There are moments when nothing satisfies like the briny kiss of oysters, the buttery collapse of lobster, or the crisp sear on a perfect fillet. This craving might strike with the tide, or it might be a constant hum beneath Miami’s sun. Either way, this list is your compass. Here are our 20 favorite seafood havens along Miami Beach, freshly updated for 2026.
Stubborn Seed – Miami Beach
$$$$ | (786) 322-5211 | WEBSITE
This understated yet elegant seafood restaurant offers craftsmanship with a capital C. The dining room uses simple yet sophisticated furnishings and soft lighting in a way that reminds us of a refined art gallery. Plus, the food is just exquisite. Each dish showcases creativity and flavor, with ingredients that feel unique and well made. Wine pairings are thoughtfully matched, enhancing every course.
And our favorite is a wonderful cocktail—crafted by Ricardo, brimming with balance, complexity, and spot-on recommendations. The hit-filled menu and attentive service here made Stubborn Seed one of our Best Seafood Restaurants in Miami Beach for 2026.
A Fish Called Avalon
$$$ | (305) 532-1727 | WEBSITE
If there’s one thing to order at A Fish Called Avalon in South Beach, it’s the macadamia nut crusted yellowtail snapper. The flaky, moist fish is perfectly seared with a crunchy nut coating, so it’s easy to break off a forkful and savor. It comes plated with seasonal vegetables that you can pair with things like lemon butter sauce, herb rice, and roasted potatoes.
This is the ideal place to celebrate a special occasion in Miami Beach, which is when the outdoor terrace usually buzzes with energy, but you could also visit for a vibrant weekend dinner.
Di Mauro`s Italian Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (305) 673-5774 | WEBSITE
Di Mauro’s Italian Restaurant & Bar in Miami Beach is one of those restaurants that you won’t be able to shut up about until at least two people from your social circle try it for themselves. If you’re not already someone who dreams about eating handmade pasta, come here for the Bucatini Amatriciana, and all of that will change.
This charming spot also serves a very special Angus Beef Tenderloin & Porcini Mushroom, perfectly crispy Fried Calamari & Shrimp, and a pizza with a baked crust and savory toppings that we’d like to make a staple on our dinner table.
Osteria Positano | Italian restaurant in Miami Beach
$$$ | (786) 278-3401 | WEBSITE
As you can probably tell from the name, you should order pasta here. This well-located spot attached to the Marlin Hotel in Miami Beach serves exceptional Italian dishes cooked to perfection, with the pasta especially praised. The flaky, al dente noodles in every pasta dish come out perfectly sauced, and you can add on a side of warm bread for dipping.
Our top pick is the Lobster Linguine, which tastes like the ocean with fresh herbs, and the tuna tartar, which is loaded with citrus and olive oil. Osteria Positano also has some coffee and dessert options on the menu that are out of this world, too.
Little Havana | Cuban Restaurant in Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 907-2644 | WEBSITE
Half-Cuban restaurant, half-cultural experience in Miami Beach, Little Havana is well known among the Miami Cuban community and the most serious of Caribbean food enthusiasts. The welcoming, patio-equipped spot has served some of the best Cuban cuisine in Miami Beach for years, and should be a mandatory stop whenever you’re in the area.
Swing by for their tender Cuban roasted chicken with rice and beans, plates of grilled salmon, and hot-from-the-kitchen Cuban sandwiches served on ceramic platters. Finish your meal off with a generous, delicious mojito and the lively Cuban music, in all its rhythmic, vibrant glory.
Alma Cubana | Cuban restaurant in Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 278-4198 | WEBSITE
This Cuban spot in Miami Beach will keep your mojito glass full until you call it quits. Located just steps from the ocean, this lively restaurant offers standout dishes like vaca frita and passionfruit mojitos for around $28 per entree. Keep this place in mind for a vibrant weekend dinner—which gets going around 7pm—or a beachside lunch with friends who are ready to dive into whatever authentic Cuban fare the kitchen serves up.
If it’s breezy out, grab a seat near the open windows which overlook the bustling Miami Beach scene.
Brother’s Keeper
$ | (954) 857-9277 | WEBSITE
Originally from Miami Beach, this cozy seafood bar is lit with aquarium-like lighting, a big cushioned center bar, and fire ambiance—and, apparently, the occasional live band on weekends. The happy hour menu is a fresh mix of sweet oysters from Cape Cod, tasty bacon-wrapped dates with queso Cabrales, and snacky onion rings (these tend to be our favorites).
The bar is the sparkling centerpiece of the room though, so it’s worth a stop for just a nightcap—we love the NA cocktails, a refreshing selection with great service till midnight.
