With spring kicking into gear in the Magic City and both Miami Music Week and Spring Break coming up, outdoor dining will be some of the most coveted reservations to score with the beautiful spring weather in Miami. When it comes to eating through the city while enjoying sunny skies, we can admit Miami is spoiled for choice. PROFILEmiami put together a roundup of some of Miami’s most essential and hottest restaurants that are also perfect for al fresco dining including the newly opened Miami Design District hotspots Contessa Miami and Sofia, Downtown Miami’s newest seductive dinging experience Giselle on the rooftop of E11EVEN, NYC Greek transplant Avra Estiatorio Miami, brunch institution Sadelle’s Coconut Grove, Wynwood’s newest enchanted rooftop Fabel, Bal Harbour power lunch staple Le Zoo, Mediterranean MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022 Prize Winner Mandolin Aegean Bistro, relaxed Wynwood food truck-style vibes at Oasis Wynwood and health-focused all-day cafe Pura Vida Miami’s Sunset Harbour, Bay Harbor, Miami Design District and South of Fifth hotspot locations. From casual all-day hot spots, to classic weekend brunch institutions and glamorous dining experiences, our list is sure to guide you through enjoying both Miami’s best food and outdoor ambiance.
Sadelle’s Coconut Grove - Image via Major Food Group
Sadelle’s Coconut Grove (Coconut Grove)
Location: 3321 Mary St, Miami, FL 33133
Founded by Major Food Group, Sadelle’s is the enduringly popular institution that originated in New York and touched down in the heart of Coconut Grove in 2021 at the coveted intersection of Tigertail and Mary Streets. With ample outdoor space surrounded by rich greenery, the bright and lively Coconut Grove outpost is one of Miami’s best outdoor brunch spots. The concept is a combination of everyone's favorite breakfast-centric haven and power-lunch hotspot, equipped with show-stopping bagel towers, meticulously chopped salads, sliced-to-order salmon, triple-decker sandwiches, and vibrant, refined style of dining the brand is famous for. Sadelle’s is open for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch.
Main Dining Room (Outdoors) - Image via Craig Denis Creative
Giselle (Downtown Miami)
Location: E11EVEN Rooftop, 15 NE 11th St, Miami, FL 33132
The team behind world-famous ultraclub, E11EVEN Miami, and premier restaurant management group, The Restaurant People (TRP), joined forces to bring an exciting new world-class culinary experience to Downtown Miami, Giselle. Situated on the rooftop of E11EVEN Miami, in the heart of Downtown’s Arts and Entertainment District, Giselle Miami broke out as a lively addition to the local culinary scene, merging exquisite design, globally inspired taste, elevated cocktail programming, and supreme hospitality-driven service in a warm, sexy and authentic atmosphere. The restaurant features a retractable roof so Giselle can be enjoyed rain or shine. The menu features gold adorned Bluefin Tuna Truffle Cones, a Crispy Whole Snapper, Caviar selections, A5 Wagyu, an incredible Lobster Fra Diavolo, as well as flaming Lobsters and Tomahawks making the entire experience a show you won’t forget.
Sofia Miami Design District - Image via Brandon Barre
Sofia (Miami Design District)
Location: 140 NE 39th St. Miami, FL 33137
From INK Entertainment, Sofia in Palm Court of Miami Design District has become one of Miami’s hottest new restaurants for either outdoor or indoor dining for lunch or dinner. Born out of a love affair between Contemporary Art and elevated Italian cuisine, and designed with a pristine level of world-class extravagance by the award-winning Studio Munge, Sofia extends an unparalleled combination of first-class hospitality, a refined approach to modern Italian fare, high-end European glam, and captivating couture design that perfectly captures her vibrant, high-spirited ambiance. Complemented by a chic yet sophisticated signature backdrop, guests can look forward to a premier fine dining experience beyond traditional dining while exploring Sofia’s glamorous indoor dining room and livened outdoor courtyard that extends her oasis far into the neighborhood’s iconic Palm Court. The menu features include a citrus tuna Tonno, lobster arogosta, incredible pastas including a Pesto Gemelli and Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka, and Branzino and Veal Milanese.
