When visiting Coconut Grove and Greater Miami during the winter you have to dine outdoors. I mean, the weather is one of the reasons you are visiting so why not enjoy it even when dining? There are some amazing restaurants in Coconut Grove/Miami to enjoy culinary delights while taking in the reason you came in the first place…..the South Florida winter weather! Here are our five favorite outdoor dining spots while vacationing this winter in Miami.
- Peacock Garden Resto Bar + Grille (2889 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove): Located on the ground floor of Hotel Arya in the heart of Coconut Grove, the Peacock Garden features a tranquil setting with culinary delights that you most certainly will enjoy. This “secret garden” offers the most relaxing of environments with offerings that include a seafood and raw bar, fresh fish, prime steaks, hearty pasta dishes, fresh salads and daily specials. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner you will enjoy what Forbes Magazine dubbed Miami’s “Hidden Oasis”.
- Redfish by Chef Adrienne (9610 Old Cutler Road, Miami): Fan of the Farelly Brothers 1998 comedy classic, “There’s Something About Mary”? Then you know Redfish by Chef Adrienne! Located in the historic “coral house” within Matheson Hammock Park in southern Miami-Dade, the former Redfish Grille was battered by Hurricane Vilma in 2017 and stayed closed until it re-emerged in 2019 as Redfish with renowned, South Florida Chef Adrienne at the helm and the reviews have been spectacular. Feast on tasty treats from the land and sea while eating by the Matherson Hammock Beach……what could be better on a cool winter night in Miami?
- Monty’s Raw Bar (2550 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove): Opened in 1969 by Florida icon, Monty Trainer, Monty’s Raw Bar has served as a backdrop for some legendary TV shows and movies like “Miami Vice”, “Marley and Me” and “Burn Notice”. It also serves up the best frozen drinks, raw bar, tasty treats and scenic bayfront views in Miami under two massive tiki huts adjacent to the Coconut Grove Marina. This open air restaurant and bar’s menu still features Mrs. Trainer’s famous key lime pie recipe……a must desert when vacationing in Coconut Grove!
- Cafe Bernie Waterfront Restaurant (5600 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach): Cafe Bernie Waterfront Restaurant is a new entry on our favorite outdoor dining spots. Why you ask? Maybe it is the sweeping views of the Indian Creek Waterway from the poolside, outdoor seating deck. Or maybe its’ Chef Bernie Matz’s creative, locally inspired menu featuring unique items like manchego croquettes, mango bang shrimp, sofrito based shrimp pizza or “like butter” boneless short ribs. Or maybe it’s the free valet parking offered at this Mid-Beach, “Millionaire Row” condo building. Whatever the reason, you won’t want to miss out on this waterfront eatery during your next Miami vacation.
- The Rusty Pelican (3201 Rickenbacher Causeway, Key Biscayne): A Miami landmark, the Rusty Pelican is located at the Rickenbacher Marina and offers unmatchable waterfront views of the Miami skyline right from your table whether dining on the outdoor patio or indoor dining room. Offering an eclectic and impressive contemporary American cuisine and the freshest local seafood, The Rusty Pelican first premiered to natives and visitors in 1972 and was re-built in 1985 after a fire destroyed the structure but you can’t keep in a good thing down. Re-built and then a $7M renovation in 2011 has everyone talking about the Rusty Pelican. You can visit their website at: https://www.restaurantji.com/fl/key-biscayne/rusty-pelican-miami-restaurant-/