Mercato Di Mare – Ocean Drive
Perched along the bustling Ocean Drive with sweeping views of the Atlantic, Mercato Di Mare serves Italian seafood so exceptional we’ve ranked it among Miami Beach’s top dining spots, full stop. You’ll crave the linguine alle vongole, a fragrant tangle of pasta tossed with garlic, white wine, and plump littleneck clams that arrives with a side of crusty, house-baked focaccia. Grilled branzino, seasoned with lemon and fresh herbs, comes with crispy roasted potatoes.
A dinner here is a perfect introduction to coastal Italy, a satisfying blend of fresh oysters, tender calamari, and the waitstaff’s recommended pastas.
Españolita Miami 🌹💃
$$$ | (786) 813-7415 | WEBSITE
Españolita Miami is a family-run Spanish restaurant in Miami Beach with a lively dining room that serves up tremendous seafood and authentic paella. There’s a vibrant energy between the happy hour area and the main dining space, so just remember to follow the music when you enter and one of their attentive servers like Ivan or Antonio will get you seated.
You can order anything from their varied menu, but we prefer the paella (which comes with generous portions of seafood, rice, and that game-changing flavor). Standout dishes include their delicious Cesar salad with shrimp, flavorful mushroom pasta, and the unforgettable paella that makes every visit special.
Pamplemousse on the Bay
$$$$ | (305) 763-8082 | WEBSITE
This upscale Miami Beach restaurant, filled with Mediterranean-inspired decor and spectacular sunset views over the bay, works best for special occasions. Pamplemousse is run by a fine dining team including Benoît and Alexandre and specializes in seafood and steak dishes with waterfront elegance: delicious Ribeye Steak, Himachi crudo with perfect texture, and superb grilled sea bass with crispy skin.
Instead of standard cocktails, there are impressive drink selections and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine from across the region. Come to splurge on a memorable meal the next time someone in your life wants to celebrate with lobster salad and stunning views of Miami across the water.
CJ’s Crab Shack
$$ | (305) 604-5951 | WEBSITE
Nestled right on Ocean Drive at Miami South Beach, CJ’s Crab Shack delivers a fantastic seafood experience with good food and great drinks. As the name implies, this spot is all about crab and shrimp combos alongside classic fried fish and chips. They’ve got an excellent location perfect for enjoying the vibrant beach atmosphere, with plenty of outdoor seating for people watching and a lively vibe that’s especially welcoming for families and kids.
If you’re just getting one thing, make it the Snow Crab and Shrimp with parmesan corn—a standout dish that’s particularly delicious. The restaurant opens inside at 4 pm, making it a smart choice to avoid the hot weather and enjoy comfortable dining. While the Ocean Drive location makes some dishes a bit pricey (expect to pay around $28-35 for the crab and shrimp combo), many feel it’s worth it for the quality and atmosphere.
Service is generally top notch with attentive waiters adding a warm touch, though the place can be loud inside. A gratuity of 18% is automatically added to bills, but the prices are great for the value you receive.
Via Emilia 9
$$$ | (786) 216-7150 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Miami Beach’s bustling restaurant scene, Via Emilia 9 sits as a true hidden gem for authentic Italian cuisine. This romantic spot has excellent dishes all around, but the real standout is their hand-made pasta. Plain and simple, this is the best version in town and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you’ve ever eaten it anywhere else.
It’s a steaming plate of spaghetti con le vongole or tortellini with parmesan cream that’s been prepared with care using top-quality ingredients, and comes with a generous portion that pairs perfectly with their exceptional wine selection. The owner Eendi is friendly and helpful, making guests feel right at home in the stylish yet cozy space that’s perfect for an intimate date or quiet evening.
That’s Amore 🇮🇹🍕Italian Restaurant Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 278-5533 | WEBSITE
Few things unite Miami Beach visitors more than the search for authentic Italian food that doesn’t feel like a tourist trap. But if there’s one thing that makes the hunt worthwhile, it’s the discovery of That’s Amore. The relaxed dining room in South Beach doesn’t have much in the way of flashy décor, but once the food starts arriving, your attention will only be focused on the flavors in front of you. They excel at dishes like Salmon Ravioli—a staple on many Italian restaurant menus in Miami.
But at That’s Amore, it’s like you’re tasting it for the first time. The host Lorenzo brings a fun energy to the space, while servers like Carlos and Laureano provide excellent recommendations with genuine warmth. The seafood is fresh and perfectly cooked, making this spot a memorable experience worth seeking out.