Avra Miami - Image via CarmaConnected
Avra Estiatorio Miami (Sunny Isles Beach)
Location: Estates at Acqualina, 17945 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
Transport to the islands of Greece with Avra Miami’s unforgettable views of the Atlantic Ocean and fresh Greek cuisine. Located in Sunny Isles at the newly completed, ultra-exclusive Estates at Acqualina, the restaurant oozes luxury with its waterfront views of the Atlantic Ocean and elegant tones. With fresh fish flown in from the mediterranean daily, indulge in rich flavors like the Chilean Sea Bass Plaki or Avra’s iconic Lobster Pasta with whole maine lobster. The also features a selection of Greek specialities salads, cheeses, tzatziki, spanakopita, octopus carpaccio, lamb chops and filet mignon. Every dish is finished with fruity, full-bodied olive oil, bottled exclusively for the restaurant from olives in Greece that are handpicked from ancient groves and pressed within three hours of harvest. Top the night off with a stroll on the beach while sipping on transformative cocktails like Mykonos Breeze with notes of passion fruit.
Contessa Miami - Image via Major Food Group
Contessa Miami (Miami Design District)
Location: 111 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137
The famed northern Italian-inspired concept, Contessa Miami, is a classic yet thoroughly contemporary dining destination by Major Food Group. Serving as Miami Design District's newest neighborhood cornerstone, Contessa presents an elegantly lush outdoor ambience and offers the finest meats, antipasti, signature pizzas, and an extensive in-house gelato program. Both the first and second floor outdoor terraces encourage guests to stay beyond the confines of its lunch, Aperitivo and dinner as each table is situated at the intersection of all the art, culture and fashion that Miami Design District has to offer. If you're looking for the best spot for people watching over an aperol spritz and spicy lobster capellini, look no further! Contessa Miami is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
Oasis Wynwood - Image via Oasis Wynwood
Oasis Wynwood (Wynwood)
Address: 2335 N Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33127
Oasis Wynwood is a casual indoor/outdoor hotspot to check-out if you are in the mood for a casual meal in an energetic setting with true Wynwood vibes. Oasis Wynwood offers six restaurants to choose from and an iconic 75’ tall “Tower Bar” made out of shipping containers featuring a mural by Antonio Marest. The restaurants include Mr. Mandolin (Mediterranean), Prince Street Pizza, Los Buenos (taqueria), Alidoro (Italian), Buya Dumplings + Buns (Asian street food), and Chikin (crispy chicken concept). The Oasis also features a selection of retail space, art studios, cafes and an outdoor stage for live performance. Whether you want to enjoy a fast-casual meal, a relaxing drink or just immerse yourself in the Wynwood lifestyle, check-out Oasis Wynwood.
Le Zoo - Image via Andrew Hektor
Le Zoo (Bal Harbour)
Address: 9700 Collins Ave. #135, Bal Harbour Shops, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
Bal Harbour is undergoing major changes, but Le Zoo still remains a staple at the iconic ultra-luxe shopping destination. At lunchtime Le Zoo becomes the place to see and be seen. Sitting outdoors under the canopy of the exclusive Bal Harbour Shops, the Stephen Starr French brasserie is not only a staple power lunch hotspot but also a great dinner atmosphere. Le Zoo offers a French Mediterranean menu with an extensive, well curated wine and champagne list. Classic dishes include the Truffle Pizza, Oysters, Tuna Tartare, Filet Mignon Au Poivre and Steak Frites.
Pura Vida Sunset Harbour - Image via Pura Vida
Pura Vida (Sunset Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands & Miami Design District)
Location(s): 1940 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (Sunset Harbour), 1001 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154 (Bay Harbor Islands), 3818 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137 (Miami Design District), 110 Washington Ave #2, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (South of Fifth)
Miami’s lunch and healthy eats hot spot, each and every Pura Vida can be hard to snag a coveted outdoor table for breakfast or during the lunch rush. Pura Vida is South Florida's iconic all-day cafe founded by husband-wife team, Omer and Jennifer Horev which has grown to over 15 locations and counting. For a true Miami outdoor healthy eats experience, make sure to check Pura Vida’s Sunset Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Miami Design District or the original South of Fifth locations. The health-focused eatery provides an extensive menu featuring a range of raw, organic acai bowls, freshly squeezed juices, superfood smoothies, fresh salads, wraps, bowls and more. The bright and airy outdoor patios, lined with the brand’s signature blue umbrellas, coincide with the brand's tropical, breezy aesthetic and exude a sense of casual comfort fit for a leisurely meal at any time of the day. Pura Vida is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between.
