Perched on the edge of Biscayne Key, Rusty Pelican stands out as a premier destination for upscale waterfront dining in Miami. With its breathtaking views of the Miami skyline, this elegant eatery offers a unique culinary experience that marries the freshness of the sea with gourmet sophistication.
I’ll tell you why I got there. Actually, I wanted to take my parents out to somewhere really beautiful on the water, but I don’t really know Miami. Been there only a few times, and actually, I have quite a few podcasts about what to do in Miami, and areas to see, but actual restaurants that were something that I really wanted to do, something special for my father’s upcoming birthday and me visiting with them.
So, I did have a criterion that I wanted to be on the water. I really love marinas and yacht clubs, so that would have been a big perk if that was the case. So I began looking for all these different restaurants, and one of them just kind of fit the bill. But it’s a little bit hard to really tell if that’s exactly what you want by looking on the internet. Today we’re going to be talking about the Rusty Pelican restaurant in Miami, Florida. Are you guys ready for an adventure? Let’s begin.
Biscayne Key – A Hidden Gem in Miami
The restaurant I chose was the Rusty Pelican in Miami, and I knew that it was on Biscayne Key. I’ve never been to Biscayne Key, so I figured, okay, that’s going to be a new cool place to visit as well. As we’re driving to the restaurant, all of a sudden, we have to cross this massive, beautiful bridge, and it’s literally interlinking keys with the Miami mainland. It is absolutely breathtaking.
The bridge is probably like 2 miles, if not more, over the water. We arrive at this key, and all it is is this super narrow key with this beautiful beach and bike paths and just all these outdoor things on one end and the marina and the restaurant on the other end. Right away, we knew that we hit the jackpot. We decided to drive along and check out the beach area.
There’s also that you could rent bikes or bring your own bikes or just go running. It’s just absolutely magnificent. It’s 100% municipality, so it’s all free to use as well. Then, we finally head over to the Rusty Pelican itself.
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All About Rusty Pelican Miami
Rusty Pelican is located in a part of the marina. You do need to pay when you arrive at the restaurant. The restaurant is at the end of the marina, and it’s entirely surrounded by these boats. The restaurant is very upper-class. So, this is not a mid-range restaurant.
It is definitely in the higher echelon for paying. It’s one of the most popular event places. Not only that, but it’s absolutely on the waterfront.
Parking
When you go to the restaurant, if you’re driving in on your own, there is valet parking. It’s fascinating because you’re right there, and you can only park with valet parking. I don’t know if you know what a valet is.
They take your car, and they park it for you. When you’re ready to get it, they bring it to you. The guy is like, do you want to park your valet in front of the restaurant? It was $20. Or do you want to go a few rows in, and it’s only $8? I’m like, Aren’t you bringing it to me? He’s like, yes. I’m like, what do I care? For sure, the $8. Do I want to show off my car? And that’s the kind of place Miami is. $20 to show off your car. $8 three rows away from showing off your car.
This is something that I’ve spotted in Miami. Miami is such a showplace. It’s just so materialistic in so many ways. But you know, when you go to Miami, that’s something you just got to deal with because I remember when we were in South Beach, they have like all these hotels and restaurants, and you have to pay like super extra just to park your Ferrari or your Bentley or your Lamborghini in front so everybody could see it. To me, it’s really nauseating, but it is what it is. And the same goes here. Well, beyond the parking, let’s dive into the real reason why we came here in the first place – the food and the view.
The Restaurant
The restaurant is enormous. I mean enormous. And we’re not even talking about where they hold the actual events. This is just the restaurant itself. You enter, there’s a huge lobby, and in our case, you definitely need a reservation.
I’m sure you could walk in, but I recommend a reservation. It’s just that much easier. They are known to have thousands of wines, and there are just wine cellars after wine cellars.
And to the right of you is this colossal indoor room. Yes. You have glass all around that you can see the water everywhere. To the left is another huge indoor room. But it’s more like the bar area as well, with glass surrounding it.
Then you could go outside. We really wanted to spend time outdoors. And they have this fantastic huge area for the tables to be outside seating. I recommend that if it’s not too hot, you’re wholly in the shade, so the sun will never totally hit you. Just sit outdoors. The view there is just breathtaking. It’s spectacular.
Food and Prices
The restaurant is known for its seafood, but they have a wide array of food options. As I mentioned earlier, it is not a mid-range restaurant. It’s definitely an upper-range restaurant. Appetizers begin from around $15 to $20, and the meals go on to, you know, the sky’s the limit.
They have all that you would want to choose from. Obviously, seafood is their primary specialty. If you have a chance to really enjoy a day and experience, I really recommend this restaurant. The food is tasty and I overall rated it the best seafood place in Florida. It’s just an experience. The scenery, the food, the drinks, the location, everything. So go there. Enjoy it as casual wear, even though it is upper-scale dining.
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Rusty Pelican Beyond the Plate – Events & Entertainment
The Rusty Pelican excels beyond its delectable menu, as it is also known for hosting various events all year round. For many travelers, this particular restaurant has become a go-to destination for those looking to hold their special occasions in a stunning waterfront location.
They have exquisite ballrooms. Each space is meticulously designed with modern, chic décor, featuring elegant furniture that complements the vibrant atmosphere. Chandeliers and stylish light fixtures set the mood, creating an absolutely great environment for any event.
Whether it’s a milestone birthday party, a golden anniversary bash, or even a heartwarming retirement party, the Rusty Pelican is a designated hotspot. For expectant or soon-to-be brides, the venue also curates memorable baby and bridal showers, all against the scenic vista of Miami’s skyline.
Is it Really Worth It? – Honest Opinion!
If you’re wondering whether the Rusty Pelican is truly worth all the hype, then yes, it absolutely is. From its stunning waterfront location to its delectable seafood menu and exceptional event services, this restaurant truly lives up to the expectations. Not only that, but it also captures the essence of Miami’s lavish lifestyle.
I confess the fact it’s a bit pricy, but for the experience and quality, it’s entirely worth every penny. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Miami, and trust me; you won’t be disappointed. My experience there with my family was nothing short of amazing. At the end of the day, it is not just about the food but also about the memories created and the overall experience.
The Rusty Pelican delivers on every front and exceeds expectations. So go ahead, make a reservation, grab your favorite outfit, and enjoy this must-visit gem in Miami. Cheers!
Some General Information
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday:
- Valet Service is only $8
- Dining Room: 11 am – 11 pm
- Bar: 11 am – 12 am
Friday – Saturday:
- Dining Room: 11am – 12am
- Bar: 11 am – 1 am
Email: rustypelicanmiami@srcmail.com
Telephone: (305) 361-3818
Area: Key Biscayne
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Last Updated on June 21, 2025
