Dining, lunching, or brunching outdoors is a Miami tradition. It simply comes with the territory of living in a vacationland where there is sun year-round. But, among all the eateries in the area that offer outdoor seating, we all have our favorites.

Here’s a list compiled by our Miami-based team of the best places where you can savor the flavors under an open sky. We’ve organized our top 28 outdoor restaurants in Miami by neighborhood and in no particular order cause they’re all our favorites for different moments!

This article was updated on November 21, 2023.

— Coral Gables Outdoor Restaurants

Fontana Italian Biltmore Hotel Miami 

Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables

The lush, Mediterranean courtyard at the Fontana is one of Miami’s most romantic settings, featuring an open-air kitchen with a wood-burning stove that serves the finest Italian-inspired cuisine prepared with seasonal local ingredients, an amazing wine list, and a luscious selection of finely crafted signature desserts.

— Coconut Grove Outdoor Restaurants

Glass & Vine 

2820 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove

Try some European-style fare served in a garden setting surrounded by the lush landscape of Peacock Park. At Glass & Vine, you can sample offerings for lunch, brunch, and dinner, including watermelon salad, steak frites, a raw bar, and a variety of fresh grilled fish. For brunch lovers, there’s a surf-n-turf benedict, corn-flake-crusted French toast, dulce de leche waffles plus all the standards.

Chug’s Diner

3444 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove

This Cuban-American diner is a Coconut Grove staple and part of the 2023 Bib Gourmand Michelin Guide. Here, you’ll find chef Michael Beltrán’s Cuban family favorites mixed in with classic diner essentials fit for any time of the day or night. The soft color palette gives the old-school diner furnishings a modern touch and the outdoor seating in the middle of downtown Coconut Grove is just enchanting.

Bellini & Il Giardino at Mr. C Residences

2988 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove

Il Giardino at Mr. C Hotel & Tigertail Residences. Photo courtesy of Traveller Made

One of the latest additions to Coconut Grove’s transformation is the Mr. C Hotel & Tigertail Residences. Pairing the Italian hospitality the Cipriani brand is known for with the tropical environment of Coconut Grove, Bellini offers rustic Italian flavors set on its rooftop terrace with views of the bay. And if you’re looking for an easy and elegant breakfast, brunch, or lunch, including authentic crepes, try Il Giardino on the first floor. It’s just like dining in an Italian garden.

— Brickell Outdoor Restaurants

La Mar by Gaston Acurio

500 Brickell Key Dr, Brickell Key

Set on the first floor of the elegant Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this relaxing waterfront location is known for its nouveau Peruvian and fusion fare, including classics such as ceviche and anticucho, served with an array of cocktails. Its prime outdoor location offers breathtaking views of the Miami skyline for unforgettable nighttime dining.

American Social

690 SW 1st Ct, Brickell

A laid-back American gastropub set in a recently remodeled open-air waterfront patio overlooking the Miami River and serving comfort food and craft beers. Do we need to say more? Bring your friends or coworkers for evening drinks at an engulfing location. 

Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita

1000 S Miami Ave, Brickell

This spot has been a Brickell favorite for years and with good reason. Featuring both an upstairs terrace with one of the most beautiful and comfortable outdoor patios in the area, as well as a downstairs patio, Dolores serves up eclectic New American cuisine. Come for dinner and stay long enough to enjoy the DJs and dancing inside.

Quinto Brickell

788 Brickell Plaza, Brickell

Fire kitchen is the slogan of this eaterie that serves South American cuisine featuring ceviches, empanadas, fine meat cuts, and a variety of fish. Located on the fifth floor of the EAST Miami hotel, Quinto offers succulent food and drinks against a city backdrop like no other.

— Edgewater Outdoor Restaurants

Amara at Paraiso

3101 NE 7th Ave, Edgewater

Photo courtesy of Miami and Beaches

Set within the Paraiso District of luxury condo buildings with the same name, Amara offers the ultimate upscale waterfront dining experience overlooking Biscayne Bay. With Latin-inspired cuisine featuring grilled fresh fish, empanadas, and special treats such as yuca cheese puffs, Amara has quickly become a top spot for a truly magical dining experience.

