The Miami International Boat Show takes place from 14 to 18 February, but there's plenty to do outside of visiting Miami's best superyacht marinas or spa hotels. From authentic seafood spots to the perfect place for team dinners, BOAT rounds up the finest dining to put on your hit list this year...
Best restaurant for client meetings
The Deck – Island Gardens
This waterfront restaurant is located in the only private superyacht marina in North America, making it the natural choice for a client debrief. Views are unbeatable, with Biscayne Bay and the iconic silhouette of downtown Miami lying just beyond the palm trees. On the menu, light mediterranean fare – think roasted branzino, savoury pear ravioli and a classic charcuterie board. (islandgardens.com)
Distance: 1 minute walk away from Yacht Haven Grande Miami
Best restaurant for team dinners
Casa Tua
Run by the same family for over twenty years, Casa Tua delivers on the casual (but very chic) atmosphere that seems tailor-made for team dinners. But be sure to book in advance and request an al fresco table. Their Italian menu (including tender beef carpaccio and a much talked-about tiramisu) is bound to taste better when sitting in the restaurant's lush garden. (casatualife.com)
Distance: 14 minute drive away from Venetian Marina
Best restaurant for a quick bite during the show
Casablanca by the Bay
Another option overlooking Biscayne Bay, this restaurant's roots trace back to a family of fishermen – with a fresh, fish-centric menu to match. Flaky coconut shrimp, truffle fries and personal portions of paella are all within walking distance of the Miami Boat Show's major locations. (casablancaonthebay.com)
Distance: 2 minute walk away from Venetian Marina
Best restaurant for escaping the show
Los Fuegos
Argentine grillmaster Francis Mallmann creates a contemporary asado experience sure to entice even the most devoted yachties away from the show. The restaurant's open-fire kitchen means several dishes are charcoal-kissed, from the mussels provençal to a trusty margherita pizza. (faena.com)
Distance: 16 minute drive away from Herald Plaza
Best celebrity restaurant in Miami
Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge
A rite of passage for the Miami-bound celebrity, Seaspice has seen the likes of Leonardo di Caprio, Michelle Obama and Tommy Hilfiger walk through its double-height doors. While their Mediterranean tapas and pizzetta are commended, seafood's the game. So order the lobster, or a platter of barbacoa-grilled oysters – either way, a glance over the restaurant's extensive white wine menu wouldn't be amiss. (seaspice.com)
Distance: 8 minute drive away from Museum Park Marina
Best restaurant in Miami for Mexican food
Los Félix
Equipped with its own maize-grinding molino, Los Felix's authentic Mesoamerican dishes have been awarded a coveted Michelin star. Braised pork tacos and wagyu sope are typically top of the list. But for something lighter, opt for the day's catch crudo, pickled in pineapple juice and lime caviar. (losfelixmiami.com)
Distance: 17 minute drive away from Museum Park Marina
Best restaurant in Miami for seafood
Joe's Stone Crab
Miami Yacht Show coincides with stone crab season – and the best place for this in Miami is Joe’s. More landmark than seafood restaurant, this institution is celebrated for succulent crab claws but also rustles up a spicy chowder. Prices are good, the ambience buzzy. The queues from 7 to 8pm could spoil an appetite, however, and even Frank Sinatra and J Lo had to wait their turn. So dine early or get a takeaway for the beach. (joesstonecrab.com)
Distance: 11 minute drive away from Herald Plaza and Yacht Haven Grande Miami
Best restaurant in Miami for cocktails
Esotico
Cocktails at Esotico are deliciously elaborate. Think flaming centrepieces, tropical flora and kitschy souvenir mugs. Combine that with a laid-back, Polynesian vibe and well-stocked cellar of speciality rum and the title of "Miami's favourite tiki bar" is easily won. A late-night nibble is also on the cards, with the coconut ceviche being highly recommended. (esoticomiami.com)
Distance: 4 minute drive away from Venetian Marina and Herald Plaza
Best restaurant for a late night in Miami
COTE
A Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse is one of the finer ways to spend an evening in Miami, particularly when its carnivorous menu is complemented by a 1200+ label wine list. Even if only visiting for cocktails, COTE serves up the sleek, cosmopolitan energy its New York flagship is so renowned for. (cotekoreansteakhouse.com)
Distance: 8 minute drive from Venetian Marina and Herald Plaza