Best Outdoor Restaurants in Miami

In a place where the sun shines year-round, outdoor dining isn’t just a seasonal perk. It’s a way of life. From banyan-shaded courtyards to breezy waterfront patios, Greater Miami & Miami Beach is full of restaurants where the setting is just as memorable as the food. Whether you’re sipping wine on a rooftop, sharing mezze beneath hanging vines or watching the sunset while savoring oysters and cocktails, these places prove a restaurant is more than just the food it serves.

Art Deco Vibes at Sunny’s Steakhouse

If you were a fan of Jaguar Sun (sadly no longer open), you’ve probably already heard of its beloved off shoot, Sunny’s. What started as a summer pop-up has returned for good, reopening in Little River, north of Little Haiti, after a much-anticipated renovation. The space now features a lush, Art Deco-meets-jungle interior that nods to the playful design sensibility of the original Jaguar Sun. But the real draw? The banyan-shaded courtyard, where you can dine and drink beneath twinkling lights and leafy branches. Bring someone you want to impress, or simply enjoy a martini any way you can imagine on the terrace.

If the daily happy hour and immaculate decor aren’t enough to convince you, Sunny’s is also a serious destination for foodies. The MICHELIN-recommended restaurant serves up expertly grilled steaks, chilled oysters and standout seafood, like grouper with spiced carrot butter. Open nightly and often bustling, Sunny’s is a stylish, open-air escape that captures Miami dining at its best.

Pizza, Pasta and Italian Flair at Bar Bucce

From the team that brought Miami Macchialina comes Bar Bucce in Little River. This Italian-inspired spot is equal parts wine bar, deli counter and neighborhood hangout, with a menu that leans more into pizza than pasta. Come for a slice or a baseball-sized arancini at lunch, or try the juicy lamb skewers from the grill for dinner. The setting is just as fun as the food. Inside, colorful mod tile and soda-shop flair create a retro Miami Modern vibe. Outside is the real draw, though, with its large, leafy patio, retractable roof and an occasional train passing by.

Ordering at the counter makes Bar Bucce an easy choice for big groups looking for a memorable-yet-casual dining option. And don’t forget to grab a bottle of wine for the table. Even without formal table service, the staff is always ready to offer the perfect recommendation to pair with lunch or dinner.

Dine on the River at San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is the kind of place that takes away the burden of decision-making. There’s no printed menu; just a few questions from your server and an invitation to choose between carne or pesce. For a set price, two people get a tightly curated, multi-course Italian dinner that starts with a trio of antipasti and leads into one of two entrees. The atmosphere is a big part of the draw. Inside, white tablecloths, soft lighting and a warm, coastal color palette keep things low-key but elegant. Outside, the terracotta terrace hugs the Little River for a serene view. If you look closely, you might see a manatee swim by while enjoying your meal.

Spectacular Views at Gramps Getaway

Another offshoot of a local favorite, Gramps Getaway captures everything locals love about the original Gramps' colorful, dive-bar ambiance with the bonus of one of the area’s best views. Located on the Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne, you’ll find Gramps Getaway’s large, oval bar packed when skies are clear (and also when they're not thanks to the big tiki hut covering most of the deck).

Serving classic Florida bar food, like smoked fish dip and coconut shrimp, this is a spot for both picky eaters and food lovers. Thanks to Gramps’ partnership with The Lazy Oyster, you can also enjoy a rotating selection of oysters that are perfect alongside a cold drink and views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. Whether you're watching a sunset with friends, dancing to a Saturday night DJ or just popping in for happy hour and people-watching, Gramps Getaway nails the balance of casual and cool.

Upscale Waterfront Dining at Amara at Paraiso

Amara at Paraiso, by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, is the kind of place where the view alone is worth the reservation. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Edgewater, this waterfront spot overlooks Biscayne Bay and features an uninterrupted view that demands you dine outside. It can be a little tricky to find, but once you're seated on the patio, you’ll be glad you’re there. 

