There’s nothing quite like a Miami sunset. Flamingo pink skies turn scarlet red, then violet, before Night makes her grand entrance. What could possibly make this moment more dazzling? A sunset dinner at The Lido Bayside Grill, one of Miami’s best waterfront restaurants.

The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant aptly sits on Belle Isle, one of Miami’s Venetian Islands – a collection of ultra-glam man-made isles studding Biscayne Bay with oh-so-glossy high-rises. After sauntering through The Standard Spa’s mid-century style lobby, lush gardens complete with a campfire, hammocks, and cabanas greet you outdoors. A few more steps down the grassy footpath, and voila! Welcome to The Lido Bayside Grill, where Executive Chef Mark Zeitouni conjures mouthwatering dishes satisfactory to many a diet with organic meats, seafood, vegetables, herbs, wine, and more.

Hoping to make the most of your dinner at The Lido Bayside Grill come sunset? Give these tips a try, and witness the natural phenomenon in style.

Reserve a Waterside Table by Biscayne Bay

Call a few weeks in advance to secure your front-row seat, and watch the setting sun waterside without any obstructions. Making last-minute plans? Catch the sunset during happy hour (Monday through Friday from 4 – 7 p.m.), though you’ll most likely be standing – this popular spot crowds easily!

Choose a Colorful Cocktail

Sip on something fruity with vibrant hues, like this cherry-lemon vodka cocktail with fresh sprigs of mint. Or, cool down after a long day with some frosé (frozen rosé).

Go for the Mediterranean Hors D’oevre Everyone will Love

Just one mezze plate offers a delectable assortment of possibilities, featuring hearty servings of hummus, tzatziki, eggplant pahi, and mixed olives. Not in the mood for Mediterranean snacks? Give the chicken empanadas a try, or bite into crispy artichoke frites.

Mix and Match

Enjoy one entrée, side, and condiment with the The Lido Bayside Grill Mix and Match option. Meat lovers can chew on braised short rib or grass-fed churrasco, while vegetarians can nibble on marinated tofu. Sides include wild mushroom ragout, shaved brussels sprouts (perfect for fellow garlic aficionados), sautéed kale, and yes, hand-cut tater tots.

Order Seafood!

Make the most of your sunset dinner at The Lido Bayside Grill by trying at least one seafood dish. After all, you’re dining waterside (with a view of Biscayne Bay, to bat)! Small plates include crispy calamari, mussels a la Plancha, tuna carpaccio, and littleneck clams. For the seafood fan, The Lido Bayside Grill offers a variety of tasty entrees, such as chargrilled octopus, Caribbean lobster tail, grilled cobia, and Faro Island salmon (my personal favorite, pictured above). I usually only describe cakes as velvety, but this fine filet literally melted in my mouth.

Snap Photos (and Relish!) the Miami Sunset During Dinner

You’ve cooled off with a few glasses of frosé and caught up on the latest news with friends. Suddenly, the sun makes its great escape. Fortunately for you, you’re in the perfect spot to catch its descent upon Miami’s skyline.

Go ahead, snap some photos and selfies. There’s nothing quite as stunning as a sunset while dining, especially with Biscayne Bay in the scene.

Looking for the perfect date night or happy hour spot in Miami? Add The Lido Bayside Grill to your go-to list. The Standard’s fragrant gardens, Biscayne Bay’s gentle waves, refreshing cocktails, and scrumptious Mediterranean food await.

Here’s to a sunset dinner you’ll never forget!

Yours truly,
Jonathan Ochart

The Lido Bayside Grill at a Glance

40 Island Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website | Menus | Hours: Monday – Sunday, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Phone: 786-245-0880