Miami, a city where the sun shines bright, the drinks flow cold and the food is hot as hell. It’s a place where you can dine under the stars and feel the warmth on your skin, the perfect temperature for al fresco dining. The weather here is always something to behold, but right now it’s hitting that sweet spot, where the heat is just right and the humidity is bearable. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal in the open air, surrounded by the sounds and smells of this vibrant city.
Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch with friends or a romantic dinner for two, Miami is the perfect place to indulge in all your culinary desires. So, grab a cold drink, a delicious meal and enjoy the beauty of Miami’s weather.
Best Outdoor Dining in Miami
Sadelle
Founded by Major Food Group, Sadelle’s is the enduringly popular institution that originated in New York and touched down in the heart of Coconut Grove in 2021 at the coveted intersection of Tigertail and Mary Streets. With ample outdoor space surrounded by rich greenery, the bright and lively Coconut Grove outpost is one of Miami’s best outdoor brunch spots. The concept is a combination of everyone’s favorite breakfast-centric haven and power-lunch hotspot, equipped with show-stopping bagel towers, meticulously chopped salads, sliced-to-order salmon, triple-decker sandwiches, and vibrant, refined style of dining the brand is famous for. Sadelle’s is open for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch.
Contessa Miami
The famed northern Italian-inspired concept, Contessa Miami, is a classic yet thoroughly contemporary dining destination by Major Food Group. Serving as Miami Design District’s newest neighborhood cornerstone, Contessa presents an elegantly lush outdoor ambience and offers the finest meats, antipasti, signature pizzas, and an extensive in-house gelato program. Both the first and second floor outdoor terraces encourage guests to stay beyond the confines of its lunch, Aperitivo and dinner as each table is situated at the intersection of all the art, culture and fashion that Miami Design District has to offer. If you’re looking for the best spot for people watching over an aperol spritz and spicy lobster capellini, look no further! Contessa Miami is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
Pura Vida
Pura Vida is South Florida’s iconic all-day cafe founded by husband-wife team, Omer and Jennifer Horev. The health-focused eatery provides an extensive menu featuring a range of raw, organic acai bowls, freshly squeezed juices, superfood smoothies, fresh salads, wraps, bowls and more. The bright and airy outdoor patios, lined with the brand’s signature blue umbrellas, coincide with the brand’s tropical, breezy aesthetic and exude a sense of casual comfort fit for a leisurely meal at any time of the day. Pura Vida is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between!
Bayshore Club
Bayshore Club is Coconut Grove’s newest waterfront dining destination that offers sweeping views of Biscayne Bay accompanied by an extensive menu. With three levels of “stadium-style” seating, all guests can enjoy the best seat in the house while enjoying seafood fare like the iconic Island Conch Fritters and “Yankee Style” Lobster Roll.
Aba
The latest addition to the Bal Harbour Shops, Aba, features an expansive ground-floor outdoor patio that blurs the line between outside and in. For a more intimate al fresco experience, Aba also has a second-floor mezzanine with additional seating and a bar.
The Key Club
Experience the bustling and scenic Coconut Grove neighborhood all from the lush and modern outdoor seating at The Key Club. Being one of David Grutman’s newest eateries to enter South Florida, it’s no surprise that a good time is guaranteed, no matter where you’re seated. Dine along The Key Club’s outdoor patio with refreshing cocktails, upscale American bites, and the gentle yet refreshing breeze from the Biscayne Bay.
Glass & Vine
Centered in Peacock Park, Glass & Vine offers guests a lush escape – day and night. With a dining room entirely outdoors, guests can bask in Miami’s cooler weather from any area in the restaurant.
Makoto
Nestled within the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops, Makoto offers chic and tasteful dining no matter where you decide to sit. Featured outside is the expanded al fresco terrace and bar, an exclusive sushi counter that seats 16. This is a more feminine experience of Japanese dining, one where the atmosphere and the experience of taste cohesively go hand in hand. And not to mention, this Miami staple serves up some of the most high quality cuts of fish, creating its expansive sushi, sashimi and omakase menu.
