How well do you know about restaurants in Miami or Miami itself?
Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, nightclubs, and overall party scene, leaving much to be desired on the restaurant front.
In fact, Miami’s status as a nightlife-heavy party city prevented its restaurant sector from receiving more attention.
The city has everything you need for the vacation of your dreams. From immaculate beaches, top-rated attractions, and of course, a fantastic food scene, you will love it here.
In addition, there are a lot of fantastic restaurants in Miami that are so invested in both content and aesthetic that you quickly feel like you’re at a really carefully managed dinner party.
Whether it be James Beard Award winners or Michelin-starred restaurants, you will surely come across restaurants that tickle your fantasy and check all your boxes.
This list is all you need to explore the food scene of Miami.
Restaurants in Miami Florida
1. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Miami
Located at Bayfront Marketplace, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is one of the best chain restaurants in Miami.
It is a fun place to visit, with great service and lots to do while wandering around the marketplace.
This place is themed around the movie Forest Gump, but even if you’re not a fan of the movie or have never seen it, you will still enjoy every bit of this restaurant.
After the success of the film “Forrest Gump,” the first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant and market debuted in 1996 on Cannery Row in Monterey, California.
With its down-home furnishings evoking the Alabama setting of the film, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. perfectly embodies the charm and Americana that made “Forrest Gump” a big hit.
The restaurant now displays artifacts from the film along with still images, copies of the script, storyboards, and even some costumes.
Although it is a small chain of seafood restaurants, the restaurant still delivers well.
Looking for meals to try?
Try the burger with pickled cucumber, french fries, or Caesar salad; they are delicious.
Okays, the meal aspect is settled. How about something to drink? Well, you should try Margarita with Coronita beer; they are very good and are accompanied by reasonable prices.
Address: 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States
2. El Tucán Miami
El Tucán Miami
Miami is home to many nightclubs, fantastic restaurants, hip bars, and lounges, but until recently, the traditional Caribbean cabaret entertainment you see in movies has long since disappeared.
Él Tucan is a modern cabaret (mix of Cuban and french) with a live show and is one of the best restaurants in Miami.
In fact, the restaurant is a refuge for locals and tourists who value a chic, upbeat ambiance, elevated cuisine, and cutting-edge cocktails.
Once you enter, you are immediately transported to another time and era, where glamour and elegance meet speakeasy and risqué.
Furthermore, a beautiful chandelier adorns one of the sidebars, while the lounge area makes you feel sophisticated.
Small intimate tables and booths surround the stage with a bright center spotlight, indicating that this will be a night to remember.
You can sit in the lounge or have the full “dinner show experience” in the main dining room.
There are lounge singers, samba girls with more feathers than you can count, flamenco dancers, glittery dresses, tasteful burlesque routines, and a salsa band that will make you want to shake your shimmy.
The show is simply amazing. It’s almost impossible not to enjoy yourself.
The meals here also are really good. You would not expect that out of a showplace, where often food takes a backstage stance.
From the churros with Parmesan cheese to the simple yet perfectly balanced guacamole to the lobster with the corn esquites, anything you take here, you will love them.
Finally, this is not it if you are looking for a quiet gourmet dinner place.
Address: 1111 SW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33130, United States
3. Marion Miami
The Marion Miami
Marion is definitely one of the hottest places in Miami to see and be seen!
The restaurant offers a gourmet dining experience that doubles as a celebration with many European flairs.
Marion is not your typical restaurant where you sit, get a menu, and wait to see what will end up on your plate.
The food is displayed on a fantastic buffet; you just want to eat it all.
As the lights go down, the music becomes louder, and the party atmosphere takes over at Marion, hence, expect the excitement to rise.
Although Marion’s legendary Thursday Soirée dinner parties remain its most well-attended occasion, the top DJs, the vivacious crowd, and the five-star service really draw people in.
You walk in, and everyone is partying, standing up on chairs, drinking, and having a good time.
The music is super loud and soo good! Every now and then, a performer comes to do a song.
4. Mignonette Downtown
Mignonette Downtown
If you are looking for dining options when visiting the Adrienne Arsht Center or the nearby museums, then you should check out Mignonette.
Mignonette is a wonderfully decorated restaurant housed in a delightful 1930s structure tucked away at the intersection of NE 2nd Avenue and 18th Street.
The outside of the restaurant and the location are deceiving to what is inside. The restaurant is across from a cemetery but is a pretty, historic cemetery.
The high ceilings and tall arched windows make the inside bright and airy. Likewise, the flatware, tabletops, and glasses all shine because it is immaculately clean.
Similarly, comfortable leather banquettes in cognac complement the natural brick walls.
It also has a wonderful oyster bar and a wonderful variety of seafood meals.
So, come to the Downtown location for some of the greatest oysters in town, a stunning seafood tower, and many other excellent ocean-derived foods.
