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lamb on palte.
Lamb wraps from Tam Tam
Tam Tam.

38 Essential Restaurants in Miami, Spring 2024

Where to dine and drink in Miami

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Lamb wraps from Tam Tam
| Tam Tam.

The most frequently asked question Eater Miami receives is, “Can you recommend a restaurant?” The goal of the Eater 38 is to answer that question with a list of Miami’s top restaurants, spanning the city’s best cuisines and neighborhoods. The restaurants on this list cover the entire city, span myriad cuisines, histories, and locations, and collectively satisfy any restaurant needs.

Every couple of months, the list is updated to add pertinent restaurants that were perhaps omitted or have newly become eligible (which means they’ve been open for more than six months, but usually closer to a year) or have made meaningful recent changes.

Have a suggestion for somewhere we might have missed? You can nominate the restaurant by dropping us a note at miami@eater.com.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Motek (Multiple locations)

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This bright and charming cafe, with four locations through Miami and counting, woos diners with a melange of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. It is an all-day brunch feast here with items like the smoked salmon Jerusalem bagel plate, lahmajun (flatbread filled with vegetables), chips with harissa aioli, and majadra rice bowl, which blur the lines between breakfast and lunch. Order the malawach (Jewish pancakes) churros for dessert and wash it all down with limonana, an Israeli mint lemonade.

Located inside the ritzy Bal Harbour Shops, this seemingly always busy Japanese restaurant just got a new look and new location – three floors above where it was located for nearly a decade. The now bright and airy space still offers up some of the best sushi and sashimi in town by chef Makoto Okuwa. Still, it also features plenty of dishes made on the charcoal robata, like wagyu filet, ribeye, sea bass, and lamb chops that shouldn’t be missed. 

dining room with green, orange, and pink furniture
The dining room at Makoto.
Giovanny Gutierrez/Chat Chow TV.

The Surf Club Restaurant

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Oozing with 1950s glamor, the Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller boasts nostalgic American cuisine with the world-renowned Keller touch. Start the night with a stiff martini or a well-chosen wine from the restaurant’s impressive selection of vintages. The cuisine goes with the old-school feel of the space, with upscale renditions of beef Wellington, Caesar salad, roast chicken, and a can’t-miss ice cream sundae.

A dining room with blush pink chairs and tables set with white table clothes, wine glasses, and flatware.
The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller Dining Room
David Escalante / The Surf Club Restaurant

Taquiza

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This North Beach waterfront restaurant features a variety of traditional tacos like al pastor, chicken, and lengua by chef Steve Santana served on handmade blue-masa corn tortillas so good that Taquiza now supplies them for half the restaurants in town. A trip to Taquiza isn’t complete without an order of the totopos — homemade tortilla chips, which come out warm, “fluffy,” and flawlessly fried and are worth the visit by themselves. 

Two Cochinita Pibil tacos on a metal tray
Cochinita Pibil tacos
Taquiza

Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt

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Housed inside the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, this intimate fine dining restaurant serves 10-course tasting filled with modern takes on classic French cuisine with Asian influences from Tristan Brandt. The one-Michelin-starred restaurant, which only seats 18 guests at a time, has a menu that menu rotates frequently. Still, diners can expect dishes like pan fried foie gras with marinated slices of scallop on top and a reduction of aged, sweet sherry vinegar and foam of arugula or langostino breaded in puffed pork skin, with sauteed pak choi and pork belly, seasoned with roasted garlic, oyster sauce. and sesame. As for beverages, Tambourine Room is currently wine only, as Brandt believes the menus are best served with wine.

Beef tartare on a blue rimmed plate sat on a black table top
The “hidden” beef tartare.
Michael Pisarri

Phuc Yea

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As one of the restaurants credited with helping the resurgence of the historic MiMo district (before that, it served as Miami’s original pop-up restaurant), Phuc Yea offers modern Vietnamese cuisine that’s heavily influenced by owners Cesar Zapata and Ani Meinhold’s roots. The colorful and industrial setting is a perfect backdrop for dishes like caramel chicken wings, seafood curry, fried chicken, and the simple but flavourful PY noodles made with plenty of garlic and parmesan cheese. Another plus: its lively bar serves as a top spot for a post-meal drink or happy hour.

