Miami, a city pulsating with life, where the sun-drenched streets are as lively as its culinary scene. In this sprawling metropolis where the flavors of Latin America dance with the cool breeze off the ocean, outdoor dining isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience. I’m talking about Miami’s open-air eateries, where the sun kisses your skin and the flavors leave an indelible mark on your taste buds. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the city’s best outdoor dining spots that not only feed your belly but also nourish your soul.
Miami’s Best Outdoor Dining Experiences
Edgewater/Brickell
Casadonna
Casadonna is a Coastal Italian-inspired restaurant developed in partnership between Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality. Opened in October 2023, Casadonna is located in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood alongside Biscayne Bay with expansive al fresco dining areas and bar seating with waterfront views that span the length of the bay-facing terrace. The menu features the freshest local and imported-from-Italy ingredients, a comprehensive crudo bar, bespoke cocktails, and spritzes, and an extensively curated wine cellar to complete the spirit of seaside dolce vita. At Casadonna, guests can now dock and dine, from day to night, with any size vessel. To reserve a slip and arrive by boat, please contact Casadonna’s dock master at 786-869-0158 or marina@casadonnamiami.com.
The Rooftop By Klaw
On the 6th floor of the historic Miami Woman’s Club building lies Klaw’s mesmerizing and inviting outdoor rooftop oasis, the Rooftop by Klaw. Whether you’re in the mood for a luxe rooftop brunch, happy hour, a lively and elegant dinner scene or simply expansive breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and fresh air, the Rooftop by Klaw is the ultimate outdoor dining rooftop hotspot in the magic city.
Hutong
Located in the heart of Brickell, Hutong brings a fresh take on Chinese cuisine with its occasionally fiery Northern Chinese dishes, served in a chic space inspired by the vibrant Miami art scene combined with traditional Chinese design elements. Guests can sit and enjoy Al Fresco dining on the outdoor terrace decorated with greenery, cushioned seats and pillows, a covered awning, and a lively atmosphere – the perfect setting to indulge in the fresh flavors of Chinese cuisine.
American Social
The place to eat, drink and be social recently upgraded its waterfront patio overlooking the Miami river! Guests can unwind at the new outdoor seating area and bar featuring marble and bronze accents, chic furniture and new, elevated cocktail and food menus!
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. The menu offers guests an opportunity 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.
Wynwood/Design District
Pastis
Unique to the Miami location, Pastis features a spacious outdoor garden and courtyard where guests can enjoy the beautiful tropical weather in Miami year round. While dining al fresco, guests are surrounded by a stunning enclosed pergola that is wrapped in black locust tree vines, a feature inspired by McNally’s home in Martha’s Vineyard.
Mayami
Mayami, located in the heart of Wynwood, is both an indoor and outdoor restaurant and lounge, serving an elevated cuisine and uniquely crafted cocktails. Dine al fresco while you savor the bold flavors of their newest dishes, while experiencing a late-night party atmosphere with aerialists and fire dancers. Guests can enjoy the crisp Miami breeze while sitting outside and dining on delicious cuisine.
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 dining area covered with inverted wood pyramid canopies. The space is replete with Mexican-inspired decor such as illuminated hanging basket fixtures, natural modern tables and a mix of plush and rattan seating.
Swan
Located in the heart of Miami’s Design District, Swan is an indoor/ outdoor dining destination from hospitality mavens David Grutman and Pharrell Williams. Groot Hospitality opened Pharrell’s first restaurant in 2018. The menu features refined rustic cuisine and dynamic communal plates, offering something for everyone. Indulge in luxurious dishes like their Caviar Pasta or the Porterhouse for two, paired perfectly with their luxurious truffle fries. After dinner, continue the party at Swan Upstairs, a lounge with chic Moroccan decor and a Maghreb aesthetic that invites guests to dance the night away with local DJs, bottle service, and eclectic vibes.
Upper Buena Vista
Casa Vigil
World-renowned enologist, Alejandro Vigil, known as the “Messi of Wines” by MICHELIN Guide, is thrilled to make the U.S. debut in Miami of his famed Casa Vigil in the heart of Upper Buena Vista. The rustic upscale indoor/outdoor restaurant situated on two floors brings an enogastronomic experience to Miami with its Mediterranean and Argentinian-influenced menu designed to pair perfectly with its high-quality and unique wines.
Branja
Nestled in bohemian Upper Buena Vista, Branja offers an elevated outdoor dining experience where Chef Tom Aviv blends regional and global flavors to create a uniquely craveable Mediterranean menu. The covered outdoor courtyard, contained under a stunning stained glass roof, is filled with hand-crafted terrazzo tables and retro art vignettes that transport guests to 1970s Tel Aviv.
Coconut Grove
KoKo
Tucked away under Coconut Grove’s natural tree canopy, KoKo offers diners an authentic Mexican dining experience. With over 400 mezcals and tequilas, plus an open-view kitchen that showcases a traditional tortilla making process called Nixtamal, the 170-seat indoor-outdoor restaurant transports diners to pre-Hispanic Mexico. Savor fresh Mexican dishes on KoKo’s terrace or at the outdoor bar beside KoKo’s immersive cactus garden.
Bayshore Club
Coconut Grove’s favorite waterfront dining destination 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 the nice waterfront breeze along with the restaurant’s fabulous seafood fare like the iconic Island Conch Fritters and “Yankee Style” Lobster Roll.
North Miami
Toku
A fan-favorite in Long Island and now open in Aventura, Toku offers modern Asian fare inspired by traditional Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese flavors. The expansive menu provides guests with a unique dining experience made for everyone, and offers a wide variety of unique craft cocktails and sakes. Diners can enjoy Toku’s offerings in the ambiance of the 190-seat covered outdoor patio, complete with comfortable plush seating and spacious tables.
