizuna, radish, pickled onions, lemon vinaigrette and candied pepitas or the pan-seared salmon served with cauliflower puree, black garlic, caper relish and celery apple salad.

Superyachts flock to this stylish new restaurant that boasts serious culinary swagger. The simplistically restyled classics are a great choice for a special occasion, and you’ll love the beautiful view of the Miami River and downtown skyline.

Bringing a vision to the Miami River, Seaspice has transformed a post-industrial warehouse outfitted in unexpected, sophisticated nautical touches into a world-renowned fine-dining destination. The food menu is a combination of signature, homespun and globally-influenced dishes, and executive chef Angel Leon specializes in making every meal a memorable one with his trademark talent.

Seaspice has plenty of event spaces available for any size wedding or ceremony. Their staff will assist with planning your dream day and can offer useful services, such as set-up and clean-up. Their team is excited to hear about your wedding, and they will do everything possible to make it a success. They can even provide a variety of event items for your special day, including chairs, tables, an altar, a dance floor and audio equipment.