Super 7: Best Seafood Restaurants in Miami
From historic riverfront docks to "f*cking fancy" oyster bars, here is where to find the freshest catch in the 305
Black Point Ocean Grill
This South Dade spot has been a local favorite for 20 years, and it really feels like a Keys getaway without the three-hour drive. Black Point’s open-air setup right on the marina means you can watch boats tie up just steps from your table while you eat. They use a charcoal-fired grill that gives their snapper and grouper a distinct smoky flavor you don’t find at most places. Beyond the standard seafood fare, the menu has a solid Latin lean with things like shrimp tostones and yucca fries.
Pro Tip: Show up on Sunday afternoon to watch the boaters try to park after a day on the water. It’s pretty comical to say the least. @blackpointgrill // 24775 SW 87th Ave., Cutler Bay
Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market
Eating at Garcia’s is a total Miami rite of passage - honestly, you’re practically not a local until you’ve sat on this patio. It’s a family-owned gem on the Miami River that has stayed laid-back even as flashy “clubstaurants” take over the neighborhood. Since they have their own fishing boats, the catch of the day is as fresh as it gets. You’ll see a massive seafood counter right when you walk in, which doubles as a market if you want to take something home.
Pro Tip: Always check the chalkboard for the daily specials before you look at the regular menu. @garciasseafood // 398 NW North River Dr., Miami
Joe’s Stone Crab
Fun fact - this legendary institution is the first to ever serve stone crabs (I wonder what was going through the mind of that person who tried them first, but that’s a story for a different day). While the tuxedoed service and busy dining room feel very formal, the experience is iconic for a reason. Most people come to Joe’s for the stone crab claws served with that iconic mustard sauce and hash browns, but what most people don’t realize is the true range the menu actually has. You’ll find a massive raw bar featuring East Coast oysters and jumbo shrimp cocktail, alongside options like miso-marinated Chilean sea bass, ginger salmon, and jumbo lump crab cakes.
Pro Tip: Skip the massive wait at the main restaurant and hit Joe’s Takeaway next door. You get the same claws and the same sauce without the three-hour line. @joesstonecrab // 11 Washington Ave., South Beach
Klaw
Klaw is where I go when I want to impress someone, especially if they’re the ones picking up the tab. Klaw is housed in the historic Women’s Club building in Edgewater and the space is just stunning. They have custom tanks for the king crab, which is served whole and then expertly shelled tableside so you don’t have to do the work. It’s easily the best king crab I’ve found in the city.
Pro Tip: Head to the rooftop terrace for a drink at sunset to catch the bay views before you go downstairs for the main event. @klawrestaurant // 1737 N Bayshore Dr., Edgewater
La Camaronera
What started as a simple standing-room counter has been a Little Havana staple for nearly 50 years. You’re here for the pan con minuta, a fried snapper sandwich served with the tail still on that is still a rockstar dish decades later. La Camaronera also turns out great grouper soup and shrimp burritos if you want to branch out. It’s a no-frills spot that proves you don’t need a white tablecloth for great seafood.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for seasonal specials like stone crabs or whole fried fish that aren’t on the permanent menu. @lacamaronera // 1952 W Flagler St., Miami
Mignonette
I have been a fan of Mignonette since it opened nearly 12 (!!) years ago. Chef Danny Serfer is one of the best in the city and this restaurant is a testament to that. The industrial chic, “f*cking fancy” seafood spot is perfect for a date night or catching up with friends. Seafood is the star here, so start with the kaluga caviar service or chargrilled oysters. You can move on to a lobster roll or lobster deviled eggs if you are feeling, well, fancy. For entrees, there is a wide swath of fish available in a variety of preparations.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the sides! You can literally make a whole meal out of them with things like cheesy polenta or roasted cauliflower. @mignonettemia // 211 NE 18th St., Edgewater
River Oyster Bar
Grilled seafood and oysters flown in from all over the country are staples at this Brickell top spot. The River’s menu includes inventive dishes such as yellowtail snapper filet served Chinese style and Glory Bay King salmon with fried brown crab rice. Their daily happy hour has been as popular as the restaurant since its inception in 2003. Nothing is better than a weekend happy hour special, in my humble opinion.
Pro Tip: Do not miss the gnocchi. It features jumbo lump crab and black winter truffle in a parmesan cream. This dish is so popular that the chef says locals would hunt him down if he ever took it off the menu. @riveroysterbar // 33 SE 7th St., Brickell