The appetizers, especially the fresh oysters, clams, and deviled eggs, are fantastic.
The main fish dishes are also deliciously served, some with interesting preparation and ingredients.
Address: 210 NE 18th St, Miami, FL 33132, United States
5. Stubborn Seed
The Stubborn Seed
Stubborn Seed offers an elevated dining experience in Miami with an interesting tasting menu.
The restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Miami. In fact, it received one Michelin star in the prestigious first Florida guide in 2022.
Chef Jeremy Ford, the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13, is the one in charge here, and he’s capable.
Stubborn Seed is seductive and stylish, with chic industrial decor and a glass-fronted display kitchen standing guard on a busy intersection.
The ambiance is quite unpretentious and leaves you totally unprepared for the dining experience that will shortly ensue.
Besides the ambiance and the decor, the meals here are just superb.
In short, the food at Stubborn Seed is delicious and unusual, such that each dish explodes with tremendous flavor.
Start with one of their specialty craft cocktails, enjoy the “vibe” of the place, and then approach the many apps and a couple of the main tapas-style.
Don’t miss the oysters, which have Saki added to them, or the agnolotti, but truly everything on the menu is superb.
Additionally, part of the experience is that various chefs bring out the items and explain the ingredients and preparation.
The restaurant is open from 6 pm-10 pm from Sunday to Thursday, while it is open from 6 pm-11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
6. Niu kitchen
The Niu kitchen
Niu Kitchen is a modest eatery in the heart of Miami that specializes in the Deme Lomas-inspired cuisine the chef is known for.
It’s a casually chic place with shiny concrete flooring, a dim, dark atmosphere, and a few come-as-you-are servers.
Niu is Chinese for “cute little girl.” The Princess of the Sea Snail in the ancient Orient, who combines joy in food with love, care, and magic, inspires Niu’s concept.
Do not expect a big and fancy restaurant; this is a classic “hole in the wall,” but you won’t regret being here.
Also, as with many Spanish restaurants, the best way is to start with small dishes, like tapas, and believe you have an excellent selection to choose from.
The appetizers, entrees, and desserts are all included on a single page of the Niu menu.
Similarly, the majority of the appetizers are Iberico ham, specialty cheeses, and classic charcuterie boards.
In fact, Fresh Fish makes up a sizable portion of the cuisine, which makes sense given NIU’s proximity to the ocean.
New dishes are also included in the menu regularly, besides the specials of the day.
In conclusion, every single item in this restaurant is exceptional!
So, how about wine recommendations? Well, you’re at a Spanish restaurant, and they will guide you through that so you stay well-balanced.
But you can check out Talai Berri and Tossald Jr.; you won’t regret it.
Address: 104 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132, United States
7. KOMODO Restaurant
KOMODO Restaurant
If you haven’t heard or you are new to Miami, Komodo is one of the hot spots in Brickell. In short, it is one of the best restaurants in Miami.
Komodo is a three-story indoor/outdoor eatery and lounge that combines modern Southeast Asian cuisine with a South Florida vibe.
The restaurant has amazing decor, from the main indoor bar to the levels of interior dining riddled with dim lighting and illuminated rose lights to mirror cherry blossoms.
Outdoor, you get a great photo-op in the Tulum-like jungle decor on both the first and second levels.
The Peking Duck, the Tuna & Toro Roll, and the Lobster Dynamite are just a few of the menu’s standout dishes.
In conclusion, from the short ribs to the lobster dynamite and the wagyu skirt steaks to the Japanese cheesecakes, the menu is a carefully crafted gastronomical variety of Asian flavors that delights your senses.
8. Boia De
Eclectic Jack / Flickr
Boia De is an Italian restaurant located in a strip mall near Little Haiti and Buena Vista.
The neon-pink exclamation mark that glows above the front door is impossible to miss.
The one-page menu typically includes 15 to 20 great meals and natural wine, cider, beer, and aperitivo drinks.
Similarly, the plates are sized like tapas to share, and the flavors are out of control.
Every single dish on the menu is just delicious. Make sure you order the pappardelle, the lamb ribs, and Luci’s chopped salad, which are surprisingly simple and still to die for.
Don’t miss the espresso, locally roasted by Great Circle a few blocks down the road.
The wine list is also extensive and thoughtful, and the servers can provide awesome suggestions for pairing.
Because Boia De is both small and popular, you’ll need to make a reservation two or three weeks in advance unless you want to cross your fingers and try for early or late bar seating.
Address: 5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, United States
Looking to grab a quick lunch? Check out some of the best Lunch Spots in Miami to enjoy the best food!
9. La Mar by Gaston Acurio
La Mar by Gaston Acurio
Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Brickell Key with a stunning view of downtown Miami, La Mar is a unique Peruvian/Japanese fusion restaurant.
