The best waterfront restaurants in Miami to dine with a view

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 braised lamb shoulder. Its decadent Sunday brunch with multiple stations and an all-you-can-drink beverage program is one of the best options in the city, especially if the weather is nice.

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? 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 4–10pm; Fri–Sat 4–11pm; Sun 11am–3pm, 4–10pm

​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 9am–2pm, noon–10pm; Fri–Sun 11am–11pm

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

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

Why we love it: The dining room buzzes with locals drawn to refined yet approachable dishes like flaming saganaki, spiced whole roasted cauliflower, 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? 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 $108 a person and featuring plenty of food stations and caviar upon arrival. Upgrade to the $158 package for unlimited bubbles.

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

Opening hours: Mon–Wed noon–3pm, 6–11pm; Thu–Fri noon–3pm, 6–11:30pm; Sat noon–4pm, 6–11:30pm; Sun 11:30am–4pm, 6–11pm

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? 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? 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 remains one of the most breathtaking in the city—think Vizcaya-meets-modern-Riviera. But the food has leveled up under its new chef, Craig Giunta. While the dinner menu focuses on seasonal Italian dishes, the Saturday lunch is the new hidden gem. You can find high-low hits like a Wagyu skirt steak & eggs  and a 48-hour roasted porchetta sandwich that is easily one of the best bites in Edgewater.

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the location—you can dock your boat directly at the restaurant, and even reserve your slip in advance. 

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

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 6–10pm; Thu 6–11pm; Fri 6pm–midnight; Sat noon–5pm, 6pm–midnight; Sun 6–10pm

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

What is it? Ocean Social is the waterfront restaurant at the Eden Roc hotel, focusing on a fire-to-table menu that highlights local Florida producers and wood-fired techniques.

Why we love it: The kitchen has leaned into its wood-fired oven for a menu that balances coastal dishes with big, bold, charred-grilled flavors. The avocado pizza is a standout, topping a charred pizza crust with jalapeño ricotta, sliced avocado, and a touch of agave syrup for a sweet-and-spicy finish. Other popular choices include the truffle-heavy pasta alla norcina with Italian sausage and the house-smoked wings. The setting remains one of Mid-Beach’s best for direct ocean views without the chaotic club energy typically found further south.

Time Out tip: The focaccia bread service is a necessary addition to any table for the house-made cultured butters. If you are visiting for lunch, the house-braised beef birria quesadilla is a reliable choice.

Address: 4525 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Opening hours: Daily 7:30–11am; 11:30am–9pm

Expect to pay: Roughly $100 to $145 per person for a full dinner, including an appetizer and a cocktail.

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–midnight; Sat 10am–midnight; 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? 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 steakhouse—founded in New York in 1977—offers one of the best views in the city. Since its major renovation, the star of the show is the second-story Overlook Deck, which provides an elevated vantage point to watch the ships pass while you tuck into 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 $150 to $ 200 per person for a full experience, including a signature steak, a side, and a glass of wine.

What is it? An upscale Italian restaurant by way of NYC, located within the Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles Beach, offering oceanfront fine dining with a focus on classic Italian cuisine, newly renovated in 2026.

Why we love it: Il Mulino's original Greenwich Village location opened in 1981, and the Sunny Isles outpost has been holding it down at Acqualina since 2006. After a full renovation this winter, the dining room finally matches the food, with vintage glassware, orange bow-tied servers, and a menu of classics that have earned their place over four decades. The patio around the back boasts serene ocean views and remains one of the better seats in Sunny Isles.

Time Out tip: The ravioli ai porcini in champagne truffle cream is the move. It's been on the menu for 20 years for a reason.

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

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–11pm ​

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

What is it? Lido Bayside Grill is a Mediterranean-focused restaurant within The Standard Spa. It offers a chic coastal menu with plenty of fresh seafood and a side of stunning Biscayne Bay views. 

Why we love it: The buzzy outdoor spot has traded its casual American fare for sophisticated Mediterranean dishes as of late. Highlights include the Swordfish Milanese with caviar and the seafood paella with black squid ink aioli. Plus, the setting remains one of the most magical in the city.

