After a morning or afternoon of soaking up the sun on Miami Beach, you’re probably hungry (or at least thirsty). Thankfully, these great spots are within a few blocks of the sand.
Cafe Bernie
Odds are you’re looking for something laidback after your time in the sun. If you happen to be in Mid-Beach, take a stroll to Cafe Bernie on Millionaire’s Row. Yes, it’s weird to see “casual” and “Millionaire’s Row” in the same sentence, but everybody’s welcome at this beautiful waterfront restaurant. Take in the view while enjoying some delicious seafood and other specialties from chef Bernie Matz (of Bodega Taqueria y Tequila fame). Don’t leave without trying the seafood chowder or the chorizo pizza.
Cafe Bernie is located at 5600 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140. For more information, visit their official website.
Casa Isola
Located inside the old Pubbelly space on Miami Beach, Casa Isola serves up delectable Italian cuisine that will make your beach trip all the more memorable. Come as you are, and enjoy stunning pasta dishes and specialties like calamari fritti, rigatoni alla vodka, and veal chop parm. Looking to maintain your beach body? Casa Isola also offers an array of lighter bites such as tuna crudo, burrata, and octopus. Finish off with an Aperol Spritz or any of the other refreshing adult libations on the menu.
Casa Isola is located at 1418 20th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
CJ’s Crab Shack
Strong drinks and yummy shellfish await at CJ’s Crab Shack, the Ocean Drive institution. Sit outside and people watch while cooling off with a Hurricane Molly, mango daiquiri, or summertime sangria. For a lighter snack, consider an order of oysters crab dip. Otherwise, go all in with the awesome CJ’s Cajun Combo with snow crab – just be ready to get a little messy.
CJ’s Crab Shack is located at 600 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
Lobster Shack
Lobster Shack—CJ’s sister concept—features a just-as-impressive selection of shellfish with an emphasis on lobster (no surprise there). The casual lobster shop has two convenient locations, so you’re never too far away from the best lobster rolls in town.
Start with a lobster cocktail and then enjoy one of the Shack’s many rolls. Order it chilled and lightly dressed or get your lobster roll warm with butter; both are packed with flavorful meat.
You can also get adventurous with the spicy lobster roll or South Beach lobster roll that comes with bacon, avocado, and slaw. Non-lobster fans, fear not: There’s everything from fish tacos and fried shrimp to snow crab and burgers on the menu, too.
Lobster Shack has locations at South Pointe and Lincoln Road. For more information, visit their official website.
Miami Diner
End your beach trip on a high note with a visit to Miami Diner. The South Beach eatery serves up diner classics like burgers, subs, and shakes while taking guests on a trip through time with so much nostalgic décor. Get ready to relive your childhood as you slurp down the restaurant’s signature shakes. Don’t worry about the dentist: Treat yourself to the Nutella Ferrero milkshake.
Miami Diner has multiple locations across Miami. For more information, visit their official website.
Seawell Fish N’ Oyster
Feeling a little fancy? Seawell Fish N’ Oyster has got you covered with a bevy of seafood specialties that will take your taste buds on a ride. After an afternoon on the sand, stop by during dinner to indulge in bites like shrimp and grits, Caribbean fish bake, and crispy skin salmon. Weekend warriors must try the restaurant’s brunch service, which includes favorites like lump crab and avocado Benedicts, lobster mac and cheese, and lemon ricotta pancakes.
Seawell Fish N’ Oyster is located at 660 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
Taquiza
Whether you’re on South Beach or North Beach, you’re never too far away from a Taquiza. The popular taco spot is known for its affordable selections loaded with fillings like carnitas, Mexican corn truffle, spiced-rubbed shrimp, and grilled hanger steak. Get a couple of tacos, an order of totopos (blue corn masa chips), and a hibiscus agua fresca, and you’re good to go.
Taquiza has multiple locations on Miami Beach. For more information, visit their official website.