It is one of the best restaurants in Miami, especially for Peruvian meals.
La Mar offers both revisited and original Peruvian gastro-cuisine, and each dish is well thought out in terms of taste and presentation.
Don’t get intimidated by the upscale status of the Mandarin hotel and its exclusive area; indulging at this great restaurant is rather affordable for its great class,
Furthermore, the patio is stunning, overlooking the bay and skyline of beautiful Miami with a DJ playing great music. So, you know you have one of the best views around.
The menu includes Classic Cebiches, exquisite tiraditos, Traditional Peruvian Potato Causas, and even freshly grilled anticucho, street food style favorites.
The format is essentially a buffet of various appetizers- ceviches, tiraditos, anticuchos, causas, and other small dishes. Then you choose a main.
Address: 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131, United States
10. CVI.CHE 105
The CVI.CHE 105
CVI.CHE 105 is an award-winning Peruvian restaurant in Miami and has been both locals’ and tourists’ favorites for more than eight years.
Its sleek and clean atmosphere is reminiscent of a trendy South Beach restaurant but with a more local flavor.
The restaurant is renowned for its extensive assortment of innovative and distinctive ceviches and a variety of other classic meals.
Almost everything on the menu is worth ordering, but they are especially known for their crevice.
In fact, the place serves more than 15 styles of ceviche and tiraditos. They also serve great espressos.
Address: 105 NE 3rd Ave El 33131, Miami, FL 33132-2217
11. Toro Toro, Miami
Toro Toro, Miami
Torotoro is the main restaurant within the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami and is definitely one of the best restaurants in Miami.
Since they are on the intercontinental, they have a lot more space to spread the tables.
Toro Toro provides cozy Miami Chic with leather couches and armchairs accented by wrought-iron and dark wood.
In addition, they have everything, from the salad bar to the assortment of proteins such as grilled beef, chicken, and salmon, to the turmeric rice, grilled veggies, desserts, and everything in between.
The restaurant also has a dark environment; you might not be able to read the menu, time to bring out your flashlights.
Address: 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131, United States
12. COTE Miami
The COTE Miami
COTE is an experience and a total package. In fact, it is the definition of the love child between a Korean barbecue place and an American steakhouse.
The 100+ seat dining room is sleek and cozy, with smokeless state-of-the-art tabletop grills at each table.
From the entrance with the bright pink lights and big mirror as the door before entering the restaurant, you will fall in love.
PRO TIP: Although the mirror is nice to take pictures. It is a 2-way mirror, and they can see you on the other side.
How about the inside? It’s perfect with the ambiance of dim lighting, bright colors, and good music.
COTE’s 1200+ label wine list was nominated for “Best Wine Program” by the James Beard Foundation two years in a row, and it was also named Florida Sommelier.
Hence, start with drinks, and you should try the Frosé. It is not your average Frosé but also infused with Aperol and just delicious.
Address: 3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, United States
Want to narrow down your search? Then you should check out the best restaurants in Brickell!
13. ConSentido Restaurant
Jack Tome / Flickr
Do you know what’s better than just eating?, Having a meal while having a fantastic view of Brickell Bay.
The restaurant is located in the jade building with valet parking and is right by the water with a beautiful view.
The terrace makes you forget that you’re in Miami; it feels like you’re somewhere in the Mediterranean with beautiful pink flowers.
In fact, you feel as if you are bubbled into a cozy tropical oasis!!
The restaurant offers various superb meals such as Crispy Rice Salmon, Chichiriviche Ceviche, Tuna Nagasaki, Ribeye Jasper, Sushi, and much more.
Wednesdays, they have ladies’ night, which means free Prosecco, which brings in a big crowd but is always a nice treat mixed with upbeat music.
Address: 1331 Brickell Bay Dr. CU1, Miami, FL 33131, United States
14. Ferraro’s Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar
The Ferraro’s Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar
Ferraro’s is a classic old-school Italian spot with a fantastic wine selection.
The restaurant is ideal for business lunches, a la carte eating, or a well-deserved shopping break.
The owner, Igor Ferraro, is a native of Venice (Italy), where he was introduced to the world of wines from an early age.
Upon completing his studies in the hospitality industry, he decided to bring his expertise to Miami through this restaurant.
Located in the Upper East Side of Miami, this cute neighborhood restaurant has ample free parking in their lot, and the quiet, cozy ambiance matches the comfortable table seating.
Though it looks unassuming from the outside, the interior is elegant, warm, and spare, with lovely tables and chairs and a wall of wine and books.
You don’t want to sit inside? They also offer some very nice outdoor seating, ideal on a cool, breezy night.
Similarly, everything they make is amazing; in particular, their homemade lasagna is out of this world. It’s an absolute must-try, and you’ll be dreaming of it every night.
I highly recommend the Salmon entree as well as the meatball appetizer.
