Three Miami Spice Restaurants with killer views

Looking for a little ambience to go with your Miami Spice meal? Read below for a few of our favorite places to find great food and a great view.

The Rusty Pelican {3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne; 305.361.3818}

Whether or not you sit inside or outside at The Rusty Pelican, you’ll still be able to see its million-dollar waterfront views. Located right on Biscayne Bay, the restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a hot bayfront patio, and a contemporary American menu. If you’re there during Miami Spice, pair those views with Grilled Marinated Octopus, Lamb Ribs with chorizo crumbs and mint pea purée, Roasted Corvina with royal osetra caviar cream, or the six-hour braised Short Rib with truffle orecchiette pasta mac n’ cheese. Order the Florida-inspired Coconut Flan for dessert and trust us: you’re in paradise. 

Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}

Sitting in an airy boathouse on the banks of the Miami River, Seaspice brings a slice of Saint-Tropez to Miami. Grab a seat on the deck at sunset and take it all in—the Miami skyline, yachts anchoring right at the restaurant, and, in true Magic City fashion, beautiful people-watching. When it comes to the food, choose appetizers like Crispy Tempura Squash Blossoms or Cauliflower Soup, and follow it up with Beef Wellington or Pan-Seared Local Black Grouper with leek fondue. End on a sweet note with Affogato with snickerdoodle or Caramelized Peaches with sweet corn ice cream.

Sawa Restaurant & Lounge {360 San Lorenzo Avenue, Suite 1500, Coral Gables; 305.447.6555}

Located in the palm-clad courtyard of the Shops of Merrick Park, Sawa Restaurant & Lounge combines a delicious Mediterranean-Japanese fusion menu with an idyllic setting amongst Merrick Park’s sophisticated shops. Start with appetizers like Vegan Ceviche or the Red is Virtuous/White is Sacred sushi roll. For your main dish, Paella Negra, Achiote-Rubbed Sous-Vide Short Ribs, Duck a la Ble, Salmon Casino, and the IBA 2.0 Roll with eel are all popular Miami Spice options. Finish with a delectable dessert, like the mango and strawberry Panna Cotta Duo, the Mini Cannoli Trio, or the Chocolate Mousse Cake Deluxe, and your palate will be as pleased as your eyes.

By Jennifer Agress, contributing writer