Favorite Restaurants that Offer Outdoor Dining in Miami

Visiting Miami, Florida means embarking on an unforgettable culinary journey, filled with every cuisine [literally] under the sun. With some of the most beautiful architecture ever created and stunning ocean views, why not take your dining experience to a higher level and dine al fresco? Here are some exceptional restaurants that offer outdoor seating.

Wish. Located on at The Hotel, in South Beach, this outdoor dining experience is for serious romantics, with its lush garden setting and exotic atmosphere. Executive Chef Michael Bloise offers an intriguing marriage of American cooking and contemporary Asian cuisine. Embark on your culinary journey with Roaring Forties Blue Cheese, featuring gala apples, watercress, walnuts, and fig jam vinaigrette, then move on to an entrée of Caramel Glazed Wild Salmon. The Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake with pistachio center, spiced berry compote, and Sicilian pistachio ice cream is just as satisfying as the surroundings. Wish offers an array of champagnes and dessert wines to top off the experience. If you absolutely must dine indoors, take pleasure in knowing that fashion designer Todd Oldham designed the cozy and exotic interior. You can also visit the elegant Spire Bar & Lounge for a martini with strobe ice cubes! Its rooftop setting offers fantastic views of the Miami skyline and Atlantic Ocean. For reservations, call (305) 674-9474.

Baleen. If you're looking for a tantalizing menu with a bit of fun on the side, Baleen is sure to fit the bill. Located inside the Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, this exquisite oceanfront setting is their signature restaurant. Executive Chef Donna Wynter creates hearty breakfasts consisting of your choice of juice, coffee, fresh fruit, omelettes, various breakfast plates, and an array of cereals. Their lunch menu offers delectable lobster bisque, quesadillas, and a variety of enticing salads, sandwiches, and fresh seafood. Or, begin your evening with Baked Oysters Rockefeller, Farm-Raised Chicken with wild mushrooms and goat cheese dumplings, or select grilled, roasted, or sautéed Mahi-Mahi. Baleen's serious menu is refreshingly offset by its monkey motif; so don't be alarmed if one swings by! And with the stunning ocean view, Baleen is a delightful culinary and visual experience you'll want to partake in again and again. For reservations, call (305) 860-4386.

La Sandwicherie. For those dining with children, La Sandwicherie is a great place to take the little ones. Don't let its simplistic nature fool you into thinking it's just another sandwich shop. With your choice of French bread or croissant, there are 15 sandwiches to choose from, and 6 combo sandwiches. Arguably one of the tastiest items (and my son's favorite) on the menu is The Famous Croque Monsieur; grill toast with ham and swiss. Simple enough, right? Absolutely. La Sandwicherie also offers various delectable salads, as well as a refreshing juice bar. Pull yourself up to the outside counter and take in the ambience as you fuel up for shopping, a walk along the boardwalk, or just a day of people watching. La Sandwicherie is located on 14th street just off of Collins Avenue, in Miami.

Whether you're new to Miami, just visiting from 1,500 miles away, or have lived here all your life, you are sure to find every kind of cuisine imaginable in this melting pot of a city. Part of the attraction to Miami is the view, so the next time you're in the area, stop by and dine al fresco! It's worth the trip.