Stiltsville Fish Bar
Get a taste of the Keys, watch the boats come in from the harbor and take in the fresh air at Stiltsville Fish Bar. With an intimate outdoor patio, Stiltsville captures guests with its laid-back feel, resort-style cocktails and fresh coastal cuisine. Indulge in favorites al fresco like the Buffalo Fish Wings and stone crab with season right around the corner.
Le Zoo
Le Zoo, the stylish French brasserie located on the first floor of the Bal Harbour Shops, is known for transporting diners to Europe. The restaurant radiates inspiration from the sidewalk cafes of Paris and the shores of St. Tropez combined with Old World decor — Dining on the lush palm tree-covered patio is the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors and indulge in the bright and fresh flavors of the Mediterranean.
Osaka Nikkei Miami
Located in the heart of Brickell, Osaka Nikkei Miami offers guests the chance to indulge in a variety of raw, cooked, cold, hot, seafood and meat dishes, such as popular ceviches, tiraditos, Peruvian Izakaya dishes and more. For those looking to dine alfresco, while overlooking Brickell Bay Drive, can reserve a spot at the restaurant’s outdoor terrace surrounded by greenery
Bakan Wynwood
Located in the heart of Wynwood, Bakan is an indoor and outdoor restaurant that transports guests to Mexico with each bite. Upon entering, guests are met with a cacti-lined outdoor bar and terrace covered with inverted wood pyramid canopies and other Mexican-inspired decor such as natural modern tables and illuminated hanging basket fixtures.
Rusty Pelican Miami
For dazzling outdoor dining, look no further than Rusty Pelican. Famous for its sparkling views of the Miami skyline, top-notch service, glamorous decor, contemporary American cuisine, fresh locally sourced seafood and handcrafted cocktails developed by master mixologists, the Rusty Pelican has become the epicenter of the city since its inception in 1976.
American Social Bar & Kitchen
Brickell’s waterfront dining destination, American Social, offers sweeping views of the Miami River on its 3,000+ sq ft patio with ample seating with covered areas, perfect for rain or shine. Take in the views of yachts and party boats passing by while mixing and mingling with an endless selection of elevated American cuisine, craft beers, self-serving beer tap tables and curated cocktails.
Avra Miami
Transport to the islands of Greece with Avra Miami’s unforgettable views of the Atlantic Ocean and fresh Greek cuisine. Located in Sunny Isles at the Acqualina Estates, the restaurant oozes luxury with its waterfront views and elegant tones. With fresh fish flown in from the mediterranean daily- this is a must try. Indulge in rich flavors like the Chilean Sea Bass Plaki or their iconic Lobster Pasta with whole maine lobster. Top the night off with a stroll on the beach while sipping on transformative cocktails like Mykonos Breeze with notes of passion fruit.
Fabel Miami
Fabel Miami, located in the heart of Wynwood, offers a unique dining experience that stimulates the five senses. With the warm Miami breeze and unique melodic beats in the background – it’s easy to forget you’re in Miami and not at a beach club in the mediterranean. Their 44oz Allen Bros. Porterhouse with roasted garlic and blue fenugreek adijka and whole Heritage Roasted Chicken with taouk spice and iranian oregano are sure to spice up your night, along with unique drinks like the Tumeric Aguardiente with mezcal and mango puree, or the Italicus Summer with reposado tequila and mediterranean tonic.
ADDiKT Modern Kitchen
ADDiKT, located on the 15th floor of W Miami, boasts a stunning skyline view of Downtown and Biscayne Bay. For a casual elegant dining experience and a 360 degree view of Miami, ADDiKT is a top of the line restaurant experience. Executive Chef Juan Rivera has curated a diverse menu for guests to experience innovative American and International cuisine, drawing inspiration from across the globe. ADDiKT’s rooftop terrace is the perfect spot for an outdoor brunch with Biscayne bay as the backdrop to all your Instagram stories.
