Looking for a local spot with fresh seafood in Miami?
Forget the tourist traps on Ocean Drive. Skip the snail-filled étouffée at Red Lobster. Instead, locals in the know hit up a special place in the Sunset Harbour area. Seafood saw a 20% increase in consumption in 2024, and Miami has some of the best.
The problem:
Miami loves to eat seafood. But finding a restaurant that does it right and isn’t just trying to charge you Keys prices can be a challenge. Luckily, there’s one place that nails it.
Meet Stiltsville Fish Bar.
In this guide, here’s what’s covered:
- Why Stiltsville Fish Bar is special
- Food and Drink
- Atmosphere, Service, & Decor
- Price and whether it’s worth it
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Why Stiltsville Fish Bar is special
Here’s the thing: when you dine at Stiltsville Fish Bar, you’re not just going to another restaurant.
No, you’re going to something that two Top Chef contestants and James Beard-nominated chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth had a vision to create in 2017.
The Stiltsville Fish Bar restaurant idea is the culmination of McInnis’ childhood memories of fishing in the Gulf waters of Florida’s panhandle.
This isn’t a chain trying to capitalize on a sunny Florida Keys vibe. This is the real thing.
Here’s what makes it unique:
- Fresh catch displayed in actual bathtubs
- Casual Key West-inspired vibe
- Chef-driven menu that changes with the season
- Located in a casual neighborhood of Sunset Harbour
Cool, right?
The restaurant has been racking up numbers since it opened.
With 4.6 stars and over 3,000 diner reviews on OpenTable, it’s safe to say that the team is onto something special.
Food & Drink
Here’s a secret you’re not going to believe…
Buffalo fish wings are an absolute MUST-TRY.
They’re not your average bar wings. These are fish (usually snapper) wings, breaded to perfection, and fried until crispy and golden. The buffalo sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, and it will make you wonder why you ever thought chicken wings could compare.
Don’t just take this reviewer’s word for it — they are a staple on the menu, and reviewers rave about them.
Top Menu Items
Their menu rotates based on what’s fresh and local, but here are the ones to look for:
- Whole roasted fish: Yellow tail snapper is a crowd favorite, perfectly cooked every time
- Shrimp and grits: Good ole southern comfort food
- Coconut shrimp: Good, but could use a more pronounced coconut flavor
- Oysters: They get high marks for freshness
- Tackle box: Order à la carte or share a seafood lover’s platter
What’s the best part?
The seafood they’re cooking is all displayed in bathtubs full of ice, so you know you’re getting the freshest catch.
They’re not just telling you it’s fresh; you can see it for yourself. That’s a transparency level you don’t find at most restaurants.
Want to know something else you may not know?
With 79% of folks choosing seafood for its health benefits, Stiltsville makes it easy to eat better without compromising on flavor.
The chefs know their stuff, and the fish is simply prepared to allow the quality to shine through.
Atmosphere, Service, & Decor
The atmosphere at Stiltsville Fish Bar matches the Florida Keys inspiration in every way.
Here’s how to describe it:
- Casual and relaxed
- Good for lunch or dinner
- Perfect for groups or date nights
- Indoor and outdoor seating
Wait, there’s more…
The outdoor seating has a view of the sunset you won’t find at most restaurants. With 55% of Americans dining out rather than ordering takeout, places like Stiltsville that nail the atmosphere are winning.
The Service
Service is another thing that reviewers sing about.
People mention servers by name (Renee and Manuel get specific shoutouts), because the service at this seafood spot is top-notch.
They know the menu, and they care about what you’re eating, recommending and walking you through what’s fresh and in season.
Price & Value
Okay, so let’s talk dollars and cents.
Stiltsville isn’t cheap, but they’re not trying to be either. When you order, you’re paying for:
- Two James Beard-nominated chefs
- Sustainable and fresh seafood
- Prime Miami Beach real estate
- Quality ingredients, preparation, and service
**The good news? **
Happy hour is available from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on weekdays, and it’s a doozy.
- $6 wines by the glass
- $5 beers
- $7 select cocktails
- Small plates under $9
Wednesday’s $2 oyster special from 3:00 to 7:00 PM is one of the best deals in town. The same goes for Monday’s half-priced bottles of wine. That’s the night the locals show up.
Is it worth it?
If you’re hoping to find chain restaurant prices, keep looking. But if you want a quality seafood experience prepared by award-winning chefs, in a great atmosphere with good drinks — then yes.
Events & Specials
In addition to the regular menu and happy hour, the restaurant also offers:
- Weekend brunch
- $2 fish tacos every Tuesday from 3:00 to 6:00 PM
- Catering and private events
- Sunset Sips wine tastings
These special events show that they’re focused on more than just running a restaurant — they’re trying to build a community around good seafood and good times.
The Verdict: Is it the Best Seafood Restaurant in Miami?
You ready for the verdict?
Is Stiltsville Fish Bar the best seafood restaurant in Miami?
The answer? Well, it depends.
Is it the best? It’s definitely in the running.
The atmosphere, fresh seafood, talented chefs, and consistent service make it a standout from Miami’s over-saturated seafood scene.
Go if you…
- Want fresh, high-quality seafood;
- Enjoy chef-driven concepts;
- Appreciate casual but elevated dining;
- Want happy hour deals;
- Want to try creative Key West-inspired dishes;
Skip if you…
- Only want cheap eats;
- Want more formal fine dining;
- Hate seafood (we know you’re out there);
The Bottom Line
The Stiltsville Fish Bar restaurant concept of fresh, simply prepared seafood in a Keys-inspired atmosphere delivers on its promise. Two Top Chef contestants running the show and consistently high ratings make it earn its spot as one of Miami Beach’s top seafood spots.
The buffalo fish wings alone are worth the trip. Paired with the sunset views, creative cocktails, and friendly service, it’s the type of place that turns first-time visitors into regulars.
Does it have the best seafood in Miami? It depends on what you’re looking for. But if you want quality seafood without the stuffiness, prepared by people who actually care about what they’re doing — Stiltsville hits the mark
So head to Sunset Harbour and find out what the buzz is about for yourself. Oh, and order the buffalo fish wings.
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