The best waterfront restaurants in Miami to dine with a view

What is it? A seafood and steak staple housed in the 1926 Miami Women's Club building, where Norwegian king crab legs meets dry-aged beef with the kind of Biscayne Bay panorama view that makes you forget what you ordered.

Why we love it: The water views from Klaw's rooftop are Miami postcard material, but the food doesn't play second fiddle—they fly in wild-caught king crab daily from Norway and dry-age their beef in-house in glass cabinets that greet you at check-in.

Time Out tip: Order the mignonette martini with any of the steaks. The cocktail's bright acidity cuts through the rich meat perfectly.​

Address: 1737 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132​

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4–10:30pm; Fri–Sat 4pm–midnight; Sun 11am–4pm, 6–10pm ​

Expect to pay: Approximately $150 to $450 per person, depending on how many ‘klaws’ you want​

What is it? Gramps Getaway is a campy, authentically Florida spot in Key Biscayne, offering boat access, skyline views, freshly caught seafood, and a variety of tropical drinks.​

Why we love it: The venue brings all the cool, offbeat charm that makes the original Gramps spot a Miami favorite, with perfect post-swim relaxation vibes. The nautical-inspired bar mixes up craft cocktails and frozen drinks worth bragging about. Their now-operational full kitchen turns out tasty bites like tamarind barbecue ribs with just the right sticky-sweet glaze and charred broccoli salad swimming in tangy buttermilk ranch—exactly what you want while watching Miami's skyline light up at sunset.

Time Out tip: Arrive by boat to fully embrace the waterfront experience and enjoy the skyline views.​

Address: 3301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149​

Opening hours:  Mon–Thu, noon–11pm; Fri–Sun 11am–midnight

Expect to pay: $40 to $80 a person for a round of drinks and some bites

What is it? An upscale yet laid-back waterfront restaurant in Edgewater by chef Michael Schwartz, known for wood-fired Latin American dishes and stunning Biscayne Bay views.

Why we love it: The open-air setting perfectly captures Miami, with lush greenery and water views framing bright coastal flavors. Think seafood towers, standout tuna crudo, and perfectly grilled chicken a la brasa.

Time Out tip: Aim for an outdoor table 45 minutes before sunset on a weekday to beat the rush and soak in the scenery.

Address: 3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–10pm; Fri–Sat noon–11pm; Sun 11am–9 pm

Expect to pay: About $100–$150 per person for dinner, including drinks and shared apps.

What is it? Zuma is a contemporary Japanese restaurant in Downtown Miami, offering izakaya-style dining along the Miami River with an always well-heeled crowd.

Why we love it: This modern Japanese mecca is accessible by yacht and by land. No matter how you arrive, the palm-tree-shaded terrace awaits with views of the Miami River and Brickell Key. It’s a fun people-watching spot as most boats navigate this stretch to get to and from downtown.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss its epic weekend brunch, starting at just under $100 a person and featuring plenty of food stations and caviar upon arrival. 

Address: 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131​

Opening hours: Lunch: Mon–Fri 11:45am–3 pm; Brunch: Sat 11:30am–3pm; Sun 11:30am–3:30pm; Dinner: Mon–Thu, Sun 6–11pm; Fri–Sat 6–11:30 pm

Expect to pay: Around $150-$350 per person, including a selection of shared plates and a cocktail​

What is it? The Rusty Pelican is the preeminent seafood restaurant in Key Biscayne, offering contemporary American cuisine and enviable waterfront views.​

Why we love it: Key Biscayne’s most famous restaurant is where brunches, anniversary dinners, weddings, baby showers, and all kinds of special celebrations regularly go down. Plenty of folks will argue that the Rusty Pelican has the best view of Miami. And they’re sort of right. While the solid seafood and classy atmosphere draw folks in, that bay view keeps them coming back.

