Dinner with the in-laws? Challenge accepted. Miami makes it easy with restaurants that balance flavor, fun, and a touch of wow factor. These eight spots turn potentially stressful family dinners into tasty victories.
CJ’s Crab Shack
If seafood is the way to anyone’s heart, CJ’s Crab Shack is a home run. This lively, casual spot keeps things relaxed, perfect for easing any pre-dinner jitters with the in-laws. The menu is a shellfish lover’s dream, featuring fresh crab, shrimp, and more, all served up with a side of fun and beachy charm. Bonus points for outdoor seating where you can soak in the Miami Beach breeze while everyone digs in. Just be ready to get your hands dirty.
Costa Med
Need a getaway vibe without leaving town? Costa Med in Key Biscayne brings Mediterranean charm to your table with an upscale setting that feels both relaxed and refined. Think fresh seafood, bright citrusy flavors, and perfectly grilled proteins that appeal to both adventurous eaters and classic palates. It’s a spot that transports the in-laws straight to the Mediterranean without the jet lag. Highlights include lamb chops, octopus carpaccio, and seared scallops.
Elia on the River
For a scenic riverside experience that feels extra special, Elia on the River delivers. The modern coastal Italian menu features memorable flavors and shareable plates that encourage conversation—and a little friendly debate over which dish is best. Add in sweeping views of the Miami River and a cocktail list that’s just as impressive as the food, and you’ve got a spot that makes any meal feel like an escape from the mundane.
Kitchen 57
Kitchen 57 is a neighborhood favorite that proves approachable can also be impressive. The large menu focuses on comfort-food favorites done right, from jumbo chicken wings and baby back ribs to Philly grilled cheese sandwiches and pizzas galore. The restaurant’s warm aesthetic and ambiance make it easy to chill out and enjoy the meal while still feeling like you’ve chosen a spot that shows thoughtfulness and taste.
Loretta and the Butcher
Empanadas that disappear in seconds, milanesas that make you reconsider your usual dinner choices, and hearty steaks that make your taste buds dance—Loretta and the Butcher hits all the marks. With a fun neighborhood vibe, it’s a place to eat, chat, and feel like you’re in on the Grove’s best-kept culinary secret. Your in-laws will leave impressed and full.
Old Lisbon
Old Lisbon knows how to feed a crowd and keep everyone happy. From tender meats to comforting stews and the freshest of seafood, every plate is generous, flavorful, and made to share. The in-laws won’t just enjoy the food—they’ll be talking about it for weeks. Some items to keep on your radar: potato soup, grilled tiger shrimp, veal short rib, and the breaded cod fillet.
Sra. Martinez
If there’s a better way to win over the in-laws than a flurry of Spanish-inspired small plates, we haven’t found it. At Sra. Martinez, every dish—crispy, garlicky, juicy—becomes a shared moment, a story, a reason to pass the plate. Before you know it, everyone’s thinking about seconds. Can’t decide on what to order? The chicken liver pate, oxtail paella, roast duck, and snapper filet are all solid choices.
Sra. Martinez is located at 2325 Galiano Street, Coral Gables, FL 33134. For more information, visit their official website.
The Surf Club Restaurant
When the stakes are high, you bring your A-game. The Surf Club Restaurant is that A-game: iconic setting, Thomas Keller precision, and a menu that reads like a greatest-hits album of fine dining. This is where you pull out all the stops and watch the in-laws nod in impressed approval. Our recommendations: oysters Rockefeller, seared Hudson Valley foie gras, Maine lobster thermidor, prime beef short-rib Wellington, and the buttermilk whipped potatoes.
The Surf Club Restaurant is located at 9011 Collins Avenue, Surfside, FL 33154. For more information, visit their official website.
