What could be more quintessentially Miami than spending a weekend afternoon on the water boating in the Atlantic Ocean or our beautiful bays? Naturally, you'll work up an appetite! Luckily, this is Miami, and when hunger strikes while you're out at sea, there are plenty of options where you can dock your boat, fill your belly, and enjoy a few drinks. Here, we invite you to discover some of Miami's best waterfront restaurants you can access by boat, from Miami Beach to the Miami River.

We initially compiled a list of our top 10, and now we’re on to 12 because they’re just so good! From the tried and true Rusty Pelican to Kiki on the River, we've got you and your crew covered with a varied list of waterfront dining spots across all price ranges. So, without further ado here are the best Miami boat-up restaurants where you can arrive by the water straight from the private slip of your waterfront condo!

This article was last updated on January 10, 2024. It was first published on March 17, 2021.

The Rusty Pelican

Address: 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key
What we love about it: One of the best weekend brunches in Miami

Let's start with a classic. Overlooking the glittering waters of Biscayne Bay on the Rickenbacker Causeway on the way to Key Biscayne, The Rusty Pelican is upscale waterfront dining at its finest and a favorite hangout to pull up to by boat any time of the day.

Enjoy an eclectic menu of the area's best fresh fish and seafood, as well as surf and turf options, sushi, salads, and appetizers inspired by the flavors of Latin America and the Caribbean, all while beholding the sparkling city lights along the waterfront and relaxing to cool, soothing music. Boat up, dock at the marina, and enjoy lunch or dinner, although we highly recommend coming for the weekend brunch, it is one of the best ones in town!

— Monty’s Raw Bar

Address: 2550 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove
What we love about it: The most traditional waterside raw bar experience 

Monty's Raw Bar is a Miami institution for boaters, set along the shores of Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove. With a large, covered, outdoor seating area and main indoor dining room, it's always alive and buzzing. In fact, you can't genuinely say you've arrived in Miami until you've spent an evening eating, drinking, and relaxing at Monty's! The ultimate seaside raw bar, Monty's delivers an energized environment with live music, hefty portions of fresh seafood, fabulous drinks, Caribbean flavor, and everything that makes the Miami lifestyle. 

When you go to Monty’s there are two guarantees: the quality of the food and the Magic City experience. Come for the sunset but plan to stay longer than expected, and make sure to try the fresh oysters, if that’s your thing. Other can’t-miss dishes include the conch fritters, the mahi mahi fingers, and the popcorn shrimp! Dock at the marina or call the Boat Master in advance.

And if you can’t get enough Monty’s, check out their sister restaurant on South Beach, Monty’s Sunset, which also offers boat-up dining and a classic raw bar menu. There’s even a pool there!

— Garcia’s Seafood Grill and Market

Address: 398 NW N. River Drive, Miami River
What we love about it: The old Florida local fish market

Another best boat-up restaurant on the Miami waterfront and something of a big deal in the city, Garcia's Seafood Grille has been around since before the Miami River got its makeover, back when it used to be fodder for scriptwriters working on Miami Vice. Even then, it was worth making the trip to North River Drive to eat super fresh seafood.

Set along the Miami River and offering a distinctively Cuban menu, Garcia's Seafood Grille has been a waterfront mainstay, featuring no-nonsense Cuban classics such as fried whole snapper, paella, and sides like tostones rellenos (fried plantains stuffed with spicy shrimp). They also have a fish market, so you can take the best fresh fish and shellfish home.

Prices are reasonable and the ambiance is very relaxed. It is just one of those down-to-earth places you'll keep coming back to, whether by land or sea. With boat-up docks and casual outdoor dining with a quaint waterfront view, you don't want to miss Garcia's.

— Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill

Address: 400 NW N. River Drive, Miami River
What we love about it: The upscale, fresh seafood dining experience

Next door to Garcia's, with a slightly more upscale vibe, Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill serves up excellent ultra-fresh classic seafood dishes and special signature fare such as crab-stuffed lobster. It has long been considered one of the best waterfront restaurants in Miami and for good reason.

This internationally inspired eatery features a raw bar with an impressive lineup of ceviches and tiraditos, as well as South Florida standards such as stone crabs (seasonal), coconut shrimp, and grilled octopus. Boat up to the docks, relax, and enjoy the laid-back romantic vibe as you watch fishing boats and your fellow boat enthusiasts cruising on the river.

— Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge

Address: 412 NW N River Drive, Miami River
What we love about it: The creative and refined culinary excellence

For an experience that makes you feel like you're worthy of walking on water, splurge on the refined culinary luxury at the ritzy Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge. With incredible waterfront views of the river and the Miami skyline, Seaspice's menu highlights unique signature offerings. 

Start your night at this open-air restaurant with a Wagyu steak tartare, continue with the market seafood bouillabaisse or the free-range Australian rack of lamb cooked on volcanic hot stones, and finish off with the magnificent grand seafood platter and seafood towers that feature two pounds of lobster, with prawns, fresh oysters, and Alaskan king crab.

So, if you're looking to boat-up, or yacht-up, for ultra-fine dining, this is the place. Call ahead for docking reservations and information.

— Kiki on the River

Address: 450 NW North River Drive, Miami River
What we love about it: The lively Greek-inspired atmosphere

Kiki's is another favorite Miami River restaurant with a dock. With an exotic Greek menu and a romantic outdoor patio on its 150-foot dock overlooking the water, this carefully decorated spot recreates the flavors and character of the Mediterranean with specialties such as their seafood tower or Kiki fries with feta cheese.

Sunday is Funday at Kiki on the River with parading champagne bottles and napkin-twirling rituals that will keep you partying all night to fresh beats provided by the house DJ. You'll need to make reservations if you're coming by boat, especially on the weekend, and formal attire is also required.

