Lido Bayside

Miami enjoys more than its fair share of waterfront restaurants, but Lido Bayside at the bohemian Standard Spa, Miami Beach, remains one of our favorite spots anywhere to take in an ocean-inspired meal with a lick of salt breeze, relaxed vibes, and beautiful people-watching.

By way of Los Angeles, The Standard Hotel brand took up residence at these circa-1953 digs on Belle Isle in 2006. Since then, it’s drawn a cool crowd of jet-setting creatives and hard-bodied Miami Beach yogis seeking a sexy respite from the fever dream of Ocean Drive. Lido Bayside is the hotel’s public-facing restaurant, and the only place on the property where children are welcome.

Day or night, you’re coming here for the wide open bay views and the feeling that you’ve crossed over to somewhere blissfully out of reach from the stress of normal life. The Mediterranean menu does well, driving home this feeling: fresh, colorful, full of ingredients plucked from the sea. It has its decadent moments, but a meal at Lido Bayside won’t weigh you down.

A raw bar just hits different on the water, and everything’s executed to satisfaction here, especially the jumbo shrimp cocktail with a harissa cocktail sauce and the yellowfin tuna carpaccio dotted with olives, capers, fermented chili, and Meyer lemon. There’s a great selection of small plates and lighter fare, should you be in more of a grazing and sipping sort of mood. (Happy hour is a festive affair as the sun goes down.)

From the larger plates, we’re partial to the seafood options, like the grilled lobster with charred vegetables and the P.E.I. mussels in a tomato 'nduja broth with grilled sourdough for dipping. But the steaks are solid too, and should be ordered with sides like broccolini with calabrian vinaigrette and spiced roasted zucchini with whipped feta. 

Brunch is also a great idea, with options like a blue crab omelet with crème fraîche, salmon caviar, fennel and shallots; an avocado Benedict toast with za'atar; Gulf shrimp polenta, and crème brûlée French toast with roasted banana anglaise, macerated strawberry and yogurt meringue.

Pair your experience with a crisp albariño, local beer or any of Lido’s signature cocktails made with fresh-pressed juices and house-made mixes. The array of coffee, tea, wellness shots and NA options comes in handy when a detox is in order. It all goes down as gently as the water lapping just beneath you.