The menu leans heavily into fresh, locally sourced seafood and produce, with dishes that reflect Miami’s diverse culinary influences. The wood-grilled fish, chicken à la brasa and crisp seasonal salads are reliably satisfying. Come at sunset for peak ambiance, and be sure to book early to guarantee an outdoor seat on weekends. With a backdrop this stunning, it's no surprise Amara has become a go-to for an upscale meal by the water.

Wine, Cheese and Laid-back Charm at Lagniappe

Lagniappe has long been one of Miami’s most-beloved outdoor restaurants, especially when you’re with a group that’s arriving on Miami time, which is to say, not all at once. This sprawling, casual backyard spot in Edgewater with mismatched patio furniture and string lights has the kind of no-reservations energy that makes it easy to show up and stay a while. The flow here is part of the charm. Grab a few bottles of wine and build your own charcuterie board from the fridge inside, then head outdoors, where most of the action happens. There’s live music nightly indoors, but most people opt for a seat outside, glass in hand, surrounded by the gentle chaos of a crowd that never really sits still. 

While wine and cheese are what most people choose, there’s also a short menu of cooked-to-order plates, like juicy churrasco, tender salmon and a very convincing vegan choripan. Lagniappe is loose, lively and reliably packed, especially on weekends, and is one of Miami’s most dependable spots for a casual night out.

Paris Meets Wynwood at Pastis

It’s hard to recreate the charm of a classic Parisian bistro, but Pastis pulls it off with added Miami flare. This beloved New York offshoot has made itself at home in Wynwood with all the signature touches: white subway tiles, a zinc-topped bar, red leather banquettes and those iconic gold-framed mirrors that double as daily menus. On cool evenings, the glass doors swing open to blur the line between indoors and out, letting the energy spill into a lush courtyard shaded by a vine-wrapped pergola. 

The menu is full of French bistro classics: French onion soup, duck confit, steak frites and a croque madame that tastes decadent. If you’re in the mood for a long lunch in the garden or an elegant dinner that still feels like a bit of an escape, this is the spot. It’s a little bit of Paris in the heart of Wynwood.

Escape to the Greek Isles at Mandolin Aegean Bistro

Step through the blue gate at Mandolin Aegaen Bistro and you’ll feel like you’re in the Greek islands. Tucked inside a lovingly restored 1940s bungalow in the Miami Design District, the restaurant is full of charm. Its menu draws on Greek and Turkish recipes, and nearly everything is meant to be shared. 

Split the savory baked feta, smoky lamb kofte, crispy fried calamari or a sampler of meze. Most of the seating is outdoors, shaded by trees. While the food is reliably delicious, it’s the photo-worthy setting that keeps regulars booking tables a month in advance.

Italian Cuisine and River Views at Elia

There’s no shortage of waterfront restaurants in Miami, but few feel quite as serene and polished as Elia. Set along the Miami River in Allapattah, this Southern Italian spot brings together refined Mediterranean flavors and an easy lounge energy in a way that feels equally elegant and effortless. Inside, warm lighting, imported marble and a hand-painted mural set the scene for a quiet dinner or a celebratory night out. Outside, the riverfront patio offers views of passing yachts and orange-pink sunsets. 

The menu leans coastal and generous, from fresh seafood to spicy rigatoni and succulent grilled meat. It’s the kind of place where you might start with a chilled spritz and burrata and end with an amaretto and flaky grilled branzino. Whether you’re there for the scene, the views or the relaxed, satisfying meal, Elia offers a welcome pause.

The Café at Books & Books

Is there a better place to work outside than The Café at Book & Books? Whether you’re meeting up with friends or flying solo with your laptop, this iconic spot in Coral Gables offers the kind of laid-back outdoor setting that makes everyone feel like a regular. It’s easy to lose track of time here. Start by browsing through the shelves for an interesting read, then settle in with a cozy chai latte or gooey grilled cheese in the open-air courtyard. 

The cafe has a long menu of reliable favorites because, well, why mess with a good thing? Equally good for a quiet weekday lunch or a lively evening of music or readings, there's always something happening here. The year-round lineup of events gives the space a distinct cultural importance, making it a perfect place to linger. Come for the bites and stay for the creative energy.

Love great dining with a view? Explore the destination’s best waterfront restaurants.