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Where to find the best seafood in Miami?
Miami had over 28 million visitors in 2024. Tourists that all need to eat at some point.
The good news is…
Miami's seafood scene is booming. From waterfront venues with panoramic views to local watering holes and hole-in-the-wall joints… If you like seafood, Miami will not disappoint.
This is what we'll cover:
The best seafood restaurants in Miami
Hidden local gems
The freshest catches
Waterfront dining spots
And more…
Why Miami Has An Amazing Seafood Scene
Miami is located right on the Atlantic Ocean.
Restaurants in Miami get their seafood fresh from local fisherman each day. The catches come from folks who have been fishing these waters for generations.
The magic happens when Miami combines those fresh ingredients with Cuban, Caribbean, and Southern flavors. The result is unique seafood dishes you can't find anywhere else in the country.
Oh…and tourism dollars added $22 billion to the economy last year in Miami-Dade County. Restaurants are major beneficiaries. More competition means more quality for consumers.
The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Miami
Ready to sink your teeth in? Here are our top picks.
1. Stiltsville Fish Bar
Stiltsville Fish Bar is the crown jewel of Miami seafood restaurants.
Stiltsville Fish Bar has everything we love about dining in Miami. The locally sourced fish cooked with care and creativity. Menu items that showcase Miami's coastal heritage.
The atmosphere is the star of the show here. A relaxed seafood restaurant vibe that welcomes everyone. Whether it's a special night out or a casual dinner with friends… The vibe hits all the right notes.
Don't sleep on the raw bar menu here. Oysters, stone crab claws, and ceviche represent Florida's waters at their finest.
Order this:
Fresh catch of the day
Stone crab claws in season
Key lime pie
2. Joe's Stone Crab
Joe's is Miami seafood royalty.
Joe's Stone Crab has been feeding celebrities, politicians, and locals for over a century. The restaurant started in 1913. A century and a half of quality means you'll likely wait during peak stone crab season… But the crab is worth the wait.
Mustard sauce is the secret ingredient to ordering stone crabs here. This closely guarded recipe enhances the sweet crab meat perfectly.
3. Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market
Garcia's is on the Miami River.
Miami seafood options on the water are hard to beat. Garcia's has been a family business since 1966. You can get your own fish right from their market to cook at home. Sitting on the water and watching boats go by adds to the experience.
If you go, get the fried fish sandwich. Locals love this classic and it's easy to see why.
4. Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill
Casablanca is another Miami River standout.
Waterfront dining on the river is incredible here. The Cuban-influenced seafood plates are also fantastic. Paella is a highlight. Same with whole fried snapper paired with mojo sauce.
Pro-tip: Get there early to catch the sunset views.
5. The River Seafood & Oyster Bar
The River is in Brickell's busy neighborhood.
Upscale seafood with a laid-back atmosphere is the River Seafood & Oyster Bar's vibe. This place caters to the well-heeled but is not stuffy at all. Oyster happy hour has people lined up around the block. Locals eat here often.
Miami offers plenty of seafood options on the water. This is one of the best.
6. Monty's Raw Bar
Monty's is a South Beach staple.
Monty's Raw Bar is on the marina and features fantastic water views. The menu is simple. Stone crabs, conch fritters, fresh grouper, and so much more.
Live music on the weekends is an added bonus. Families and couples are both at home here.
7. La Mar by Gaston Acurio
Fine Peruvian seafood in Miami.
Miami seafood options in high-end hotels are an excellent choice when you want to impress. La Mar by Gaston Acurio lives in the Mandarin Oriental. Chef Gaston Acurio brings world-class ceviche and seafood to Miami.
The tasting menu is a memorable journey.
8. Seasalt and Pepper
Seasalt and Pepper is in Brickell on the water.
Stunning modern design with great seafood. Branzino and lobster risotto are among the highlights. You can also people-watch yachts from the terrace. Great for special occasions.
9. CJ's Crab Shack
All you can eat seafood with no frills.
CJ's has a straightforward menu with no frills. Paper plates. Napkins. You know, picnic tables. Crab. Shrimp. All served in massive portions. CJ's is where locals go to get authentic Miami seafood at prices that won't break the bank.
Order this:
Snow crab legs by the pound
Garlic butter shrimp
Corn on the cob
10. Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab
Upscale seafood done right.
Truluck's is famous for its stone crabs. Miami seafood restaurant Truluck's sources crabs from their own fleet. A fleet that sets up quality control and operations from the get-go. The fish quality at Truluck's is unparalleled.
Grab a reservation for a special date night or celebration.
Finding Your Perfect Spot
Which restaurant you choose comes down to your preferences.
Are you looking for waterfront dining? Garcia's, Casablanca, and Seasalt and Pepper all have gorgeous settings.
Do you want to make sure the seafood is as fresh as possible? Stiltsville Fish Bar and Joe's Stone Crab are the gold standard.
On a budget? CJ's Crab Shack has great value for your money.
Planning a special date or celebrating? La Mar and Truluck's both serve unforgettable meals.
Best Times To Visit Miami Seafood Restaurants
Miami seafood has certain seasons.
Stone crab season in Miami is October through May. This is when Miami seafood restaurants will feature their best crab dishes.
Summer months feature different catches. Mahi-mahi, snapper, and grouper get the spotlight in warmer months.
Try to arrive just before peak dinner hours if possible. Show up around 5:30 or 8:30 PM and lines are much shorter at the popular spots.
Prices to Expect at Miami Seafood Restaurants
Seafood restaurants in Miami range from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy.
For less than $30 per person, you can get filling meals at budget places like CJ's Crab Shack. Mid-range seafood spots like Garcia's Seafood Grille and Monty's Raw Bar fall between $40-60 per person.
Upscale meals at places like La Mar and Truluck's will exceed $100 per person. Price is justified by the quality on special occasions.
Bringing It All Together
Miami seafood restaurants deliver on all fronts.
Miami has everything from legendary stone crab at Joe's to innovative Peruvian takes on ceviche at La Mar. Seafood restaurants in Miami are offering world-class dining experiences.
Tourism added $22 billion to the local economy last year. Over 209,000 jobs in Miami-Dade County depend on the sector. Restaurants are a major piece of that pie.
Miami's 10 best seafood restaurants featured above represent the best of the best. Each spot has something unique to offer. Whether you crave classic stone crab or adventurous seafood fusion dishes… Miami seafood restaurants have you covered.
Start at Stiltsville Fish Bar for the quintessential Miami seafood experience. Then check out other spots based on mood, budget, and craving.
Fresh seafood awaits. Let's eat.
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