Savor the best of Miami with decadence on your plate and outside your window. We’ve hand-picked Miami’s top fine dining restaurants with highly-rated food and romantic water views for appetizing sides. Our list of 6 is curated to impress, whether out on a first date or power lunch.

Il Gabbiano

335 S Biscayne Blvd, Downtown

This sister restaurant to New York’s Il Mulino serves classic Italian in an opulent setting where Biscayne Bay and Miami River meet. A table out on the covered patio is the best way to enjoy the fantastic Bay breeze and views. Evenings are even better with romantic city lights and twinkling boats passing by. Everything from the lobster ravioli to the risottos and pasta come highly recommended. The complimentary bread basket, antipasti platter, parmesan and balsamic vinegar are highly addictive (and that’s why it’s the favorite of me and my wife). They also have a great cocktail and Italian wine menu to round it all out.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio

500 Brickell Key Dr., Mandarin Oriental, Brickell Key

Renowned chef-restaurateur, Gastón Acurio delivers standout Peruvian in a wood-trimmed, contemporary setting with three lively bars. People come for the sweeping water views with Brickell as a dazzling backdrop. Brunch and sunset dining on the patio are highly recommended. The made-to-order ceviches, tiraditos and lomo saltado are all must-tries. Don’t miss out on the signature pisco sours either, which are a variety of traditional cocktails.

Zuma

270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Epic Hotel, Downtown

Chef Rainer Becker’s internationally acclaimed take on modern Japanese comes alive in a sophisticated, minimalist setting. Seating on the riverside terrace serves up the best water views. Celebrities and regulars enjoy sailing in on their own boat, as the hotel has a private jetty. Head over for phenomenal sushi and other izakaya-inspired dishes. The black cod dumplings, pork belly skewer, spicy beef tenderloin, rock shrimp tempura and seabass sashimi are all on the must-have list. The bar and lounge feature more than 80 varieties of sake.

Amara at Paraiso

3101 NE 7th Avenue, Paraiso Bay, Edgewater

James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schwartz’s latest serves bold Latin American flavors in a casual-chic, tropical-inspired setting. Pick any seat in the house, since every table here captures stunning water views. Dishes at this waterfront bistro get their unique flavor from charcoal-fired Josper ovens. Patrons rave about the yuca cheese puffs, arepas, empanadas, short rib and tropical-inspired cocktails.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

315 S Biscayne Blvd, Downtown

This sister to Wolfgang Zweiner’s national steakhouse chain serves traditional American fare in an upscale indoor/outdoor setting with views of the Miami River. Catch appetizing water views from every seat in the house at this riverside establishment. From well done chops to crab cakes and the Porterhouse steak, everything makes the must-try list. Weekends get even better with a Wine Spectator-recognized wine list and specialty cocktails at Happy Hour prices.

El Cielo by Juan Manuel Barrientos

31 SE 5th St, Brickell

Celebrated Colombian chef and Sofia Vergara’s absolute favorite, Juan Manuel Barrientos serves up Latin American hits with a molecular gastronomy twist. Sink into edible art with the sparkling Miami River for backdrop. This modern-rustic space also has an open kitchen for enhanced gastronomic pleasure. Regulars put the tasting menu, catch-of-the-day tiradito with goat cheese foam, farmers’ chicken and yuca bread at the top of the must-have list.

Don’t see your favorite Miami Beach picks? That’s because we’ve saved them up for part 2, which will be coming soon!