Address: 1099 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138, United States
15. Leku
Ben Edge / Flickr
In the ancient Basque language Euskera, LEKU translates to “The Place.” This restaurant definitely lives up to its name.
Leku is one of the iconic restaurants in Miami. The restaurant sits just outside the RUBELL Museum’s front door but within the museum’s grounds.
The space, much of which is covered overhead but otherwise open, is stylish and comfortable.
Although the neighborhood is not one that you would feel comfortable walking around, the restaurant and museum are extremely inviting and safe, with their own personal valet and secure gated entrance.
The entrance is a little hidden. It’s a small metal gate that you probably expect to be locked, but walk through, and you’ll see the museum exhibits on your right through the glass and the restaurant’s garden cafe on your left.
A few hundred feet further, you’ll see the museum shop, entrance, and restaurant.
Everything from the decor to the outdoor space with all the trees and then being part of the Rubell collection’s courtyard makes this place unique.
Most dishes are large and delicious. Highlights of the Menu are the mushroom rice, ribs, wagyu cheeks, and the must-have, the cheese tart!
Address: 1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127, United States
16. The Capital Grille
Capital Grille
The Capital Grill in the Brickell Avenue area of Miami is a good steakhouse dining experience. It rates well in comparison to other higher-end chains.
The ambiance and booth seating has a nice “club” feel. Likewise, the décor is very tasteful country club style with wooden paneling, leather seating, and elegant lights.
The classic steakhouse decor, quiet appropriate music in the background, and wonderful food make this place a must-visit.
There is plenty of seafood to choose from, starting with the appetizer selection.
Starters like lobster and crab cake, tuna tartare, and fresh oysters on the half-shell are recommended.
Choose from pan-seared salmon, sushi-grade seared sesame tuna, or pan-seared Chilean sea bass as an entree.
Furthermore, the Delmonico ribeye is a must-try, and the lobster mac and cheese are out of this world.
The Capital Grille’s wine list also includes over 350 options, and their floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk stores 3,500 – 5,000 bottles daily.
Address: 444 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131, United States
17. Osaka Miami
The Osaka
If you love to be carried away by something extraordinary, Osake is one of the best restaurants in Miami to go to.
Eating at Osaka in Brickell is a complete gastronomic experience, to say the least.
The combination of flavors in Osaka is impressive; a bit of Asian and a Peruvian coming together.
Although it’s difficult to leave Osaka without spending a lot of money, the cuisine is excellent.
You should concentrate on sushi, tiradito, and ceviche.
If you are a resident, please know this place could be an addiction.
Address: 1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131, United States
18. Novikov Miami
Siriusdebbie / Flickr
If you are in downtown Miami Monday to Friday and you need a place for lunch, Novikov Miami is just the right place to visit.
This is a Russian restaurant with Japanese fusion food. Novikov is well-known for its vibrant seafood and vegetable market display.
In addition, Novikov is a nice-looking restaurant; if you’ve been to Moscow (at the Ritz Carlton near Red Square), it might look familiar. The same good food has been replicated here.
The menu here is extensive, with about 80 percent fish. Among the non-fish dishes are the mushroom and chicken crispy rolls and dim sum dumplings.
Peking duck, robata grill, and wok meals are also some of the food on the menu.
19. Sexy Fish Miami
Eclectic Jack / Flickr
Looking for instragrammable restaurants in Miami? You should check out Sexy Fish.
The room features a live coral dish tank that wraps around the entire back wall, lit agate flooring, blue silk-clad panels, plush coral leather seating, and comfortable coral leather furniture.
In short, the decoration in Sexy Fish is impressive; they clearly put a lot of thought into it.
From classic flavors to plates made with plants, Sexy Fish offers dishes to suit every pallet.
The Bloody Mary Ceviche, Yellow Tartare with Smoked Tofu and Caviar, and its King Crab and Bone Marrow counterpart are just a few of the unique dishes you may try.
In addition, the restaurant is open seven days a week and can accommodate 50 people for a private celebration and up to 37 people for a seated meal.
Address: 1001 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130, United States
20. Caviar Russe Miami
The Caviar Russe
If you are in Brickell Avenue in Miami, you can’t miss lunch or dinner at Caviar Russe.
It is situated at the Four Seasons Tower on Brickell Avenue. The restaurant’s small size ensures a very Intimate atmosphere with great attention to detail.
The menu and meals here are really good. In fact, the caviar and champagne choices and small plates stimulate the most discerning taste buds.
Address: 1441 Brickell Ave Ground Lobby at the Four Seasons Tower, Miami, FL 33131, United States
21. Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Suppose you’re in Miami and looking for Greece vibes and delicious Mediterranean food. Look no further than Mandolin.
The restaurant’s completely unassuming entrance opens into this beautiful oasis of seating, plants, tables, and atmosphere.
