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People watching on Miami Beach is fun – the 305 is home to a diverse cast of characters. It’s even more fun when you have great drinks and food along for the ride. And in a nutshell, that’s A Fish Called Avalon. 

This Ocean Drive establishment gives guests a front-row seat to the sights and sounds of South Beach’s iconic street, all while providing a quality dining experience. While this part of the beach is often associated with tourist traps, A Fish Called Avalon proves that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – or location. The seafood-focused eatery is a cut above the rest on the beach… and beyond.

A big reason for that: options galore. The vast menu covers all the bases when it comes to seafood – no palate is left unattended. Raw bar fans will drool over selections like the restaurant’s ceviche tasting and jumbo shrimp cocktail. Those who want to double down on this section can invest in the Seafood Festival, which lives up to its name: 24 oysters, 16 mussels, 12 shrimp, 2 whole Maine lobsters, lump crab meat salad… and more. Needless to say, bring a big party. 

A Fish Called Avalon seafood entree
Crab-crusted grouper

While the tried-and-true items like Spanish octopus are delicious, A Fish Called Avalon really shines with its unique signature offerings. The restaurant’s Bang Bang Shrimp features a turmeric curry spice mix and mint yogurt sauce that starts off refreshing before hitting your palate with a nice, little kick – it’s a “best of both worlds” situation. Just as impressive is the crab-crusted grouper with a Chenin blanc butter sauce. The combination of flavors from this duo results in a vibrant entrée that warrants its $40+ price tag. 

If you only follow one of our recommendations, make it this one: order the key lime pie. Yes, key lime pies are a dime a dozen in South Florida, but odds are you haven’t had one like this – it’s the 2019 National Pie Champion for a reason. That reason is the pecan crust, which replaces the typical graham crust you’re accustomed to. The resultant crunch and change in flavor should perk your taste buds right up.  

National Pie Championship 2019 winner - A Fish Called Avalon
Pecan-crusted key lime pie

Your dining experience at A Fish Called Avalon wouldn’t be complete without one of their handcrafted cocktails. FYI: Many of the mixed drinks are on the sweeter side; apple martinis, mojitos, daiquiris and the like should be expected. But guests who like their drinks with some edge need not fear, as A Fish Called Avalon boasts a notable lineup of single malts, ryes, and bourbons (plus other spirits, of course). Looking to save a few dollars? The restaurant hosts a daily happy hour from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with discounted drinks and complimentary bites. 

Whether you visit during happy hour for a few drinks or come for a full-fledged dinner, you can expect a consistent experience at A Fish Called Avalon – one filled with tasty seafood, refreshing (or stiff) cocktails, and a great view of the interesting people that frequent the beach. Oh, and did we mention there’s live music regularly? Just make a reservation already. 

By Geoffrey Anderson Jr., a contributing writer

Upscale cuisine that makes a splash

Celebrating a special occasion? Need to impress a date? Just want some great food? Lobster Bar Sea Grille is what you’re looking for: This South Beach gem serves up a superb menu of seafood classics and favorites in a gorgeous upscale setting. If you’re going to splurge, this is the place to do it.

Before setting foot into Lobster Bar Sea Grille, you should know that there is a dress code. Yes, this is South Beach, but while tank tops and shorts may be the norm outside, it’s best to change into something a bit more appropriate for a dinner here. When you walk in, you’ll immediately see why: It’s a classy establishment, and you’re going to look a bit out of place in an oversized t-shirt.

Once you’ve dressed to the nines, you’re all set for some amazing seafood. Lobster Bar Sea Grille’s wide selection of mouth-watering fare can appear daunting at first — it all sounds so good — but as you’d expect from a place of such high caliber, the jovial staff is more than happy to help you navigate the offerings.

Selected Field Ripe Tomato Salad - Barrel Aged Dodonis Feta
Tomato and Feta Salad

There’s no shortage of starters to begin your meal on a high note. Guests can keep things light with a to-die-for ahi tuna tartare or a refreshing tomato salad or indulge in lightly fried lobster morsels and jumbo lump crab cakes. On ice, an order of the Key West Stone Crab Claws is a must; the menu describes them as colossal, and this description is 100% accurate — they are so MASSIVE that even we were taken aback by the size.  Larger parties should consider the shellfish tower that comes with cold water oysters, seafood ceviche, Alaskan king crab and more delectable items.

With a name like Lobster Bar Sea Grille, it’s no surprise that the restaurant puts the crustacean front and center on its menu. Preparations vary: You can select a whole lobster steamed and cracked, spice things up with a whole chili lobster, or enjoy it in pasta. There’s also the Jumbo Lobster Tail, which the brand made popular back in the 70s.

While the lobster is the eatery’s claim to fame, its variety of whole fish should be on your radar as well — especially if you’re interested in dinner and a show. Dover sole Meuniere, arctic char and branzino are just a few of the options available, and regardless of your choice, the staff will filet it tableside. It’s a fun experience, and the result is a fantastic piece of fish. Throw in a side of hashed potato tots, glazed brussels sprouts or buttery Yukon mash — all of which can feed multiple people — and you have yourself dinner (and probably lunch the next day).

Avocado white soy citronette - puffed tapioca
Ahi Tuna Tartare

Lobster Bar Sea Grille hasn’t forgotten about meat-eaters. The impressive steak roster is a testament to that, with flavorful selections like barrel-cut filet mignon, A5 wagyu, and tomahawk long bone ribeye.  It’s hard not to want them all, and that sentiment extends to desserts. Profiteroles and the tropical pavlova — crisp meringue, passion fruit mousse, and exotic sorbet — are a few of the highlights on a sweets selection that also includes the likes of cheesecake, brownie sundae and apple crumb pie. Goodbye, diet.

No matter the occasion, Lobster Bar Sea Grille provides diners with an unparalleled luxury dining experience. It’s hard not to walk in — and out — impressed with the attention to detail in terms of staff, food, and ambiance. You get what you pay for, and at Lobster Bar Sea Grille, that means a phenomenal meal.

By Geoffrey Anderson, a contributing writer