A mound of noodles sit on a decorative plate
Noodles at Phuc Yea
Eater Miami

El Bagel (Multiple locations)

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What started as an incredibly popular weekend bagel pop-up has turned into a full-blown outpost with just as strong of a following. The counter-service restaurant offers a variety of creative bagels, schmears, and bagel sandwiches filled with everything from thick-cut bacon and eggs to a nod to the Miami favorite, pastelito, made with guava marmalade, cream cheese, and potato sticks. 

A basket of bagels with a sesame bagel the only thing in focus
A sesame bagel from El Bagel
El Bagel

Boia De

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This small, charming restaurant tucked away in a strip mall lets its owners, culinary duo Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer, show off their extensive fine dining backgrounds. The menu features some of the most creative dishes in the Magic City, like crispy potato skins topped with stracciatella, caviar, and a hard-boiled egg; baked clams with ‘nduja; or lamb ribs. Whatever your order, pair it with one of the restaurant’s hard-to-find vintages or natural wines.

A bar with a marble countertop, wine bottles and glasses on shelves, and green walls.
A look inside Boia De
David Bley

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

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Miami's best Greek and Turkish food is found in the intimate, understated courtyard at Mandolin. Transport to the Greek isles with a menu of elegant small plates, entrees like lamb and beef meatballs, and an exceptional grilled octopus. Any meal here can be paired with one of the refreshing Greek wines on the menu. 

Cote Miami

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This Michelin-starred New York City import has won over the Magic City with its 45-day, dry-aged beef, cooked Korean barbecue style at the table on smokeless grills. The dimly lit, date-night restaurant features high-end steaks, stiff martinis, and one of the most robust wine selections in town. The most popular order at Cote is the butcher’s feast, boasting a variety of cuts along with different vegetables and kimchi, egg souffle, two stews, rice, and soft serve for $64 per person. For those who want to go more high-brow, a 10-course steak omakase is available for $185 per person. 

A table with an inset grill surrounded by banchan
A table with an inset grill surrounded by banchan
Giovanny Gutierrez/Chat Chow TV

Old Greg's Pizza

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This photogenic square pizza that became the viral sensation of quarantine has become a pizza legend since its inception. On the menu, diners will find its popular sourdough square pizzas alongside some round pizza varieties, with other go-tos making an appearance, like the polenta-crusted chicken wings, garlic knots, Italian salad, and tres leches. Natural wines, lively happy hours, and old-school hip-hop tunes playing in the background complete the experience.

A spread of pizzas, garlic knots, and salads on decorative tablecloths and papers from Old Greg’s Pizza
A spread from Old Greg’s Pizza
Ruben Cabrera/Old Greg’s Pizza

Spearheaded by chef Val Chang, this Midtown Peruvian restaurant pays homage to her grandmother, blending traditional flavors with modern flair. The menu showcases creative takes on classics, with standout dishes like the yellowedge grouper tail and an eclectic mix of cebiches, which all pair perfectly with its refreshing, well-balanced cocktail program. The space is intimately personal, featuring photographs of Maty, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

A brightly lit bar area with wooden seats
The bar at Maty’s.
Giovanny Gutierrez/Chat Chow TV

Amara at Paraiso

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Part of the culinary empire of James Beard winner Michael Schwartz, Amara at Paraiso not only showcases some of Miami’s best waterfront dining but has solid dishes found throughout South America to boot. Using Schwartz’s farm-to-table ethos that gained him national fame at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, the menu offers crispy octopus, short-rib-filled empanadas, and fresh-out-of-the-oven yucca balls. Perfect for large groups, grab a patio drink before or after the meal to soak in all those enviable views.

Zak the Baker

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That bread that is offered at nearly every restaurant in town? Odds are Zak Stern and his team of talented bakers baked it. In addition to a successful wholesale business, the popular kosher baker also boasts his own successful standalone shop. Expect his signature breads and an assortment of soups, bagels, sandwiches, and pastries.

A person holds a loaf of bread in their left hand
Bread from Zak the Baker
Zak the Baker

Get a taste of Spain’s Basque country at Leku, the chic restaurant at the Rubbell Museum. The Allapattah spot offers a wide-ranging menu of dishes that are as eye-pleasing as the art inside the museum, like creamy croquetas, whole branzino, beet tartare with olive oil caviar, and the must-order Iberico ham that sits on a puffed cracker. Pair the meal with one of the many gin and tonics in the restaurant’s always perfectly breezy garden to round out the meal.

