Amara at Paraiso

"Amidst stunning vistas of Biscayne Bay, this chic and bustling restaurant offers one of Miami’s most picturesque outdoor dining experiences. Chef Michael Schwartz’s Latin American-inspired modern restaurant has a new chef at the helm, Ivan Barros, who’s creating dishes like chicken la brass with crispy smashed potatoes, moqueca (a Brazilian fish stew), and a masa honey cake served with roasted pineapples and coconut cream." - Allison Ramirez, Alona Martinez

"Amara’s enviable views of Biscayne Bay would be enough reason to host a wedding here. Add to that award-winning food spearheaded by Miami-transplant restaurateur Michael Schwartz, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular venue for date night. Schwartz calls this spot his “love letter to Miami,” which explains the Latin American-influenced cuisine that includes yuca cheese puffs, chicken and poblano empanadas, arroz verde, and a half chicken a la brasa. Four tables can be booked in advance on the waterfront (reservations are non-refundable)." - Eater Staff

"Those wanting to celebrate Thanksgiving with a gorgeous waterfront view will be well served here. Begin with the Pumpkin King, a Tiki-style libation made with Jamaican rum, bourbon, koginut squash, homemade spiced walnut orgeat, and citrus. Holiday-themed dishes include starters like the calabaza and cheese empanada followed by turkey parillada, which serves four to six and consists of a smoked turkey leg, roasted sliced breast, and confit turkey thigh. Pasta lovers can opt for pumpkin gnocchi with roasted Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and turkey jus. Desserts like pumpkin pot de crème and chocolate pecan pie are great ways to end the celebration. The Thanksgiving specials are available from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m." - Alona Martinez

"Part of the culinary empire of James Beard winner Michael Schwartz, Amara at Paraiso not only showcases some of Miami’s best waterfront dining but has compelling dishes found throughout South America to boot. Using Schwartz’s farm-to-table ethos that gained him national fame at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, the menu offers crispy octopus, short rib empanadas, and steaming-hot yucca balls. With its outdoor space primed for large groups, diners can grab a patio drink — perhaps, the Calm Before the Coconut cocktail filled with rum, cachaca allspice dram, coconut pineapple, and lime all served in a Florida coconut — before or after the meal to soak in all those enviable views." - Olee Fowler

"The waterfront view at Amara is pretty spectacular. The food is solid, but not as impressive. They have enough safe dishes like chicken a la brasa, steak, and grilled fish to please your picky family. Yet nothing on the seafood-heavy menu feels worthy of a proposal, which happens so much here that the restaurant actually has a proposal package you can buy. Instead, keep the ring in your pocket and just enjoy the uninterrupted view of Biscayne Bay. Make a reservation for sunset, and make it a little earlier than you think too. The outdoor tables tend to linger and you may have to wait. You don’t want to be stuck inside at the bar while the sun sets without you. " - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo