September 18, 2024
Required Eating: Our annual list of Miami's 100 essential restaurants, from date night to late night.
Miami continues to elbow its way into the U.S. culinary conversation, cementing its status as a foodie paradise, and frankly we're totally here for it.
In this vibrant city, you can chow down on authentic Cuban frijoles negros without flying to Havana, dive into Greek salads and meze that give the Mediterranean a run for its money, and savor a juicy Argentinian churrasco alongside a zesty pad Thai — all in the space of one bustling block!
All of which makes narrowing the field to 100 restaurants a daunting challenge. Still, we've done our best to spotlight the full range of dining experiences the Magic City offers as well as the delightful diversity of a vast dining landscape.
From charming, family-owned treasures in Kendall to popular dining spots in Miami Shores, you'll find a rainbow of flavors and neighborhoods. Whether you're in the mood for bold Latin dishes, fresh seafood, or cutting-edge Japanese fusion, Miami's got you covered.
We've presented our picks no particular order, the better to let each restaurant shine on its own. By all means dive in and explore the culinary magic of Miami — and let us know which of your favorites we hit (and the inevitable ones we omitted). We're grateful to have you along on this delicious adventure.
Bon appétit!
Nicole Lopez-Alvar
Illustration by Melissa Gutierrez / @westofchester
The Top 100 Restaurants in Miami for 2025
Shaddai Fine Lebanese Cuisine
Photo by Anna Magluta
Tucked away in the corner of a Pinecrest strip mall is the urban culinary oasis, Shaddai Fine Lebanese Cuisine. You'll find three floor lamps of varying heights and colors, three wooden camel statues, and a wall adorned with three swords. Nearby are three booths. Are these trios symbolic of the Holy Trinity? Perhaps. The Bethlehem-born owner, Anton Sammour, known as Chef Tony, has been cooking Lebanese food since he was 8 years old. His wife, Elizabeth, who works the front of the house, is from Guatemala. If you make it through the plethora of appetizers, you will be greeted by kebabs, lemon chicken, rack of lamb, and spicy fish. You might also be greeted by a server saying, "Con permiso," as she reaches to fill your water, reminding you that you're still in Miami and not at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East. Service may be slow, but for now, there's only one person in the kitchen, and he says, "I would rather have people wait a bit longer than have a bad meal."
9519 S. Dixie Highway, Miami, 33156
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Shingo
Photo by Salar Abduaziz
Although there are plenty of new omakase restaurants in Miami, one truly stands out from the rest: Shingo in Coral Gables. Helmed by fourth-generation master and award-winning sushi chef Shingo Akikuni, the 14-seat counter in Coral Gables is like a teleportation device to Osaka, Japan. Here the premium fish sourced entirely from Japan is sliced with uniform precision and dressed with barely a swipe of seasoning like nikiri. Here Chef Akikuni and his second-in-command handle the group of 14 without missing a beat as they seem to glide while serving each dish. Plus, the servers ever so gracefully pour sake from Japan and even offer to hold your belongings so you can give yourself over entirely to the experience. No surprise Shingo merited a 2024 Michelin star.
112 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, 33134
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La Leggenda Pizzeria
Christine Michelle Photography
Napoli-born and raised chef/owner Giovanni Gagliardi, dubbed La Leggenda (the Legend) by friends in Italy for his pizzaiolo skills, is making some of the best Neapolitan-style pies in South Florida. Gagliardi performs his magic in a small space tucked away near the eastern terminus of Española Way, where his domed, wood-fueled oven turns out from-scratch pizzas with crusts that are invariably soft, airy, and perfectly blistered. Don't miss the "Margherita STG," made with real-deal mozzarella di bufala campana and fragrant fresh basil. Non-pizza highlights include gnocchi alla sorrentina, an Instagrammable creation that delivers sublimely creamy gnocchi dished up in an edible blistered-dough bowl. Desserts are as good as the pizzas, but good luck deciding between a pistachio-flecked gelato the color of early spring leaves and a cocoa-dusted tower of tiramisu so generous with the mascarpone that it jiggles.
224 Española Way, Miami Beach, 33139
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Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina
Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina is located on Calle Ocho of Little Havana and has been a staple for tourists and locals alike. From vintage Cuban decor and Cuban music, Old's Havana's authentic Cuban cuisine speaks for itself with the flavors of years of tradition. Plus, it takes a lot of confidence for a bar stationed on Little Havana's historic Calle Ocho to proclaim itself a "Casa del Mojito." At Old's Havana Cuban Bar and Cocina, that chutzpah is justified. The quintessential Cuban highball would be nothing without its freshly muddled mint and high-quality rum, and that's what Old's Havana is more than prepared to offer its patrons each day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight on weekends). If you're in the mood for the authentic old-school flavor, consider asking that your mojito be prepared with an aged rum. Old's Havana stocks 29 options of aged rum at the bar. Or, if you're the sort who likes to go rogue, you can try your luck with one of five flavored mojitos, which range from raspberry to coconut to passionfruit.
1442 SW Eighth St., Miami, 33135
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Café Panisse
Photo by George Martinez
An impossibly tiny kitchen at this modest, unassuming eatery consistently turns out simple, hearty, satisfying French bistro fare at affordable prices. The bistro has been a staple in South Miami for more than two decades, serving delicious French cuisine inside a small yet intimate restaurant in an unassuming, blue awning-lined strip mall on Red Road. Until recently, the IYKYK crowd knew it as Café Pastis, but that all changed halfway through 2024 when the management got sufficiently fed up with being confused with Starr Restaurants' famed establishment of the same name, which carpetbagged from NYC to Wynwood in 2023. Name change notwithstanding, Café Panisse immediately transports its guests across the Atlantic with its bistro tables, French ambiance, and lovely decor. Try the first-rate steak frites or a superlative bouillabaisse, followed by a cookbook-perfect crème brûlée, and be thankful you're in Panisse’s neighborhood.
7310 SW 57th Ave., South Miami, 33143
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Kon Chau Chinese Restaurant
Maureen Aimee Mariano
Located in the same West Miami-Dade shopping plaza as long-standing Asian grocery Lucky Oriental Mart, Kon Chau has been disproving the slander that you can't get decent dim sum in Miami since 2011. Rolling carts steam forth from the kitchen stocked with all the usual small-plate suspects — lotus leaf-wrapped sweet sticky rice, sauce-slick chicken feet, Shanghai-style soup dumplings, fluffy steamed pork buns, tender pork siu mai, etc. The cognoscenti know to order lesser-known offerings like salted pork porridge with century egg, duck-stuffed dumplings, and tripe noodle soup.
8376 SW 40th St., Miami, 33155
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Le Bouchon du Grove
Photo courtesy of Le Bouchon du Grove
Le Bouchon Du Grove has been a hidden gem in the Cocowalk area since 1994. In an ever-changing city, this establishment has remained dedicated to challenging the misconceptions of French cuisine. Unfussy and devoid of attitude, this quaint bistro, inspired by the city of Lyon, serves food that's hearty, authentic, and deeply flavorful. At once rustic and refined, the menu captures the flavors of France, whether at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Mornings bring French omelets and raspberry pancakes, evenings feature traditional starters like escargot and French onion soup and entrées like the exquisite moules marinières pommes frites. For dessert any time of the day, try crème brûlée or chocolate mousse.
3430 Main Highway, Miami, 33133
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Naoe
Photo by Jeff Salter
Dinner at chef Kevin Cory’s Naoe at the Courvoisier Centre on Brickell Key is an experience you wouldn’t expect to find outside of Tokyo. The restaurant offers two seatings with a maximum of five people per, and a chef’s-choice menu that might include silver-skinned horse mackerel (aji) glazed with shoyu and plated with pickled wasabi leaves and flowers and freshly grated wasabi root. Salmon wrapped in salted white seaweed; roasted freshwater eel; deep-fried shrimp tamago; rice with shiitake mushrooms and hints of eel — all are meticulously prepared and utterly delicious. If you’re still hungry for more, Cory will prepare nigiri sushi. He started his culinary training at age 19 and is a perennial winner of the Forbes Travel Guide's Five-Star Award. Naoe is a reservations-only restaurant and doesn't allow children under 12. Nor should you expect substitutions — those with allergies to shellfish, nuts, gluten, etc., should seek sustenance elsewhere.
661 Brickell Key Dr., Miami, 33131
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El Turco Turkish Food
El Turco photo
With an outdoor dining room nestled under a hut adorned with swaying straw lanterns, El Turco beckons with a charming Istanbul-meets-Tulum ambiance. The focus isn't on innovation at this Turkish restaurant nestled off NE Second Avenue in the Upper Buena Vista complex, but rather on familiar, comforting flavors reminiscent of family meals. If you're looking to kick-start your day with indulgence, opt for an assortment of mezze. In need of something a little more substantial? Graze from the all-day menu, which highlights small appetizers, enticing "simit'' sandwiches on sesame-coated Turkish bagels, and classic dishes like beef kebabs and delicate, meat-filled manti dumplings. Not to be missed: dessert. Try the baked cheese borek — crisp layers of house-made phyllo enfolding a gooey interior of Balkan cheese — or pistachio-filled baklava delivered each week from Turkey.
5026 NE Second Ave., Miami, 33137
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Chefs on the Run
Photo by Nicole Danna
Chef/owner Jodrick Ujaque
Puerto Rican-born chef/owner Jodrick Ujaque took stints at well-known Caribbean-inspired Miami establishments before opening his Homestead restaurant in 2011. With influence, however, comes innovation, evidenced by a menu that displays a tasty blend of American, Taíno, Caribbean, and even Asian influences. The eight-table dining room is simple, dark, and rustic, if a tad cramped. Start with pa' picar — snacks like bolita de queso (deep-fried golden torpedos of stretchy cassava dough filled with Gouda and white cheddar) and alcapurria (delicate picadillo nestled in a plantain masa and fried to crisp perfection). Puerto Rican purists might pass on more unorthodox offerings like macarrones con res, a truffle and chipotle mac & cheese made with cotija cheese and birria-style braised beef. But they'll surely rejoice when presented with the mofongo, a Boricua staple of pounded green plantain mash mixed with nibs of pork-belly chicharrón and shaped into a sphere, whose starchy texture softens when dunked into the accompanying caldo de pollo. It can be served alongside chicken, shrimp, or steak and arroz con gandules, the Caribbean island's version of rice and beans.
