Set against the glittering waters of Biscayne Bay, the Rusty Pelican is one of Miami’s most iconic waterfront dining destinations. The restaurant is known for its incredible panoramic views, especially at sunset, which pair beautifully with its modern, upscale ambiance. Inside, the décor is stylish and glamorous, complementing the lively energy of Miami’s dining scene.
The menu highlights contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood, offering both elevated favorites and creative twists on classic dishes. The bar turns out expertly crafted cocktails, making the restaurant as much a social hotspot as a dining venue.
Service, however, was a weak point during our visit. Our server was uninvolved, disappearing for long stretches, and had an odd, inconsistent approach to interacting with guests—noticeably out of sync with the otherwise polished environment.
Fortunately, the food and drinks themselves were very good.
We started with the mussels in white wine sauce, prepared with white wine, olives, and tomatoes—a flavorful and aromatic beginning.
For the main course, we ordered the Seafood Tower, which included:
- Blue Point, Kusshi, and Pink Moon oysters
- Poached shrimp
- Chilled cold-water lobster
- Crab salad
- Corvina ceviche
- A selection of sashimi and nigiri
- A spicy tuna roll
The small tower was perfect for two people, offering a satisfying variety of fresh, well-prepared seafood without being overwhelming.
Overall
The Rusty Pelican delivers stunning views, excellent drinks, and high-quality food, creating a memorable Miami dining experience. The service we encountered fell short of the restaurant’s otherwise polished standards, but the setting and culinary execution still made the visit worthwhile.
Rating: 7.7/10
