Food - Ana Florentina

Last updated – December 2023

LOOKING FOR THE BEST MIAMI RESTAURANTS WITH A VIEW?

You’re in the right place because I lived in Miami Beach until recently. During my time there, I enjoyed dining at the best Miami restaurants with a view.

Are you planning to visit South Florida soon? Whether you are considering a vacation in sunny Miami, coming to town for a business trip, or visiting friends and family – I recommend making a reservation at any of these before arriving! All of the restaurants below offer breathtaking water views. Continue reading to see a round-up of my favorite restaurants with a view – in no particular order.

AMARA AT PARAISO, Downtown Miami

Miami’s newest waterfront restaurant overlooking Biscayne Bay!

Dining Style: Upscale Latin fare.

What to Expect: Lots of bold Latin American flavors including yuca cheese puffs, short rib empanadas, crab tostada, grilled red snapper, surf & turf parrillada, tajin spiced fries, and yellowfin tuna tiradito.

The location of this restaurant is truly spectacular, I was happy to get to enjoy the views from Amara during my latest trip to Miami. We were staying at an Airbnb that we rented at the Paraiso buildings, and the restaurant was only 250 feet away. Next time you are in the city, go enjoy a cocktail at this restaurant by James Beard award-winning Chef Michael Schwartz.

Note: Make a reservation in advance. This is a great spot for happy hour!

** Amara at Paraiso is located at 3101 NE 7th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33137.

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SUGAR, Brickell

Lush rooftop bar on the 40th floor of EAST Miami!

Dining Style: Asian-inspired cocktails & tapas.

What to Expect: Spectacular views and chic Hong Kong cocktail vibes that include lychee blossom, chili parador, mezcal aviation, sunset samba, and sesame sling.

My husband and I have been to Sugar with other couples. The views of Brickell and Downtown Miami are breathtaking, so the best time to go is during sunset (before it gets too crowded).

Note: This is a fun place for a night out with friends.

** Sugar is located inside the East Miami, 788 Brickell Plaza, Miami, Florida 33131.

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LA MAR, by Gaston Acurio at Mandarin Oriental, Brickell

Dining Style: Fine Dining. Peruvian & Fusion Fare.

What To Expect: Here you can explore the authentic flavors of Peruvian gastronomy such as ceviches, tiraditos, anticuchos, and traditional pisco sours with an outstanding view of the bay.

If you ever want to impress someone during dinner time, bring them here right before sunset!!! I’ve eaten at this restaurant during golden hour, and I can say that it was breathtaking. La Mar is a chic waterfront restaurant that features the acclaimed cuisine of Chef Gaston Acurio. I am a big fan of traditional Peruvian food, so I always enjoy the menu here, especially the ceviche salad, the arroz con mariscos (rice with seafood), and pisco punch. Ah! I just remembered that one of my colleagues was proposed to right here – on the corridor by the water!

Note: Request a table outside!

** La Mar is located inside the Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, Florida 33131.

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ZUMA, Downtown Miami

Miami’s minimalist Japanese hot spot by the Miami River!

Dining Style: Casual Elegant. Japanese Fusion.

What To Expect: They offer a huge selection of Japanese bites, sushi & sashimi, sea bass, salmon, and delicious desserts like the yuzu and key lime meringue pie with raspberry umeboshi!!! – all with a beautiful presentation.

This is the restaurant that I’ve eaten at the most for three reasons: (1) I used to work a block away from it (I miss this!), (2) modern Japanese cuisine is one of my favorites, and (3) the ambiance is super enjoyable. Zume is located in the heart of Downtown Miami, only 4 blocks from Bayside Marketplace, and approximately 8 blocks from the American Airlines Arena.

Note: Make a reservation in advance, and be patient while they bring you your food (totally worth it), they are always busy because they are just that good!

** Zuma is located at the Epic Hotel, 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, Florida 33131.

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SMITH & WOLLENSKY, South Pointe, Miami Beach

A breathtaking waterfront view of Miami!

Dining Style: Upscale. Steak House Chic.