10 E. Mowry Dr., Homestead, 33030
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Red Rooster Overtown
Red Rooster Overtown photo
Local snapper at Red Rooster
As the decade turned, celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson imported his Harlem Red Rooster to Overtown. Situated on the former site of Clyde Killens' pool hall, where Black stars from Aretha Franklin to Sam Cooke to Muhammad Ali used to mingle, the restaurant offers dishes that encompass influences from Africa, the Southern U.S., the Caribbean, and beyond, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022. Red Rooster ups the ante with a weekend brunch, live music, and a beautiful bar; families can check out the Creamery for a cornbread-flavored ice cream cone or order a plate of fried "yardbird" and biscuits with hot honey and jalapeño honey butter. Bonus: The Pool Hall upstairs has been lovingly recreated as a lounge with a retro vibe.
920 NW Second Ave., Miami, 33136
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Nossa Omakase
Nossa Omakase photo
Under certain circumstances, entrusting a $375 multicourse dinner to a complete stranger represents good value. Such is the case at Sebastian Labno and Astrid Ramirez's Nossa Omakase in Miami Beach, a reservation-only restaurant — the name borrows the Portuguese word for wow — that marries Japanese tradition with Magic City culture and its attendant Latin influences. An omakase evening at Nossa begins with a welcome cocktail in the space's dimly illuminated lounge before you're ushered to the main dining room, whose focal point is a plush circular sushi bar where every seat is the best in the house. Here, Labno holds the spotlight, offering a theatrical thrill as he finishes plates before your eyes. The menu changes frequently, but you'll always find a favorite in the "Shokupan Sando," a rich, golden-yellow Japanese jidori egg yolk between two slices of Japanese milk bread topped with fresh-shaved truffles and a dollop of caviar. No wonder the Michelin Guide's '22 debut included a star for Nossa. Wow!
1600 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 33139
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Fiorito
Photo by Michelle Muslera
An Argentine-inspired gem awaits in Little Haiti, identifiable by an unmistakable welcome sign: the towering mural of soccer icon (and newly minted South Floridian) Lionel Messi above the entrance. Soccer is a major theme here — the name itself is a homage to Argentine legend Diego Maradona's city of birth. It's a relaxed and inviting space that creates an easygoing atmosphere perfect for families and locals looking to unwind. The heart of the menu is the meat: USDA prime beef cooked to perfection on the grill. The vacio (flank steak) and churrasco (skirt steak) are standout options, but don't ignore the juicy empanadas and hearty pasta dishes. Homemade desserts like flan and crepes offer a sweet ending. Whether you're a diehard soccer fan or simply in search of great food and community vibes, Fiorito brings Argentina's lively spirit to Miami's dining scene.
5555 NE Second Ave., Miami, 33137
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Ghee Indian Kitchen
Photo courtesy of Ghee
In, of all places, Dadeland, chef Niven Patel and his crew have opened Miami's eyes to the cuisine of western India, a culinary culture that comprises infinitely more than tandoori chicken and lamb rogan josh. At Ghee Indian Kitchen, which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation in 2022, you'll find the simple street snack of puffed rice called bhel, juiced up with sweet Florida avocado and meaty hunks of raw tuna. Though the restaurant offers chicken tikka masala for the unadventurous, do not miss the sizable vegetable section on the menu, for which many of the ingredients are harvested from Patel's own farm.
8965 SW 72nd Pl., Miami, 33156
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Eating House Miami
Photo by Jordan Braun
As one of Miami's first true pop-up restaurants, Eating House stands as a culinary gem not just for its creative riff-style menu, but also for its ability to pivot and expand without losing sight of its ethos: delivering simple, well-executed fare. When Miami native and Chopped champ Giorgio Rapicavoli opened in 2011, the popular Coral Gables restaurant introduced diners to dishes that are now cult classics. While Rapicavoli's rotating specials continue to offer edible exploration, mainstays have become forever favorites. Take the heirloom tomatoes prepared with a fish sauce vinaigrette, peanuts, and coconut milk. Or the housemade tater tots complemented by a Coca-Cola-spiked ketchup. And you can't scroll the Eating House Instagram feed without a glimpse of the bucatini carbonara: a warm egg yolk mixed tableside into a generous bowl of dente pasta coated in a black pepper cream sauce flecked with nibs of heritage bacon and black truffle — it's a dish that will haunt you with cravings months later. Pro tip: Don't sleep on the weekend brunch.
128 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables, 33134
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Doce Provisions
Doce Provisions photo
Lisetty Llampalla and Justin Sherrer run Doce Provisions, a gastropub that epitomizes Miami in a nutshell: part Cuban, part American. The original restaurant, located in the center of bustling Little Havana, seats only about a dozen patrons, who come for this perfect marriage of dishes: Cuban sandwiches and fried chicken, tostones and disco truffle fries, lechón asado buns and shrimp po' boy tacos. The restaurant became so popular that there are now two additional locations — one in Brickell and another at the Shoma Bazaar food hall in Doral.
541 SW 12th Ave., Miami, 33130
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Captain Jim's Seafood Market & Restaurant
Photo by Michael Campina
David Garcia (La Camaronera Seafood Joint) now owns this iconic North Miami seafood spot, which dates back to the 1990s. This heir to Miami seafood royalty kept the menu mostly unchanged, allowing Captain Jim's to do what it does best: serve the freshest fish possible. Favorites include stone crab claws (in season) and a beautiful take on conch salad with meaty hunks of the mollusk tossed in a spicy tomato marinade and cubed red and green peppers. Fresh yellowtail snapper and hogfish can be ordered grilled, blackened, or fried. Regulars go for the "Captain's Combo" — the catch of the day served with one side.
12950 W. Dixie Highway, North Miami, 33161
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Sanguich
Photo by Ruben Cabrera
Imagine, for a moment, the Cuban sandwich of yesteryear. You could smell pork roasting from blocks away. Then came the sweet perfume of cured ham, followed by a waft of fresh bread and a quick jolt of tangy mustard seeds pickling in vinegar. Sure, it's the 21st Century, the era of industrial food and ghost kitchens, but Rosa and Daniel Figueredo's Sanguich de Miami is a throwback to cooking the way it once was and should be again. Organic meats and cheeses are tucked into a cloudlike bun that's pressed and crisped, creating masterpieces like pan con bistec and croqueta preparada that have tantalized Floridians for decades. These careful, old-school techniques earned Sanguich a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022.
2057 SW Eighth St., Miami, 33135
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Bombay Darbar
Photo courtesy of Bombay Darbar
What began as a mom-and-pop 30-seater has grown into an Indian-food mainstay with locations in Coconut Grove, Doral, and Fort Lauderdale. Diners crunch on crisp papadum wafers while watching Bollywood movies on a large screen and perusing the menu. That list is lengthy, but at its heart are the tikkas, tandooris, and vindaloos that fans of Indian food crave. Bright vegetable samosas are a good start, as are some of the tandoor-baked breads — try the soft, fluffy, onion-flecked kulcha naan. Most dishes can be ordered mild, medium, or hot. On that last count, Bombay Darbar thoughtfully offers cold Kingfisher beer to cool you down from even the spiciest of culinary adventures.
2901 Florida Ave., Miami, 33133
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Bachour
Bachour photo
Bachour, the namesake restaurant and bakery from Antonio Bachour, is an oasis of the Instagram-worthy pastries that made the Puerto Rican pastry chef a national sensation. The clean, industrial setting is the perfect backdrop for the brightly hued pastries, cakes, and other confections. Open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, Bachour's all-day menu of salads, sandwiches, and hearty entrées earned the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation in 2022. A meal can range from an egg sandwich or eggs Benedict to heartier fare, including a steak sandwich, lomo risotto, and fettuccine in a housemade pomodoro sauce. Be sure to grab a box of bonbons or macarons to take home. Since opening in Coral Gables in 2019, Bachour has added a location in Doral.
2020 Salzedo St., Coral Gables, 33134
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Finka Table & Tap
Photo courtesy of Finka Table & Tap
Siblings Eileen and Jonathan Andrade descend from Miami dining royalty. Their grandparents founded Islas Canarias, the shrine of Cuban comfort food revered for its croquetas. Their parents carried on that tradition. It was on the sage advice of Mom and Dad that Eileen and Jonathan opened Finka Table & Tap — employing a funky spelling of finca, the Spanish word for "farm" — out in the far-western reaches of Miami-Dade. Gastropubs are a dime a dozen on the east side of the county, but Finka has a monopoly out west, and a crowd lines up nightly for the Andrades' Peruvian-Korean-Cuban fare: Cuban fried rice, Korean fried chicken, and the famed croquetas from the old family recipe, available in ham, chicken, or fish.
14690 SW 26th St., Miami, 33175
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Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis
Estiatorio Milos photo
Greek cuisine is rooted in simplicity and quality ingredients. At Estiatorio Milos in South Beach, there's something new to discover on every visit. The fish selection changes daily depending on what fishermen haul in. The day's catch is prepared to your liking and priced according to weight. There's nothing newfangled here, but when it comes to top-notch seafood, Milos is in a league of its own. One of the restaurant's specialties is melt-in-your-mouth, charcoal-broiled octopus seasoned with white balsamic vinegar and olive oil produced by the owner's sister in Greece. Another signature dish is the tomato salad with cucumbers, green peppers, onions, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. The restaurant's housemade Greek yogurt dessert is so thick and creamy that you'll never believe you're eating something good for you.
730 First St., Miami Beach, 33139
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Flanigan's Seafood Bar & Grill
Flanigan's photo
Ask nearly anyone in Miami, and they're likely to tell you that their favorite place to have an unpretentious round of drinks is Flanigan's. Joe "Big Daddy" Flanigan opened the first Flanigan's in 1959 in Pompano Beach. The nautical-themed bar was a hit for its ice-cold beer, fresh seafood, and baby back ribs. The only thing that has changed since then is that, with 24 locations in South Florida, you could probably spin around and throw a dart and hit a Flanigan's. Now that's progress.