Mignonette

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A modern take on the classic seafood restaurant by Blue Collar chef Danny Serfer and partner Ryan Roman. This Edgewater restaurant, described by critics and guests as a “plain and fancy” oyster heaven, also features other seafood items and non-sea options like prime rib, chicken, and its famous “veggie" board with decadent renditions of seasonal vegetables.

The interior of Mignonette with a large letter marquee-style menu overlooking a lunch counter
The inside of Mignonette
Mignonette

Klaw Miami

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Klaw, a stunning multi-level restaurant in Edgewater inside the former Miami Women’s Club building in Edgewater, boasts a rooftop bar with impressive waterfront views. As the name implies, seafood is the main focus, particularly the sizable Norwegian king crab sold by the pound. However, Klaw also offers a variety of dry-aged meats and a well-rounded bar program. While it may not be the most budget-friendly dining option, Klaw is a great choice for a special night out.

An upscale dining room with square wooden tables set with wine glasses and flatware, and accompanied by dark teal leather chairs.
The dining room at Klaw Miami
Giovanny Gutierrez/Chat Chow TV

Miami Slice

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Miami Slice has become a top destination for pizza lovers in the city. Located in Midtown, this small pizzeria offers on-site slices and whole pies, with the La Salsera as its standout item. This pie, a hit on Instagram, features eye-catching swirls of marinara, vodka sauce, and pesto, combining for a visually impressive and tasty creation. The concise but hearty menu features other stars like richly flavored mushroom truffle pie. Diners should anticipate a wait, as Miami Slice does not take reservations and is particularly popular on weekends, often resulting in long lines.

Slices of pizza with various toppings on gray plates. In the center, Pepperoni Proper with the all kicks upgrade with some honey on the side.
Pepperoni Proper with the all kicks upgrade
Miami Slice

Macchialina

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Macchialina, which comes from the words “macchia,” meaning mark or spot, and “maialina,” meaning piglets, aims to be reminiscent of a small rustic restaurant in the heart of any Italian town. Under chef and owner Michael Pirolo’s lead, it serves well-executed Italian classics like veal parm, branzino, and cacio pepe alongside interesting twists, like broccolini Caesar salad.

Jaguar Sun

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While on the surface, Jaguar Sun might seem like a fun, cozy bar in the middle of Downtown Miami, it’s so much more than that. While a well-thought-out beverage menu is still at the core of Jaguar Sun, its small but mighty kitchen is putting out some of the best upscale comfort food in town. The plates of pasta are a must-order but don’t skip out on the Parker house rolls topped with honey butter, the wagyu beef tartare, or the kouign amann housed ice cream sandwich for dessert. 

A coup glass coated with a salt rim and filled with a green cocktail and a cucumber garnish sits on a wooden table with pebble ice around the base of the glass
The Green Ghoul
Adam Delgiudice/Jaguar Sun

NIU Kitchen

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NIU Kitchen has officially taken over the former Arson space as its new larger home. But don’t worry, its former, extra cozy location located just next door still serves as a natural wine bar by the same team. Even though it has new digs, its eclectic Catalan cuisine still remains some of the best in the city. Don’t miss the famous clams or the tangy gazpacho, before moving on to heartier dishes like vegan paella and pan-seared foie gras. An extensive wine list featuring natural wines from around the world completes the menu.

Two plates, one with grilled artichoke confit, jamon ibérico, almond, balsamic vinaigrette the other with Cantábrico anchovies, boquerones en vinagre, marinated olives, grated tomato & guindilla peppers, and a table with a glass of white wine.
Artichoke and Gilda at Niu Kitchen
Stephan Goettlicher/NIU Kitchen

Tam Tam

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Tam Tam, a COVID-era pop-up turned Vietnamese restaurant in Downtown Miami, was born from Tam Pham, a Saigon native, and Harrison Ramhofer’s shared love for Vietnamese culture. The restaurant, inspired by Vietnam’s quán nhậu tradition of social drinking and snacking, features standout dishes like fish sauce caramel wings and lamb lettuce wraps alongside a wide range of vegan-friendly dishes filled with vegetables that even the most discerning carnivore would enjoy. Set in a former Cuban diner, the eclectic space combines quirky decor with a unique karaoke-equipped bathroom, ensuring a memorable meal. 

dining room with dim lighting and wood paneling.
Tam Tam’s dining room.
Tam Tam

Stubborn Seed

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The solo debut of Miami’s own Top Chef winner, Jeremy Ford, Stubborn Seed is a cozy-yet-hip South of Fifth spot, turning out some of the city’s most exciting cuisine. While there is an a la carte menu with dishes like shrimp with saffron gnocchi, pan-roasted truffle chicken, and foie gras, the real highlight here is the $175, eight-course tasting menu where guests can try a bevy of classics and seasonal creations.