Everything about this place has a Mediterranean vibe, from the blue doorway to the blue-legged tavern seats, wooden tables, and the garden where they produce organic tomatoes and herbs.
Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis, a husband and wife team, founded this quaint cafe, which welcomes guests with a blue door and a whitewashed façade.
Similarly, the restaurant’s owners enjoy making their customers happy by serving food from their native Greece.
The courtyard eating area, which is accentuated by mature trees, orchids, and electric fans, is the room’s main attraction despite having wood tables.
Take a chance on rare stuff like the Ali Nazik, ground lamb on smoked eggplant greek yogurt, and the white wine mussels.
Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, United States
22. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Pick this restaurant if you only have time to visit one Michelin-starred location.
In fact, there’s a reason why L’ Atelier de Joel Robuchon is Miami’s only Michelin 2 Star restaurant: In a town with many outstanding restaurants. The restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Miami.
The name L’Atelier, which is French for “workshop,” highlights chef Joel Robuchon’s signature ability to transform even the most basic dishes into something remarkable utilizing the finest ingredients.
In addition, the restaurant is decorated in hues of black and red. Diners sit at beautifully polished wood counters. Recessed lights in the ceiling spotlight the food.
Furthermore, the restaurant is based on an interesting concept. Almost all diners sit at a counter with a full view of the open kitchen.
Large plates and tasting portions are both available on the menu.
The menu is exciting and robust. You can choose from a la carte small dishes, main courses, and pre-fixe menus where you can choose two appetizers.
Address: 151 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137, United States
23. Marabu Restaurant
The Marabu Restaurant
If you want to try one of Brickell’s most fabulous Cuban restaurants, this is the place to go.
Marabú pays homage to Cuban culture with its unique name.
Although it’s a little hard to get to, but you can take the Metro mover to save on parking.
It’s situated on one of the upper levels in the Brickell City Center shopping mall, which is a great place to shop or window shop.
Marabu offers an upscale Cuban menu. Although located in a busy downtown Miami mall, the atmosphere is lively.
The place is beautiful. It is like a Hotel bar from a 1960 hotel from an old movie. The menu is not very big, but the food is delicious.
In fact, most of their food is grilled using Marabu charcoal from Cuba.
One of the standout dishes here is the Cuban sandwich, which is packed full of flavorful, succulent roast pork, ham, and cheese.
The salad is also absolutely delicious, so give it a try.
In addition, Cuban-style drinks are delicious and have a decent amount of alcohol.
Address: 701 S Miami Ave Fl 4, Center Suite 422, Miami, FL 33131, United States
24. Palat
The Palat, Miami
Palat is one of the least-known restaurants in Miami, but it’s one of the best restaurants in Miami.
This is truly a gem for the culinary scene in Miami!
Whether you are looking for simple Italian dishes, seafood, meat dishes, vegetarian options, etc., there is something for everyone.
It is somewhat off the beaten track, just a few blocks south of Buena Vista, and the entire experience is as if you are transported to Italy.
The meals are stunningly presented and absolutely delicious Italian food with a seafood focus.
The Grilled Spanish Octopus, Frittura di Paranza, Tagliolini Cacio e Pepe served on a Parmesan wheel, and Eggplant Crostini are some of Palat’s hallmark dishes.
As a matter of fact, among other fantastic dishes, the grilled octopus and tuna tartar are among the favorites here.
Be sure to try the fried zucchini small plate- you’ll be glad you did.
There is also a great wine selection with many shareable options for appetizers, but you must get the Cacio e PEPE.
There is a dress code, so it’s like no effort, no entry. Tuesday through Sunday, Palat is open for lunch and dinner.
All in all, if you are looking for a magical way to be transported to Italy for an incredible dining experience – Palat should be at the very top of your list!
Address: 4702 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, United States
25. Alloy Bistro Gourmet
The Alloy Bistro Gourmet
Alloy Bistro Gourmet is a charming Mediterranean-tapas-style restaurant.
The restaurant serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine, French-Tunisian fare, Italian and other European-influenced dishes, and arguably the best pasta in downtown Miami.
Okay, this is a French-Mediterranian-style gourmet place, so expect that this will be an expensive dinner with a small portion. But quality over quantity, right?
Alloy Bistro is hidden down a narrow passageway and can be hard to find. But once you descend that passageway, you emerge into a charming courtyard where the restaurant has its outdoor dining area.
It’s worth the effort, really. The restaurant will make you feel like you are not in the middle of the city; it feels like you are somewhere in a small village in the Mediterranean.
Their website calls it “An oasis of calm in the heart of the city,” and it definitely lives up to it. You should try it.
Address: 154 SE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33131, United States
26. Joe’s Stone Crab
Joe’s Stone Crab
How about a visit to one of the oldest restaurants in Miami?
