Dock and Dine: Miami’s Best Waterfront Restaurants to Arrive by Boat

Dining by the water has long been a Miami staple, but arriving on the water—by yacht, speedboat, or tender—offers an entirely different tier of luxury. For those who prefer sea breezes with their spritz and dock lines with their dinner reservations, these dock-and-dine restaurants deliver seamless access from sea to table. From Biscayne Bay to the Miami River and Coconut Grove, the following destinations pair impeccable hospitality with dedicated dockage—making them ideal for a midday pause or an evening affair beneath the stars.

Here’s where to dock, dine, and do it all in style this summer.

Where music, cocktails, and coastal cuisine meet—right over the bay

Created by Kygo and Myles Shear of Palm Tree Crew, Palm Tree Club brings a uniquely relaxed elegance to Biscayne Bay. Floating above the water with unobstructed views, this exclusive waterfront venue is one of Miami’s few true over-the-water dining spots, complete with boat access for those arriving by sea. It’s not just the views that draw in Miami’s elite—it’s the beach club energy, live DJ sets, and craft cocktail program that make this an all-day destination.

To dock, boaters can radio Channel #71 or email boats@palmtreeclubmiami.com for assistance. With music echoing off the bay and the scent of seafood grilling just steps from your slip, this is dock-and-dine redefined.

Dockside dolce vita with skyline views

Casadonna is a study in elevated coastal Italian dining, framed by the shimmering waters of Biscayne Bay. The restaurant’s private dock welcomes vessels of all sizes, offering seamless entry into a world where Amalfi Coast elegance meets Miami glamour. Guests arriving by boat are guided directly to Casadonna’s al fresco waterfront terrace—a sun-drenched setting for handmade pasta, imported delicacies, and bespoke cocktails served with a side of skyline views.

Dock reservations can be made by contacting the dockmaster at 786-869-0158 or marina@casadonnamiami.com. For those who seek the luxury of the Italian Riviera without leaving Florida, Casadonna delivers.

A refined Italian escape where the river meets the city

Elia on the River offers one of the most elegant waterfront dining experiences on the Miami River, thanks to its curated coastal Italian menu and exceptional attention to service. Guests arriving by boat enjoy a cinematic backdrop: yachts sailing past, downtown high-rises glowing in the distance, and the occasional dolphin making an appearance.

For those arriving by water, Elia waives the dockage fee with a minimum spend of $500 per table. It's an ideal pick for those planning a celebratory meal or private dinner where the journey in is as stylish as the food on the table.

Coconut Grove’s waterfront collective for elevated casual dining

Tucked within the historic Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove, Regatta Grove blends community spirit with upscale flavor. Multiple culinary concepts—each helmed by world-renowned chefs—combine with an unbeatable Biscayne Bay location and on-site dockage for boaters. The floating docks and finger piers at Regatta Harbour Marina make it effortless to stop in for sunset cocktails or linger longer over a leisurely lunch.

With fuel, ice, and dry storage available, the marina supports both casual drop-ins and serious seafarers. And once inside Regatta Grove, guests are greeted by a refined, open-air environment featuring everything from craft cocktails to live music. To sip, savor, and celebrate here is to step into Coconut Grove’s past and future in one fluid motion.

A Mykonos-style celebration on the Miami River

At Kiki on the River, Greek-inspired hospitality flows just as freely as the ouzo. Known for its high-energy atmosphere—think DJs, napkin-twirling, and dancing at sundown—this iconic destination caters to Miami’s yacht-going crowd with a 150-foot dock perfect for larger vessels. Whether for a daytime mezze platter or a moonlit soirée, guests can dock, dine, and revel under the stars.

The dock accommodates events and large groups, making Kiki a favorite for celebrations that begin with a toast and end with dancing.

Brickell’s laid-back favorite with riverfront docking

A fixture on the Miami River, American Social is a go-to for casual dock-and-dine vibes with a buzzy Brickell backdrop. With covered outdoor seating, game-day parties, and a rotating lineup of food and drink specials, it’s a popular option for weekend brunches or post-sunset sips. Boaters can dock at the restaurant for just $2 per foot for up to three hours—a hassle-free setup for a waterfront hangout.

Come by for bottomless mimosas or linger into the evening over burgers and bourbon. Either way, docking here means you're right in the mix of Miami’s urban energy.

Dock-and-dine in Miami isn’t just about convenience—it’s a lifestyle. These curated destinations make arriving by water part of the experience, offering the luxury of accessibility, the joy of outdoor dining, and the kind of ambiance only a waterfront setting can provide. Whether you’re cruising in for a Sunday brunch or planning a moonlit dinner, these spots let you drop anchor in style and dine like a true local—with a sea breeze at your back and a glass of something cold in hand.