On Good Friday, Christians worldwide participate in fasting and attend church services or re-enactments of Jesus Christ's final hours to commemorate his crucifixion. Christians believe that Jesus sacrificed his flesh; hence it is customary to abstain from eating meat on this holy Friday; a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, when the church forbade meat from warm-blooded animals. Because fish are cold-blooded, Christians opt to eat them instead of flesh.
But regardless, who doesn't love good seafood, excellent vibes, refreshing drinks, and a fantastic experience in Miami? Below you will find some of the Magic City's best seafood spots to enjoy this Good Friday or any other day with your loved ones. Because in a city so close to the water, seafood is always a staple.
See Also: Miami's 2022 Ultimate Easter Brunch Guide
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1545 Collins Ave / Website
Byblos, a Mediterranean hotspot in Miami Beach, combines time-honored classic cooking skills with cutting-edge techniques to create innovative cuisine. Byblos boasts an eclectic theme with soft velvet tones and flashes of color, softly lit by larger-than-life lanterns, inspired by its colorful food and olfactory palate. The large menu features a wide range of alternatives, including a daily selection of fresh fish, numerous vegetarian options, and, of course, the fan favorite, Grilled Whole Branzino with Chermoula, Saffron Toum, and Watercress.
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1100 NW 23rd St. / Website
Celebrate Good Friday at LEKU, an award-winning concept famed for bringing the culinary delights of Spain's charming Côte Basque region to Miami. LEKU offers all-day lunch and dinner dishes in a whimsical indoor and outdoor setting with creative wonders around every corner. Cooking methods based on tried-and-true procedures create fresh, full-flavored cuisine using seasonal local ingredients. Plates like Whole Branzino with Bilbaina Emulsion ($69) and Seafood Rice ($39) are popular.
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401 Biscayne Blvd 2nd Floor / Website
This Good Friday, celebrate and unwind at La Cañita, the newest Cuban-Caribbean concept-driven restaurant in Bayside Marketplace from James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein and partner David Martinez. Enjoy signature dishes like Whole Fried Snapper ($42) with Guasacaca Sauce and Haitian Pikliz; Conch Fritters ($14) dusted with Cayenne Powdered Sugar; Grilled Florida Fish Of The Day Sandwich ($17) with Shredded Lettuce, Haitian Pikliz, Lime Aioli; and Plantain & Coconut Crusted Shrimp ($22) with Pineapple Scotch Bonnet Relish this evening from 6:00 p.m.
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1906 Collins Ave / Website
Bâoli, a sophisticated restaurant in the center of Miami Beach, is known for serving exquisite Asian-fusion cuisine in a stylish environment. The new Bâoli Miami menu offers a unique combination of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth textures and sweet and savory components, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Europe's unrivaled party culture while sampling Asia's delectable flavors—from delicious craft cocktails to supremely fresh sushi. Oysters served on ice with caviar and 24K gold, and Toro Special, kataifee wrapped in soft toro, are two signature dishes.
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500 Brickell Key Drive / Website
La Mar by Gastón Acurio at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, is the ideal place for people wanting fresh fish and shellfish this holiday weekend, thanks to its Peruvian cuisine and stunning water view. The Tiradito Nikkei, with tuna, red onion, nori, avocado, daikon, cucumber, and tamarind Leche de Tigre, is a conventional cebiche, while the Tiradito Bachiche, with fluke tiradito, 24-month parmesan cheese, Leche de Tigre, colatura, garlic chips, and basil oil, is a unique cebiche. Arroz Con Mariscos is a wok-cooked dish with shrimp, octopus, calamari, aj Amarillo sauce, criolla, and El Achupado, a bucatini noodle dish with seafood in chupe sauce, huacatay, and rocoto aioli.
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1787 Purdy Ave / Website
Stiltsville Fish Bar, located in South Beach's bright Sunset Harbour, is run by James Beard Award semifinalists and husband and wife team Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth. The restaurant serves coastal cuisine and fresh seafood in a breezy, laid-back setting, paying homage to Cape Florida's Stiltsville (a group of houses on wooden stilts in the middle of the ocean). Guests can enjoy the "Catch of the Day" and famous delicacies like Shrimp N' Grits, Crab Cakes, Tuna Ceviche, and more, which are available for breakfast, lunch, and supper.
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9700 Collins Ave / Website
Makoto, a distinguished culinary destination founded by renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr and Iron Chef contender Chef Makoto Okuwa, is located in South Florida's prestigious Bal Harbour Shops. The sophisticated organic restaurant, which received widespread acclaim when it first debuted in 2011, has relocated to the third level of the high-end retail center and now includes an India Mahdavi design that complements the delicate and masterful flavors of Japanese cuisine. Makoto also has a carefully crafted beverage list that provides for sakes, food-driven wines, Japanese craft beers, and cocktails inspired by traditional Japanese flavors and methods.
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601 Washington Ave / Website
Strawberry Moon, a Mediterranean-inspired indoor/outdoor eating venue in the center of South Beach, serves a variety of seafood specialties. Branzino with chickpea tabbouleh and Yemenite zhug is a popular meal. Swordfish Shawarma is a delicious kebab with red bell peppers and citrus. Small appetizers like their salmon and tuna crudo with crispy capers, garlic, a delicious lemon vinaigrette, yellowtail with tomato vinaigrette, olives, and Serrano chili are perfect for sharing.
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4 W Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale / Website
Rivertail is Fort Lauderdale's top location for stylish yet casual waterfront dining, founded by Breakwater Hospitality Group and overseen by five-time James Beard Award-nominated Chef Jose Mendin. Rivertail, located on Fort Lauderdale's picturesque Riverwalk, serves a seafood-centric menu with flavors inspired by Chef Mendin's travels. Rivertail's culinary menu features foods inspired by fine dining places, fish houses, and oyster bars from coast to coast, ranging from small plate selections to substantial family-style feasts. The waterfront project, which opened in the fall of 2019, is Chef Mendin's first seafood-focused concept and his first Broward-based opening. Rivertail has a full raw bar, an indoor dining space with lounge seating, and an open grill kitchen concept featuring fresh and local products.
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1111 Parrot Jungle Trail / Website
Joia Beach, a restaurant and a beach club is Miami's only private beachfront spot where visitors may dine with their toes in the sand and enjoy a European-inspired meal made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. At Joia Beach, they redefine dinner with a view by eating their European-inspired menu with their toes in the sand. Wood-Grilled Branzino, Pan Grilled Salmon Filet, and Greek Fisherman's Stew are just a few sea-inspired dishes available.
Photography by: Courtesy Rachel Claire, Ruslan Khmelevsky/Pexels