Time Out tip: Visit during sunset for a mesmerizing dining experience as the skyline reflects over the water.​

Address: 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149​

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–10pm; Fri noon–11pm; Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–10pm

Expect to pay: Budget $100-$150 per person, including an appetizer, entrée, and a cocktail.

What is it? This chic waterfront spot in North Miami serves upscale Mediterranean fare from Miami hospitality veteran Angel Febres and executive chef Todd Zimmer.

Why we love it: The dining room buzzes with locals drawn to refined yet approachable dishes like flaming saganaki, chargrilled oysters, and expertly grilled Spanish dorade. Cocktails—especially the unexpected but delicious Medi Martini—are clever and balanced.

Time Out tip: Forget dessert and grab a waterfront terrace table for sunset cocktails. Or, for peak Miami style, dock your boat at one of their 14 slips.

Address: 7999 NE Bayshore Ct, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Tue–Wed 5–10pm; Thu, Sun 11am–10pm; Fri–Sat 11am–11pm

Expect to pay: Around $125 per person for shared plates, mains, and cocktails

What is it? A sprawling Greek restaurant in Sunny Isles with pool and ocean views, taverna vibes, and a menu that sticks to the classics.

Why we love it: Avra isn’t breaking new ground, but that’s the point. The kitchen turns out faithful versions of dishes like whole salt-baked fish, grilled halloumi with honey, and gigantes that taste like they were scooped from a grandmother’s pot in the Aegean. The setting—shades of beige, faux bougainvillea, and sweeping views—is perfectly suited for its waterfront locale.  

Time Out tip: Pick your fish from the ice display and ask for it salt-baked. You won’t regret it.

Address: 17945 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Opening hours: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed 5–10pm; Thu–Sat 5–11pm

Expect to pay: $100+ per person for seafood, mezze, and a drink or two.

What is it? Ocean Social is a waterfront restaurant at the iconic Eden Roc hotel. It offers a seafood-forward menu and killer views.​

Why we love it: Chef Tristan Epps heads the restaurant, which features top ingredients from local farmers and producers. Don’t miss standout dishes like the mushroom truffle pappardelle, with its silky sauce and earthy flavors, or the perfectly grilled T-bone swordfish paired with black-eyed peas and bright mango sauce vierge.

Time Out tip: Start your meal with the bread service to experience the unique cultured butters.​

Address: 4525 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140​

Opening hours: Breakfast: Mon–Sun 7:30–11am; Lunch: Mon–Sun 11:30am–3:30pm; Dinner: Sun–Thu 5–9pm, Fri–Sat 5–10pm ​

Expect to pay: Around $80 to $120 per person, including an appetizer, entrée, and a cocktail.

What is it? Casadonna is an upscale Italian restaurant from Groot Hospitality and TAO Group Hospitality in the historic Miami Women’s Club. It offers Riviera-style Italian cuisine with stunning waterfront views.​

Why we love it: The $20 million build-out features a grand foyer reminiscent of Vizcaya's central courtyard. The outdoor seating area boasts tall metal trellises with new vines, rattan tables and chairs in pink and teal, semi-circle booths, and a large, luxurious bar.​ The scene is definitely of the see-and-be-scene variety, and the people-watching is always top-notch. 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss its Sunday brunch buffet, offering unlimited food stations, a gelato cart, and drink ‘experiences’ starting at under $100 

Address: 1737 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132​

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 6–10pm; Thu 6–11pm; Fri 6pm–midnight; Sat noon–3pm, 6pm–midnight; Sun 11am–3pm, 6–10pm

Expect to pay: Around $175 per person, including an appetizer, entrée, and a glass of wine.

