It’s no secret that being out on the water and in the sunshine can cause anyone to work up a significant appetite. When you’re boating in Miami, you’re in luck, because here you can enjoy waterfront restaurants without having to walk through a parking lot — the dock and dine experience. Dock and dine is one of the best ways to experience Miami’s boating lifestyle because it combines two of the city’s biggest attractions: being out on the water and enjoying world-class dining. With many restaurants offering boat slips, you can indulge in a seamless boat-to-table experience and fill up on delicious food while taking in a beautiful view of the water.
The social atmosphere for dock and dine is also unmatched — at these restaurants, you can connect with other people committed to the boating lifestyle in Miami and make new friends on and off the water. Find a range of dining experiences, from more casual waterfront bars to upscale seafood restaurants and fine dining dockside. Here are some of the best restaurants in Miami to cruise your boat to for a meal, as well as a guide to restaurants near marinas in case getting takeout and eating on your boat is more your desired experience.
Miami’s Best Boat-Up Restaurants for a Dock & Dine Experience
Dock & Dine in Miami Beach
Lido Bayside Grill
Sitting on Belle Isle off Miami Beach at The Standard Spa, Lido Bayside Grill is a breezy, Mediterranean-inspired gem known for its sun-kissed ambiance and waterfront charm. With menus rooted in locally sourced ingredients, sustainable seafood, and shareable dishes, the restaurant beautifully reflects Miami’s coastal energy. When arriving by boat, docking is available for vessels up to 40 feet. This spot offers a perfect setting to sip refreshing cocktails, such as frosé, enjoy a light brunch or dinner, and watch the sunset over the water.
Dock & Dine on the Miami River
Seaspice
Perched on the Miami River with sweeping views of the downtown skyline, Seaspice blends upscale elegance with waterfront flair. The restaurant offers multiple inviting spaces—from a luscious garden bar and courtyard lounge to a covered patio and the chic “Modern Garden.” Menu highlights include fresh seafood, a raw bar, signature wood-fired casseroles, Wagyu steak, and specialty cocktail. Boaters are welcomed with roughly 500 feet of docking space, offering seamless boat-to-table access—either dock right next to your table or request pickup/drop-off for the ultimate arrival experience.
Kiki on the River
Kiki on the River is a vibrant, Greek-inspired Mediterranean gem nestled along the Miami River. The restaurant spans an elegant outdoor garden patio and boasts a generous 150-foot dock, making it a prime spot for boaters to pull up and dine. With its romantic waterfront ambiance and breezy island-chic décor, Kiki brings a touch of Mykonos to Miami—complete with lively weekend evenings featuring DJ-driven music and spirited napkin-twirling celebrations.
Elia on the River
Located at River Landing, Elia on the River presents a tranquil yet sophisticated escape where Southern Italian cuisine meets Miami’s tropical energy. Culinary offerings include a standout mix of coastal Italian fare—think brick-oven pizzas, house-made pastas like lobster linguini and pappardelle Bolognese, fresh selections from the raw-bar, “land-and-sea” entrées like grilled Tuscan ribeye or whole branzino, and elevated starters including burrata, lamb meatballs, and octopus carpaccio. Boaters are warmly welcomed with a convenient dock-and-dine option: docking fees are waived for tables spending $500 or more, or alternatively charged at $5 per foot per hour. Reservations are coordinated through their concierge, who liaises with your captain and the dockmaster
Casa Neos
Casa Neos delivers a refined yet relaxed Mediterranean dining experience—expect wood-oven breads, fresh whole fish, prime meats, vibrant mezze, and seasonal produce elevated by Chef Michaël Michaelidis’ Michelin-star pedigree. The restaurant design offers a seamless dock-and-dine setup: reserve in advance, and the attentive dock team ensures a polished arrival by boat right at your table.
Dock & Dine in Coconut Grove
Monty’s Raw Bar in Coconut Grove
Monty’s Raw Bar in Coconut Grove sits on Biscayne Bay beside the marina at 2550 S Bayshore Drive. It’s a lively Key West–style tiki-bar that has been central to Miami’s waterfront scene since 1969. Think thatch-roofed open-air huts, reggae and calypso beats, and a buzzing crowd—from families enjoying weekend fun to students and locals soaking up the happy-hour energy. The menu features an irresistible lineup of fresh seafood, Caribbean-flavor bites like conch fritters and mahi-mahi fingers, hefty portions, and potent cocktails—don't skip the classic Pain Remover cocktail or stone-cold oysters. Dock your boat by coordinating with the dockmaster and step straight into a tropical-coastal experience that perfectly blends casual, vibrant Miami dining with unbeatable waterside views.