2721 Bird Ave., Miami, 33133
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Krüs Kitchen
Photo by Vanessa Diaz
Perched atop Sebastian Vargas' acclaimed Los Félix Mexican restaurant in Coconut Grove, bright and airy Krüs Kitchen does double duty as a sister restaurant and a wine market. Here Vargas, a veteran of stints at Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana in Italy and Eleven Madison Park in New York, taps into his global travels and local farm finds to create an evolving menu that mirrors the seasons. Within the concise list, seafood dishes stand out, highlighted by the smoked coconut rice entrée that delicately layers the grain with grilled crab and trout roe. Among the vegetable-based dishes, grilled oyster mushrooms are meaty and tender, artfully arranged like a crown atop a foam made from aged Parmesan and topped with a runny poached egg.
3413 Main Highway, Miami, 33133
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The River Oyster Bar
The River Oyster Bar photo
Located in the heart of Brickell for more than 20 years, the River Oyster Bar is one of Miami's top happy-hour destinations for busy professionals. The cuisine offers a modern twist on classic seafood and a reprieve from the Miami heat in a sleek yet comfortable dining room. The restaurant is known for its ice-packed selection of hand-shucked, cold-water oysters, hand-selected local produce, and fresh cold-water fish brought in from Alaska. From local Cape Canaveral shrimp to stone crabs from the Florida Keys (in season), quality ingredients are what always take precedence at the River Oyster Bar.
33 SE Seventh St., Suite 100, Miami, 33131
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Mister O1
Mister O1 photo
Known as Visa-O1 when it opened in Miami Beach in 2014, this pizza joint had to tweak its name owing to trademark issues. The "O1" is a reference to the O-1 visa the U.S. reserves for "individuals with extraordinary ability." So, yes, this pint-size pizzeria thinks highly of its pies — and with good reason: Only the freshest ingredients and premium-quality cheeses (vegan cheese is available for an additional charge) are allowed to top these thin-crust pizzas. The signature pie, the "Star Luca," is star-shaped, its points formed from perfect little dough pockets filled with creamy ricotta cheese, its center layered with the house Italian tomato sauce along with mozzarella and spicy salami. That stellar creation set Mister O1 apart from other local pizzerias and led to the concept's expansion to several other locations, including Brickell, Wynwood, and Boca Raton, not to mention Madrid, Saudi Arabia, and Naples (Florida, that is).
1680 Michigan Ave., #101, Miami Beach, 33139
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Awash Ethiopian Restaurant
Photo by CandaceWest.com
At Awash, owners Eka and Fouad Wassel want to take you to an authentic Ethiopian-style home kitchen called a gojo bait. Try the doro wot, a rich chicken dish with a depth of flavor similar to the moles of Mexico. The Awash River, from which this restaurant and many other Ethiopian eateries across the nation take their names, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley surrounding it was where researchers in 1974 found 52 fossilized bone fragments of the famed early hominid Lucy. Carbon dating put the partial skeleton's age at more than 3 million years, a fact almost every Ethiopian knows. But it's also one that brings home the history of this part of the world and the fact that much of human culture was born here. You might be tempted to visit only at night, but be sure to pop in during the daylight hours for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, the same one that's repeated up to three times a day in the Horn of Africa. Green coffee beans are pan-roasted, hand-ground, and then slowly brewed over hot coals. The point is to slow you to a stop in order to connect with the coffee and those with whom you're sharing it.
19934 NW Second Ave., Miami Gardens, 33169
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Macchialina
Photo by Liz Clayman
Chef Michael Pirolo spent years traveling and cooking at Michelin-starred temples in Piedmont, Lombardy, Bologna, and Campagne. When he returned to the United States, he linked up with Scott Conant and eventually led the opening of Scarpetta at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach before debuting his own Italian restaurant, Macchialina. Pirolo's skills are many and precise, his menu focused and deceptively simple: a handful apiece of starters, pastas, and entrées. The flavors, though, are forward, thanks to expert deployment of fresh and fine ingredients, whether in the form of a salumi plate, a salad of heirloom tomatoes and locally made burrata cheese, a tagliatelle ai funghi, or a whole braised fish. The wine list is similarly concise (and Italian).
820 Alton Rd., Miami Beach, 33139
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Joe's Stone Crab
Photo courtesy of Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant
You know Joe's. The history. The gloriously sweet stone crabs. And, in season, the notoriously long wait for a table. But often overlooked is the consistently good food, the truly professional service, the free parking, the surprising value (except the crabs, which are an extravagance wherever you find them), and the dining room's stately ambiance. Visit and you'll find tuxedoed waiters whirling through the dining rooms with oval trays held high above their heads while the buzz of diners subtly tinges the air like the intangible gathering of ions before a thunderstorm. Yet you'd be hard-pressed to find such a large space that's as cozy as this one. Stone crabs are, of course, the mainstay of Joe's menu, and somehow they seem to taste a little fresher and sweeter here. The rest of the offerings, though, don't disappoint. And nearly everybody orders Joe's key lime pie, renowned as the best in town, for dessert. If you show up on a Saturday evening, be prepared to cool your heels for hours. If you don't want to wait, keep it simple and grab your claws next door at Joe's Take Away.
11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 33139
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Stiltsville Fish Bar
Grove Bay Hospitality photo
Culinary couple — and erstwhile Top Chef contestants Jeff McInnis (season 5) and Janine Booth (season 11) — operate this Sunset Harbour fish house, which draws inspiration from the former's early years in the Florida Panhandle, where he subsisted on simply prepared seafood paired with tropical cocktails. The indoor-outdoor venue includes a maritime-themed dining room and bar and a menu that ranges from signature items that range from spicy Buffalo fish wings and a housemade, oak-smoked fish dip prepared with the freshest local catch to Southern favorites like shrimp 'n' grits and sweet-corn spoon bread. For a unique experience, guests can choose their meal directly from an ice-filled tub that showcases the day's selection of fresh fish. Pro tip: The weeknight happy hour is popular among locals in search of deals on cocktails, rum sippers, and bar bites.
1787 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach, 33139
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El Mago de las Fritas
Photo by billwisserphoto.com
Sure, El Mago de las Fritas dispenses diner-like fare from its old-school cafeteria-esque dining room. But you're not here for just any dish. You're here for the Cuban hamburgers, AKA fritas. From the orange-hued beef chorizo patties to the almost-too-soft Cuban rolls and the topping of handmade potato sticks, El Mago's frita is one of the best iterations in the Magic City. You can order a basic frita, but seriously consider a double with cheese. Whatever you do, don't forget to add a fried egg on top. Look for the "Big Magic" — a Big Mac-like frita with a tostone as the middle bun. Most of the staff members don't speak English, but if you're uncomfortable ordering in Spanish, just point at what you want on the menu.
5828 SW Eighth St., Miami, 33144
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Latin Cafe 2000
Latin Café 2000 has long been recognized in the community for serving large portions of Cuban dishes. The restaurant's signature dishes include the Cuban sandwich, desayuno tradicional (traditional Cuban breakfast), and the palomilla (thin-cut, juicy steak). For the health-conscious, the restaurants also offer the "Cubanito Saludable" or the "Healthy Cuban," which presents lower-calorie meals. The Brickell location has a cocktail menu featuring standouts such as the "Malecon Mule," prepared with Havana Club, guava nectar, fresh lime, and topped with ginger beer; and the watermelon mojito, with Bacardi Superior rum, fresh mint, and housemade watermelon juice. (Additional locations in Hialeah and just south of Miami International Airport on Le Jeune Road.)
1053 Brickell Plaza, Miami, 33131
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Zaika Indian Cuisine
Photo by Michelle Muslera
Chicken Malabari and lamb rogan josh at Zaika
In 2016, three Indian expats (and former roommates) opened a neighborhood restaurant in an unassuming shopping plaza just west of the Broad Causeway Bridge in North Miami. Drawing from their shared background working for the prestigious Taj Mahal Hotel Group in their home country, owners Majob Patel, Avanish Shrivastava, and Shivashankar Malabanti developed a menu that skews toward the robust and buttery flavors of northern India, while also dipping into the subtler offerings of the south, famed for its use of coconut and curry leaves. They named their restaurant Zaika — a Hindu word that roughly translates to "sense of taste." Any meal here must include the naan, prepared in-house using a traditional coal-heated clay oven, each chewy disc the perfect vessel for whatever fragrant, saucy dishes you choose. On that count, our top picks include tender Malabari chicken enveloped in a coconut sauce and adorned with curry leaves, red chili, and mustard grains, and the lamb rogan josh, a hearty dish slow-simmered in a ginger-infused tomato base. Pro tip: Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will appreciate the yellow lentil dal, served in a bowl crowned with a rich paste of garlic, butter, and spices.
2176 NE 123rd St., North Miami, 33181
The Top 100 Restaurants in Miami for 2025
Old Lisbon Restaurant
Old Lisbon photo
Old Lisbon opened its doors in January 1991 with an open-kitchen concept and authentic Portuguese cuisine, and it’s been a staple neighborhood restaurant on Coral Way ever since. An open kitchen accents the modern yet rustic dining room, and dishes such as carne de porco a alentejana give diners a chance to taste the unexpected flavors of Portugal so often eclipsed by neighboring Spain. With a wine cellar that features Old World selections, as well as Portuguese beers and exceptional service from the knowledgeable staff, Old Lisbon is here to stay. (Also in South Miami, and, most recently, in Aventura.)
1698 Coral Way, Miami, 33145
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Off Site
Off Site photo
Taquiza's Steve Santana and beer maven Adam Darnell (formerly of Boxelder) have opened a restaurant that's utterly unpretentious. Off Site has no celebrity name tied to it, no velvet rope, and only one goal: to serve the best comfort food (and beer) in Miami. The sole item on the menu when the place opened in 2021 was a perfectly turned-out fried chicken sandwich made with thigh meat and served on a bun with lettuce and mayo — that and the partners' "Super Good" lager. The menu has expanded (slightly) to include burgers, housemade hot dogs, smoked chicken wings, and a smattering of specials. If you live nearby, you're lucky enough to call this Little River gem your neighborhood hangout. It's the perfect place to grab a bite with friends or salve body and soul after a bad day — a fried chicken sandwich and a beer here is the edible equivalent of a hug.
