Ah, Miami, the sun-kissed city by the sea. And what better way to enjoy all that the city has to offer than by dining by the water? From the glitzy oceanside restaurants in South Beach to the laid-back seafood shacks along the Miami River, there’s something for every taste and budget. So, pack a picnic basket, grab your sunscreen, and let’s head out to enjoy some of the best waterfront dining in Miami.

 

The Deck at Island Gardens

There’s no better way to show social media that you’re spending Spring Break 2023 in Miami than visiting The Deck at Island Gardens, Miami’s most treasured waterfront restaurant. This unparalleled setting for waterfront dining offers late-night vibes to match the mega views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. From a Sunday brunch buffet to a weekday Sunset RSVP happy hour, private cabana service, special events and more, guests can dine and dance the day – or night – away at this signature Miami hot spot. The menu features eats from the land and sea with European inspiration blended beautifully with global flavors.

Casa Sensei

Whether you’re passing through Fort Lauderdale, making a day trip or choosing the SoFlo city as a Miami alternative, visitors must try a Spring Break meal at Casa Sensei. Voted “Best Asian Restaurant” by Fort Lauderdale Magazine in 2020, 2021 and 2022, Casa Sensei brilliantly blends traditional Latin American cuisine with Pan-Asian staples to create the best of both worlds. The fusion eatery presents a deliciously dynamic environment for an immersive dining experience in the restaurant’s elegant dining room, on the dog-friendly waterfront patio or via a scenic Riverfront Gondola Tour along the Himmarshee Canal – perfect for enjoying the fresh outdoors of Las Olas. Authentic comfort food dishes include favorites like the Korean BBQ Beef and Kimchi Fried Rice or tantalizing specialty dishes like the freshly fished Lobster Guacamole. The ornate sushi boats present a stunning visual to pair alongside any of the carefully crafted, Japanese spirit-infused cocktails. After an elegant meal where East meets West, guests can satisfy their sweet tooth with a complimentary cloud of cotton candy.

Drawing Room Sushi Pop-Up at Shelborne South Beach

Perfect for moments of relaxed luxury, The Drawing Room at Shelborne South Beach boasts the hotel’s legacy of sophistication. The locale’s new sushi pop-up serves traditional and contemporary sushi dishes, including raw, sashimi-style and tempura-fried rolls. Upon entry, guests are immediately welcomed into the restaurant’s speak-easy-style dining room featuring geometric statement chandeliers, eccentric zebra-print seating and wooden shelves stacked behind the bar. Just steps away, the bar’s lounge features walls lined with books and sexy red leather seating where guests can catch intimate musical performances.

Verde at PAMM

Located at Pérez Art Museum Miami, Verde offers sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and boasts an elevated menu of seasonal-inspired dishes with locally sourced produce. The modern-casual restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, featuring an expansive terrace with lush vegetation cascading from the canopy’s overhang. The patio, which leads to the entrance to the museum’s sculpture garden and Maurice A. Ferré park, is a scenic outdoor experience for diners looking to bask in the South Florida weather and immerse themselves in the city’s cultural offerings and views of Downtown Miami.

Kosushi Miami

After that post-beach nap, get dressed for a luxe night out in Miami Beach’s affluent South of Fifth neighborhood to eat at Kosushi Miami, known for its authentic yet contemporary take on traditional Japanese cuisine by five-time Michelin-starred Chef George Koshoji. For appetizers, guests can choose from small cold or hot dishes like the chilled King Crab Truffle and the steaming Wagyu Gyoza. Guests can watch their orders be delicately prepared at the interior’s centerpiece sushi bar, which sits below wooden Japanese carpentry. Kosushi also serves an exclusive cocktail selection created by the talented Brazilian mixologist Márcio Silva, featuring drinks like Shokobutsuen, with ginger-infused Roku Japanese gin, basil, cucumber and lemon, as well as a curated list of wine and sake showcasing flavor profiles for every palate.

Monty’s Raw Bar

For a more laid-back atmosphere, head over to Monty’s Raw Bar in Coconut Grove. This classic seafood shack has been a staple in the city for decades, serving up some of the freshest oysters, clams, and crab legs you’ll ever taste. Take a seat at one of the outdoor tables, kick off your shoes, and enjoy a cold beer and a basket of seafood as you watch the boats drift by. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

 

Zuma Miami

If you’re a fan of sushi, you won’t want to miss Zuma. The internationally acclaimed celebrity hotspot first launched into the American market with the opening of Zuma Miami in 2010 bringing Zuma’s signature style of contemporary Japanese izakaya dining, and promptly setting the stage for the Magic City’s extravagant culinary scene. The famed waterfront terrace, which overlooks the Miami River is the perfect place for a night out with friends.

 

In conclusion, Miami has no shortage of incredible waterfront dining options, from the fancy and upscale to the casual and laid-back. So, whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or just a casual lunch in the sun, there’s something for everyone in this sun-kissed city by the sea. So, grab a table, order a cold drink, and enjoy all that Miami has to offer.