What To Expect: This is one of America’s premier steakhouses that offers USDA Prime dry-aged steaks and seafood in a clubby, power-dining setting. You can enjoy rib eye carpaccio, roasted bone marrow, or tuna tartare as a starter. Or you could try any of their classic dry-aged cuts, steaks, filets, and chops. Their delicious side dishes include truffled or lobster mac & cheese (so good!!). Make sure that you ask for the Chef-Inspired Features as well.

The location is outstanding, and the waterfront patio is gorgeous for outdoor dining in Miami! You can find young crowds enjoying their award-winning wine list on Fridays after work. I have attended so many happy hours here, and have tried almost all of their bar bites (order Wollensky’s Sliders and hand-cut french fries!).

Note: Bring a good camera! Make memories!

** Smith & Wollenski is located at 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139.

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JUVIA, South Beach

This is one of the best rooftop hot spots in Miami!

Dining Style: Ultra-Modern Elegance. Euro-Asian Fusion.

What To Expect: They offer an extensive menu that includes salads, appetizers, spicy tuna crispy rice, Chilean seabass, broiled branzino, king crab risotto, prawns linguine pasta (love it!), a variety of options from the binchotan charcoal grill or the cold bar. Their specialty cocktails are some of the best that I’ve had, I usually order the purple juvia, the juvia lemonade, or the lovely pear – I recommend that you try at least one of these!

I have lost count of the number of times that I have come to Juvia, and it is usually with a big group of friends on Saturday nights. The world-class modern decor is quite attractive, the panoramic South Beach views are unique, and its location is easy to access. I love that both their indoor and outdoor options are awesome to sit at and that this restaurant gets filled with a nice crowd every single time!

Note: After shopping on Lincoln Road, come up for a drink, to enjoy the view, or to have dinner.

** Juvia is located in the penthouse of the famed 1111 Lincoln Road parking garage, Miami, Florida 33139.

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AREA 31, Downtown Miami

Incredible rooftop view of Downtown Miami!

Dining Style: Upscale outdoor eating.

What To Expect: Lots of seafood, such as oysters, ahi tuna ceviche, jumbo crab cake, seared scallops, bouillabaisse, swordfish, and salmon. On their lunch menu, you can find a salmon burger (so good!), and many sandwiches. They also offer a delicious brunch menu that includes steak & eggs, egg white omelet, chilaquiles, smoked salmon, tuna poke tacos, key lime tart, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate crunch, and so much more.

Happy Hours at Area 31 are fantastic, and they take place Monday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Fridays from 5 pm to Midnight, they have what is called “Chase the Clock,” drinks are priced by the hour, $5 at 5 pm, $6 at 6 pm, $7 at 7 pm and so on!

Note: It is best to arrive at 5 pm so that you enjoy the view AND their $5 drinks special!!

** Area 31 is located inside the Epic Hotel, 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, Florida 33131.

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THE RUSTY PELICAN, Key Biscayne

This is one of the most romantic date-night spots in Miami!

Dining style: Modern American Cuisine.

What to expect: Start with short rib empanadas, crab cakes, and burrata & tomato salad, continue with their spicy tuna roll, day boat pistachio scallops, or Atlantic salmon, and finish with a delicious key lime pie. At this restaurant, you will enjoy one of the best views of the Downtown Miami skyline reflecting on Biscayne Bay’s Intracoastal.

Every time I go to The Rusty Pelican, I have a delightful time! I highly recommend arriving well before dinner time, in order to secure a good table, catch the sunset and enjoy Happy Hour prices before it gets too crowded!

Note: Happy Hour is hosted Monday-Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

** Rusty Pelican is located at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne Florida 33149.

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Interactive Map of Miami Restaurants with a View

As one of the best cities in the U.S. and one of the world’s top-rank cities, I thought a map would be useful! All of the best restaurants with a view in Miami have been pinned to this map for you.

Final thoughts: Best Miami Restaurants With A View

As you can see there are outstanding restaurants in Miami. After living there for almost two decades, I can say that in Miami I’ve enjoyed some of the best views while dining.

If you need recommendations for where to stay in Miami, see the paragraph below with a list of the best hotels in Miami. You can also read my posts about the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach, and the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, located 15 miles from the beach.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MIAMI