Klaw

1737 North Bayshore Drive, Edgewater

Set in the historic Miami Women’s Club building overlooking Biscayne Bay, Klaw is taking Miami by storm with its exceptional surf & turf menu and its dazzling rooftop bar, where you can enjoy brunch and dinner, featuring their exquisite sustainably sourced cuts of specialty beef, King Crab, and other unique crustacean specialties crafted by cutting edge chefs.

Casadonna

1737 North Bayshore Drive, Edgewater

The latest addition of fine dining to the residential neighborhood of Edgewater comes courtesy of Casadonna, an Italian eatery located on the first floor of the historic Miami Women’s Club, just under Klaw. It features a spacious waterfront patio with lounge seating that opens up to Biscayne Bay. Come for their selection of Italian classics and stay into the night for a signature cocktail.

— Miami Design District & Buena Vista Outdoor Restaurants

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

4312 NE 2nd Ave, Design District

Set in a 1930s-era house with breezy patio seating inside garden walls, this spot transports you to the backyard of a European summer house. Its decade-long spot on Miami’s favorite restaurant list is secured by consistently maintaining a fresh and authentic menu of modern versions of classic Greek & Turkish dishes inspired by the coastal region where Turkey and Greece meet.

Le Jardinier

151 NE 41st St Suite 135, Design District

If you’re looking for Michelin-Guide French cuisine in Miami prepared with local, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and fresh herbs along with sustainable seafood, poultry, and meat dishes in a relaxed, chic vibe, Le Jardinier is a mais oui! Set in the heart of the Design District, guests are served in a fresh, relaxing open-air dining room with plenty of seating.

El Turco

184 NE 50th Terrace, Buena Vista

Another one of Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list, El Turco offers exactly what its name suggests delicious Turkish food and unparalleled hospitality. With their extensive breakfast menu, you can opt for a generous brunch or come later in the day for one of the hearty main dishes. Its lush outdoor seating is the perfect backdrop for the colorful food.

— Wynwood & Midtown Outdoor Restaurants

R House Wynwood

2727 NW 2nd Ave, Wynwood

Photo courtesy of DAN KOCSIS

Located near the famed Wynwood Walls, R House Wynwood nails nouveau Latin cuisine in a fresh outdoor patio setting with an art gallery that features revolving exhibitions. Their famed drag brunch on Saturdays and Sundays is hands-down the best brunch in Miami.

Le Chick

310 NW 24th St, Wynwood

With the Dutch hotspot Rotisserie Amsterdam as its inspiration, Le Chick’s menu offers a unique mix of delectable rotisserie chicken, burgers, tuna tartare, and just about anything that can be grilled, including a to-die-for street corn. But what makes Le Chick so frickin chic is its awesome environment, a little bit luxe, a little bit modern, with a groovy dining patio.

Oasis Wynwood

2335 N Miami Ave, Wynwood

Rapidly becoming the new cultural epicenter for Miami hipsters, Oasis features six exquisite dining and nightlife venues, weekly live performances, pop-ups, and cultural events focusing on art and local programming, all in an expansive open-air setting where you can dine and dance.

Morgans

28 NE 29th St, Midtown

Long one of Miami’s favorite brunch spots, Morgan’s prides itself on fresh local ingredients combined in a delightfully eclectic New American menu with Floribbean-inspired touches served in a cool patio setting. In addition to its Midtown spot, Morgans also has another location in Miami Beach.

— Downtown Miami & Miami River Outdoor Restaurants

Verde at Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) 

1103 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami

Verde’s expansive outdoor dining area overlooking Biscayne Bay is a favorite among locals, as are the seasonal menu specialties that include a variety of thin crust pizzas and dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients such as chicken under a brick, the famed Verde burger, and pan-seared snapper, along with the chef’s popular signature pastries. Come during one of the monthly outdoor events hosted at the patio for live entertainment while you eat!

Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge

412 NW N River Dr, Miami River

The quintessential waterfront dining experience awaits you at this chic spot serving internationally-influenced seafood dishes with an adjacent hot-stone and crudo lounge. Try one of their signature wood-fire casseroles or sip on specialty-crafted cocktails while taking in breathtaking views of the Miami River and the Downtown Miami skyline.

Zuma Miami

270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Downtown Miami

Renowned the world over, this minimalist Japanese spot located in the Epic Hotel and overlooking the Miami River features traditional shared dishes, an assortment of sushi, and Japanese classics prepared with fresh local fish and seafood.

— MiMo & Upper East Side Outdoor Restaurants

Andiamo Pizza

5600 Biscayne Blvd, Upper East Side 

This retro, family-friendly pizzeria set in a former art deco tire shop has more than 30 varieties of thin-crust pies. Think vintage MiMo drive-up meets authentic Italian pizza for a relaxed, casual outdoor setting surrounded by greenery.

Tigre Miami

620 NE 78th St, Upper East Side

A true gem in Miami, and surrounded by a sanctuary for manatees, Tigre Miami serves Argentinian cuisine with a twist in a serene waterfront setting overlooking the Miami River. With brunch and dinner menus that serve all the classics, you can come any time of day or night for a different experience in a setting that evokes the deepest jungle.

Ironside Pizza

7580 NE 4th Ct, Upper East Side

Serving wood-fired pizza imbued with the unique flavors of Florida pines, the pizza dough at Ironside is made from “Caputo” flour from Napoli, proofed for 48 hours, and embellished with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella fior di latte, and their home-grown basil and oregano per Neapolitan tradition. Pies are topped with fresh, local ingredients, including plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. And all of this is served within the courtyard of a collection of art galleries, design studios, and creative shops. 

Phuc Yea

7100 Biscayne Blvd, Upper East Side 

A 100% conceptual experience, Phuc Yea offers its unique Vietnamese-Cajun fusion cuisine highlighted by such dishes as Cajun rice, smoked riblets, and green papaya salad, in its beautifully decorated lantern garden.

— Little Haiti Outdoor Restaurants

Naomi’s Garden Restaurant and Lounge

650 NW 71st St, Little Haiti

One of the most traditional spots in Little Haiti, Naomi’s has been serving Haitian and Caribbean food since 1998 at this location. Walking up, the place doesn’t say much but come around the back for the garden seating surrounded by plants and hammocks that you can use while waiting for your food or after a hearty meal.

— Miami Beach Outdoor Restaurants

While we have a separate can’t-miss edition of Miami Beach’s top outdoor restaurants, here are two of our absolute favorites.

Serena Rooftop

915 Collins Ct, South Beach 

Serena is all about Mexican fare served on the rooftop of the Moxy Hotel in South Beach, with specialties like uni and crab tostadas, squash blossom quesadillas, and steak tartare. When you visit, you’ll be treated to a beautifully decorated rooftop with lounge seating, patio lighting, and blooming flowers that add to that Mexican flare.

And in case you'd like to dock and dine in South Beach, the area has a nice choice of boat-up restaurants.

The Lido Bayside Grill

40 Island Ave, Venetian Islands 

Located at the Standard Hotel and Spa, the Lido Bayside Grill is a favorite among waterfront dining aficionados thanks to the spacious and spectacular waterfront deck overlooking the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and line-caught sustainable seafood as well as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. They are so committed to using locally sourced and fresh ingredients, and they even source and roast their house coffee here in Miami.

While we know that there are dozens, if not hundreds, of other amazing outdoor eateries in the city, we’re giving you the insider list of our top outdoor restaurants in Miami, especially curated by our local team of experts. Let us know your favorites as well on social media tagging us @blackbookproperties!

And if you’d like to know more about living in Miami or are thinking about moving here, let us be your guide. Contact us today via text, email, or give us a call and we’ll help you with anything you need.