The 18 Best Seafood Restaurants in Miami with the Freshest Fish

This nautical concept by Top Chef vets Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth is one of our favorite spots for fresh seafood in Miami—and for good reason. Catch us on the patio, indulging in the crispy whole yellowtail snapper and chilled watermelon and pickles all while staring at the sunset.

1787 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach or 786-401-5254

Where else can you dine on Michelin-starred Japanese cuisine right by the ocean? Azabu Miami Beach serves killer fish (think salmon tataki, miso black cod and spicy tuna crispy rice) with a view of the water. Just make sure to reserve a table on the restaurant’s outdoor patio in advance. Can’t score a resy? Don’t worry, the restaurant now offers pick-up too.

161 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach or 786-276-0520

This Lincoln Road restaurant serves arguably some of the best seafood in Miami. Take in the panoramic views of South Beach while dining on seared tuna with caramelized onions and avocado, king crab risotto or pan-seared salmon. Can’t decide? Try the seafood pasta, which includes a little bit of everything, from shrimp and scallops to octopus and calamari. Pair your plate with a side of tricolor quinoa. It’s as tasty as it is photo-worthy.

1111 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach or 305-763-8272

Duh, no surprise here: We can’t help but include the restaurant that has been around since before we can remember. Rusty Pelican, we love you, your seafood-driven menu and your unparalleled view of the Miami skyline. Next time you’re nearby, stop in for the Chilean sea bass with smoked sweet plantain mash or the sunflower seed crusted halibut with goat cheese Peruvian peppers.

3201 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne or 305-361-3818

If you’re a seafood lover, My Ceviche is one of the best spots in Miami to get your fix. Choose from a selection of fresh-caught fish and then add coconut jasmine rice or cilantro quinoa and a sauce such as aji amarillo, rocoto or tradicional (a mix of lime juice and avocado). It’s the biggest, tastiest bowl of fish and veggies you’ll ever eat, we promise.

Various locations

As far as we’re concerned, it doesn’t get much better than indulging in the day’s fresh catch while lounging on Seaspice’s gorgeous patio on the Miami River. You’ll have a prime viewing spot of mega yachts cruising along the downtown waterfront as you enjoy a crisp glass of wine and super fresh seafood.

422 NW North River Dr., Miami or 305-440-4200

This old-school Miami fish market operates a fleet of fishing boats, catching fresh seafood daily and serving it straight to your plate. In business since 1966, Garcia’s no-fuss atmosphere and next-level fish make it the perfect spot for a casual, quintessential Miami meal. Go for the colossal claws, the smoky fish dip or the classic mahi sandwich.

398 NW N. River Dr., Miami or 305-375-0765

The popular Peruvian restaurant in South Beach is known for serving two dozen types of ceviche and a massive selection of seafood plates. With a menu this large, you may be overwhelmed during your first visit—but don’t worry, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. After all, there’s a reason why this restaurant has been open for 12 years and has grown to open across South Florida, including Lincoln Road, Aventura, downtown and Dadeland Mall.

Various locations

As one of Miami’s finest, longest-running Mediterranean seafood restaurants, Milos is never a bad idea. With locations around the world (Athens, Montreal, London), we’re partial to our hometown outpost for a few reasons: It’s basically located on the beach, the dining room is equal parts traditional and modern, and the food is always top-notch. Pick your favorite fish—caught fresh, of course—and have it fried, grilled or served as a tartare, paired with a classic Greek salad and a side of fried potatoes.

730 First St., Miami Beach or 305-604-6800

We’ll rarely say no to a visit to the ritzy St. Regis in Bal Harbour—especially when said visit involves some of the freshest fish and most authentic Greek cuisine in all of Miami. The restaurant sources its seafood from local waters and a Greek fish market in Athens, so you can have the best of both worlds. That’s why we’re going all out with orders of the Champagne salt-crusted branzino and lobster linguine.

9703 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour or 305-993-3300

A dozen oysters, smoked fish dip with pickled cherry peppers, lobster deviled eggs and crispy skin snapper—we’ll take one of each, please. This mainstay Miami restaurant is among one of the best for fresh seafood. The best part? You can get all of that for takeout, too.

210 NE 18th St., Miami or 305-374-4635