Enjoying a lovely meal with picturesque water views entails one of South Florida’s best perks. As the summer season approaches, we highlight some of the area’s best South Florida waterfront restaurants to experience:
1. Try the Gourmet Gondola Tours at Casa Sensei in Fort Lauderdale
Casa Sensei blends traditional Latin American cuisine with Pan-Asian staples to create the best of both worlds. Situated along the Himmarshee Canal off Las Olas Boulevard, guests can dine dockside while indulging in seafood dishes – including Tuna Truffle Tartar ($18), Komodo Lobster ($25), Miso Marinated Sea Bass ($39) or one of the many sushi rolls – in addition to a wide range of cocktails, wine and beer. Thanks to a partnership with Riverfront Gondola Tours, guests can reserve a private dinner cruise on one of three eco-friendly, electric-powered boats that seat up to six people. The 90-minute gondola ride offers views of stunning waterfront homes, tropical foliage and South Florida wildlife, including manatees, peacocks, iguanas, exotic birds and more.
Address: 1200 E. Las Olas Blvd., #101, Fort Lauderdale
2. Experience Pier-Top Dining at Beach Bar @ Newport Pier
At Beach Bar @ Newport Pier, summer feels nearly endless. This seaside gem in Sunny Isles Beach stands out as the sole restaurant on a pier in Miami-Dade County. Beach Bar’s all-American menu has been carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with Eastern seafood flavors, resulting in visually stunning sushi boats and a Sunday brunch with an ocean twist. Guests can choose between sitting outside on the patio for a traditional experience or inside at one of the many bars, including the sushi-making station where skilled chefs perform their craft. The menu is a refreshing fusion of Florida-inspired dishes, like the Floridian Benedict and the popular Florida Citrus and Crab Cobb Salad, as well as Asian-inspired fare, including Bento Boxes (available for lunch until 4 p.m.) and a variety of creative sushi rolls.
Address: 16501 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach
3. Enjoy Water Views at The Deck at Island Gardens
The Deck at Island Gardens, known as one of Miami’s most treasured waterfront restaurants, features innovative brunch bites to weekday Sunset Happy Hour, private cabana service, special events and more. This unparalleled setting allows guests to sit comfortably at reservable full-size dining tables or cabana lounges while enjoying a decadent menu of fresh seafood, brick-oven pizzettas, pasta, meats, large plates, desserts and more while taking in the views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.
Address: 888 MacArthur Causeway, Miami
