Olee Fowler

Let's cut straight to the chase—Miami features 84 miles of Atlantic coastline and endless waterways, yet finding a restaurant that serves both knockout views and decent food? Well, let’s just say it’s as rare as a cool Miami day in August. Sadly, at many places, the waterfront premium you pay often subsidizes mediocre meals while you ride on million-dollar backdrops.  After years of sampling waterside dining across Miami-Dade, from hidden fish shacks to fancy yacht hangouts, we've compiled the spots truly worth your time and money. Our criteria? Would the food impress even if served in a strip mall? Does the view actually enhance your dining experience rather than justify the markup? We've eaten countless disappointing $30 Caesar salads beside beautiful waters so you don't have to. Below, the best waterfront restaurants in Miami. April 2025: This recent update welcomes three favorites to the waterfront dining scene: newcomer Yaya Coastal Cuisine in North Miami with its Mediterranean fare, Casa Neos, which brings chic crowds and unique flavors, and Avra Miami in Sunny Isles, where Greek classics meet Atlantic views. RECOMMENDED: The best waterfront bars in Miami How we curate and review at Time Out

Love sparks differently in Miami. We get to enjoy candlelit dinners at waterfront restaurants and steamy nights under the stars year round. But there are more romantic things to do in Miami beyond the expected dinner-and-drinks routine (though we found plenty of those, too). We searched this city's hidden corners and rooftops for dates that mix classic romance with Miami's sizzle—think natural wine tastings, figure drawing sessions celebrating the human form, and moments under the moonlight. Each spot on our list lets you lean in closer, share suggestive glances, and discover fresh spins on romance in the Magic City. RECOMMENDED: The most romantic restaurants in Miami

Looking for dinner plans that will impress? We've dined across the city to find restaurants that deliver knockout food and the perfect mood. From snug wine bars to grand waterfront dining rooms and Michelin-rated spots, the most romantic restaurants in Miami suit any occasion—whether you're grabbing a casual weeknight bite or planning something special. Our picks range from $30 neighborhood gems to $300 tasting menus, each bringing its own brand of romance to the table.  RECOMMENDED: The best date ideas in MiamiRECOMMENDED: The best romantic hotels in Miami

This North Miami waterfront gem opened in 2024, and if you ask local seafood aficionados, it's quickly becoming essential dining. Started by hospitality veteran Angel Febres with executive chef Todd Zimmer at the helm, Yaya welcomes guests with floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral-toned decor. The dining room stays consistently busy, with many locals creating an energetic yet sophisticated vibe. The Mediterranean-coastal menu hits several high notes. The chargrilled oysters with scampi butter are an immediate winner, while the flaming saganaki offers tableside drama that actually delivers on flavor. For mains, the Spanish dorade with fennel and watercress showcases the kitchen's strongest skill—knowing when to let excellent ingredients speak for themselves. The swordfish Milanesa topped with a sunny-side egg adds a clever richness to the dish.  The cocktail program punches well above its weight, with drinks that sound bizarre on paper but are tasty in execution. The Medi Martini with olive oil-washed vodka and bell pepper juice has no business being as good as it is, while the Green Goddess offers a garden vibe that pairs perfectly with seafood. The vibe: A sleek, light-filled dining room with water views that somehow makes you forget you're in Miami while reminding you why people move here in the first place. The food: Upscale Mediterranean coastal cuisine that's at its best when simplicity guides the kitchen. The drink: Creative cocktails that prioritize balance over Instag

This Edgewater waterfront gem from James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz debuted in 2018, and occupies a prime stretch of Biscayne Bay with a design that frames the water through floor-to-ceiling windows and a breezy, palm-fringed terrace. The restaurant feels both polished and relaxed—concrete floors, wood-beam ceilings, and tropical greenery create a space that's distinctly Miami without becoming a cliche. Schwartz's Latin American-inspired coastal menu draws heavily from open-fire cooking under the guidance of Executive Chef Gastón Yelicich. Start with the yuca cheese puffs (add truffle if you're feeling indulgent) or the standout tuna crudo with creamy avocado, lime and cilantro. The Paraiso Seafood Tower impresses with its bounty of Maine lobster, oysters, hamachi tiradito, and ceviche. For mains, the half chicken a la brasa with crispy smashed potatoes and aji verde shows what wood-fired cooking can achieve, while the fresh catch with garlic mashed yuca and chimichurri is perfect  The cocktail program boasts plenty of tropical flavors like the Calm Before the Coconut, served in an actual coconut, combines Brugal 1888 rum, cachaça, and pineapple in a photogenic yet genuinely balanced drink. The wine list explores South American producers, with particular strength in Argentinian and Chilean selections that pair well with the menu's flame-cooked proteins. The vibe: A breezy indoor-outdoor space where Miami's natural beauty takes center stage. The food: Latin Amer

This Key Biscayne landmark has been serving up panoramic Miami skyline views since 1972, and if you ask locals, it remains one of the city's most beloved sunset dining experiences. Weathering both a devastating 1984 fire and a $7 million renovation in 2011, the Rusty Pelican has evolved from casual waterfront spot to polished special-occasion restaurant without losing its charm. The restaurant welcomes guests with floor-to-ceiling windows and an updated modern interior that (smartly so) keeps the focus on those million-dollar Biscayne Bay views. In terms of food, the seafood-forward menu balances crowd-pleasers with more unique offerings. The show-stopping Pink Brick presentation features filet mignon scorched tableside on a bright pink salt block with black truffle butter and chimichurri—pure theatrics that actually is delicious as it is fun to eat. The Rusty Pelican Board for Two presents a meal worthy of the view: crispy whole local snapper, lobster and shrimp risotto, New York Strip Reserve, and smoked sweet plantain mash. For serious indulgence, don't miss the Caviar & Truffle Baked Potato, a spud loaded with truffle mash, two types of caviar, and vodka crème fraîche. The drinks lean into tropical flavors without veering into tourist-trap territory. The Maracuya with Absolut vodka, passion fruit, purple basil and tarragon offers an updated take on vacation vibes, while classics like the Old Cuban (a take on a mojito with aged rum and prosecco) are perfect to sip while ta