Miami’s vibrant dining scene combines delicious cuisine with beautiful year-round weather. This beautiful weather comes with a price, though: Summers can be brutal – and that’s putting it lightly.
Thankfully, these Miami restaurants have plenty of shade to protect you from the elements. If you feel like dining al fresco, snag a reservation at one of these great spots and escape the heat.
Ironside Pizza
Ironside Pizza offers no shortage of shade for outdoor dining enthusiasts. The beloved neighborhood pizzeria will keep you cozy even when temperatures are off the charts.
Prepare your tastebuds for some of the best pizza in town. The menu is varied, offering plenty of red pies, white pies and some stuff in between like calzones. An appetizer and a pizza can feed two people, but opt for your own pizza instead – you’ll want to keep the palate party going at home; leftovers are a given.
If you’re joining the restaurant for an outdoor lunch, consider a panini like the mortadella and pesto – they’re just as impressive as the pizzas.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean at Mandolin Aegean Bistro. This charming restaurant boasts a shaded courtyard adorned with bougainvillea, creating a breathtaking setting for an equally breathtaking meal. Savor their authentic Greek and Turkish dishes while enjoying the cool breeze and soothing ambiance – you won’t want to leave.
You can easily fill up on mezze like the roasted cauliflower and grilled prawns and a bottle of wine, but we recommend you come hungry: Larger plates like the moussaka and lamb chops will have you on Cloud 9. One last thing: Don’t bother visiting without a reservation. This place is always busy (and rightfully so).
Mandolin Aegean Bistro is located at 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
Patio Isola
With Patio in its name, you’d expect Patio Isola to have a scenic patio – and it does. The MiMo Italian eatery has spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas, but if the weather’s nice, always opt for outside. And always get a few appetizers: You’ll fall head over heels for items like the cheesy garlic bone marrow, arancini and fried calamari.
After you’ve enjoyed some of these strong starters, pasta is in order: We always talk up the rigatoni alla vodka because it’s amazing, but the fusilli amatriciana and short rib ravioli edge it out in our opinion – and that’s saying something.
You don’t even need to come here for a full meal; sometimes you’ll find us here enjoying dessert and drinks. Patio Isola is one of those places that’s just good at everything.
Patio Isola is permanently closed. You can still visit its sister restaurant Casa Isola.
Rusty Pelican
Nestled on Key Biscayne, Rusty Pelican offers panoramic views of Biscayne Bay from its spacious patio. While the patio is not inherently shaded, we’ll let it slide thanks to the abundance of umbrellas.
With its elegant decor and upscale menu featuring fresh seafood and prime steaks, this waterfront gem is an ideal choice for a special occasion or a romantic evening – the view is straight out of a catalog. The food complements the view well, as all palates will have no issue finding something to their liking; the menu is just so big.
Here are a few items to help you get started: snapper ceviche, herb marinated grilled octopus, seared day boat scallops and the new york strip reserve. Take a peek at the cocktail menu while you’re here, too, as the bar program takes classic drinks and turns them up a notch. One thing to note: getting your car after a meal can take a while, so give yourself some extra time.
Rusty Pelican is located at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149. For more information, visit their official website.
Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill
A Midtown Miami institution, Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill is a place that really needs no introduction. Restaurants in the neighborhood come and go, but Sugarcane has withstood the test of time. Everyone knows about their famous patio, which is home to tons of shade and space – we’ve spent plenty of a happy hour enjoying the outdoor bar.
Just in case you’re not familiar, here’s a quick rundown: Expect globally inspired sharing plates and a bevy of delicious rum cocktails at an attractive price point.
Some favorites include the bacon-wrapped dates, the duck and waffle, the torched salmon crispy rice, and the five-spice ribs. The bottomless brunch, in particular, is especially popular thanks to unlimited sangria and rose. That said, it doesn’t matter what time you visit – you’re going to have a good time.
Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill is located at 3252 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
