Restaurant
Joe’s Stone Crab
Joe's Stone Crab has been a Miami Beach institution since 1913, serving chilled stone crab claws with mustard sauce near the southern tip of South Beach.
Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Fish Market
Garcia's is a family-run seafood restaurant and fish market on the Miami River, run by a Cuban family in the seafood trade since 1966.
At a glance
- Type
- Seafood
- Area
- Miami River, Miami, United States
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- garciasmiami.com
Good to know
- Riverside dining
- Fish market
Why we recommend it
Garcia's Seafood Grille and Fish Market is a family business on the Miami River with roots that go back to the arrival of the Garcia brothers from Cuba in the 1960s. After the family's business in Cuba was taken over by the government, the first brother reached Miami in 1964, and in 1966 the brothers established Garcia's Brothers Seafood as a fresh fish market, processing plant and wholesaler. The family ran its own fishing fleet until 1979, and the restaurant and market are now run by the founders' sons.
The restaurant is a relaxed, waterfront place to eat fish, and its most popular dish is whole yellowtail snapper from the Florida Keys, which you can order blackened, grilled or fried. The fish dip is another favourite. Because the business started as a fish market, the emphasis is firmly on the catch rather than on elaborate presentation, and asking what is freshest that day is the best way to order. The market side of the business also sells fresh fish.
Opening hours were not available on the restaurant's website, so call or look at the restaurant's website before making a special trip. As a general rule, waterfront restaurants in Miami are busiest at weekend lunchtimes and around sunset, and outdoor tables by the water are the first to go. Arriving early is the simplest way to get a good seat.
Garcia's suits families, groups and anyone who wants a casual seafood meal with a local story behind it. It is a good place to try local fish such as yellowtail snapper prepared simply. The river setting gives it a very different feel from the beach and the Design District.
Because the business still runs a fish market, it is also a good place to ask about the local species that are in season. If you are not sure how you like your fish, the grilled option is a gentle introduction, while blackened is spicier and fried is the most indulgent.
The restaurant is at 398 NW North River Drive, on the Miami River near downtown. A taxi or ride-share is the easiest way to arrive. It pairs well with a morning in downtown Miami, for example at Pérez Art Museum Miami or the Frost Museum of Science in Museum Park, followed by a long seafood lunch by the water.
Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Fish Market FAQs
What is Garcia's known for?
Whole yellowtail snapper from the Florida Keys, served blackened, grilled or fried.
How long has the business been running?
The family established Garcia's Brothers Seafood in 1966.
Is it on the water?
Yes, the restaurant is on the Miami River.
Can I buy fish to take home?
Yes, the business includes a fish market.
What else should I try?
The fish dip is a popular starter.
What are the opening hours?
Hours were not available on the website, so check directly with the restaurant before visiting.
Is it good for families?
Yes, it is a casual, family-run restaurant.
How do I get there?
By taxi or ride-share to 398 NW North River Drive, near downtown.