— Zuma Miami

Address: 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Downtown Miami
What we love about it: The chic and minimalist Japanese vibe

Internationally known Zuma, located at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel on the Miami River, surprises with a unique Japanese informal bar or izakaya and a robata-grill menu. It is easily the best boat-up restaurant in Miami’s Downtown and one of the best outdoor restaurants in Miami.

Dine on the bay on Zuma's casual outdoor terrace and choose from over 80 varieties of sake while enjoying the informal dining experience and cuisine known as izakaya, long a favorite way to dine in London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, and Dubai.

The extensive menu tempts with authentic, though not traditional, Japanese dishes enlivened with quality ingredients, bold, intense flavors, and a simple presentation style in which dishes are shared at the table. Under the direction of world-renowned chef Rainier Becker, Zuma Miami is pricey but well worth the experience. Easy boat-up options make this a top-notch choice.

— Lido Bayside Grill at The Standard Spa

Address: 40 Island Avenue, Venetian Islands, South Beach
What we love about it: The sunset at this chic waterfront location

The Lido Bayside Grill at the Standard Hotel is a culinary oasis surrounded by the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay. Serving up an array of Mediterranean dishes and the best fries in Miami Beach, you can enjoy half-priced specialty drinks during Happy Hour Monday through Thursday, from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 10 to 11:30 p.m. The menu features a full array of options, from breakfast through dinner. For dinner, there’s can’t-miss fresh seafood, from crab cakes to mussels and paella, plus a raw bar, perfect burgers, locally inspired salads, and vegetarian offerings along with a breathtaking view of the sunset.

And if you're looking for a yacht restaurant in Miami, you'll feel right at home at the Lido Bayside Grill. They have a few hundred feet of dock space available for boats up to 40 feet, which you can use on a first-come, first-served basis for a docking fee of $100 for the first four hours and $50 for each additional hour. This gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy a laid-back meal along with a few delicious cocktails in a peaceful setting with amazing music. Or if you want to take a dip in the pool and use the spa. By the way, South Beach is a very popular neighborhood for all boat owners as it has a great choice of condos with boat slips.

— Baia Beach Club

Address: 1100 West Avenue, at the Mondrian Hotel, South Beach
What we love about it: The sophisticated outdoor ambiance reminiscent of a trip to Mykonos

Set overlooking the water with incredible views of the Miami skyline, sunsets and the full expanse of Biscayne Bay, Baia Beach Club offers direct marina access and incredible dining options of the freshest Mediterranean fare on West Avenue in Miami Beach. Here, you can dock and dine in Miami, reserve a waterfront cabana, daybed, or bungalow by the pool, or choose to eat indoors or al fresco in an oasis that will transport you to the Mediterranean.

Serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, Baia Beach Club has something for everyone, with dishes meant for sharing. From Chioggia beets salad to oysters, grilled octopus, and tuna tartare, boat up and sample a full menu of flavors from land and sea, along with delicious hand-crafted cocktails. 

Dockage is free for the first four hours for members, and three hours free if you spend $250 for non-members.

— Shuckers Waterfront Bar & Grill

Address: 1819 79th St. Causeway, Miami Beach
What we love about it: The delivery option for boaters; a true, no-frills boat-up restaurant

Another icon, located on the Kennedy Causeway in North Bay Village in Miami Beach, Shuckers has been serving meals for 30 years to hungry guests arriving by land and sea. The restaurant can provide docking for vessels up to 65 feet and they even offer a new ‘Sail Away’ menu that allows you to place your order by calling ahead and a staff member will deliver it directly to the dock!

But if your water legs need a rest, you can relax and eat on their spacious terrace with spectacular views of Biscayne Bay. Shuckers is known for its array of fresh and reasonably-priced seafood, along with sports bar favorites like grilled chicken wings, and a family-style menu with specials designed for sharing. Dockage is $1 per foot and $10 for jet skis.

— Duffy’s Sports Grill

Address: 3969 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach
What we love about it: The sports-themed, casual dining experience

Have you been out all day in the boat and now want to catch the game? Duffy's Sports Grill is the perfect place if you’ve been sailing up north. After a day of fishing on the water, this is the place to dock and dine if you’re looking for a rowdy sports bar with excellent chicken wings, beer-battered fish and chips, and fried shrimp you can chase down with 2-for-1-drinks all day long, every day of the week. At Duffy's, the menu is affordable and features great burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, grilled fish, and meats. It also has cheap lunch specials!

With dozens of flat-screen TVs on deck, you won't miss any of your favorite sports events. In fact, you can watch them all at the same time, while enjoying a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. If you need to cool off before or after your meal, take a dip in the pool, located near the boat dock.

— Bayshore Club

Address: 3391 Pan American Drive, Coconut Grove
What we love about it: Live music on the weekends in a casual but sophisticated open-air setting

Built on the historic Dinner Key in Miami’s oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove, Bayshore Club is one of the newer restaurants on this list. Unassumingly delicious food includes staples from gourmet burgers to shrimp cocktails, easily making it one of the best boat up restaurants in Miami with a view. The impressive open-air structure, where the once-famous Scotty’s Landing used to be, is home to a full bar, sure to please any drink aficionado and an expansive lawn space for activities such as corn hole and concerts. Dock reservations can be made from Thursday through Sunday by calling 305-209-1200. 

— Now, Sails Away to Miami’s Boat-Up Restaurants!

We hope you enjoyed our list of Miami waterfront restaurants with docks. If we've missed one of your favorite waterfront restaurants, let us know on our social channels @blackbookproperties, or send us a message!