Fabel - Image via Fabel Miami
Fabel (Wynwood)
Location: 50 NW 23rd St #110, Miami, FL 33127
Fabel Miami, a newly revealed open-air rooftop restaurant and lounge by owner Matthew Rosenberg and his award-winning architecture firm, M-Rad, is now open at Wynwood Jungle, the experiential dining and retail destination transformed by Black Lion’s Robert Rivani. Fabel Miami, located in the heart of Wynwood, offers a unique dining experience that stimulates the five senses. With the warm Miami breeze and unique melodic beats in the background - it’s easy to forget you’re in Miami and not at a beach club in the mediterranean. Their 44oz Allen Bros. Porterhouse with roasted garlic and blue fenugreek adijka and whole Heritage Roasted Chicken with taouk spice and iranian oregano are sure to spice up your night, along with unique drinks like the Tumeric Aguardiente with mezcal and mango puree, or the Italicus Summer with reposado tequila and mediterranean tonic. Enjoy the experience atop the enchanted rooftop as DJ’s spin the night away.
ZZ’s Club - Image via Douglas Friedman
ZZ’s Club (Miami Design District)
Address: 151 NE 41st St., Miami
Located in the heart of the Miami Design District, ZZ’s Club from Major Food Group is a Japanese restaurant and membership club, presided over by Masa Ito and Kevin Kim, two of New York City's most revered and beloved sushi chefs. ZZ’s offers a beautiful outdoor dining garden in Miami Design District’s Paradise Plaza as well as outdoor cigar and cocktail lounge upstairs. ZZ’s Club serves modern Japanese cuisine with an a la carte menu, from raw dishes to cooked plates of premium Japanese Wagyu beef on custom-built charcoal grills. The menu also spotlights a selection of ZZ’s classics, including brioche toast topped with trout roe and truffle honey, tuna carpaccio with foie gras and scallops and Wagyu Katsu Sando with truffles, as well as dishes developed specifically for Miami: Steamed Lobster Dumplings; Stone Crab Sunomono; Chilled Yuzu Asparagus; Line-Caught Crispy Snapper; and Teppan-fried rice. Unfortunately due to the private nature of ZZ’s Club it can be hard to get a reservation but if you find yourself with one it is an invitation you do not want to miss.
Komodo - Image via CarmaConnected
Komodo (Brickell)
Location: 801 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
Komodo Miami is a high-end dining establishment located in Brickell from David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality, and has been a staple on Miami’s outdoor dining scene in 2015. The contemporary style restaurant has floor-to ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the city skyline. The restaurant offers delectable plates inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine. Some of the standout dishes include the Peking duck, Wagyu dumplings, and truffle honey salmon. Komodo Miami also features a lively lounge area with a full bar and DJ booth. The lounge is a popular spot for after-work drinks, late-night dancing, and celebrity sightings. Komodo is a unique and unforgettable dining and nightlife experience you won’t want to miss in Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro - Image via Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Mandolin Aegean Bistro (Miami Design District)
Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Mandolin Aegean Bistro makes you feel like being transported to the tavernas along Aegean coastal towns where the Greek Islands meet the Turkish coast. Founded by husband-and-wife team Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis, Mandolin Aegean Bistro opened in Miami in 2009, bringing traditional Greek and coastal Turkish cuisine to the Miami Design District. The menu offers seasonal ingredients, freshly caught fish of the day as well as vegetarian options. The garden terrace is the place to see-and-be-seen and a perfect spot to spend an afternoon lingering over an expansive Mediterranean meal.
The outdoor patio at LPM Restaurant & Bar - Image via LPM Restaurant & Bar
LPM Restaurant & Bar (Brickell)
Address: 1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami, FL 33131
One of the most elegant restaurants in Brickell and a hot spot to enjoy the modern upscale Downtown vibes of Miami’s hot Brickell neighborhood. LPM Restaurant & Bar features a relaxed restaurant atmosphere with a Cote d'Azur feel serving French Mediterranean and Niçoise cuisine with Mediterranean produce. The Miami Spice menu offers Ratatouille et Féta, the Petits Farcis Niçois, the Bavette aux Chimichurri, the Coquelet au Citron Confit and the Arrabbiata. The outdoor patio serves as a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of Miami’s financial district for either a power lunch or lavish dinner.
Michael's Genuine® Food & Drink - Image via Michael’s Genuine® Food & Drink
Michael's Genuine® Food & Drink (Miami Design District)
Address: 130 NE 40th St., Miami, FL 33137
James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Schwartz's flagship neighborhood bistro is a vibrant neighborhood restaurant built on fresh seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality. Recently awarded by Michelin a BIB Gourmand, Michael's celebrated its 15th anniversary this year with a full remodel. Guests can sit on the patio and people watch in the trendy Miami Design District while enjoying the breeze and sunshine. Staples on the menu include Oysters, Shaved Butternut Squash, Crispy Duck Confit, Black Truffle Pizza, Wood Roasted Octopus and Slow Roasted & Grilled Short Rib.