Summer is here in Miami, and it’s a doozy. Temperatures are sky high, and air conditioning has never felt so good. Despite the heat, some of us still want to sit outside when it comes to dining out. Whatever your reason to opt for covered outdoor dining, these six spots offer some welcome shade for enjoying the outdoors and a good meal.
Buya
Escape the sun with a seat in Buya’s spacious outdoor patio. The makeshift area provides ample shade to dine out without breaking a sweat. The popular eatery features an extensive menu of Asian specialties designed for sharing: karaage chicken, crispy Hamachi kama, short rib ramen, and duck gyoza hot spot—to name a few.
We recommend coming with a large group to do some serious damage, but solo diners can also make a big dent in the menu with the super-affordable chef’s tasting. $45 is a steal for a ton of food. The restaurant lacks a full bar, but sake cocktails and beers are plentiful and should help you cool off.
Buya is located at 250 NW 24th Street, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
Clutch Burger
You’ll find the best of Basque cuisine at Leku inside Allapattah’s Rubell Museum. The open-air Spanish restaurant provides ample protection from the elements as you make your way through the exotic menu.
Treat yourself to Galician-style octopus, wild mushroom rice, prime bone-in ribeye and sole meuniere while sipping on Leku’s extensive gin and tonic selections. Wine lovers, take note: This list is full of rare finds that will delight your palate. Just know that Leku isn’t cheap — but it’s well worth the price.
Leku is located at 1100 NW 23rd Street, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
Mamey
Tropical vibes await at Mamey in Coral Gables. The Caribbean-inspired restaurant from award-winning chef Niven Patel transports guests to the tropics with vibrant fare such as ghee-roasted plantains, jamaican shortrib empanadas and lemongrass glazed grouper.
The white truffle and brie grilled cheese alone is worth the visit, and you can easily spend the whole day on the outdoor patio drinking your way through the cocktail list. Make sure to take a look at the Vault Collection, Mamey’s special wine list packed with uncommon and unparalleled bottles. When it comes time for dessert, remember these words: key lime cheesecake flan.
Mamey is located at 1350 South Dixie Highway, Coral Gables, FL 33146. For more information, visit their official website.
Toscana Divino
When given the choice of dining inside or outside at Toscana Divino, you should opt for outside. There’s just something magical about the Italian restaurant’s outdoor seating that provides a prime view of Brickell life. Sizeable umbrellas help protect you from Florida’s harsh rays—or rain.
Enjoy one of the largest selections of wine in the city as you savor delicious pastas and other delectable dishes. Some highlights include the tuna tartare, the crab salad, lasagna, and the truffle and mushroom risotto. Honestly, though, everything is a star on this menu. Always be on the lookout for specials, too—the kitchen is always pushing the bounds of creativity.
Toscana Divino is located at 900 South Miami Avenue, #185, Miami, FL 33130. For more information, visit their official website.