Top Scenic Waterfront Restaurants in Miami

Nestled on the grounds of the posh Grove Isle Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove, Baleen more than lives up to its theme of Ocean Inspired, Ocean Surrounded. Enjoy truly outstanding Contemporary and seafood dishes, an airy and romantic atmosphere, and dreamy ocean views. If your wallet can take the hit, you will be rewarded.

• Cuisine: Contemporary
• Address: 4 Grove Isle Dr., Coconut Grove
• Phone: 305-858-8300
• Price: $$$$

Hidden away in the Mark Condominium in Downtown Miami, the lucky few who have found this restaurant rave about the food as well as the views. Enjoy simple yet delicious Mediterranean cuisine and seafood while taking in truly breathtaking panoramic views of Biscayne Bay.

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Address: 1155 Brickell Bay Dr., Miami
• Phone: 305-377-4442
• Price: $$$

A Coconut Grove institution, Monty's has been serving up no-nonsense seafood for over 30 years. You can choose the more expensive indoor dining room, or opt for the outdoor raw bar - which is less expensive and much more fun. Both areas have gorgeous water views, but the raw bar also features calypso music and a happy hour that is very popular with locals. Enjoy fresh stone crabs and much more, served on paper plates, and for fair - though not cheap - prices.

• Cuisine: Seafood
• Address: Monty's Marina, 2550 S. Bayshore Dr., Coconut Grove
• Phone: 305-856-3992
• Price: $$

Tucked deep inside Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables, this restaurant is a tropical oasis that even many locals dont know about. Be sure to sit in the outdoor patio, located near the parks busy swimming lagoon. Besides the people-watching opportunities, you will also find swaying palm trees and outstanding views of the bay. The seafood starters and entrees are simple but tasty.

• Cuisine: Seafood
• Address: 9610 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables
• Phone: 305-668-8788
• Price: $$$

Part of a New York City-based chain, this steakhouse is the focal point of boisterous South Pointe Park. They dish up scrumptious seafood and serious steaks – but the prices are serious too. People-watching is also on the menu, with swarms of beach-goers passing by, as well models posing for photo shoots just a few yards away. Topping it off are up-close views of the bay called Government Cut, and the ships that pass through it.

• Cuisine: Steakhouse
• Address: 1 Washington Ave., Miami Beach
• Phone: 305-673-2800
• Price: $$$$

The seafood fare at this Key Biscayne restaurant is good, but you will think it is great while taking in the spectacular panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Come for their popular Champagne Sunday Brunch and you will see and hear the usual weekend activity taking place outside – from boats entering the marina to ultralight planes flying in for a water landing.

• Cuisine: Seafood / Continental
• Address: 3201 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne
• Phone: 305-361-3818
• Price: $$$

It seems hard to believe that a feast of sumptuous and authentic Chinese can be had right in Downtown Miami, but it is true! Located in the Doubletree Grand Hotel, this restaurant serves up some of the best Chinese food around, along with incredible views of the ocean and marina. They also have a small Sushi bar.

• Cuisine: Chinese / Sushi
• Address: Doubletree Grand Hotel, 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., Miami
• Phone: 305-374-8888
• Price: $$$