8250 NE Second Ave., Miami, 33138
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Cvi.che 105
Rodrigo Moreno
Ceviche anconero
A fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors meets an immersive atmosphere inspired by gold luxury and the ocean at Cvi.che 105. Chef and owner Juan Chipoco has opened five locations across Miami, each more popular than the last. New Times editors' choice for "Best Ceviche" in 2024, the restaurant is also a perennial Readers' Choice in the same category. That's likely due to the menu, which showcases the best flavors of Japanese cuisine melded with Chipoco's creativity and background in authentic Peruvian dishes.
105 NE Third Ave., Miami, 33132
The Top 100 Restaurants in Miami for 2025
El Carajo International Tapas & Wine
Photo by Nicole Danna
Some of the best tapas in Miami can be found in a gas station convenience store at the corner of South Dixie Highway and SW 17th Avenue. Past the shelves of motor oil, sodas, and potato chips, you'll find El Carajo, a thoroughly charming wine and tapas bar that offers a 2,000-bottle wine list and a roster of tapas and main plates that's nearly as extensive. Even better, wine and food alike are exceptional values. The tabla de carne, an assortment of grilled skirt steak, lamb and pork chops, chicken breast, sausages, potatoes, and roasted peppers, will easily feed three hungry diners. Finish with a rich, creamy caramel flan.
2465 SW 17th Ave., Coral Gables, 33145
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Silverlake Bistro
Photo by Michelle Muslera
Miamians should be doubly grateful to Sandy Sanchez and her husband, chef Benoit Rablat, the duo behind Hialeah's La Fresa Francesa; we have them to thank for Silverlake Bistro, as well. Drawing inspiration from their time together in Los Angeles' Silver Lake area, the couple serves straightforward American fare with subtle French and Latin twists at this unassuming gem in the Normandy Isles neighborhood of Miami Beach. The interior is done up in retro California shabby chic, from trippy wallpaper to kitschy flea market finds. The menu filled top to bottom with winners, including a rich gnocchi mac & cheese seared in duck fat, fried empanadas stuffed with chunks of flank steak, and a dish of smoky roasted heirloom carrots on a bed of creamy ricotta and honey. And then there’s the burger: two juicy, grass-fed USDA prime beef patties topped with melted sharp cheddar on a housemade brioche bun slathered in porcini mushroom butter. The friendly and attentive staff address their many regulars by name and extend invitations (regardless of satiety) to sample dessert offerings, including a dark chocolate pot de crème and a salted-butter and sugar crêpe. Pro tip: Visit on a Thursday and avail yourself of 50 percent off the wine list.
1211 71st St., Miami Beach, 33141
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Sérêvène
Sérêvène photo
A table spread at Sérêvène
France and Japan unite at Sérêvène, the Hotel Greystone's signature restaurant. Executive chef Pawan Pinisetti has cultivated a unique setting to enjoy dishes that are sustainably sourced, thoughtfully crafted, and lovingly finished tableside for a dramatic flourish. Pinisetti himself is often on hand to describe the dish's inspiration, translating his whimsical ideas and personal experiences into an edible story. While dishes rotate seasonally, a few remain constant. Take the deconstructed beef tartare prepared tableside, cubes of Creekstone Farms filet mignon mixed in your presence with diced red onion, whole capers, chives, and grated egg yolk. The dish is served with baked Lay's — a wink meant to convey that this often-upmarket dish shouldn't be taken too seriously. Lobster uni alfredo arrives like a tiny cylindrical statue: butter-poached lobster with a generous heap of domestic caviar atop a base of al dente bucatini set in a pool of uni-whipped Parmesan foam. As it reduces to a seductively rich sauce, you realize it's all an elaborate illusion of decadence that satisfies nonetheless — a sleight of hand for which you'll gladly return.
1920 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 33139
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Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen
Photo courtesy of Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen
Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen, a partnership between chef Samuel "Sam" Gorenstein and Omer Horev, founder of Pura Vida Miami, might just be the most charming restaurant in Miami Beach. The eatery, inside a small house complete with a porch lined with flowing plants and cozy cushions, offers a plethora of bright fare. Start with a few mezze before moving on to more substantial fare like grilled lamb chops or a whole branzino. Gorenstein drew his inspiration from the cafés of Tel Aviv, a city he says is like Miami in style and climate. Abbalé is intimate, inviting, and altogether an extremely pleasant way to pass the time grazing on shareable plates while sipping a glass of wine (or two).
864 Commerce St., Miami Beach, 33139
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Sereia
Sereia photo
You may not think of naming a new kid on the block one of the "best," but Sereia is a rare gem. Lauded Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa of two Michelin-starred Alma in Lisbon opened Sereia in May with esteemed chef de cuisine Miguel Massens at the helm. In its beautiful and bright dining room, guests are greeted by a serene ambiance with subtle, subliminal nods to the ocean. Sereia does translate as siren, after all, and the dining room does a great job of showcasing that. As beautiful as it may be, however, it's the food you'll be writing home about. Sá Pessoa's bacalhau à brás, a salted cod concoction with shoestring potatoes and egg, is a thing of beauty. And the arroz de pato, a duck rice with smoked bacon chorizo, will have you checking fares to Lisbon.
3540 Main Highway, Miami, 33133
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Jimmy's Eastside Diner
Photo by Aran S. Graham
Jimmy's Eastside Diner has the casual, been-there-forever feel of a neighborhood hangout. The green-and-brown color scheme is oddly appealing, and the place looks bright and friendly — diner ambiance minus any dinginess. If Jimmy's looks familiar, it's probably because the diner was used as one of the filming locations in Barry Jenkins' Oscar-winning 2016 film Moonlight. Ready your camera because you'll want to take a photo for the 'gram. Seating is all booths, and breakfast is served all day, including monster omelets and refreshing honesty from the waitstaff, as in: "Have the hash browns. The home fries have been sitting all morning." Philly cheesesteak for Saturday lunch, tuna melts — the fare has all the authentic markings of a classic diner.
7201 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 33138
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Islas Canarias Cafe, Restaurant, & Bakery
Photo courtesy of Islas Canarias
Head to this beloved Cuban joint out west the next time you're hungover or hungry and in need of caffeine. There are few better cures for either than Cuban coffee and hot croquetas. Opened in 1977 by Raul and Amelia Garcia, Islas Canarias has earned its spot as one of the best cafecitas — those adorable Cuban coffee shops/bakeries — in Miami-Dade County. People crave the kitchen's made-to-order beef or chicken empanadas, medianoche sandwiches, pan con bistec, and those famous ham croquetas.
3804 SW 137th Ave., Miami, 33175
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Chug's Diner
Ariete Hospitality
Michael Beltran distinctly remembers the day he got his nickname. It was his first day as a high school freshman; Beltran walked in late to class, a chocolate milk chug in hand. Today, Chug is the name of the restaurateur's Cuban-American diner, a successful pop-up he's since expanded into a permanent, full-service eatery and modern-day ventanita. Where once stood a tiny grab 'n' go, Chug's now shows off an airy, open design inviting morning, afternoon, or late-night dining, complete with diner-style booths and a bar with lounge-style seating. True to the diner ethos, a crave-worthy menu of Cuban-American eats covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While you can order lechón hash to start your day or grab a frita patty melt for lunch, don't miss out on the curated selection of Pastelito Papi's famous fruit- and meat-stuffed pastelitos, or the house Cubano sandwich served on fresh-baked Cuban bread from the diner's bakery. In 2022, Chug's was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its approachable, excellent fare.
3444 Main Highway, Miami, 33133
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L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon photo
Much like great fashion houses, the great chefs of the world create restaurants that keep their legacies alive. Although Joël Robuchon died in 2018, his name lives on at this Design District gem that marries the interactive ambiance of Japanese sushi counters with the casual spirit of Spain's tapas bars and Robuchon's take on modern French cuisine. Today, the chef's protégés stay true to his legacy with a menu of iconic Robouchon creations alongside dishes that highlight South Florida's regional bounty. Grab a seat at the communal bar facing the kitchen and order the "Evolution" tasting menu, or go à la carte with "Le Burger," a patty that blends foie gras and beef. Either way, you'll appreciate why L'Atelier is the only restaurant in Florida to earn two Michelin stars.
151 NE 41st St., Ste. 235, Miami, 33137
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Tâm Tâm
Tâm Tâm photo
If you're longing for a taste of Vietnam minus the flight, look no further than Tâm Tâm. Honored as a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in 2024, the small restaurant at the corner of NW First Street and First Avenue across from the county courthouse downtown has an outdoor façade that may be unassuming, but the inside is anything but. Tâm Tâm was conceived by owners and partners Tam Pham and Harrison Ramhofer, born from their mutual disappointment with Miami's Vietnamese options. Awesome ambiance aside, what Tâm Tâm really delivers is food. Pham, the recipient of Michelin's 2024 Young Chef Award, draws inspiration from traditional Vietnamese dishes, including his mom's cooking, while sticking to what has become the restaurant's signature mantra: eating and drinking.
99 NW First St., Miami, 33128
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Zitz Sum
Zitz Sum photo
Zitz Sum chef/owner Pablo Zitzmann's mash-up of Asian, Mexican, Latin American, and Italian influences earned him a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation in 2022. Previously famed in Miami for his now-closed restaurant No Name Chinese, the chef brings together all these flavors in dishes like lobster and shrimp har gow (dumplings) and pork-belly potstickers with a green-apple amazu sauce. The menu is succinct but Zitzmann is known to change things up, so if your favorite dumpling isn't listed, take it as a cue to explore something new, secure in the knowledge that everything is unique — and delicious.
