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May 07, 2025

Top 4 Places for Brunch on the Water in Miami

When it comes to brunch, Miami offers more than just eggs Benedict and mimosas. The city's tropical weather, glistening waterways, and diverse culinary scene make it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely mid-morning meal outdoors. And we all know there’s something special about brunch — maybe it’s the fact that it can easily be an all-day affair, or maybe it’s a chance to indulge in bottomless day drinking without judgment!

Whether you're sipping on a cold-pressed juice overlooking Biscayne Bay or salivating over Latin-inspired dishes steps from the sand, there are few better ways to embrace Miami living than with brunch by the water. From upscale hotel restaurants to trendy bayside gems, here are four top spots for the best brunch on the water in Miami.

Scroll down to find our picks! And if you have any questions about our Miami food and culture tours, please just get in touch for the answers you need.

Four flute glasses filled with different colored beverages, arranged in a row on a reflective surface, with a vibrant outdoor background of flowers and greenery.

Verde at the Pérez Art Museum Miami

Tucked inside the acclaimed Pérez Art Museum Miami, Verde offers a relaxed yet elegant waterfront setting that pairs perfectly with its creative, locally sourced brunch menu. Floor-to-ceiling windows open out onto a breezy patio with plenty of covered outdoor seating and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the MacArthur Causeway. Whether you're starting your museum day or just coming for the food, Verde is a must.

Not your average museum restaurant, this culinary destination incorporates the art experience at the museum into the cuisine by curating special menus inspired by new and traveling exhibits. Some favorite dishes include "Nashville Hot" fried chicken and waffles; shrimp and grits with tomato, okra, and cheddar grits; smoked salmon served with crushed avocado, house-made everything spiced flatbread, and a six-minute egg; and cinnamon swirl pancakes with pecan streusel and maple salted caramel.

Verde also offers seasonal cocktails and fresh juices to complement your meal. Brunch goers can enjoy their dishes with an iced Irish coffee or Bloody Mary. For their "Take a pitcher, it lasts longer" section, groups can enjoy bottomless mimosas, rosé, or seasonal sangria, Thyme for Another, or Spicy Verde Margarita.

The view alone is worth the visit, but the thoughtful presentation and fresh flavors make this spot truly memorable.

Four plates of culinary delights on a wooden table in Little Havana.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio at the Mandarin Oriental

La Mar is one of Miami's crown jewels for upscale waterfront dining. Located on Brickell Key, this chic Peruvian restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental offers breathtaking views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. The brunch here — served only on Sundays — is not just a meal, but an experience.

Guests can enjoy an elaborate Peruvian-inspired brunch menu that features a choice of à la carte entrees and a massive buffet featuring several types of ceviche and seafood dishes, grilled market-style anticucho stations, empanadas, traditional lomo saltado, and tableside chaufa aeropuerto.

There's also a build-your-own cocktail bar with pisco sours, Bloody Marys, and endless Moët & Chandon Rosé if you spring for the higher-priced menu. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, dessert may be your favorite part of this brunch experience, as it’s brought to each table served in a hand-painted dollhouse with something delicious in every nook and cranny.

With its refined ambiance and flavorful fare, not to mention spectacular views of downtown, Brickell, and Biscayne Bay, La Mar delivers one of the best brunch experiences in Miami on the water.

brunch in miami

Zuma

For those looking to elevate their Saturday or Sunday, Zuma's chic riverside location offers a brunch that blends high-end Japanese cuisine with Miami's trendy vibe. Set along the Miami River in the heart of downtown, Zuma's waterfront terrace buzzes with stylish locals and in-the-know travelers.

The restaurant's famous izakaya-style brunch menu includes sushi, robata grill items, and hot dishes like miso-glazed black cod and spicy beef tenderloin. You can opt for different pricing tiers that include bottomless cocktails, prosecco, or premium champagne. Save room for dessert because Zuma’s got a dessert platter that’s towering with house-made treats, sorbets, and exotic fruits placed right in the center of your table.

Zuma delivers bold flavors, a lively atmosphere, and beautiful riverfront views that make it a standout for anyone seeking the best brunch in Miami.

Looking for more cocktail-based adventures? Don’t miss our blog Where to Find the Best Martinis in Miami!

A waterfront restaurant with tables and chairs overlooking the water, offering culinary tours.

Rusty Pelican

A longtime favorite among locals and visitors alike, the iconic Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne offers some of the most dazzling panoramic views of the downtown Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay you'll find anywhere. The restaurant is famous for its stunning sunsets and delectable seafood-centric brunch. Dining options include everything from a raw bar to sushi, salads, fresh seafood, and plenty of brunch staples.

The Sunday brunch menu includes options like the Maine lobster Benedict, which is served on jalapeño cheddar cornbread, topped with a 1lb lobster, poached organic eggs, and crispy shallots or the fruity pebble pancakes that taste just as magical as they sound. There’s also a specialty Bloody Mary menu that will keep you coming back for more.

Inside, the dining room is modern and vibrant, but it’s the outdoor terrace where you’ll want to be. With a front-row seat to the shimmering bay and skyline beyond, this is quintessential Miami brunching at its best.

For the ultimate seal of approval, Rusty Pelican featured in our list of the top 20 restaurants in Miami!

Keep Exploring on Our Miami Food and Culture Tours!

So, now you know some of the top places for brunch on the water in Miami, it’s time to explore other corners of Magic City’s diverse and delicious food scene. Browsing our range of Miami food and culture tours is the perfect place to start planning more food-centric experiences!

If you have any pre-booking questions for us, please feel free to get in touch for the information you need! We’re here to help however we can.

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