The best seafood restaurants in Miami for a fresh-caught feast

Right as you walk in, there's really no question of the freshness of soon-to-be dinner, considering all those king crabs are having a last swim in aquariums right there in the entranceway. Servers carry out the crimson crab legs stacked in a geometric pattern before de-shelling tableside, then artfully arranging them to be eaten with the totally optional herbed butter. Sure, there are other reasons to come, like the stunning remake of a historic bayfront building and dry-aged steaks from special purveyors, but those clean-the-savings-account-out crabs will surely steal the show.

Order this: The cuts are always changing, but if it’s available, order steaks from the steer that are fed kimchi, imparting a wonderful earthiness. 

Renowned Portugueses chef Henrique Sá Pessoa tapped Miami native Miguel Massens to run the kitchen of his first American foray, and the result is a modern seafood restaurant where high prices will yield some of the most expertly built dishes anywhere. 

Order this: The salt cod takes a staid grandma dish and turns it into something as pretty as a delicate flower, with a cured egg yolk mixed into the flaky cod tableside. 

Perhaps Florida’s most famous restaurant is a South Beach attraction. Thankfully they’ve ditched the no-reservation policy, although reserved tables are in limited numbers. But even if you have to wait, people-watching in the old-school bar makes the time go by quickly. 

Order this: Scoring chilled stone crabs (October through May) in the place that invented the dish is ideal, with Joe's special mustard sauce for dipping. Pros know to order the famous fried chicken as a starter, too.

Gramp’s is the tiki bar you’ve always wanted: excellent cocktails and food with views of the bay and skyline beyond. It’s become a popular spot for UM students, causeway commuters and a serious happy hour crowd, with DJs on some weekends. 

Order this: Start with a dozen on the halfshell from the Lazy Oyster window, a popup within the restaurant, then move on to whatever fish is on special that night, like, hopefully, the spicy tiger prawns.