396 Alhambra Circle, Ste. 155, Coral Gables, 33134
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Mignonette
Photo by billwisserphoto.com
With its tan leather banquettes, marble raw bar, and hanging constellations fashioned from copper pipes, this seafood restaurant, located across NE Second Avenue from Miami's oldest cemetery, is like Old Florida meets New Orleans. A meal at Mignonette should start with a round of oysters (or Alaskan king crab legs, or shrimp cocktail). Move on to a crab cake. The "fancy" redfish comes seared, with a reduction of sautéed shallots, garlic, and piquillo peppers deglazed with brandy, stock, white wine, plus a touch of butter, and haricots verts on the side. The beer is ice-cold, the wine list refreshingly oyster-friendly. Pro tip: Chef Danny Serfer also brings us Blue Collar, a restaurant that embodies its no-nonsense name, in the MiMo District.
210 NE 18th St., Miami, 33132
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Arbetter's Hot Dogs
Photo courtesy of Arbetter's Hot Dog
It's not necessarily the hot dogs themselves that are better at Arbetter's. Rather, these all-beef or pork-and-beef franks are ideal blank canvases for the three garnish combinations that solidified Arbetter's reputation when this family-run institution opened more than a half-century ago. The basic onion/relish dog is nicely tangy, and the sauerkraut/mustard dog, loaded with beautifully buttery, cooked-all-day-tender kraut, is even better. Along with the rich and flavorful but not overly hot all-meat chili topping from an old Arbetter family recipe, a garnish of diced raw onion adds that reassuring subliminal message that you're consuming a healthful greenish vegetable that certainly counteracts the menu's cholesterol count — so, hey, have another. For a taste of the 305, try a "Miami" dog with mustard, onion, cheese, tomato, and potato sticks. Or throw caution to the wind and order the "Zelda": a hot dog with "everything" on it.
8747 SW 40th St., Miami, 33165
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La Sandwicherie
Photo courtesy of La Sandwicherie
Since this French-owned eatery began selling sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and shakes in 1988, a crowd has lingered along the lengthy counter at the flagship location that extends up an alley off 14th Street between Washington and Collins avenues in South Beach. The food is great, but the funky al fresco charm accounts for a large part of the appeal. La Sandwicherie's counter workers begin with fresh, crusty French bread (or an enormous croissant). Then they ply it with the patron's preference of meat, cheese, or a combination thereof, such as ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, and Swiss cheese, as well as more distinctive, Euro-friendly choices such as Camembert, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and saucisson sec. Next come crisp toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, hot pickled red peppers, black olives, red onion, cucumber, and cornichons. Garnishes are followed by a finishing splash of tart Dijon-based French vinaigrette. Voilà! A damn good sandwich. La Sandwicherie has expanded from its original counter to additional locations in North Beach, Wynwood, and Fort Lauderdale.
229 14th St., Miami Beach, 33139
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Prime 112
Photo by Gary James / Courtesy of Carma PR
There's much more than beef at this inventive New American steakhouse. Guests can also dine happily on creative entrées featuring poultry or on cold-water oysters and other pristine raw-bar selections. That said, the USDA Prime dry-aged steaks are superb, and so are the à la carte sides. They include upgraded versions of steakhouse classics — vibrant-green creamed spinach with crisp shallots, cornmeal-crusted onion rings, and the like — plus unique creations such as sweet potato and vanilla bean mash. Reserving weeks in advance is wisest. Insider tip: Not only are the portions Instagram-worthy, but Prime 112 is also a hot spot for celebrity sightings. On any given night, Ferraris and Lamborghinis pull up to valet, and their doors open gracefully to reveal stars such as Miami Heat players and the Kardashians.
112 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, 33139
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Jackson Soul Food
Photo by Aran Graham
In 1946, Jessie and Demas Jackson opened Mama's Cafe in Overtown. The restaurant saw Miami's historic Black community rise, fall, and rise again. Generations later, the family business had become legendary for its traditional soul food. In addition to Overtown, Jackson Soul Food has an outpost in Opa-locka; both locations offer traditional favorites, including fried catfish, smothered wings, oxtail, and ribs. A proper soul-food restaurant is known for its sides, and Jackson delivers — from candied yams to fried okra, collard greens, and macaroni & cheese.
950 NW Third Ave., Miami, 33136
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Madroño Restaurant
Founded in 1998, Madroño Restaurant is the most authentic Nicaraguan restaurant in Miami. Located on West Flagler Street in Sweetwater (AKA Little Nicaragua) , it boasts traditional dishes that have made Madroño the go-to Nicaraguan restaurant in South Florida. Its menu has been built from family recipes perfected over generations, and everything is reasonably priced. From the churrasco, carne asada, or salpicon to the maduros and tres leches, everything is delicious here.
10780 W. Flagler St., Miami, 33174-4403
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Hiyakawa
Photo by Luis Mora
Alvaro Perez Miranda, the Venezuelan restaurateur and art dealer who also owns Wabi Sabi, has created a sparse yet beautiful dining room for Hiyakawa in Wynwood. The scene feels like walking into a museum exhibit — the interior is decorated in Japanese wood architecture with curved ceiling arches that resemble the unfinished frame of a sailing vessel or the inside of a giant whale. Either way, it's a remarkable backdrop for a restaurant that specializes in fish flown in daily from the Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo. The menu offers à la carte items, but order one of the many sushi platters (or the omakase experience) to get the full effect of this palace of sushi.
2700 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 33127
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Lucali
Lucali photo
At first sight, Lucali, the Miami outpost of Mark Iacono's famed Brooklyn flagship, looks like a regular pizza joint. Furnishings are unassuming — mismatched tables and chairs, an open kitchen, a working bench manned by T-shirted pizzaiolos — but by candlelight, everything glows. Men in white shine with sweat as they use empty wine bottles to roll dough. Pizza-makers take their time prepping pies for the wood-burning oven. Crusts eventually emerge thin and blistered, their surfaces puffed by blackened bubbles of golden dough and smeared with melted buffalo mozzarella and shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano that cocoons smooth tomato sauce. Such attention to detail — and the resulting pies — earned Lucali a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation in 2022.
1930 Bay Rd., Miami Beach, 33139
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Maty's
Photo by Isa Zapata
The dishes prepared by Chef Valerie Chang at Maty’s have won over critics and publications across the country, cementing itself in Food & Wine's 2024 list of 20 "Global Tastemakers Best Restaurants in the U.S.” and the New York Times' newly minted "Restaurant List." In 2024, Chang received a James Beard Award in the "Best Chef: South” category. Accolades aside, her Peruvian dishes shine at her Midtown restaurant. Chang's memories of eating delicious dishes prepared by her late paternal grandmother, Marta, inspired an appreciation for the Peruvian recipes that take center stage at Maty's. Her beloved grandmother is also the inspiration behind the restaurant's name. Thus, Maty's is an intimate glimpse into her childhood and upbringing.
3255 NE First Ave., Miami, 33137
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Omakai Sushi
Photo courtesy of Omakai
The Magic City is showing an impressive penchant for sushi, attracting world-renowned chefs and a growing number of elite omakase experiences. In Miami, a standout is Omakai, founded by four friends who lamented the area's dearth of reasonably priced sushi. To offer a more affordable omakase experience, guests can choose three multi-course options that begin with seasonal-themed appetizers and sashimi, followed by an assortment of sushi and hand rolls. We suggest guests go with the "Oma Deluxe" ($40) — a ten-course progression that goes down even better when paired with one of the restaurant's four seasonal sake flights. A vestige of those pandemic days, there's even the brand's own "Homeakase" offering, a specialty to-go menu box that brings the Omakai chef-curated experience to you.
2107 NW Second Ave., Miami, 33127
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Molina's Ranch Restaurant
Molina’s is the real deal for Cuban food in Miami. Here, the food is hot, the batidos are cold, and the cafecitos have the perfect amount of espumita on top. A quarter-chicken with plantains, fluffy rice, and hearty black beans is affordable, as is the picadillo, the ground-beef brilliance you must eat to get the full experience. But the reason you'll love Molina's isn't just because of the authentic food. It's how you'll feel after downing that last spoonful. Here, at the American version of la isla, is a cool out-of-country experience available nowhere else in the world. La Cuba de su alma — the Cuba of your soul.
4090 E. Eighth Ave., Hialeah, 33013
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Los Félix
Los Felix photo
The food community makes a lot of noise about heritage and honoring lost Indigenous pathways. Los Félix does something about it. Dedicated to the Mexican-born Milpa agriculture — a system in which heirloom corn is interplanted with other crops, such as squash and beans, in order to share resources — Los Félix uses those ingredients to construct recipes. That's why the housemade totopos (tortilla chips), made with nixtamalized corn masa, are so damn good (especially when served with guacamole spiked with serranos). Everything on the menu reads as an authentic homage to Mesoamerica, right down to the biodynamic natural wines, cocktail ingredients, and craft beers sourced from small family farms, artisanal producers, and breweries.
3413 Main Highway, Miami, 33133
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Clive's Cafe
Photo by Laine Doss
Clive's Cafe makes its mark with Jamaican favorites such as curry goat, oxtail, and jerk chicken. The original Wynwood location, which had been around for nearly four decades, closed, but the Little Haiti digs make for a colorful haven in which to eat some of the best Jamaican fare in Miami. The chicken is cooked to diner perfection and the curry is a smooth and subtle blend. The jerk chicken with rice and beans is a favorite menu item. The mood is laid-back — right down to the small radio pumping out reggae sounds. You just may catch Clive's fan Lenny Kravitz taking in the scene. The place is great for takeout but just as nice for a pit stop at any time of day.
5890 NW Second Ave., Ste. A, Miami, 33127
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Doma
Doma photo
Tucked into Miami’s ever-evolving Wynwood neighborhood, Doma has blended classic Italian flavors with a dash of innovation since opening in 2018. The chic, minimalist ambiance is warmly welcoming, great for a date night, hanging out with friends, or meeting the in-laws. Bucatini cacio e pepe, a signature dish, surprises with a delicate floral twist from Szechuan black pepper, while the soft egg, a starter, is abetted by a Parmesan foam. Topnotch cuisine and attentive service have earned Doma its rightful spot as a vibrant player in the neighborhood, drawing devoted locals and curious newcomers alike.
