From Biscayne Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, Miami's glorious proximity to open waters puts the city on the map as a prime destination for seafood and summer vibes year-round.
You can get both here, but selecting the best places for seafood, however, is no easy task. This coastal metropolis boasts an abundance of eateries — too many to count — offering delightful sea treasures. Fresh fish? Check. Stone crab and lobster? Double check. Oysters, shrimp, and mussels? Yes, to all three.
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So where do seafood-loving locals and out-of-towners go to get their seafood fix in the Magic City? Well, we all have our favorites. But there’s nothing like cracking into giant claws and discovering the sweetest meat at South Beach’s century-old institution, Joe’s Stone Crab, or slurping down bright and briny New England oysters at SoFi’s soon-to-be year-old newcomer, Izzy’s Fish & Oyster.
With something for every taste and budget, here are Miami’s top spots for the ocean’s freshest fare:
10. La Camaronera
La Camaronera is Flagler’s classic neighborhood fish-fry joint. The kind of old-fashioned, strip-mall seafood spot that serves no-frill favorites at reasonable prices. Specialties include Camaronera’s famous fried shrimp, which you could order alone ($8.95), in a combo with yellow rice and tostones ($13.95), or in a sandwich ($7.95). From conch fritters ($9) to coconut cream pie ($3.65), these seaside Cuban dishes are sure to make you return for more.
9. Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill
Delectable ocean eats, perfect views of the Miami River, and more than two decades of experience in commercial fishing lands Casablanca on the list of premier seafood restaurants in the 305. Dine alfresco and soak in Miami sunrises and sunsets while boats float across still waters. Following the slogan “Fresh from our boats to your table,” Casablanca is open for breakfast through dinner. And if you don’t have time for a sit-down meal, visit the adjoining fish market and then test your culinary skills at home (ambiance not included).
8. Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market
Part restaurant, part fish market, Garcia’s has been serving the best seafood sandwiches in Miami-Dade County since the 1960s. The prices for these hearty, handheld treats are fair, ranging from $10 to $14, and guests can delight in favorites such as Garcia’s mahi-mahi and grouper caesar salad. Go beyond the sandwich bun with a spicy conch salad for starters and savor the homemade key lime pie for dessert. The unrivaled views of the Miami River and fresh seafood caught daily give Miamians a taste of the Florida Keys a little closer to home.
7. Area 31
On the 16th floor of the Epic Hotel, Area 31 treats diners to panoramic views of downtown Miami’s skyscrapers and glistening waters of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. Take a seat and pair your view with seafood-centric plastes and tasty cocktails that have become huge hits during happy hour and beyond. Drawing its name and most of its resources from Fishing Area 31, an ecologically sustainable fishery, along with other local farms and ranches, Area 31 delivers an elevated dining experience unlike any other in Miami.
6. Lure Fish Bar
A name as befitting as Lure, this New York-based restaurant lures in an eclectic mix of clientele, from business professionals to tourists and fashionable folks looking for an exemplary seafood feast in a nautical-themed setting. Located inside Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Lure serves seafood standouts such as jumbo lump crabcakes ($18) and seared diver sea scallops ($39). The vast sea of oyster options from coast to coast and a stellar sushi program, with innovative creations that range from $16 to $20, are also can’t-misses.
5. The River Seafood Oyster Bar
For oyster fans, the River Seafood Oyster Bar is a little piece of heaven in the heart of Miami. Chef David Bracha and his crew have created a refined neighborhood spot that specializes in classic seafood cuisine with a modern twist, using the freshest local products available as well as items from around the world. A glorious raw bar highlighting hand-shucked cold-water oysters, ceviches, fresh catches, and carefully crafted cocktails and wine lists make this place a Brickell favorite for lunch, dinner, and the happiest happy hour of them all, from 4 to 7 p.m., with daily deals too hard to pass up.
4. Mignonette
Edgewater’s Mignonette is both plain and fancy. Its humble interior belies its high-quality menu, divvied into sections "Plain" and "Fancy." Although they’re anything but plain, some entrées in the former category include crispy skin snapper ($25) and rainbow trout ($23), which come with beurre blanc and vegetables. If your bank account allows, order the "Fancy" Mignonette seafood tower. Ninety-five bucks gets you a plethora of fresh ocean selections: oysters, clams, shrimp cocktails, crab cocktails, lobster tail, and king crab legs.
3. Joe’s Stone Crab
Several imitators have emerged throughout the years, but Joe’s Stone Crab will always remain the original. No stone-crab season or visit to Miami is complete without a trip to South Florida’s most famous restaurant, still family-run by descendants of Joseph Weiss, the "Joe" of Joe’s Stone Crab. Since its opening in 1913, Joe’s has remained consistent in quality and genuine hospitality. For those reasons — and the sweetest stone crabs, of course — this local institution will never lose its appeal.
2. Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis
The most pristine seafood reigns at Estiatorio Milos, renowned for his exceptional take on Grecian cuisine featuring the freshest selection of Mediterranean fish, flown in overnight from Greece, Spain, and Portugal. It’s an opulent undersea world, one with glistening details and laid-back vibes, where you’ll find rare species such as milokopi, fagri, loup de mer, and dorado that sell for more than $50 per pound. Seafood here doesn’t come cheap, but you can’t find seafood like this anywhere else in Miami.
1. Izzy’s Fish & Oyster
New England clam shack, pure and simple. It’s comfort food at its finest served inside a homey eatery by chef/owner Jamie DeRosa. The seafood is fresh, shipped directly from Maine and other nearby areas. The fried clam bellies are worthwhile. So is the selection of New England oysters — served per piece ($3.50), half-dozen ($20) or dozen ($38). For a true taste of Izzy’s, order the whole lobster roll ($25), served hot or cold, and features a whole Maine lobster poached in butter and nestled inside a locally sourced bun with mayo, served with a side of waffle fries. If the cool, welcoming vibes don't make you smile, Izzy’s traditional heart-warming New England fare will.
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