Miami and Miami Beach are loaded with phenomenal restaurants. It’s a tough choice, but if you could only go to one, you should seriously consider Joe’s crab.
Joe’s Stone Crab is one of those institutions that makes you feel like you’re visiting a heritage.
The history of Joe’s and what it meant to South Beach is worthwhile learning about.
Customers had to take the boat to cross when Joe Weiss opened his lunch business in 1913 because Miami Beach didn’t even have constructed roads.
Despite the growth of immense structures and shopping centers all around it over the past century, this restaurant has remained one of the main tourist destinations in the area.
You can immediately notice the attention to detail that permeates the atmosphere as you approach the grand restaurant.
You are welcomed by a tranquil green terrace outside. The entire menu is available on Joe’s patio, where you may unwind if you prefer to remain outside.
The menu has something for everyone. Choose one of the various seafood options, steaks, or the award-winning fried chicken if stone crabs aren’t your thing.
Seafood Lovers, Definitely put this one at the top of your list!
Manhattan Clam Chowder, Chopped salad (many prefer their Cole slaw), Stone crabs, and Fried chicken are some of the meals you’ll enjoy here.
Address: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
27. Red Carpet Italian Restaurant
The Red Carpet Italian Restaurant
Red Carpet Italian restaurant in Miami is one of the best little-kept secrets in Miami.
If you have not visited this restaurant before, then you are missing a lot.
It is a family-run restaurant with excellent food, desserts, and attentive service.
You will enjoy a local family-owned restaurant experience with traditional Italian recipes, fresh plates of pasta, homemade sauces, artisan cheeses, and great wines.
In addition, the decor is very sleek and clean looking. This restaurant is not visible from the street as it is located in a small shopping strip mall. Wait until you go inside; you’ll be wowed.
Their homemade pasta are divine. Try the ravioli di melenzane and the fettucini alfredo. But leave room for their profiteroles and panna cotta.
Although the wine list is not extensive, it has something for everyone, and the prices are reasonable.
Address: 3438 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, United States
28. Zuma Miami
Peter Birdsall / Flickr
If you want to have a nice meal with your family or friends, visit Zuma.
Zuma offers contemporary Japanese food housed in a beautiful restaurant with modern decor.
The restaurant is in the Epic Hotel near the port of Miami, and from its terrace are beautiful river views.
Their driveway is filled with exotic cars you would only see in Miami. The valet area is also great for watching celebrities doing their everyday stuff.
But the hidden gem is inside, just step in and understand why. Outside tables are over watching Miami River, where a small yacht is just a toy, or step inside and watch your chef prepare your meal in front of you.
The setting is gorgeous, whether inside or on the riverside patio.
As for the food, this is a tapas sort of place with all food meant to be shared amongst the group.
The flavors are to die for! The Rice Hot Pot is one of their signature dishes; the Rolls, the Teriyakis, the skewers Yakitori, the salt grilled Branzino, the dumplings, and all the meals are exquisite.
Address: 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131, United States
29. Morla Restaurant
DBlok / Flickr
Want to taste one of the best ceviche and Baja fish tacos in your life? Then run to MORLA.
Your palate will be awakened by the original and distinct flavors from Mexican and Peruvian food served at Morla restaurant.
Once you walk in, your senses are going to have a feast! Everywhere you look, there is something that catches your eye; the place inside is neatly and meticulously decorated.
The restaurant is run by the owners, Sharon, who runs the floor, and her husband (the chef), who runs the kitchen.
Hence, they are a power couple bringing a modern fusion of Peruvian and Mexican cuisine that you must definitely taste.
So, remember, if you are in downtown Miami and feel like having something different, set your GPS to 91 SE 2nd St., and you will find MORLA.
However, this may not be where you want to go if you are hungry. Remember, the Menu is Tapas sized.
Address: 91 SE 2nd St, Miami, FL 33131, United States
30. Pega Grill
Kevin Moore / Flickr
If you want to enjoy an excellent Mediterranean lunch, Pegagrill is one of the top restaurants in Miami to be.
Pega Grill serves a variety of traditional Greek dips and sauces, including tzatziki, spicy feta, eggplant, and hummus.
Similarly, the Greek meat gyro platter is one of the popular meals here and helps make the restaurant famous.
Everything is always super fresh. You can tell the owner and the manager really care.
The manager walks around, making sure every table is happy, and you can see the owner standing by the entrance to the kitchen, making sure every plate that comes out is perfect.
Likewise, if you’re a cafecito fan, their espresso/Cuban coffee is on point; you should try them.
The Miami-based eatery is open Monday through Friday and serves lunch and dinner.
Address: 15 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131, United States
31. Michael’s Genuine, Miami
Robin / Michael’s Genuine
Michael’s is in the heart of Miami’s Design district and is one of the must-visit restaurants in Miami.
The restaurant offers visitors a true neighborhood gem where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy straightforward, consistently delicious dishes.