A table setting with a plate, a napkin rolled up and tied with a flower, flatware, and a paper menu that reads “Stubborn Seed” and the address of the restaurant.
Table setting at Stubborn Seed
Giovanny Gutierrez

Joe's Stone Crab

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This 109-year-old restaurant is an institution and is thought to have started the stone crab craze that captures Miami to this day. Ordering the namesake stone crabs is a must, served with a mustard sauce that is a legend in its own right, but stone crabs aren’t the only notable item on the menu. There is something for all tastes, from an assortment of seafood dishes to steaks to its popular fried chicken. And don’t forget the sides: creamed spinach and coleslaw are favorites, but the hash browns and the roasted tomatoes are worth the order, too. Don’t want to spend time waiting? Then head next door to Joe’s Takeaway and eat the same caliber claws at home. 

A large sepia toned painting overlooks the dining room where diners sit and eat at a packed Joe’s Stone Crab.
The dining room at Joe’s Stone Crab
Bill Addison/Eater Miami

Cafe La Trova

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Classic Cuban comfort food with a slightly upscale twist by James Beard award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein is on the menu at Cafe La Trova, served alongside expertly crafted Cantinero-style cocktails by Julio Cabrera and his team that consistently keep the bar on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Pop in for lunch, happy hour, or dinner, and don’t be surprised if the live music visits last longer than expected. Pro tip: visit the 305 Bar in the back room on the weekend for a Miami Vice-style 80s blast from the past.

The bar at Cafe La Trova, with red topped stools, wooden shelves filled with bottles, and a wooden countertop.
The bar at Cafe La Trova
Giovanny Gutierrez/Chat Chow TV

El Rey De Las Fritas (Multiple locations)

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For more than 40 years, people have been flocking to this Little Havana spot for the original frita Cubana, packing all the Cuban-style beef, sauteed onions, and crispy shoestring fries that can fit inside a fluffy Cuban Roll. The no-frills diner-style setup offers a feeling of years past, with most of the burgers and sandwiches ringing in under $5. Complete the meal with some corn or malanga fritters for a proper experience. 

Sanguich De Miami

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Sure, Cuban sandwiches aren’t exactly hard to come by in Miami. But ones that create lines out of the door? Well, that’s another story. Sanguich quickly gained a following for its modern takes on classic Cuban sandwiches like the Cubano, pan con lechon (a Cuban version of a pulled pork sandwich), pan con croqueta (ham, Swiss, and croquetas housed inside Cuban bread), and pan con bistec (a thinly cut seasoned steak sandwich topped with onions and potato sticks) that appease even the most stringent of sandwich purists. Everything inside the sandwiches, from the pork to the ham to the mustard, is made on-site. Pair the sandwiches with one of its batidos (aka milkshakes) with flavors like trigo, mamey, and banana and enjoy a proper Miami meal.

A look into the the interior of Sanguich De Miami.
The interior of Sanguich De Miami.
Giovanny Gutierrez / Eater Miami

La Mar by Gaston Acurio

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Located on Brickell Key inside the Mandarin Oriental, La Mar is Gaston Acurio’s lauded Peruvian restaurant offering a combo of well-executed upscale novo-Andean fare and Asian-Peruvian fusion dishes by executive chef Diego Oka. Diners will find classics like lomo saltado, local offerings like yellowtail snapper, and several ceviche options. Make sure to grab a table on its expansive patio for some of the best views of the Miami skyline in town.