What is it? Garcia’s is a family-owned, old-school fish joint located along the Miami River, known for its fresh catch and home-style Cuban sides.​

Why we love it: A must-visit during stone crab season (when claws are cheap compared to other local places), it’s also great year-round. This family-owned spot offers some of Miami’s best seafood accompanied by home-style Cuban sides. The tostones and whole-fried fish are always a winning combo.​

Time Out tip: Pair your meal with their famous smoked fish dip for an authentic experience.​

Address: 398 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL 33128​

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm

Expect to pay: Roughly $50-$75 a person splitting a few apps and a main

What is it? Bayshore Club is a waterfront bar and grill located in Coconut Grove. It is taking over the former Scotty’s Landing space and offers a seafood-focused menu and a 360-degree bar with expansive views of Biscayne Bay.​

Why we love it: The historic Coconut Grove locale was once home to Pan American’s first seaplane terminal. Today, Bayshore Club nods to its mid-century era with retro details like a massive “Greetings from Miami” postcard mural near the entrance. The 300-seat affair is casual yet elevated, with a seafood-focused menu, a 360-degree bar and a sprawling lawn with cabanas, lounge seating and games.

Time Out tip: Visit during happy hour (Mon–Fri 4–6pm) for discounted appetizers and drinks while enjoying the bay views.​

Address: 3391 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133​

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri 11:30am–11pm; Sat 10am–11pm; Sun 10am–10pm ​

Expect to pay: Your budget depends on your appetite. This is $40 per person for apps and a drink, with prices creeping up with more additions. 

What is it? An upscale Italian restaurant by way of NYC located within the Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles Beach, offering oceanfront dining with a focus on traditional Italian cuisine.​

Why we love it: Il Mulino’s original Greenwich Village location began life in 1981, and the Sunny Isles outpost takes over a sliver of space inside the Acqualina Resort. There’s a charming patio around a fountain out back with views of the ocean as large as both the portions and the prices. 

Time Out tip: Check out their Sunday Supper menu, a four-course culinary feast offering some of the restaurant’s best dishes available every Sunday for $56 per person.

Address: 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160​

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–11pm ​

Expect to pay: At least $100 a person for a full meal with drinks. Views like this don’t come cheap

What is it? Smith & Wollensky is a classic steakhouse located at the southern tip of Miami Beach. It offers prime cuts of beef and seafood and idyllic views of Government Cut.​

Why we love it: Nestled at the southern tip of the Beach, this cavernous, 550-seat chain steakhouse, founded in New York in 1977, offers one of the best views in the city. It also serves pretty good steaks, with choice cuts of prime-grade, dry-aged beef.

Time Out tip: Time your visit to watch the cruise ships depart while enjoying a cocktail on the outdoor patio.​

Address: 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139​ 

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–11pm; Fri noon–midnight; Sat 11am–midnight; Sun 11am–11pm ​

Expect to pay: Around $125 to $150 per person, including a steak entrée and a glass of wine​

What is it? Lido Bayside Grill is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located within The Standard Spa. It offers veg-forward dishes with locally sourced ingredients and waterfront views.​

Why we love it: The buzzy outdoor restaurant takes cues from its bayfront perch, offering up American-leaning fare made healthy-ish like lobster rolls, buffalo cauliflower dip and a rotating selection of fresh fish. 

Time Out tip: Visit during the High Tides Happy Hour, Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 pm, for specials like $8 frosé, $5 beers, and bites ranging from $2 to $12.

Address: 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139​

Opening hours: Daily 8am–midnight ​

Expect to pay: Roughly $85 per person, including an appetizer, entrée, and a cocktail.

What is it? A downtown waterfront spot favored by sailing celebrities, offering a blend of scenic Miami River views and decadent dishes.​

Why we love it: This opulent riverfront spot packs a punch in both scenery and decadence. Blow your budget and feel great doing it. Should you order the market-price wood-fired seafood casserole? Absolutely. Look around—you won’t be the only one tucking into a pricey bowl of crustaceans or mounds of caviar. It’s just how people roll here.​

Time Out tip: Visit during their weekend brunch for a lively—and we mean lively—dining experience.​

Address: 412 Northwest North River Drive, Miami, FL 33128​

Opening hours: Tue–Sun noon–midnight​

Expect to pay $125–$200 per person for some bites and a few rounds of drinks.​

What is it? An upscale Italian restaurant in Downtown Miami, renowned for its waterfront views and classic dishes.​

Why we love it: Il Gabbiano offers an elegant dining experience with dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara and risotto with porcini mushrooms. The service is traditional, and the views are exceptional.​

Time Out tip: You cannot, and we repeat, cannot miss its famous bread basket. 