Bentley Beach Club
$$$ | (305) 938-4600 | WEBSITE
Miami Beach is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Florida. Bentley Beach Club is our favorite of the bunch. This first-class location specializes in beachside hospitality with attentive service, great drinks, and comfortable facilities like chairs and umbrellas that make it easy to relax in the sun.
The dining experience is much more comprehensive than it looks at first glance and is filled with welcoming staff like Esteban, Orlando, and Michael who are ideal for celebrating special events when you want everything handled professionally. There’s also a separate restaurant, Santorini’s, on-site for enjoyable breakfast and dinner options.
Forte dei Marmi
$$$$ | (786) 276-3095 | WEBSITE
Forte dei Marmi is one of the most stylish restaurants in Miami Beach, and one of our favorite spots to spend a relaxed date night enjoying seafood. This romantic dining experience includes several exquisite dishes like homemade gluten-free pasta, Branzino, and pistachio gelato. Depending on which occasion you’re celebrating, you’ll get slightly different combinations of attentive service and cozy atmosphere to go with it.
Our favorite is their classic beach brunch, which comes with soft lighting to bask in while savoring creamy pastas, delicate fish, and fragrant desserts.
Locust Ocean Drive
$$ | (305) 763-8790 | WEBSITE
Miami Beach has no shortage of iconic spots: The crab cakes at Joe’s Stone Crab, the ceviche at La Mar, everything at Stiltsville Fish Bar. It’s time to add Locust Ocean Drive’s Strawberry Hennessy to the list. The vibrant spot on Ocean Drive has a perfect combination of dance club, restaurant, and dive bar with excellent elements like attentive servers and spot-on recommendations, but the Strawberry Hennessy will forever be what makes this gem a destination.
Sweet, strong, and deeply refreshing—it’s one of the most balanced and memorable cocktails we’ve ever sipped, and the kind of drink that every Miamian should be required by law to try at least once.
Carbone Miami
$$$$ | (212) 254-3000 | WEBSITE
Being a new Italian restaurant in Miami Beach’s competitive seafood scene can be a tough gig, but Carbone makes it look easy. This luxurious spot on the waterfront offers a refined dining experience with an impressive menu of classic dishes, including the standout spicy Rigatoni Vodka pasta, Caesar Alla ZZ salad, and flavorful Ribeye Diana. There’s a lot to savor, which is why we suggest starting with the Eggplant & Zucchini Scapece.
The elegant plate arrives with perfectly seasoned vegetables, a hint of garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Three decadent desserts (the Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is essential) for sharing, plus an expertly crafted cocktail, come on the side. The menu hints at indulgence and it’s not an exaggeration. Plan for a memorable evening.
Ocean Bistro
$$$ | (305) 673-1199 | WEBSITE
Ocean Bistro is Miami Beach’s classic seafood spot, a place best known for its art deco elegance and perfectly cooked dishes like grilled octopus and lobster paella. There’s one location right on Ocean Drive—where you can have a romantic dinner for two and enjoy some of the most satisfying seafood you can find in the city. Don’t skip the Fish Piccata or the red snapper that’s been grilled without heavy sauces.
Although this place is popular, you can still casually walk right in on a weeknight and be seated without much of a wait.
Chalan on the Beach
$$ | (305) 532-8880 | WEBSITE
This Peruvian restaurant is our favorite kind-of-fancy, sit-down spot in South Beach. The waiters wear crisp white shirts, there’s a subtle ocean mural near the entrance, and the wooden tables are set with elegant laminated menus featuring vibrant food photography. While Chalan specializes in ceviche with complex flavors and a spicy option, everything from the garlic stew with shrimp and fish to the fried bass fish with shrimp and cream sauce is flat-out delicious.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily, but keep in mind that the wait times can stretch to ninety minutes on weekends.
Watr At The 1 Rooftop
$$$ | (305) 604-1000 | WEBSITE
A breezy tropical escape above the bustling Miami Beach scene, Watr At The 1 Rooftop is a chic destination with lush greenery, sleek lounge seating, and vibrant, memorable seafood. The menu shines with dishes like expertly crafted sushi, fresh seafood selections, and the new Wagyu beef Watr Burger that absolutely delivers. Cocktails are a highlight here, delighting all ages with creative mixes.
While dishes are individually priced, if you’re with a group, consider sharing several plates to experience the range. The atmosphere stays lively with a live DJ spinning house hits, and service is generally exceptional—our server Victor was personable and kind throughout. Note there’s a 21% service charge, but it remains a highly recommended spot for family outings or nights with friends.
