Super 7: Miami's Restaurants with Ideal Waterfront Views
Your entree photo always looks better with turquoise water behind it
Lido Restaurant at the Surf Club
There is nothing quite like this Four Seasons property in Surfside. Magnificent ever since its re-opening nearly a decade ago, the historical and architecturally insane hotel and residence boasts two restaurants. One just so happens to have a terrace. And it’s most certainly worth the splurge for the view alone. Lido is the definition of ultimate elegance and as Euro as it gets. Yes, they have inside dining which is lovely for dinner. However, for the perfect lunch that’s elevated (think a whole Branzino that’s filleted table-side), all you need to do is book, request the terrace and stare at the Atlantic.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to order a martini, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. And perhaps an unpretentious celeb sighting, or two! @lidoatthesurfclub // 9011 Collins Ave.
Amara at Paraiso
Brought to you by none other James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, Amara is the go-to for both Edgewater locals and visitors who want to dine with a view of the open bay. The menu highlights standouts like spicy grilled prawns marinated with Fresno chile and a show-stopping seafood parrillada. On Sundays, brunch takes center stage, an all-day spread that fills much of the dining room, best enjoyed alongside Amara’s cocktails.
Pro Tip: The tostones with white-fish dip is nuts. And it’s on their happy hour menu, too! @amaraatparaiso // 3101 NE 7th Ave.
Ocean Grill at the Setai Miami Beach
Ocean Grill pairs gourmet cooking with an oceanfront setting rare for Miami Beach. Tucked behind the Setai, the restaurant sits right over the sand, serving dishes like wagyu beef carpaccio and truffle risotto against a backdrop of salty air and rolling waves. It’s a spot made for leisurely lunches with friends or a romantic dinner at sunset.
Pro Tip: Their carpaccio’s, oysters and Greek Salad is a must! @thesetaimiamibeach // 2001 Collins Ave.
Joia Beach
Joia is about as close to a beach club in the French Riviera as you’re getting in Miami, where boats anchor just off shore and take dinghy’s up to the beach. The vibe is a little more Miami, though, as views of the Med are replaced with views of the Venetian Causeway and downtown skyline. Still, the menu is a standout, with homemade greek spreads and fluffy pita bread leading into truffle French ravioli and pistachio herb lamb chops. Whatever you order, make sure to finish with the pistachio molten lava cake. You’ll still think about it weeks later.
Pro Tip: It’s summer. So no matter how inviting the beach is get a table under cover. Rain can come out of nowhere. @joiabeach // 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami
Bellini Restaurant at Mr. C Hotel
On the rooftop of Mr. C Hotel, hungry diners can stare off into the clouds or down at Biscayne Bay, sailboats and the city. Bellini’s design is pure modern Italian elegance, the kind of place you might expect to meet a mysterious stranger over, well, bellinis. The Italian menu is a standout in the crowded space, led by langoustine carpaccio, grass-fed beef milanese alla parmigiana, and the signature pappardelle alla Bellini.
Pro Tip: Their fish carpaccio takes you on a one-way flight to Positano. @belliniusa // 2988 McFarlane Rd.
Monty’s Raw Bar
Monty’s is Coconut Grove’s laid-back hangout, where locals and UM students crowd the tiki bar for draft beers and freshly shucked oysters. A happy hour staple, it keeps things simple with mozzarella sticks, fries and other easy bites, all served with warm breezes off Biscayne Bay. The view over the sailboats and marina captures the essence of old Miami’s fishing culture.
Pro Tip: The raw bar is where it’s at, especially for happy-hour. And they have live-music on the weekends. @montysrawbarcg // 2550 S. Bayshore Dr.
Gramp’s Getaway
Bethany’s favorite, this gem which is said to be closing courtesy of Miami’s greedy developers, check out GG’s. It’s set on the Rickenbacker Marina, and this bar and restaurant is a go-to for cold drinks after a long boat day. The food, though, holds its own as one of Miami’s best even without the views. Sip a craft cocktail while taking in the skyline, then dig into chargrilled oysters or jerk chicken wings and linger past sunset.
Pro Tip: Get a side of the mojo aiolli and put it on literally everything .You can thank us later. @grampsgetaway // 3301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscanye