Where to Eat Before the Beach

Planning to spend the day at the beach? Make sure to stop at one of these nearby South Beach favorites before you do! 

The Alley

As the name suggests, this Italian eatery is a bit off the beaten path. Don’t let the alley location fool you, though: This place serves up some refined Italian cuisine – namely pizza. Just steps from the beach, The Alley boasts a mouthwatering selection of pies including a shrimp scampi pizza, a pomodo pizza, and a truffle and mushroom pizza. 

The best part: They’re all surprisingly affordable for the neighborhood; this is no tourist trap. Given the Miami heat, consider getting some soft serve to go – the vanilla and frozen berry option is super refreshing.  

The Alley is located at 1433 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website. 

CJ’s Crab Shack

Located on Ocean Drive, CJ’s Crab Shack is just a short walk away from the sand. Before you soak up some sun, pop in to enjoy some of the area’s top seafood. CJ’s has a reputation for stellar shellfish—including its namesake item—so make sure to indulge in top sellers like crab dip, snow crab, oysters, fried calamari, and popcorn shrimp. If you can’t wait to get to the sand, the sandwiches make for a great bite to enjoy on the beach—get one or two to go, and you’re all set. 

The Lobster Shack

At The Lobster Shack, it’s no secret what the star of the show is: lobster rolls. You can get them warmed, chilled, and with a ton of toppings. The concept has two convenient locations—one on Lincoln Road and one on South of Fifth; the latter is definitely better if you plan on walking to the beach. If lobster rolls aren’t your jam, there are plenty of other options that can be enjoyed on-site or to go, including an assortment of tacos (fish being our favorite protein). And should you be in the mood to pregame, The Lobster Shack has a full bar. 

Paperfish Sushi

For those craving Japanese cuisine, Paperfish Sushi offers a modern and chic dining experience. Located a bit farther from the beach, this stylish restaurant is worth the trip for its exquisite sushi and sashimi. The high-quality ingredients and innovative rolls make it a perfect spot to enjoy a lighter meal before hitting the waves. Try to time your visit with happy hour to enjoy a bevy of discounted drinks and bites—and one of the best deals on SoBe.

Sweet Liberty

Sweet Liberty is renowned for its lively atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu that combines comfort and creativity. Whether you’re looking to share small plates with friends or savor a satisfying meal on your own, Sweet Liberty delivers. Expect to find elevated bar food like cauliflower nachos, Korean short ribs, hand-made cheese sticks, smoked buffalo chicken wings, and lobster “hot pockets.” The other big draw here is the drinks menu. Each libation is a little adventure; plan on also coming back after the beach.  

Sweet Liberty is located at 237 20th St., Suite B, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.