Time Out tip: Arrive by boat for the ultimate entrance, but be ready for the $100 docking fee. If you're looking for value, the High Tides Happy Hour (Mon–Thu, 4–6pm) offers $2 shrimp and $3 oysters.

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

Opening hours: Daily 7am–midnight ​

Expect to pay: Roughly $115 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: Gabbiano offers an elegant dining experience with dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara and risotto with porcini mushrooms. The service is traditional, white-tablecloth, and the views of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay are exceptional. It remains the city's top destination for old-school, high-end Italian service.

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–Thu noon–11:30pm; Fri noon–midnight; Sat 3pm–midnight

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

What is it? Modern, open-to-the-public restaurant on Pérez Art Museum Miami's terrace that offers views of Biscayne Bay. Under the direction of Executive Chef Valeri Fuentes, the kitchen focuses on a menu where dishes are directly inspired by the rotating exhibitions inside the museum.

Why we love it: Verde serves as a popular waterfront outpost where the food is closely tied to the art. The menu features plates like the Raspado Ceviche, which uses passion fruit leche de tigre shaved ice, and the Love Letter Empanadas filled with chorizo and sweet plantain. Diners can scan QR codes on the menu to see the specific artworks that influenced dishes like the Chromosaturation Salmon. 

Time Out tip: Visit during "Thursdays at PAMM" when the museum and restaurant stay open late. The restaurant hosts a happy hour on the terrace from 5pm to 8pm with drink specials and live music.

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? A sophisticated coastal Italian and Greek restaurant with waterfront issues located at River Landing. Elia offers a more serene and refined alternative to the louder, club-heavy spots found further east on the Miami River.

Why we love it: The food focuses on well-executed staples like charred octopus with salmoriglio, Australian lamb chops, and a truffle royale pizza topped with caramelized pear. It’s a great choice for a sunset dinner where the focus is on the conversation and the passing yachts rather than a see-and-be-scene crowd. The pasta program is surprisingly strong for a riverfront spot, especially the spicy rigatoni with Calabrian vodka pomodoro.

Time Out tip: Visit for the weekday lunch special if you want to experience the river views without the evening crowds. It’s one of the best-value ways to see this part of the waterway.

Address: 1400 NW North River Dr, Miami, FL 33125 

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

Expect to pay: Roughly $75 to $120 per person for a main course and a glass of wine.

What is it? A Cuban and Caribbean restaurant from Michelle Bernstein in Bayside Marketplace, offering Cuban flavors with waterfront views of the cruise port.

Why we love it: While Bayside Marketplace is often avoided by locals, La Cañita is a pretty good reason to visit. This restaurant and bar from the Café La Trova team delivers consistent Cuban classics like the ropa vieja sandwich and fresh shrimp ceviche. The daily live music and views of the water provide a high-energy backdrop that works well for a casual meal away from the typical tourist traps in the mall.

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 11am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: Around $45 to $80 per person for a main course and a mojito.

What is it? Part restaurant, part Greek-themed club. It’s where you go when you want your Octopus served with a side of sparklers, napkin-throwing, and a DJ set. 

Why we love it: You aren't just paying for the food; you’re paying for the 150-foot dock and the river breeze. That said, Chef Steve Rhee’s Lamb Chops and the tableside branzino are genuinely good, even if you can barely hear your dining companions. If you're with a group, the "Kiki's Greatest Hits" platter (4-person minimum) is the most efficient way to sample the menu while the party rages on around you.

Time Out tip: If you are looking for a slightly more low-key dining experience, consider a Tuesday or Wednesday evening before the late-night party begins.

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 has shifted toward more refined dishes in the past few years, including the social smash burger with fontina and caramelized onions and the steak fried rice featuring kimchi and mojo rojo. The bar boasts an extensive list of local and craft beers, with a strong selection of Florida-based IPAs. Its popular Wednesday night specials remain, offering half-priced bottles of wine all day, which pairs well with the outdoor lounge seating.

Time Out tip: For the best experience, head to the outdoor terrace during happy hour to grab a seat by the water before the Brickell after-work crowd arrives.

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

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 11am–midnight; Thu 11am–1am; Fri 11am–2am; Sat 10:30am–2am; Sun 10:30am–midnight

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