April marks the last call for one of Florida’s most prized delicacies: stone crab season. Celebrated for their sweet, tender meat and sustainable harvesting process, these crustacean jewels are synonymous with luxury seafood dining. With just a few weeks left before the season ends, Miami’s top restaurants are putting their own spin on this iconic dish—offering everything from classic chilled claws to bold international interpretations.
Seafood lovers in the know head straight to Stiltsville Fish Bar, where stone crab claws are served on ice and paired with the house’s champagne mustard sauce—a creamy, tangy complement that lets the natural flavor of the crab shine. Drop in during Happy Hour Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m., when specials on claws and other seafood favorites from the Tacklebox make this a standout value in Sunset Harbour.
Overlooking the marina in Coconut Grove, Bayshore Club serves up stone crab claws with a side of breeze. The claws arrive chilled with a classic mustard sauce and can be added to the restaurant’s Crab & Shrimp Cocktail Cooler for an additional $15 per claw. This is Miami seafood at its most relaxed—and most refined.
At Makoto, the Bal Harbour staple known for its modern Japanese cuisine, stone crabs get a flavorful upgrade. Served on ice with a ponzu aioli and hot wasabi cocktail sauce, the claws here offer a bold contrast of heat and cool. Market price applies, but for sushi and stone crab lovers, the experience is worth every dollar.
Set in a lush park-side setting, Glass & Vine brings a social spin to stone crab season. On Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m., the restaurant pairs fresh claws with Ladies Night perks, including a complimentary glass of bubbly. It’s the perfect way to toast to Miami’s unofficial shellfish season—gather your crew and enjoy under the banyan trees.
For a decadent detour north of Miami, head to Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale. Known for its dry-aged steaks and expansive raw bar, this sleek oceanfront steakhouse is serving jumbo stone crab claws with zesty remoulade, elevating the crustacean’s rich sweetness with a punchy, herb-forward sauce. A luxury indulgence in every sense.
In Aventura, Toku Miami delivers one of the most refined stone crab presentations of the season. Their claws are sourced fresh, chilled to perfection, and paired with a silky house mustard sauce—ideal for those seeking pure, unadulterated flavor. Whether you’re a longtime aficionado or new to the delicacy, Toku’s approach balances simplicity and sophistication with precision.
Stone crab season wraps up on May 1, making April the prime time to savor this Florida treasure. Whether you prefer your claws with a glass of bubbles, a splash of ponzu, or a seaside view, these Miami and Fort Lauderdale restaurants offer a luxurious—and delicious—sendoff to the season.