In addition, the menu here is fantastic; they have a great menu divided into snacks, small plates, large, and extra large.
Small plates are great, from eggs to pig ears. Likewise, the ceviche is terrific the drinks are made well.
Try a little bit of everything if you can. In fact, if you can get in for brunch, then book it but make sure you do it well in advance.
The menu also changes even though they keep some of the staples year-round
So, if you are around the area and looking for a place to have some drinks, enjoy good oysters, have a pizza or sandwich, or just enjoy a great dessert, you know where to go.
Address: 130 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137, United States
32. Verde
The Verde
Verde is part of the Perez Art Museum and overlooks Biscayne Bay. The whole building is an architectural triumph.
The restaurant offers a selection of handcrafted cocktails featuring fresh ingredients, top-shelf labels, fine wines, and Ales.
The menu is clear and well presented, with vegetarian and vegan items clearly stated.
There is also a cafe attached with coffee and snacks available.
The coffee shop offers pastries and sweets, fresh juices, sandwiches, salads, and specialty coffee drinks for people on the go.
The restaurant also offers indoor dining if you prefer air conditioning. Simple but one of the best restaurants in Miami you will like to visit many times.
Address: 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States
33. Wet Restaurants & Lounge
The Wet Restaurant & Lounge
WET is a solid spot to take friends or clients for a night out. The food quality is some of the best in Miami.
In the center of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood lies WET, an expensive steak and seafood restaurant with a lounge area.
Wet Miami offers a stylish and energetic atmosphere with visually appealing modern decor.
They also have a DJ playing, which really sets the mood for your dinner.
In addition, the WET Menu draws inspiration from around the world and offers modern takes on traditional steak and seafood dishes.
Address: 1110 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130, United States
34. Jar + Fork Miami
Gary / Jar + Fork Miami
Looking for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner spot all in one place? Then Jar + Fork Miami is your guy.
Once you get to the restaurant, you will find the option of outside seating, but the inside seating area is fully open to the outside, making it feel like a bigger open area.
This arrangement makes Jar + Fork a place where you can sit down and truly enjoy a meal or simply sit down for a smoothie.
There are also many alternatives on the menu, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a big meal.
Choose one of their lunch salads, sandwiches, or bowls; they are all prepared with the finest ingredients.
It’s a pretty unique setup. You order at the counter, pick your meal from the selection, choose one of the drinks, and then they bring you your main order.
Overall, the menu is simple but offers a wide variety of flavor profiles ranging from curries to smoothies.
Address: 270 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131, United States
35. Il Gabbiano
Jack / Il Gabbiano
Would you love to have a panoramic view of Miami while dining? Then check out Il Gabbiano.
It is one of the top Italian restaurants in Miami. In fact, it is one charming and sexy place.
When you first sit down, the server comes over with a massive hunk of Parmesan, cuts a few cubes, and places them on your bread plate with balsamic vinegar.
Then they bring the menus. The menu is large and diverse, and they will accommodate any requests. It is all made to order.
This highly-rated restaurant is located on the south side of the InterContinental Hotel along Miami’s boardwalk.
Additionally, the patio area has beautiful views of the harbor and Key Biscayne. You can get to it by either walking along the boardwalk or walking through the hotel.
Other than being a Michelin Starred Restaurant, this is probably one of the most expensive restaurants in Miami.
So, be prepared.
Address: 335 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33131, United States
36. Ariete
© Bill Wisser 2016 / Arieta
If you come to Miami, come to Ariete first—spectacular service, attention to detail, and, most importantly, delicious food. A diamond in a city experiencing a culinary explosion, the chef and his entire team are pushing the city to standards that are worthy of the finest awards.
Hence, the discrete tree-lined entrance leading up to the door automatically makes you feel as if this is your secret place. However, the realization sets in once the door is opened for you.
Also, you can’t help but notice the rustic interior with a hint of chic wilderness. Tables, chairs, and waiter uniforms are all tasteful but not overdone or “Miami” intimidating. The atmosphere lends itself to having a romantic dinner with the potential of a proposal, a celebration of any kind with friends, or simply a family night out with the kids.
In my opinion, this is not a “best of the grove” restaurant, but this is one of the best restaurants in Miami. Chef Michael Beltran is doing something here that is so hard to do with authenticity.
For its menu, start with anchovy salad (a delicate blend of garden greens kissed with an anchovy mustard vinaigrette, foie gras, and mushroom with polenta), oxtail lasagna (hand-cut paper-thin slices of lasagna sheets layered with shredded oxtail).
Not to forget the local red snapper special (crispy skin, lightly salted with snapper flesh, cooked perfectly and surrounded by roughly chopped roots and veggies), and of course, the short rib (a specialty of the house that takes a full week to prepare, coupled with an amazing fennel frisee salad to compliment).
