Unearth The Voyage
Miami is famous for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and amazing food scene. When you combine ocean views with delicious meals, you get an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you want fresh seafood, fancy steaks, or tropical cocktails, Miami’s beachside restaurants offer something special for everyone. Get ready to explore the best spots where the sand meets incredible flavors.
1. Ocean Social at Eden Roc (Miami Beach)
Right on the Miami Beach boardwalk, this spot delivers everything you could want from an oceanfront meal. The views stretch endlessly across the Atlantic, making every sunset feel like a private show just for you.
The menu focuses on coastal flavors with an upscale twist, from fresh catches to creative small plates. Cocktails here are crafted with care, designed to match the breezy, sophisticated atmosphere.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to enjoy great food with your toes practically in the sand, this place nails the Miami vibe. Reservations are smart, especially for weekend evenings when everyone wants that golden-hour table.
2. DiLido Beach Bar (Ritz-Carlton, South Beach)
Palm trees sway overhead while you sink your feet into the sand at this casual oceanfront lounge. Steps from the water, it’s the kind of spot where flip-flops are perfectly acceptable and the vibe stays relaxed all day long.
Run by the José Andrés Group, the menu features tasty bites that go perfectly with a cold drink and ocean breeze. Think shareable plates, fresh ingredients, and flavors that feel both beachy and refined.
Families love it during the day, while couples find it romantic as the sun dips low. The Ritz-Carlton setting means service is top-notch, but the atmosphere stays wonderfully laid-back and welcoming.
3. Ocean Grill at The Setai (South Beach)
Just off the sand sits this open-air gem that brings Mediterranean flavors to Miami’s shoreline. The expanded beachfront deck means you’re dining practically on the beach, with waves providing the soundtrack.
Grilled specialties dominate the menu, showcasing fresh fish, premium meats, and seasonal vegetables kissed by flame. Every dish feels light yet satisfying, perfect for warm weather dining.
The Setai’s reputation for luxury extends here, but the atmosphere remains approachable and focused on simple, beautiful food. Lunch or dinner, the ocean backdrop makes every meal memorable, and the service team knows how to make guests feel genuinely special.
4. Nikki Beach (South of Fifth)
At 1 Ocean Drive, this iconic spot has been the heart of Miami’s beach scene for years. Daybeds dot the sand, music fills the air, and the energy stays high from morning through sunset.
The full dining menu goes way beyond typical beach club fare, offering everything from fresh salads to hearty entrees. You can lounge, eat, drink, and dance without ever leaving your spot in the sand.
Weekends bring a party vibe with DJs and crowds dressed to impress, while weekdays feel more chill and perfect for soaking up the South Beach lifestyle. It’s where locals and tourists mix, creating that signature Miami magic everyone talks about.
5. Smith & Wollensky – Miami Beach (South Pointe Park)
Positioned at the very tip of Miami Beach, this classic steakhouse offers something rare: views of both the ocean and the ship channel. Watching massive cruise ships glide past while you cut into a perfectly cooked steak is a uniquely Miami experience.
The outdoor deck is huge, letting you dine al fresco with sea breezes and water views on all sides. The menu sticks to steakhouse classics done exceptionally well, from thick cuts of beef to fresh seafood towers.
It’s ideal for special occasions or when you want something more substantial than light beachy fare. The setting feels grand but never stuffy, and sunset here is absolutely spectacular.
6. Watr at the 1 Rooftop (1 Hotel South Beach)
Eighteen floors above South Beach, panoramic Atlantic views stretch endlessly in every direction. This isn’t dining at the beach; it’s dining above it, with a bird’s-eye perspective that makes every moment feel cinematic.
The Japanese-influenced menu brings unexpected flavors to the rooftop scene, with sushi, robata grills, and creative cocktails. Everything tastes fresh and inventive, matching the modern, scene-y atmosphere.
Sunset here is an event, drawing stylish crowds who come as much for the vibe as the food. Dress code leans upscale-casual, and reservations are essential if you want one of those coveted window tables where the ocean seems to go on forever.
7. Tala Beach (1 Hotel South Beach)
Within 1 Hotel’s sprawling oceanside grounds, this beachside spot captures that effortless Miami cool. Open-air design means you’re always connected to the ocean breeze and the sound of waves rolling in.
The restaurant and lounge blend seamlessly, so you can start with drinks and transition to dinner without ever leaving your comfortable seat. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared simply to let natural flavors shine.
It’s popular with hotel guests but also attracts locals who appreciate the relaxed yet polished atmosphere. Whether you grab a table for lunch or settle in for an evening under the stars, the beachside setting makes everything taste better.
8. The Strand at Carillon Miami (North Beach)
Located at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, this oceanfront restaurant takes a healthier approach to beachside dining. The dining room and terrace both offer gorgeous Atlantic views, but the focus here extends beyond just beautiful scenery.