Dirty French Steakhouse

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Major Food Group’s opulent and purposely over-the-top steakhouse, Dirty French Steakhouse, might be a New York City import, but this location is distinctly Miami. From the orange velvet-lined walls, animal print seating, Murano glass leaf chandelier, and gold leaf ceiling, the space oozes 80s excess — while serving as a fun foil to the traditional buttoned-up steakhouse. Guests can expect to dine on prime-aged steaks alongside dishes like mushroom millefeuille, lobster ravioli, crab cake croustillant, wedge salad, and caviar vichyssoise. 

A bar area with chairs and decadent 80s era decor and lighting.
The bar at Dirty French Steakhouse.
Kris Tamburello

LPM Miami

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This chic Brickell restaurant boasts high-end French brasserie fare with Mediterranean touches. Diners can expect to dine among the socialite and business crowds, who are all in search of one thing: delicious food. Stars of the menu include the creamy burrata, fresh yellowtail carpaccio, and butter- and herb-soaked traditional escargot. Don’t forget to save room for light-as-air cheesecake.

Edge Brasserie and Cocktail Bar

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After a decade in business, Edge Steak & Bar has gone through a revamp, including a new name and menu. The restaurant isn’t as meat-focused as it once was, offering a more diverse menu with various seafood, steak, and lamb dishes. Try the wagyu steak tartare, roasted oysters, or the seafood plateau. Chard cauliflower, half-roast chicken, or grilled Rohan duck are popular choices for entrees. And for dessert, the pavlova, blueberry cobbler, or guava cheesecake are highlights. And while it might be housed in the ritzy Four Seasons Miami, there’s no need for an expense account to enjoy it.

Bouchon Bistro

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Chef Thomas Keller, known for Michelin-starred restaurants like the French Laundry and Per Se, has taken over the historic La Palma building, once home to the Cla-Reina Hotel, to bring Bouchon to the East Coast. The menu stays true to Bouchon’s roots, offering classic French bistro fare like steak frites, roasted chicken, escargots, mussels, and a raw bar housed in a space that features unique murals by French artist Paulin Paris, a signature of Keller’s restaurants.

steak on plate.
Steak frites from Bouchon Bistro.
David Escalante

Zitz Sum

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After becoming a favorite during the COVID-19 shutdown through social media with its dumplings, “Asian-ish” restaurant Zitz Sum opened a permanent (somewhat tricky to find) outpost right in Coral Gables. Inside the small space, diners feast on creative versions of cucumber salad, charred cabbage, grilled pork chops, and hanger steak — but don’t worry, the dumplings also make the menu.

dumplings topped with scallions sit in a pool of sauce and sesame seeds
Dumplings from Zitz Sum

Luca Osteria

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While the newly-reopened Eating House put chef Giorgio Rapicavoli on the culinary map — Luca Osteria is what solidified his place in Miami’s food scene for years to come. While the restaurant offers considerably more refined dishes from Rapicavoli, highlighting his Italian roots, guests can still find the irreverence and humor that made Eating House such a hit sprinkled throughout the menu. It features Italian classics updated with modern techniques and flavors on pedestrian-friendly Giralda Avenue. Think items like pappardelle with beef short rib bolognese, wagyu beef carpaccio, and bluefin tuna Caprese, alongside spruced-up versions of Italian-influenced cocktails. 

A selection of dishes including breads, meats, and sauces on white flatware arranged on a table
A selection of dishes from Luca Osteria
Luca Osteria

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Miami

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High-end omakase is having a moment here in Miami, and this restaurant is at the forefront of that trend. Now housed in a permanent location in Coconut Grove, guests dine at a 10-seat counter-only space manned by a team of three chefs and one bartender. With three seatings nightly (5 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.), the 17-course meal consists strictly of nigiri with each item served as is — meaning no extras like soy sauce or wasabi. The menu changes regularly, but certain favorites have made their way to Miami, like the hamachi painted with a sweet corn pudding and topped with bread crumbs and the 1-2 Punch offering different presentations of bone marrow over two courses. 

Chef searing bone marrow at Sushi by Scratch Restaurants
Chef searing bone marrow at Sushi by Scratch Restaurants.
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants

Led by chef Michael Beltran, this one-Michelin star Coconut Grove mainstay features a menu of inventive dishes with Cuban flair that reflects Beltran’s upbringing. Highlights include the grilled oysters drenched in bone marrow butter, aged wagyu ribeye, and a duck press meant for two. 