Then a round of cappuccinos combined with dulce de leche (caramel) will do for dessert. Seriously I have no words for these bits of heaven; they are warm and gooey and everything a cookie should be.
Address: 3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
37. Casa Florida Miami
Edward / Flickr
This place is such a little gem tucked away in an unassuming neighborhood. From the street, it just looks like a house, but upon walking in, you are greeted by a vast space of patios, a garden lawn, and the cutest vintage bus-turned-lounge space.
However, it’s a vintage Miami theme with a sprinkle of old Havana. Pink and green are the color palate, and it’s everywhere, including the drinks. Daytime is super casual and a great place to relax and drink with friends.
The ambiance is definitely a Miami staple! Miami’s vibe in every corner depicts in its decor and offerings. Great outdoor venue for events, brunch, lunch, dinner, or simply enjoying a true Miami-style moment nestled in the perfect spot!
Casa Florida Miami is definitely a spot to enjoy great drinks and delicious locally sourced food in the loving downtown Miami. There are many places to sit down, like by the bar, several picnic tables, and even inside a full-size retro bus. Yes, you can sit inside a bus and have cocktails with your group.
As for the cocktails, you can try the canoe club made with mezcal, tangerine negroni, and the mezcal old-fashioned. They are all well-made and not watered down.
Also, they have a ping pong table if you know how to play if you get bored. Prices average about $15, which is normal for Miami. They also have food like oysters, ceviches, sub rolls, and salads, plus Sunday brunch, which gets pretty busy.
Absolutely one of the best restaurants in Miami!
Address: 437 SW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33130
38. Edge Steak & Bar
The Edge Steak & Bar
Not only an amazing view but also fantastic hospitality! When you walk in, you are greeted by luxury and exuberance. A thoughtful and kind staff directs you to the 7th-floor Edge Steak & Bar.
Then you will arrive in a lavish corridor with lounges decorated with the latest jewelry and top-of-the-line Chanel clutches. Enter the bar that looks rather small but certainly packs a punch!
However, choose from a variety of cocktails and snacks, one more amazing than the other. Refreshing crushed ice graces cocktail, while classics such as old fashioned, then get beautiful clear cubes and dirty cherries.
Don’t worry about splurging too much; their happy hour and bar menu are affordable luxuries. I recommend Saturn v, a delectable gin drink with passion fruit puree, homemade orgeat, and falernum.
Also, the calamari and steak tartare are all delicious! Once you walk out and dine in the open, you can enjoy Brickell’s scenic infrastructure; you can walk around a man-made lush garden and pool with small lounge areas scattered around.
Without a doubt one of the few restaurants in Miami where you can get a real steak and top-grade protein. Chorizo and cheddar croquetas; look like mini mozzarella sticks, but once you bite into them, you are hit with a delicious mixture of spicy chorizo and cheddar.
Again, I will say that this spot is on the more expensive side, but it’s worth the splurge for a special occasion.
Absolutely amazing place! Recommend for anywhere to groups, to a romantic getaway. Ask for Sam at the bar; he is a true mixologist and, all in all, a fantastic bartender!
Plan a visit on Mondays – Sundays from 7 AM – 10 PM.
Address: Four Seasons Hotel, 1435 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
39. R House Wynwood
R House Wynwood
Let me tell you, Athena and her incredible lineup of performers are everything. Living and giving you all an incredible show with nonstop, high energy. You will have great, comfortable, cool indoor seating; the food is phenomenal, not buffet style, with food sitting in warmers.
This spot is exactly what it sounds like, “Our House!” it’s easily described as an art gallery, family restaurant, and bar. It’s no wonder how you can feel at home here.
To top it off, this place hosts a monthly youth culinary workshop every first Thursday of the month! As a great way to give back, they collaborate with the local charity-based organization Talent4Change. Host food preparation workshops for the charity’s farm-to-table program for chefs and kids.
Hence, the organization actually brings out its mobile innovation station known as the CHANGE ROVER, which is transformed into a chef prep station, serving as a stage for the little chefs of the community.
However, the food, with an eclectic culinary mix of American, Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin dishes, comes in beautiful platters, made to order straight from the kitchen; it is a set menu reasonably priced with vegan options and excellent craft cocktails.
Also, the table has plenty of champagne flowing, and the service from when you walk in to when you leave is fantastic! The servers are very friendly and also very quick, even though the show is going on at the same time.
The servers replenish the champagne/and drinks if it is nearly running low. Everything is perfect! If you are looking for one of the best restaurants in Miami to have a great experience, definitely stop by R House Wynwood! I can promise you will be back.
Address: 2727 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Final Remarks
Restaurants in Miami are some of the best things about the city, and one thing you can be sure of is you will always come across meals that you love.
So, be sure to follow this guide through to get the best out of the Miami food scene.
Bon Appetit!