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.
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.
South Beach/Miami Beach
Santorini by Georgio’s
A familiar staple in Miami Beach’s chic South of Fifth neighborhood, Santorini By Georgios is a beachfront and poolside restaurant that brings fresh Mediterranean cuisine and Greek cultures to Miami. It has its own unique character that embodies the experience of offering something for everyone and satisfying all of its customers. Santorini’s menu serves authentic Greek dishes from flavorful appetizers and wild caught seafood to gyros and kebabs as well as handcrafted cocktails. The blue and white charming restaurant design enhances the customer’s Greek experience. Private events and beach and pool club cabanas are available for booking. Santorini By Georgios is the perfect place for any occasion such as an after-work drink with tapas, delicious lunch, a date night, a birthday celebration, or lounging at the pool or beach.
Kissaki, located in the South of Fith neightborhood, reimagines omakase sushi and kaiseki traditions. Specializing in honoring and sharing Japanese cuisine, Kissaki utalized mindfully sourced, seasonal ingredients to curate a unique dining experience. With a luxe patio for delicious dining, Kissaki offers guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience with beautiful views of South Beach.
Mirabella, located at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach offers redefined coastal Italian dining, helmed by award-winning Chef Michael White. Guests can enjoy the freshed dlavors of land and sea while taking in beautiful Miami views while enjoying outdoor dining. The diverse menu reflects the rich heritage of Italian coastal cuisine with dining on the terrace which offers ocean views.
Tala Beach
The tropical beachfront venue formerly known as 1 Beach Club, has transformed into Tala Beach, a 50,000-square-foot outdoor oasis focusing on Mediterranean-inspired shared plates, precisely crafted cocktails and curated entertainment. This new concept will feature sprawling daybeds, overstuffed pillows, time-tested textures, an outdoor bar and restaurant serving a new menu and thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and a VIP lounge for those in search of an over-the-top experience. Hidden beneath the swaying palms and ample umbrella shading, Tala Beach will transport guests to paradise as they enjoy live beats and exciting entertainment while capturing 1 Hotel’s signature ethos of mindfulness and wellness. The truly 1-of-a-kind experience in South Beach will act as a gathering place for spiritual seekers, daydreamers and unconventional thinkers.
Joia Beach
Joia Beach Restaurant & Beach Club is a vibrant day-to-night oasis located near downtown Miami in a hidden enclave on Watson Island. Serving as both an outdoor restaurant and a beach club, Joia Beach is the only private beachfront location in Miami where guests can dine with their toes in the sand and offers a European-inspired menu with freshly sourced seasonal ingredients. Experience Miami’s calming waters just a few feet away from your table, and embrace the sun setting on the city’s skyline while enjoying their handcrafted cocktails and dishes. The goal is to feel Miami’s music, vivid culture, and breathtaking scenic views in one place, and an evening at Joia Beach is the perfect way to do it.
Rusty Pelican
Immersing guests in coastal elegance, Rusty Pelican Miami has been delivering delicious contemporary American cuisine and fresh locally sourced seafood for over 51 years, with outdoor patios boasting unmatched views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.
Blue Ribbon Sushi
Located in the newly restored Plymouth Hotel Miami, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill infuses the art of sushi making with the vibrant flavors of a grill featuring traditional sushi and hot entrees including Japanese Short Ribs, Oxtail Fried Rice and their world famous Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken. Guests are able to dine poolside next to the 1940s Art Moderne pool area at The Plymouth Hotel while being surrounded by palm trees.
Limonada
Perfect for celebrating any occasion or just a night out with friends, Limonada is the ultimate South Beach dining experience serving classic cocktails and an all-day menu featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can bask in the Miami sun with a beautiful outdoor dining space equipped with lush greenery and a pool for everyone to enjoy.
Orange Blossom
Nestled in the heart of Miami Beach at the Boulan hotel, Orange Blossom is a New American restaurant known for its inviting atmosphere, top notch customer service, and farm-to-table fresh ingredients. Guests can dine in their Jungle themed exterior garden stringed with lights and lush greenery, created a magical dining experience.
WATR at 1 Hotel South Beach
Located at cloud level, WATR at 1 Rooftop offers unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. The floating oasis offers guests Japanese-inspired lunch and dinner menus and an elevated nightlife experience. Open to the public for lunch and dinner, at night WATR is set to transform into a lively dinner scene complete with a DJ and live performances.
Smith & Wollensky
Smith & Wollensky – South Pointe Park: Tucked away at the southern tip of Miami Beach, Smith & Wollensky isn’t just a steakhouse – it’s a front-row seat to the Miami spectacle. Picture this: prime steaks, fresh seafood, and a panorama that includes the azure ocean and the city’s skyline. The vibe is pure Miami glam, where you can almost taste the salt in the air as you sink your teeth into a juicy steak.
Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge – Miami River: Venture along the Miami River, and you’ll stumble upon Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge – a waterfront haven that combines sophistication with a dash of Miami’s casual cool. The terrace, with its plush seating and swaying palms, invites you to revel in a seafood feast while yachts glide by, and the city lights shimmer on the water – an evening that’s pure magic.
Miami’s outdoor dining isn’t just about the food; it’s an exploration of flavors and a celebration of the city’s infectious energy. So, toss aside the conventional dining experience, grab a seat where the sun or stars greet you, and let the flavors of Miami’s outdoor culinary scene take you on a wild, unforgettable ride. Because in Miami, every meal is a chance to dance with the vibrant spirit of the city. Cheers to that!