Menus emphasize fresh, wholesome ingredients without sacrificing flavor or creativity. You’ll find dishes that nourish your body while still feeling indulgent and delicious, perfectly aligned with the resort’s wellness philosophy.
The atmosphere stays calm and sophisticated, attracting guests who want something more mindful than typical beach fare. North Beach’s quieter vibe means fewer crowds and a more peaceful dining experience, making it a hidden gem worth the short trip up the coast.
9. A Fish Called Avalon (Ocean Drive)
This South Beach classic sits right on Ocean Drive with a sidewalk terrace facing Lummus Park and the beach beyond. The location captures that quintessential South Beach energy, where people-watching is half the fun.
Seafood dominates the menu, prepared with Mediterranean and Caribbean influences that feel right at home in Miami. Fresh catches arrive daily, and the kitchen knows how to treat them with respect and flavor.
The atmosphere buzzes with activity, especially during peak tourist season when Ocean Drive comes alive. Locals still frequent it too, which tells you something about the consistent quality and that unbeatable beachfront position that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit.
10. Monty’s Sunset (Miami Beach Marina)
Over at Miami Beach Marina, this laid-back favorite has been packing in crowds for years. The draw? Fresh seafood, a fantastic raw bar, live music most nights, and sunsets that paint the sky in impossible colors.
The vibe stays casual and fun, where families, friends, and couples all feel equally at home. You can show up in beach clothes, grab a table on the deck, and watch boats bobbing in the marina while you crack into stone crab or peel shrimp.
Live music adds to the festive atmosphere without overwhelming conversation. It’s the kind of place where one drink turns into dinner, and dinner stretches into a whole evening of good times by the water.
11. Joia Beach (Watson Island/Jungle Island)
On Watson Island sits this upscale restaurant and beach club on its own sandy cove. The setting alone is worth the visit: skyline views across the bay, crystal-clear water lapping at the shore, and a sophisticated atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming.
Reservations are strongly recommended because this spot has become incredibly popular. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes with tropical touches, and the cocktail program is creative and refreshing.
You can spend the entire day here, moving from beach lounging to lunch to sunset drinks without missing a beat. It’s where Miami’s beautiful people come to see and be seen, but the food and setting hold up beyond the social scene.
12. Amara at Paraiso (Edgewater)
Chef Michael Schwartz brings his celebrated touch to this bayside terrace in Edgewater. Sitting right on Biscayne Bay, the restaurant captures those quintessential Miami waterfront vibes everyone craves, with views that shift beautifully from day to night.
The menu showcases Schwartz’s commitment to local ingredients and bold, honest flavors. Every dish feels thoughtfully crafted, from appetizers to desserts, with a focus on letting quality ingredients speak for themselves.
The terrace is the place to be, especially during golden hour when the light bounces off the water. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, and the whole experience feels polished yet approachable, exactly what you’d expect from one of Miami’s most respected chefs.
13. Baia Beach Club (Mondrian South Beach)
At the Mondrian South Beach, this chic spot brings boho vibes to waterfront dining on Biscayne Bay. Multiple outdoor spaces mean you can choose your scene, from intimate tables to loungy areas perfect for lingering over drinks.
The design mixes bohemian touches with Miami glamour, creating an atmosphere that feels both relaxed and special. Mediterranean flavors anchor the menu, with sharing plates that encourage a social, leisurely dining style.
Bay views provide a calmer alternative to the Atlantic-facing restaurants, with gentler waters and beautiful reflections at sunset. The crowd tends toward stylish and social, making it a great spot for date nights or catching up with friends over excellent food and even better scenery.
14. Rusty Pelican (Key Biscayne)
When people talk about Miami’s most famous sunset views, Rusty Pelican always comes up. From Key Biscayne, the entire downtown skyline spreads before you across Biscayne Bay, and watching the sun sink behind those buildings is pure magic.
The seafood-focused menu has been pleasing diners for decades, with classics prepared well and a commitment to freshness. It’s special-occasion dining without being overly formal, striking that perfect balance many restaurants struggle to achieve.
Locals bring out-of-town visitors here to show off Miami at its best, and the restaurant never disappoints. Timing your reservation for sunset is key, so plan ahead and arrive ready to be wowed by one of the city’s most iconic views.
15. Lido Bayside Grill (The Standard Spa, Miami Beach)
Loved by locals who know where to find the best waterfront dining without the tourist crowds, this relaxed spot sits on Belle Isle offering all-day bayside dining. The Standard Spa’s chill, wellness-focused vibe extends here, creating an atmosphere that feels genuinely Miami.
The menu covers breakfast through dinner with fresh, flavorful options that lean healthier without sacrificing taste. You can linger over brunch, grab a casual lunch, or settle in for dinner as the bay glows in the fading light.
It’s the kind of neighborhood gem that makes you feel like an insider, where the staff remembers your name and the views never stop impressing. Perfect for escaping the South Beach scene while still enjoying beautiful waterfront dining.