Dock & Dine in Downtown Miami & Brickell
Zuma Miami
Located at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel on Downtown Miami’s vibrant waterfront, Zuma Miami offers sleek, modern Japanese izakaya dining with an elegant yet dynamic atmosphere. Guests can enjoy precision-crafted sushi, robata-grilled specialties, and a refined omakase experience, all paired beautifully with panoramic views of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. With convenient boat docking and seamless “dock-and-dine” service, Zuma turns arriving by yacht into an indulgent, high-design entrance to world-class cuisine.
American Social
Nestled along the Miami River in the heart of Brickell, American Social is a lively gastropub with a comfortable, casual vibe and great riverfront energy. It’s perfect for brunches, happy hours, game-day gatherings, or late-night hangs—with a solid lineup of comfort-food classics, craft beers, and cocktails to match. Boaters love it for its hassle-free boat access: you can dock right at the restaurant for just $2 per foot for up to three hours—a seamless way to mix dining, drinks, and riverside views into your day.
Casadonna
Casadonna in Miami offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu inspired by the coastal towns of Italy's Riviera, featuring fresh, handcrafted dishes. The cuisine focuses on high-quality, local, and imported ingredients, with highlights including house-made pastas, crudo dishes, and impressive main courses. The restaurant, situated in a historic waterfront building in the Edgewater neighborhood, also provides a unique and luxurious "dock and dine" experience. Guests can arrive by boat, reserving a private slip at the marina, and enjoy seamless access to the restaurant's al fresco waterfront terrace.
The Rusty Pelican
The Rusty Pelican is a Miami institution known for its stunning panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the city skyline. The restaurant's menu offers a modern American dining experience with a strong emphasis on fresh, local seafood and a subtle Latin twist. Signature dishes include a variety of fresh seafood options, from the raw bar to main courses like the Miso-Marinated Chilean Sea Bass and Crispy Whole Snapper, along with impressive steaks and a renowned weekend brunch. Situated on the Rickenbacker Causeway, The Rusty Pelican is a quintessential dock and dine spot, allowing guests to arrive by boat at the adjacent marina.
The Deck at Island Gardens
The Deck at Island Gardens offers a unique and upscale waterfront dining experience in Miami, with a focus on authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by the coastal regions of Spain, France, and Italy, including fresh seafood, charcoal-grilled octopus, and house-made pastas. Situated on a private island with a super-yacht marina, the restaurant is a premier "dock and dine" destination. Guests can arrive by boat, and the venue's location provides unparalleled views of Biscayne Bay and the downtown Miami skyline, making it a popular spot for a lively dinner, weekend brunch, or a sophisticated event.
Fast Food Near Miami’s Top Marinas to Bring Onboard
If you’re rather maximize your boat day and enjoy a meal onboard, you’re also in luck. There are dozens of great restaurants, both locally owned and national chains, located near marinas and docks. Find out where you’re catching your boat and plan your takeout order accordingly. Here are a few great options for food near the more popular marinas in Miami.
Best Fast Food & Takeout Near Miami Beach Marina
Burger King on 5th Street in Miami Beach
No explanation needed - have it your way at this BK! If you need a burger and fries to bring on the boat, this Burger King is super close to the Miami Beach marina.
Want a more elevated burger for your boat day? Burgermeister in South Beach offers gourmet burgers, truffle fries, vegan and vegetarian options, and you can order online to pick-up and bring to the boat.
Just a 4-minute drive from the Miami Beach Marina, this Cuban restaurant serves up delicious sandwiches and fresh-pressed juices, perfect for a quick and easy lunch to bring onboard your boat.
Subway on 508 Washington
Grab a few footlongs, bags of chips, and those delicious Subway cookies to bring onboard. This Subway is less than a mile from the marina, and is a gerat place for an affordable lunch to-go.
Cuban sandwiches with a twist, this local spot is a great alternative to Subway if you prefer supporting small businesses. Don’t forget to try their garlic sauce!
Best Fast Food & Takeout Near Vice City Marina in Miami (Brickell)
Offering “comfort food” cuisine, this spot is beloved for its pizzas, brunch options, craft beer and coffee. Craft is an ideal stop if you want a bite to eat before heading out on a morning boat cruise, and is just a 5-minute walk from the Vice City Marina.
With locations in Miami Beach and Brickell, this new fast-casual restaurant is beloved for healthy options including salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and acai bowls. Perfect for boaters who love clean eating and ideal for getting high-quality takeout to bring on your boat.
Enjoy budget-friendly eats with a blend of global flavors including Spanish, Italian, and American. Enjoy daily lunch specials at this restaurant that is just a 7-minute walk from the marina.
There is no reason to go hungry while boating in Miami — take advantage of all the incredible dining establishments on the waterfront and near the marinas, and keep your boat crew satisfied both on and off the water. Find a table on OpenTable or Tock for boat-up establishments or look into ordering ahead online.
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