11 Best Waterfront Restaurants in Miami You Can Reach by Boat

Miami is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America and a favorite spot for boat travelers from around the world. The city is famous for its brilliantly sunny weather and vibrant nightlife. However, its main highlight is the welcoming beaches with exquisite bars and restaurants that you can reach by boat or dock at during a water excursion.

1. Shuckers Waterfront Bar & Grill

Address: 1819 79th St. Causeway, Miami Beach

Located on Kennedy Road in North Bay Village, Miami Beach, this establishment has been serving hungry guests arriving by land and sea for 30 years. The restaurant provides docking for boats up to 65 feet long and even offers a menu where you can order, and a staff member will deliver it directly to the dock. However, to fully relax, it’s best to dine on the spacious terrace with a stunning view of Biscayne Bay. Shuckers is famous for its variety of fresh seafood as well as snacks like chicken wings and grilled vegetables.

2. Casadonna

Address: 1737 N Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132

Casadonna is a coastal Italian restaurant located on a cozy dock in Biscayne Bay. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or lively weekend brunch. Guests are served a comprehensive menu featuring:

• Traditional Italian dishes made from the freshest and finest local and imported ingredients;
• Signature culinary masterpieces by the chef and his team.

3. Rusty Pelican

Address: 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key

This cozy establishment, with windows overlooking the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay, is located on the Rickenbacker Causeway on the way to Key Biscayne. You can enjoy eclectic dishes at any time of the day, made from the freshest fish and seafood from this region, as well as from Latin America and the Caribbean.

4. Monty’s Raw Bar

Address: 2550 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove

A standout waterfront bar known for its vibrant atmosphere, live music, huge portions of fresh seafood, and excellent drinks—all the essentials of Miami living. It’s located on the shores of Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove. Be sure to try:

• Fresh oysters with sauces to suit every taste;
• Conch fritters;
• Signature shrimp popcorn.

5. Garcia’s Seafood Grille

Address: 398 NW N. River Drive, Miami River

An old local seafood market in Florida, located along the Miami River. You can buy the freshest fish, shrimp, crawfish, and shellfish here, and taste colorful Cuban dishes. Popular choices include:

• Red snapper baked using a special recipe;
• Seafood paella;
• Tostones rellenos (fried green plantains stuffed with spicy shrimp).

6. Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill

Address: 400 NW N. River Drive, Miami River

A chic grill-bar with a unique atmosphere and the most diverse seafood menu in Miami. The menu includes an impressive range of Peruvian-style raw fish appetizers—ceviche and tiradito—as well as traditional South Florida dishes like:

• Lobsters stuffed with crab;
• Coconut shrimp;
• Grilled octopus.

7. Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge

Address: 412 NW N River Drive, Miami River

A luxurious restaurant with incredible views of the waterfront and the Miami skyline. Regular customers recommend dining here in the open air. Start your meal with Wagyu beef tartare, seafood bouillabaisse, or Australian lamb cooked on hot volcanic stones. End with an impressive seafood platter featuring shrimp, fresh oysters, and Alaskan king crab.

8. Kiki on the River

Address: 450 NW North River Drive, Miami River

A riverside restaurant offering an exotic Greek menu and a romantic outdoor patio on a 150-foot dock. It perfectly captures the flavors and character of the Mediterranean. Popular menu items include:

• Kiki’s lemon fries with feta cheese;
• Pikilia (a seafood tower with Alaskan crab, Maine lobster, giant prawns, assorted oysters);
• Saganaki (salmon in a cheese crust);
• Grilled lobsters;
• Tuna tartare.

On Sundays, Kiki on the River hosts lively celebrations with champagne and napkin-twirling rituals that will keep you dancing all night to the beats of the local DJ.

9. Zuma Miami

Address: 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Downtown Miami

Considered one of the best open-air izakaya (restaurant-bar) spots in Miami, Zuma exudes a refined, minimalist Japanese atmosphere. The large menu tempts guests with authentic, yet sometimes non-traditional, Japanese dishes, using high-quality ingredients and bold, intense flavors. The restaurant also offers 80 types of sake. For dessert, you can enjoy coconut ice cream or a creamy yuzu sorbet.

10. Lido Bayside Grill at The Standard Spa

Address: 40 Island Avenue, Venetian Islands, South Beach

A true culinary oasis surrounded by the calm waters of Biscayne Bay, especially stunning at sunset. The menu offers a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes, including vegetarian options. Favorites include:

• The best fries;
• Crab cakes;
• Marinated mussels;
• Paella.

Sophisticated drinks are half price during “Happy Hour” from Monday to Thursday, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

11. Joia Beach

Address: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL

Joia Beach is the jewel of Miami, the most sophisticated restaurant in the city with a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the U.S. Its menu is crafted using classic cooking techniques combined with modern trends, featuring fresh seasonal ingredients and seafood. Popular menu items include:

• Yellowtail crudo;
• Grilled octopus;
• Beef or octopus carpaccio;
• Red-eye tuna tartare;
• Crispy lobster tails.

Be sure to visit all these Miami restaurants on multiple boat trips, as each experience promises to be vibrant and exciting!