Dining at The Deck at Island Gardens

With mouthwatering Mediterranean inspired plates and equally delectable views of the Downtown Miami skyline, The Deck at Island Gardens is not just a restaurant, but rather a dining experience.

Only in this one-of-a-kind venue can you enjoy high-end dining amidst the scenery of mega-yachts going by. Located on an island yet in middle of the action, The Deck at Island Gardens is part of a bigger development which includes a mega-yacht marina, meaning you are guaranteed to spot some of the area’s largest vessels while savoring their shareable Chilled Seafood Towers and signature cocktails. “We are facing Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay where cruise ships create a spectacle turning around and doesn’t hurt that we are surrounded by the only marina in town with capacity to host this many mega-yachts,” says Principal Bahar Bayraktar.

This unique spot, which is both a restaurant and lounge for 500 people, features waterfront cabanas and an outdoor deck spanning the seawall, making it ideal for both intimate dinners as well as large events for up to 2,000 people by combining adjacent event spaces at the Island Gardens waterfront. From their laidback midweek Sunset Society Happy Hour with bar bites and chilled seafood specials to famed weekend dinner parties and Sunday brunch, The Deck at Island Gardens is the most fun and flavorful waterfront restaurant and outdoor event space in South Florida.

Between the posh ambiance and delectable plates, this hot spot is now the area’s most delicious destination for both locals and visitors alike. Chef Miguel Fajardo, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, spins his own innovative twist on broad Mediterranean flavors while using the freshest seafood and seasonal ingredients with a touch of local Miami.

Aside from being known as having the best branzino in town their carefully curated menu showcases popular items including Tuna Tartare featuring regional flavors such as young coconut, mango and Florida citrus, as well as Beef Carpaccio and Charred Octopus. From Tomahawk Ribeye and lean Lamb Chops to fresh fish including Salt Crusted Florida Snapper, Spanish Dover Sole and Floridian Mahi Mahi, diners are treated to a creative culinary adventure.

Along with Chef Fajardo, Bahar remains hands on both in and out of the kitchen in order to ensure that guests at this beloved institution have the ultimate The Deck at Island Gardens experience. According to Bahar, it is a mix of their popular outdoor dining options infront of the signature Miami view, weekend entertainment featuring dj’s and specialty acts as well as tableside prepared dishes which has made them such an iconic place to meet in Miami.

“People can arrive as the sun sets for appetizers and sunset dj sessions and then transition to sitting down for dinner, open up a bottle of rosé or champagne with popular sharable options such as Truffle and Pear Pizza or the signature Seafood Towers. We used to have a more traditional (Mediterranean) menu but our food has begun to feature much more modern and local influences. Right now for example we have a fantastic White Chocolate Flan on the menu which is a perfect combination of white chocolate, caramel and spiced rum.”

Whether you come for brunch or stay for the party all weekend long, make sure to cheers to everyone’s favorite place to play in Miami with the Deck at Island Gardens’ Ibiza Mama or Passion-Ista cocktail!