35 NE 26th St., Miami, 33137
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Cafe La Trova
Photo by Adam Delgiudice
Between Cuban cantinero Julio Cabrera's daiquiris and chef Michelle Bernstein's fare, there's something uniquely Miami about Cafe La Trova. Bernstein's comfort food is all-around tempting; she works to meet the foodie fantasies of her guests, whether they're in search of elaborate dishes or a traditional tres leches dessert. Cabrera's cantineros take pride in the art of drink making. Here, they "throw" daiquiris, tossing the precious liquid from shaker to shaker to create an arch in the air before spontaneously bursting into a choreographed dance number. But as with all things Magic City, this joint isn't fueled solely by good food and drink: At any given time of the day, expect guayabera-clad musicians or jazz trumpet players to fill the air with their vibrant tunes from a stage whose backdrop is the weathered façade of an Old Havana edifice. The debut Florida Michelin Guide recognized Cafe La Trova for its superior food and drink.
971 SW Eighth St., Miami, 33130
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Blue Collar
Photo courtesy of Blue Collar
Now in classed-up digs across Biscayne Boulevard from the original site, Danny Serfer's Blue Collar still takes its cues from the classic American diner. The MiMo District stalwart offers daily specials and elevated comfort foods. Start with a gutsy New Orleans-style dish of shrimp and grits with bacon and Worcestershire-based barbecue sauce, or Hanukkah latkes (served year-round). Don’t miss the veggie plate, shich allows you to build your own customized entrée. Order a thermos of Panther coffee and a cheeseburger or the pasta of the day and make yourself as comfy as you’d be in your mom’s kitchen. Pro tip: Serfer's also the chef behind another of our faves, Mignonette, an oyster bar and all-around seafood gem just north of downtown.
6789 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 33138
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Elastika
Elastika photo
Helmed by acclaimed executive chef Joe Anthony, the modern American restaurant is located on the first floor of the Moore building and was named after the iconic Zaha Hadid sculpture, Elastika, which is suspended throughout the four-story atrium above the restaurant's dining room. Atmosphere aside, what sets this spot apart is that Chef Anthony works with a range of local farmers, including Tiny Farm, French Farms, Swank Specialty Produce, Paradise Farms, Gratitude Garden Farm, and Harpke Family Farm to create the menu. Standouts include a delicious tomato gazpacho with pickled tomatillo and avocado, housemade gnocchi with sardines, and roasted Ora King salmon with forbidden black rice. Plus, don’t miss the tropical sundae with mango-passion fruit ice cream and a seasonal selection of cookies and ice cream.
191 NE 40th St., Miami, 33137
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Doya
Photo courtesy of Doya
With modern Aegean cuisine hailing from the shores of Greece and Turkey, Doya inspires with its dishes and its setup. Maybe it's the bohemian decor, impressive wooden tables, lush patio for dining al fresco, and giant windows that usher in the perfect amount of light from dawn to dusk, but this is one of the most handsome restaurants in Wynwood. And the food is divine. You're guaranteed to savor both big and small plates, from branzino ceviche to the baked feta. Make sure to order meats and veggies prepared over wood fire and coals, lending a distinct flavor that will ship you off mentally to a sea-sprayed, sparkling evening on the Aegean Sea.
347 NW 24th St., Miami, 33127
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Versailles Restaurant
Photo by Phillip Pessar via Flickr Creative Commons
Since opening in 1971, Versailles has become a Calle Ocho staple for locals and tourists alike. The 200-plus seat dining room is illuminated by golden chandeliers and surrounded by lustrous mirrors — a nod to the Hall of Mirrors at its namesake outside Paris. But that's about the only taste of France you'll get at this classic Cuban eatery. The extensive menu offers appetizers such as croquetas — the breaded and deep-fried cylinders made from béchamel-bathed fish, chicken, or ham — and lunch items like Cuban sandwiches slathered with mustard and layered with ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles. A variety of seafood, chicken, pork, and beef entrées are available with traditional Cuban sides such as rice and black beans or fried sweet plantains.
3555 SW Eighth St., Miami, 33135
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Luca Osteria
Photo courtesy of Luca Osteria
If you're on a quest to find the best pasta in Miami, consider Luca Osteria, where Giorgio Rapicavoli channels his Italian heritage in a quaint spot named for his son. Located along the pedestrian-only stretch of Giralda Plaza, the restaurant offers the chef's indulgent interpretations of classic dishes with the same spirit his beloved Eating House churns out quirky-creative riffs on American favorites. Here, homemade pastas pair with the bar's selection of house spritzes, while hearty main plates do best with one of several takes on the classic negroni. Pasta is a must-order — be it bucatini all'amatriciana with aged 600-day prosciutto and sun-dried tomatoes or pappardelle smothered in a nutmeg-spiced short rib ragù. But the antipasti of patate fritte — Rapicavoli's bite-size balls of fried potato, served beneath a deluge of creamy parmigiano fonduta flavored with black truffle and topped with a single egg yolk — is a can't-miss dish.
116 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables, 33134
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Boia De
Photo by FujifilmGirl
This hip Little Haiti spot run by chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer offers an ever-changing lineup of pastas designed to comfort and enchant. Look for pappardelle "Alla Lepre" — unctuous shreds of braised rabbit tangled with wide ribbons of pasta. It's not all about noodles here, however. Boia De offers plenty of non-pasta delights, including meat and fish dishes and crisp potato skins filled with milky stracciatella cheese, caviar, and a hard-cooked egg. The editors of Florida's first Michelin Guide took note, awarding the strip-mall standout a star.
5205 NE Second Ave., Miami, 33137
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Sushi Erika
Photo by FujifilmGirl
In 2018, Erika, the daughter and right hand of beloved sushi master Michio Kushi, opened her own tiny sushi spot just down the road from her dad's old haunt, Sushi Deli, in North Bay Village — and she brought many of her late father's classics with her. Don't be misled by the diminutive space — Sushi Erika offers an impressive array of maki, soups, and salads. The impeccably crafted rolls range from a California roll or bagel roll to battera, a pressed mackerel sushi roll. Signature rolls include the North Bay roll — made with deep-fried scallop and crab salad topped with two types of fish roe, masago, spicy mayo, and kimchi sauce. Be sure to check the board for daily specials.
1700 John F. Kennedy Cswy., North Bay Village, 33141
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Stubborn Seed
Photo by CandaceWest.com
Jeremy Ford — the Florida-born, smooth-scalped winner of the 13th season of Bravo's reality cooking show Top Chef in 2016 — presents gorgeous dishes the likes of which Miami has rarely seen. Though Ford offers an à la carte menu that's ever-changing, the best way to experience Stubborn Seed is through its eight-course chef's tasting menu, available weeknights before 9 p.m. for $150 per person. The restaurant's commitment to delivering the "perfect bite" with every dish earned it a Michelin star in 2022.
101 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 33139
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Le Jardinier
Photo courtesy of Le Jardinier
Located in the Design District, Le Jardinier is the southern outpost of Alain Verzeroli's first solo restaurant (also called Le Jardinier), which opened in 2019 in a luxury building in midtown Manhattan and quickly earned a Michelin star. For two decades, Verzeroli worked alongside the great Joël Robuchon, helping the French chef assemble menus and a small galaxy of Michelin accolades. On his own after Robuchon's death in 2018, Verzeroli runs his restaurant in partnership with the same company that operates L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, which is located a spiral staircase up from Le Jardinier. As its name suggests, Le Jardinier adheres to the increasingly fashionable "eat your vegetables" ethos. Dishes like farro risotto with a confit tomato and mimolette cheese are soulful and satisfying enough that meat becomes an option rather than a necessity. That doesn't mean the menu is stocked with only rabbit food. A bavette steak resting in its own juices and served with roasted artichokes and royal trumpet mushrooms will grab any carnivore's attention. Verzeroli's pristine Miami outpost earned a Michelin star in the guide's Florida debut.
151 NE 41st St., Ste. 135, Miami, 33137
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Ariete
Ariete Hospitality photo
Chef Michael Beltran's Ariete adds an air of refinement to Coconut Grove not seen since the days when industrialist James Deering caroused its shores. Ariete serves dishes like foie gras with smoked plantains, but there's something more than fancy amid the elegance offered by Beltran, who trained under chefs Norman Van Aken and Michael Schwartz. The Little Havana native twists bits of Cuba and France into every dish, just the way his grandparents taught him. In 2022, Beltran's culinary craftsmanship earned Ariete a Michelin star.
3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, 33133
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Rusty Pelican
Photo courtesy of Rusty Pelican
Savory seafood and stunning views of Biscayne Bay from every seat in the house (and out): That's what makes the Rusty Pelican, a Key Biscayne landmark, which opened in the 1970s just off the Rickenbacker Causeway, a perennial favorite. It's the perfect spot to celebrate all manner of milestones, be they birthdays and engagements or graduation dinners. Enduring signature items include the "Rusty Pelican Board for Two" (fried snapper, lobster and shrimp risotto, and New York strip steak), a surf and turf of filet mignon and butter-poached lobster, and the "Steak Progressive" (four different cuts of steak with roasted garlic confit and red wine shallots). The restaurant offers a lavish Sunday brunch and boasts a glass-cube wine "cellar" that holds hundreds of vintages. All servers are well-versed in the treasures within.
3201 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne, 33149
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Casa Isola Osteria
Photo by Nicole Danna
When Pubbelly Noodle Bar closed in Miami Beach's Sunset Harbour neighborhood back in 2019, it left an empty space in the hearts of fans of José Mendín. Fortunately, the chef kept the lease, opening a quaint Italian bistro with longtime business partner Sergio Navarro and former Lucali chef Santo Agnello. The result, Casa Isola Osteria, is a charming spot that serves up red-sauce classics like linguini with white clams and pappardelle alla bolognese with braised Wagyu. The star of the show, however, is a stellar rigatoni alla vodka. The restaurant's décor attempts to replicate the ambiance of a tiny Italian village, so if you've been jonesing for some international travel, it's a chance to get away to Italy — if only for a meal.
