Elia

Elia on the River sits right on the water at River Landing in Allapattah, serving Southern Italian cuisine with coastal flair. The menu runs through pasta, pizza, seafood and handcrafted cocktails, with dishes like spicy rigatoni, truffle pizza, whole branzino and lamb chops drawing steady praise from guests.

The riverfront patio and dining room, finished with imported marble and a hand-painted mural, overlook passing yachts and sunset views, with live music and a DJ keeping the energy up most nights. Expect a $31-50 per person range, a smart casual dress code, and reservations recommended for dinner and weekend brunch.

Elia is a popular pick for date nights, birthday celebrations, and groups, with a weekday $25 three-course lunch special and Thursday's Tipsy Tea and Bella Notte events adding extra draws. Named Miami's Best Italian Restaurant in a 2026 readers' poll, it works equally well for a first Miami River dinner or a regular weekend brunch spot for locals in Allapattah and beyond.