Address: 335 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33131

Opening hours: Mon–Sat noon–11pm​

Expect to pay: Premium pricing; entrées alone typically range from $30 to $50.

What is it? A modern, open-to-the-public restaurant on Pérez Art Museum Miami's terrace offers stellar views of Biscayne Bay.​

Why we love it: Verde is the breezy New American restaurant overlooking Biscayne Bay on Pérez Art Museum Miami’s sprawling terrace. Understated and elegant with dishes as trendy as the art crowd wandering the museum’s halls, Verde’s rotating menus focus on seasonal ingredients and are often themed with the exhibitions. Though other waterfront options are nearby, like Amara or Klaw, Verde is a worthy stop for a meal with views before or after perusing the galleries at PAMM.

Time Out tip: Plan your visit to coincide with one of the museum's events or talks for a proper, well-rounded night (or day!) out. 

Address: 1103 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132​

Opening hours: Mon 11am–5:30pm; Thu 11am–8:30 pm; Fri–Sun 11am–5:30pm

Expect to pay: Moderate pricing; suitable for a quality meal with scenic views.

What is it? La Cañita is a Cuban restaurant from Michelle Bernstien in Bayside Marketplace, offering Caribbean and pan-Latin flavors with waterfront views.​

Why we love it: Yes, committing to an entire meal at Bayside Marketplace seems like a tall order. But La Cañita La Veinte is a reason to venture through the kitschy outdoor mall and dodge all the tourists. This Cuban restaurant from the team behind the Calle Ocho institution Café La Trova serves up a ropa vieja sandwich, super fresh shrimp ceviche, and, of course, traditional mojitos.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss indulgently gooey conch fritters, dusted with powdered cayenne sugar or the city’s (dare we say it) best arroz con pollo. 

Address: 401 Biscayne Blvd, 2nd Floor, Miami, FL 33132​

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–9pm; Fri, Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm​

Expect to pay: Around $30–$50 per person for an entree and a drink

What is it? A Greek restaurant housed along the Miami River, known for its waterfront dining and a party atmosphere.​

Why we love it: Enjoy a Greek feast on the dock at the handsome Kiki on the River, which—as the name so clearly states—is located along the Miami River. Arriving by boat? Order from Kiki’s Mediterranean menu and have it brought to you on board. Though a yacht isn’t necessary to enjoy the waterfront view: there’s no bad seat in the house.

Time Out tip: Saturdays are Bollywood nights, expect live performances and DJ sets. 

Address: 450 NW North River Dr, Miami, FL 33128​

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 5–11 pm; Wed 1pm–2am; Thu, Fri 1pm–2am; Sat, Sun 12:30pm–2am​

Expect to pay: Be prepared to spend some bucks with meals averaging at least $150 for some dishes and something bubbly

What is it? A waterfront American-themed restaurant and bar in Brickell, that features an impressive beer selection and plenty of TVs for watching the game.

Why we love it: Few restaurants can double as great sports bars and boozy brunch spots the way American Social does. This Fort Lauderdale import proves itself to be more than just a watering hole, thanks to its extensive list of craft beers and impressive menu, which features American classics like the barbecue brisket sandwich and some new favorites, such as the steak fried rice with kimchi and mojo rojo.

Time Out tip: Head to American Social any Wednesday for half priced bottles of wine, which pair perfectly with the water views. 

Address: 690 SW 1st Court, Miami, FL 33130​

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 11:30am–midnight; Thu, Fri 11:30am–2am; Sat 11am–2am; Sun 11am–midnight

Expect to pay: You’re going to be looking at $20–$40 per person for a meal with drinks.