Al Fresco: The Haute 5 Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Miami

The Setai

Since opening five years ago The Restaurant at The Setai, South Beach has made its mark on the Miami culinary scene by introducing patrons to authentic Asian cuisine set in an ambiance as dynamic as South Beach itself. Following Asian tradition, The Setai shows respect to its guests by serving only the finest and freshest ingredients in an unparalleled setting perfect for outdoor dining. Guests can dine in the courtyard in sunken pods amidst quiet ponds and pergolas. Nestled between the Lobby and The Restaurant, The Bar & Courtyard offer al fresco dining and an extensive array of cocktails, whiskies, single-malts, rums, beers and other fine beverages from around the world. For those who take pleasure in lounging by the pool or on the beach, The Pool & Beach Bar, a 90-foot poolside bar stretching virtually the entire length of the pool deck, offers a quintessentialal atmosphere in which guests can enjoy cool beverages and grilled Mediterranean- style dishes. Whether enjoying a drink or a meal at the hotel, placing an order for in-room dining or hosting an indoor or outdoor soiree, guests will always appreciate the unparalleled service and impeccable attention to detail of The Setai’s exceptional food and beverage team.

2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305.520.6000; www.ghmhotels.com

Café Sambal at the Mandarin Oriental

The all-day dining restaurant at the Mandarin Oritenal spills out to a partially covered terrace where 106 seats allow guests to dine by the shimmering bay or the glow of the downtown Miami skyline. Strong on flair and flavor, Café Sambal takes the concept of all day dining well beyond that of the typical hotel bistro, featuring a versatile, distinctive menu encompassing specialties from the East with an unparalleled sushi and sake menu. The menu changes from breakfast to lunch to dinner and offers many specialty items such as Mandarin Pad Thai, Mixed Seafood Tempura and Hibachi Skirt Steak. Scrumptious house-made desserts are also available in an impressive dessert case and can be enjoyed in the restaurant or packaged to go in beautifully wrapped boxes.

500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami; 305.913.8386; www.mandarinoriental.com

DiLido at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

For a front-row seat to people-watching paradise on one of South Beach’s most beautiful beach promenades, there is no better culinary sanctuary than the DiLido Beach Club at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. This casually elegant enclave happens to be the only oceanfront restaurant and lounge on South Beach, and a place where visitors, residents and guests enjoy “Sun Cuisine” with direct views of the vibrant Atlantic Ocean during lunch, dinner and afternoon cocktails under swaying palms.

Under the creative eye of the resort’s Executive Chef Thomas Connell and Chef de Cuisine Jeff McInnis, the DiLido Beach Club offers a varied menu with cuisine meant to share with friends. The selections are light, healthy and heavy on flavor. Here, the culinary focus is inspired by tastes found in the Southern Mediterranean rim and North African coast – a “Sun Cuisine” that’s both sweet and savory and evokes a wave of succulent, refreshing flavor at every bite. For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of delectable desserts to satisfy, too.

1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 786.276.4000; The Ritz-Carlton

WISH at The Hotel

Since opening, Wish at the Hotel of South Beach has maintained a well-earned reputation as a South Florida outdoor dining destination by virtue of its beautiful garden setting, unsurpassed service, and spectacular food by Chef Marco Ferraro, a Jean George Vongerichten protégée. Celebrating eleven years of excellence in December of 2009, the restaurant has called some of the country’s top toques “chef,” garnered accolades and consistent rave reviews for its cuisine and service. In addition to Wish, The Hotel is well-known for its gorgeous rooftop Spire Bar & Lounge. Offering guests sweeping views of the ocean and the Miami Beach skyline, Spire is the perfect perch from which to sip, socialize, and sample tapas.

801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Florida; 305.531.2222; www.wishrestaurant.com

Canyon Ranch Grill

Canyon Ranch Grill with its oceanfront terrace, tapas dining room and exposition kitchen serves the highly acclaimed Canyon Ranch cuisine with a menu designed to excite the palate and nourish the soul. Sit outside and enjoy ocean front views over nourishing cuisine filled with bright, focused and vibrant flavors with multiple textures, visual appeal and enticing aromas and superior nutritional value. Their unique food experiences feature clean, wholesome seasonal and fresh ingredients with an emphasis on local, organic and sustainable farming and fishing methods. For a chic cocktail hour, grab a chair and order one of their award winning cocktails. Their cocktail menu features a variety of organic spirits, organic beer and wines which are either all organic, biodynamic or sustainable. In addition, they make all their own mixers and sweeteners using fresh ingredients. Our fave: the famous Purple Pillow featuring house-infused lavender, vodka, blueberries and lime.

6801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 888.987.9876; http://www.canyonranchmiamibeach.com