1418 20th St., Miami Beach, 33139
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Matsuri
Photo by Nicole Lopez-Alvar
Since 1988, Matsuri, tucked in the middle of a random strip mall on Bird Road just west of Coral Gables, has been one of the best places in Miami for authentic — and astonishingly affordable — sushi. The menu contains dozens of options, ranging from soups and tempura to sashimi plates to deep-fried seafood and à la carte sushi and sashimi. The biggest draw, however, is the numerous traditional Japanese delicacies rarely found in the United States. They're often scrawled on the specials board at the front of the dining room, where you'll see everything from ankimo monkfish liver (frequently likened to foie gras) to nama uni, a sparkling-fresh sea urchin that tastes like a delicate custard with a salty kick. Also always available: toro and the buttery tuna belly at far friendlier prices than you'll see at higher-profile Miami restaurants.
5759 Bird Rd., Miami, 33155
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Apocalypse BBQ
Photo by Nicole Danna
A business that began on a Weber Smokey Mountain has grown into one of the area's best barbecue restaurants. In 2022, Jeff Budnechky channeled his pandemic side hustle into a standalone location. Outside the restaurant, a small array of smokers billow aromas of pork and beef that betray Budnechky's Brazilian-Argentinian roots and his wife's Cuban heritage. Arrive early and you might snag an order of the brisket bacon: seasoned and smoked pork belly sliced thick and tossed on the flattop before serving. If you manage to resist ordering the St. Louis-cut ribs at first, you might change your mind after seeing platters emerge from the kitchen, slow-cooked and practically begging to be lacquered with Budnechky's colada-infused "oro negro" sauce. Cafecito-rubbed, Texas-style brisket or pulled pork shoulder pair nicely with the chef's Carolina-inspired mustard sauce (not to mention classic sides like a pepper-flecked mac & cheese, sweet coleslaw, and honey-doused cornbread). Further upping the ante: a ten-seat bar offering tropical and classic cocktails. Try a shaken piña colada made with fresh juices or the berry-infused, housemade sangria.
9980 SW 104th St., Miami, 33176
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The Surf Club Restaurant
Photo by Deborah Jones
The prices at the Surf Club Restaurant are among the highest you'll find in Miami, but then, so is the quality. Located in a completely rebuilt Mediterranean Revival-style resort in Surfside, the restaurant stands just a few blocks from high-end Bal Harbour. Designed by Russell Pancoast, the original inn and eatery opened on New Year's Eve 1930 and quickly earned the nickname "Millionaires' Surf Club" for its level of exclusivity and ability to attract the rich and famous. Today the restaurant is run by one of the biggest names in American food: Thomas Keller, who remains the first and only U.S.-born chef to hold multiple three-star ratings from Michelin. Keller doesn't take shortcuts. His beef Wellington is made from 48-hour-braised short rib in a beef mousse, layered with a spinach and black-truffle mushroom pâté and wrapped in a paper-thin crèpe, then bundled in thick brioche and placed in the oven for about half an hour, warming the center and producing an outer crisp. Then (and only then) it is presented on a wooden cart and sliced tableside. The folks at Michelin took note in the 2022 debut of its Florida guide, awarding the Surf Club Restaurant a star.
9011 Collins Ave., Surfside, 33154
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Phuc Yea
Photo by CandaceWest.com
Phuc Yea is a grand 110-seater filled with the sounds of '90s hip-hop and the scent of Vietnam’s ubiquitous fish sauce. That irresistible combo earned Cesar Zapata and Ani Meinhold's Upper East Side mainstay a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation in 2022. Try the green papaya salad, in which chilies, garlic, dried shrimp and squid, and Vietnamese coriander are pulverized into a potent paste that’s tossed with toothsome papaya threads, carrots, and sweet cherry tomatoes, then crowned with banana blossom ribbons, shallots, and herbs. The P.Y. noodles — tossed with garlic butter, oyster sauce, and Parmesan cheese — are soulful comfort food, as is a pho made with rich broth. On Sundays, indulge in Phuc Yea's spirited brunch.
7100 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 33138
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Pascal's on Ponce
This modest, 16-table room hasn't changed much since celebrated chef Pascal Oudin first opened its doors in 2000. The space is well-lit and conspicuously clean — the walls freshly painted, linens neatly pressed, and nosegays of unblemished roses upon each table. The contemporary French cuisine is equally beautiful, with highlights like porcini mushroom and foie gras soup and a twice-baked upside-down Gruyère cheese soufflé. The crisp moulard duck confit with wilted spinach, and pommes Sarladaise is divine, as are all of the entrées. Main courses on this small menu are likewise marked by meticulous preparation and robust flavors. Pascal’s is a Miami staple, and hopefully will be for years to come.
2611 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 33134
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Mangrove
Mangrove photo
This lively spot is the sister restaurant to Aventura's fast-casual Jamaican concept, Jrk! Mangrove sneakily appeared on the scene at the start of the year. Those in the know visited it first as more of a late-night dance hall spot. Now in its full glory, Mangrove is a speakeasy-style, full-service restaurant with Jamaican dishes that are packed with island flavor — like jerk chicken, jerk mac & cheese, and griot with pikliz. It has stylish retro decor and DJs to keep the ambiance consistent. Bartenders serve cocktails named after popular reggae songs, like the "Is This Love?" with gin and watermelon juice and an espresso martini riff called the "Get Up Stand Up!" with caramel whiskey and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Mangrove adds a welcome element of culture and community to a dining scene that struggles to offer options that represent the wants and tastes of a younger, hip Caribbean crowd.
103 NW First Ave., Miami, 33128
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La Camaronera Seafood Joint and Fish Market
La Camaronera photo
Everyone knows La Camaronera as the iconic Little Havana seafood joint founded by a family of Cuban fishermen. For more than 40 years, the restaurant’s owners, the Garcia brothers, have been cooking up their famous favorites — including grouper soup, shrimp empanadas, conch fritters, and a fresh fish sandwich — along with dozens of other Cuban-inspired dishes. Most people flock to the dive for the house specialty: camarones fritos, a dish that has been featured on Michelle Bernstein’s PBS show Check, Please! and Guy Fieri’s popular Food Network series Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
1952 W. Flagler St., Miami, 33135
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Motek Cafe
Photo by Tessa Levy
One of the most delightful Mediterranean restaurants in Miami is Motek, where you can enjoy brunch all day. The menu is so tempting that it's hard to choose — creamy hummus, kebabs, an Israeli salad, avocado toast — but the "don't miss" is Motek's shakshuka, a tangy dish of baked eggs, tomatoes, and peppers served in its skillet with an oversize challah. Fuel up on hibiscus tea or a mimosa and you'll leave all fueled up for your shopping.
36 NE First St., #132, Miami, 33132
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Michael's Genuine Food & Drink
Photo courtesy of Genuine Hospitality Group
The Design District's dining OG — Michael's Genuine Food & Drink — continues to impress. Restaurateur Michael Schwartz's strategy can be summed up in six simple words: Serve fresh food, prepared with care. That philosophy earned him a James Beard Award back in 2010. Though he has since assembled a small restaurant empire, Michael's Genuine remains the purest expression of the chef's culinary ethos. The menu changes seasonally, but expect classics such as wood oven-roasted octopus, slow-roasted short rib, and plenty of vegetables supplied by local farms. Schwartz's consistent, "genuine" approach won the restaurant a 2022 Michelin Bib Gourmand tag.
130 NE 40th St., Miami, 33137
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Captain's Tavern
Captain's Tavern photo
In 1971, Bill "The Captain" Bowers opened the doors of his seafood restaurant in the boondocks of southwest Miami-Dade, now known as Pinecrest, and has remained an institution for locals and tourists alike ever since. When Bowers died in 2020 at the age of 91, his wife, Audrey Palomino Bowers, and their son, Dale Palomino, who has worked at the Captain's Tavern since he was 16 years old and now serves as head chef, took over. So it has remained a family affair, and the patriarch's presence remains very much in evidence. The menu, the apotheosis of a seafood lover's delight, continues to offer the tried-and-true staples that made the Captain's Tavern famous: cracked conch, oysters Rockefeller, and, of course, a Tuesday two-for-one Maine lobster special. The restaurant also offers a full raw bar and sushi menu. Pretty much everything at the Captain's Tavern is housemade, from the sauces to the desserts.
9625 S. Dixie Highway, Pinecrest, 33156
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Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market
Photo by Michael Campina
Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market has been serving up a winning combination of fresh fish dishes and family hospitality for nearly 60 years. In-the-know Miamians flock to this indoor/outdoor restaurant overlooking the Miami River — overseen these days by brothers Luis Garcia and Esteban Garcia Jr., whose parents founded the local institution in 1966 — for the freshest catch reeled in daily and available for purchase on the menu or by the pound at the fish market next door. If you choose to stay, you can dine amid dark-wood surroundings or enjoy the laid-back vibe and river view outdoors. Choose blackboard specials or house favorites such as fried grouper fingers or blackened or breaded preparations of your favorite fish. The famous fish dip or crab cakes make tasty starters, and each entrée comes with your choice of two sides. Before you leave, pick up some fresh seafood at the market to cook at home tomorrow!
398 NW North River Dr., Miami, 33128
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Lil Greenhouse Grill
Photo by Nicole Gates
Karim Bryant and Nicole Gates own this charming little spot in Overtown that offers modern takes on classic soul-food dishes. Bryant, who oversees the kitchen, has a solid foundation built on stints at Capital Grille, Prime 112, and BLT Prime in Doral. With a background in radio, Gates has the task of spreading the word and making sure customers — from the neighbor on the corner to mega-celebrities Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King — stay happy. But who wouldn't be happy when served a plate of barbecue smoked wings or chicken and waffles? Chase it with a selection from Lil Greenhouse Grill's wine and beer menu — but be sure to save room for banana pudding.
1300 NW Third Ave., Miami, 33136
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Tropical Chinese Restaurant
Photo by Andrew Meade
Nearly four decades into its existence, Tropical Chinese is still going strong. The dinner menu is chock full of offerings, from the traditional to the exotic. Appetizers include wok-fried, salt-and-pepper-style calamari and the fun-to-eat "rainbow pancake," featuring four wraps to fill tableside with vermicelli noodles, wood ear mushrooms, shredded carrot, cabbage, scallions, and freshly ground peanuts glazed with plum sauce. What's more, this unassuming spot in a West Miami-Dade strip mall remains a go-to for the best dim sum in the county. More than 30 kinds of are offered, all prepared fresh on site. Pro tip: The barbecue pork buns are a must.
7991 Bird Rd., Miami, 33155
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Tran An
Photo courtesy of Tran An
If you've got 20 bucks, you can dine like royalty at this tiny, ’70s-inspired eatery. Tran An owner Jon Nguyen’s 18-seat restaurant offers Vietnamese comfort food: a hearty pho, a tangy papaya salad, bánh mì sandwiches, and a chicken-and-rice dish are all satisfying and affordable. The pho’s broth is rich, heaped with slices of chicken or beef, noodles, and vegetables. Vegans can get their comfort too, with a vegetable pho based on a vegan broth. There’s no liquor license, but you’re free to bring beer or grab a bottle of wine from the shop next door. Speaking of bottles, don’t leave without a bottle of Nguyen’s "Grandma" sauce, a Vietnamese fish sauce condiment that perks up everything from salad to eggs.
215 NE 82nd St., Miami, 33138
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Katana Japanese Restaurant
Photo by Michelle Muslera
The sushi bar at Katana
A hidden gem adored by locals, Katana is a compact yet vibrant Normandy Isles spot that boasts a 25-seat circular bar where skilled chefs whip up an array of dishes in a veritable sushi-go-round. The restaurant's pricing system, indicated by the color of the plates, adds an element of surprise and exploration to the experience. From classic items like California rolls and gyoza to fancier treats like salmon roe and sea urchin nigiri, Katana's menu hits all the right notes. Reservations aren't an option, so swinging by on a weekday or arriving at opening on weekends is your best bet. They have implemented a digital wait list, but if you do find yourself with time to kill, there's a bar next door where you can kick back with a drink until your turn at the table arrives. Pro tip: Families and larger parties might consider skipping this Miami Beach mini-gem and opting for Katana's sister operation, Shima, on NW 67th Avenue just north of the Palmetto in Hialeah.
920 71st St., Miami Beach, 33141
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Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Teeny-tiny Mandolin Aegean Bistro is located in a former 1940s bungalow in the Design District, adorned in blue and white. The quaint charm that fills the air is as tangible as the extra-virgin Greek olive oil that fills the vials placed on each table. Mandolin's straightforward cooking is embodied in a sweet, tender curlicue of grilled octopus misted with the aforementioned Mediterranean lubricant. Even chicken kebab — usually relegated to fodder for timid eaters — is unexpectedly rousing: huge, juicy hunks of grilled white meat kicked up with a quick dip in the dish of tzatziki. Don't miss the Greek salad: large wedges of ripe tomato, cucumber, and green peppers mingled with smaller shots of red onion, capers, and Kalamata olives. Fun fact: This also happens to be international DJ Diplo's favorite Miami restaurant.
4312 NE Second Ave., Miami, 33137
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Vinya Table
Vinya Table photo
An extension of sommelier and co-owner Allegra Angelo's Key Biscayne wine market, Vinya Table is one-half restaurant, one-half market from which you can grab any of Angelo's thoughtfully curated bottle selections off the shelf to enjoy with your meal (in addition to a list of more than 40 wines available by the glass). When it comes to food, there's the obligatory build-your-own charcuterie board, as well as sections dedicated to pasta, meat, and seafood. But don't skip over the small plates. Try the morcilla spring rolls, loamy Spanish blood sausage encased in a crisp Madeira wine-stained shell and served with a sweet onion marmalade, or the lamb baklava, prepared just like the Greek dessert but with a savory-sweet pairing of orange-glazed meat and crushed pistachios.
266 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 33134
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Fiola
Photo by Ricardo Mejia
Coral Gables mainstay Fiola is a beautiful fine-dining experience with classic Italian fare in Coral Gables. A spinoff of Chef Fabio Trabocchi's Michelin-starred spot in D.C., the Coral Gables Fiola boasts a Michelin recommendation, and after one meal there curated by executive chef Daniel Ganem, it'll be obvious why. Though anchored in rich tradition and authenticity, the menus change seasonally to highlight the best local ingredients. Simple white tablecloths, glassware, and wood floors allow the exceptional food to be the center of attention. Pricey but not exorbitant, Fiola is unpretentious, gimmick-free, and boasts excellent service.
1500 San Ignacio Ave., Coral Gables, 33146
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Taquiza
Photo courtesy of Taquiza
No one told Taquiza's Steve Santana to undertake the painstaking process of turning corn to masa to produce his own tortillas. No one demanded those tortillas be filled with the slightly spicy, charred poblano strips called rajas or the tangy corn fungus known as huitlacoche. Yet after stints with Jeremiah Bullfrog and at Giorgio Rapicavoli's Eating House, the computer programmer turned chef decided it had to be done. And thus, in 2014, Santana's little walk-up counter on Collins Avenue set a new standard for tacos in a city where tacos are a booming business. The South Beach stand is no more, but Taquiza on North Beach offers the same margaritas, made with care in virtually any flavor combination you can imagine. Craving yours with fresh coconut water, tamarind, and pineapple? Done! Want a strawberry-cilantro margarita? Your barkeep will muddle the fresh ingredients.
7450 Ocean Terrace, Miami Beach, 33141
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Chayhana Oasis
Photo by billwisserphoto.com
A mural depicting a desert beneath a floating pair of eyes is the only sign that beckons passersby into this Uzbek-style hideaway, accessible only from one side of NE 163rd Street. Chayhana Oasis offers fare not only from Uzbekistan but also the entire central Eurasian region. Translation: You can eat your way around several nations. To keep the proceedings simple and entertaining, the menu contains quirky descriptions of lesser-known dishes. Begin with the doma, tender stuffed Turkish-style grape leaves; continue with shish kebabs of lamb, chicken, beef, or shrimp. For dessert, try gnezdo, a crunchy meringue topped with diced walnuts. In standard European fashion, wash it all down with a shot of top-shelf vodka. Go ahead — there's no shortage of fresh, chewy Uzbek-style bread to soak it up.
250 Sunny Isles Blvd., Sunny Isles Beach, 33160
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Lung Yai Thai Tapas
Photo by billwisserphoto.com
If you're not used to the searing heat of Thai spice, ask for Lung Yai Thai Tapas' lab e-sarn — a chilled ground-pork salad spiked with hefty doses of cumin, chilies, and star anise. It's one of a number of recipes chef/owner Bas Trisransi revived after learning at his grandfather's side decades ago. Bas knows that the development of deep, complex flavors can't be rushed. This is quality Thai food that's both affordable and casual, and the tapas style will rightly tempt diners to sample everything on the menu. A meal at Lung Yai is a crash course for the palate — and the Michelin Guide took note, awarding the restaurant a Bib Gourmand designation in 2022.
1731 SW Eighth St., Miami, 33135
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Cote Miami
Photo by Gary He
Simon Kim has brought Cote, his New York cross between a Korean barbecue restaurant and a traditional steakhouse, to the Design District. The restaurant offers a selection of Waygu beef, including American Waygu and A5 Japanese Wagyu — the latter sourced from the Miyazaki prefecture, where true Wagyu are raised. The steaks are dry-aged for a minimum of 45 days in house and then seasoned with a mixture of British Maldon, Himalayan pink, and Korean thousand-day salts before being presented raw and cooked to order tableside. And if you have a taste for primo caviar, Cote has you covered. It came as no surprise in 2022 when Cote Miami earned a Michelin star.
3900 NE Second Ave., Miami, 33137
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Caffe Abbracci
Photo by Ana Adams
Ask anyone about Caffe Abbracci and the word "family" will likely come up. And no wonder: The doted-upon Italian restaurant has maintained its consistently excellent reputation for more than three decades, thanks to its late founder, revered restaurateur Nino Pernetti, who died from COVID complications in 2022 at age 76. The restaurant gracefully carries on in his memory, sticking to a fantastic formula of warm, inviting service and a steadfast menu of classic and contemporary Italian dishes. Abbracci is always filled with locals (including families) who know to order well-executed options like vitello tonnato, red snapper al cartoccio, and Pernetti's homages to his daughters: tortellini Tatiana and agnolotti Katerina.
318 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, 33134
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Elcielo Miami
Photo by Rachel Paraoan
When Colombian chef Juan "Juanma" Manuel Barrientos first set foot in Miami, he envisioned opening a stateside outpost of his fine-dining restaurant Elcielo. Today he has two: one in Brickell and a second inside the SLS South Beach. Like its sister establishments in cities like Bogotá and Washington, D.C., the Brickell restaurant is centered on a multisensory tasting menu known as "the Experience"; the SLS location gives diners an à la carte option to create their own gastronomic journey. Standout moments remain the same in both dining rooms, from plucking tufts of spice-dusted yuca bread off branches from the edible "Tree of Life" bonsai tree to bathing your hands in melted chocolate before devouring the "Chocotherapy" dessert.
31 SE Fifth St., Miami, 33131
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Niu Kitchen
Photo by Jose Romero / WordinTown
In 2017, Katrina Iglesias, Adam Hughes, and chef and Barcelona native Deme Lomas opened Arson two doors down from their first venture, Niu Kitchen. The two restaurants have since been combined in order to accommodate more outdoor seating. The centerpiece of Arson is the Josper, a charcoal-burning grill/oven hybrid that influences Lomas' gastronomy. Whiffs of Asia and South America rise off the menu, including mainstays like charbroiled oysters, chargrilled prawns, and vegan paella.
104 NE Second Ave., Miami, 33132
The Top 100 Restaurants in Miami for 2025
Byblos
Photo courtesy of Byblos
Byblos, the Eastern Mediterranean restaurant at the Royal Palm South Beach, focuses on interpreting dishes from Levantine culture, found mostly in Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, and parts of southern Turkey. The original Byblos is in Toronto, and as is often the case with Miami outposts, this one offers a more extensive seafood selection than its Canadian sibling. It's equipped with a wood-burning oven, used to bake pide (Turkish flatbread) and to finish off whole fish, lamb, and chicken dishes that are rustic yet refined.
1545 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 33139
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