Best Waterfront Restaurants You Can Only Reach by Boat
Dock-and-dine is a real thing in Miami. Here are the waterfront spots worth pulling up to — and how to actually get a slip on a Saturday night.
Dining from the Water
One of the genuine perks of boating in Miami is that some of the best restaurants in the city are only really accessible from the water — or at least, arriving by boat puts you at a different table, in a different mood, and usually with a better view than the valet crowd.
Casablanca on the River
Location: Miami River, 400 NW North River Dr Dock access: Yes — call ahead on weekends Best order: Stone crabs (in season Oct–May), ceviche, whole fried snapper
Casablanca has been on the Miami River since 1976 and it's as much a Miami institution as the river itself. The fish comes off local boats, the prices are honest, and the outdoor deck over the water is exactly what you want on a warm evening.
Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market
Location: Miami River, 398 NW North River Dr Dock access: Yes Best order: Fish dip, grilled mahi, conch fritters
Garcia's is the more casual cousin to Casablanca. The fish dip is famous and the prices are fair. It has the feel of a real South Florida fish camp — not designed for Instagram, just good food and good water views.
Monty's Raw Bar
Location: Coconut Grove, 2550 S Bayshore Dr Dock access: Yes — dinghy or small boat to the seawall Best order: Raw bar platter, fish tacos, frozen drinks
Monty's is a landmark in Coconut Grove and has been a waterfront institution since the 80s. Come by boat and tie up at the seawall, or dinghy over from the Dinner Key anchorage.
Rusty Pelican
Location: Virginia Key, 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway Dock access: Yes — call ahead for slip availability Best order: Whole roasted fish, crab cakes, raw bar
If you want the quintessential Miami water view during dinner, Rusty Pelican delivers. The restaurant sits directly on Biscayne Bay with a full panorama of the downtown skyline. Arriving by boat makes the whole thing feel like a private event.
Kiki on the River
Location: Miami River, 450 NW North River Dr Dock access: Yes — reserve ahead Best order: Mezze board, grilled branzino, lamb chops
Mediterranean cuisine on the Miami River sounds like it shouldn't work but Kiki makes it feel completely natural. The outdoor terrace over the water is romantic and lively at the same time.
Dock-and-Dine Tips
- Call ahead on weekends — dock space is first-come in most cases and fills by noon
- Confirm dock hours — some restaurants close their docks earlier than the restaurant itself
- Know the current and swing before you leave your boat unattended for dinner
- Tip your dock hand. They're watching your boat while you eat.
- Check depth at the dock — several Miami River restaurants have shallow approaches at low tide