Fiola Miami

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Possibly one of the most glamorous restaurants in Miami, this D.C. import has been wowing crowds since its debut. It showcases a menu filled with pristine seafood and pasta plates (all offered in gluten-free varieties), such as short rib agnolotti and even a pasta omakase experience. Customers will also find heartier dishes like lamb rack, branzino, and perfectly cooked steak paired with an extensive wine selection. For those looking to impress a date or celebrate a special occasion, Fiola is guaranteed to make the night memorable.

A long booth bench faced by set wooden tables and orange suede chairs.
The dining room at Fiola Miami
Giovanny Gutierrez

Ghee Indian Kitchen

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This industrial-chic Indian restaurant in Kendall from Niven Patel features dishes made mainly from ingredients from Patel’s farm in Homestead, like smoked lamb neck, green millet, ghost pepper cheddar naan, and more. A three-course $65 tasting menu is also available and is a feast of the restaurant’s best items.

A wall of spices in glass spice jars
Spices on spices at Ghee Indian Kitchen
Giovanny Gutierrez

Motek (Multiple locations)

This bright and charming cafe, with four locations through Miami and counting, woos diners with a melange of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. It is an all-day brunch feast here with items like the smoked salmon Jerusalem bagel plate, lahmajun (flatbread filled with vegetables), chips with harissa aioli, and majadra rice bowl, which blur the lines between breakfast and lunch. Order the malawach (Jewish pancakes) churros for dessert and wash it all down with limonana, an Israeli mint lemonade.

Makoto

Located inside the ritzy Bal Harbour Shops, this seemingly always busy Japanese restaurant just got a new look and new location – three floors above where it was located for nearly a decade. The now bright and airy space still offers up some of the best sushi and sashimi in town by chef Makoto Okuwa. Still, it also features plenty of dishes made on the charcoal robata, like wagyu filet, ribeye, sea bass, and lamb chops that shouldn’t be missed. 

dining room with green, orange, and pink furniture
The dining room at Makoto.
Giovanny Gutierrez/Chat Chow TV.

The Surf Club Restaurant

Oozing with 1950s glamor, the Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller boasts nostalgic American cuisine with the world-renowned Keller touch. Start the night with a stiff martini or a well-chosen wine from the restaurant’s impressive selection of vintages. The cuisine goes with the old-school feel of the space, with upscale renditions of beef Wellington, Caesar salad, roast chicken, and a can’t-miss ice cream sundae.

A dining room with blush pink chairs and tables set with white table clothes, wine glasses, and flatware.
The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller Dining Room
David Escalante / The Surf Club Restaurant

Taquiza

This North Beach waterfront restaurant features a variety of traditional tacos like al pastor, chicken, and lengua by chef Steve Santana served on handmade blue-masa corn tortillas so good that Taquiza now supplies them for half the restaurants in town. A trip to Taquiza isn’t complete without an order of the totopos — homemade tortilla chips, which come out warm, “fluffy,” and flawlessly fried and are worth the visit by themselves. 

Two Cochinita Pibil tacos on a metal tray
Cochinita Pibil tacos
Taquiza

Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt

Housed inside the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, this intimate fine dining restaurant serves 10-course tasting filled with modern takes on classic French cuisine with Asian influences from Tristan Brandt. The one-Michelin-starred restaurant, which only seats 18 guests at a time, has a menu that menu rotates frequently. Still, diners can expect dishes like pan fried foie gras with marinated slices of scallop on top and a reduction of aged, sweet sherry vinegar and foam of arugula or langostino breaded in puffed pork skin, with sauteed pak choi and pork belly, seasoned with roasted garlic, oyster sauce. and sesame. As for beverages, Tambourine Room is currently wine only, as Brandt believes the menus are best served with wine.

Beef tartare on a blue rimmed plate sat on a black table top
The “hidden” beef tartare.
Michael Pisarri

Phuc Yea

As one of the restaurants credited with helping the resurgence of the historic MiMo district (before that, it served as Miami’s original pop-up restaurant), Phuc Yea offers modern Vietnamese cuisine that’s heavily influenced by owners Cesar Zapata and Ani Meinhold’s roots. The colorful and industrial setting is a perfect backdrop for dishes like caramel chicken wings, seafood curry, fried chicken, and the simple but flavourful PY noodles made with plenty of garlic and parmesan cheese. Another plus: its lively bar serves as a top spot for a post-meal drink or happy hour.

A mound of noodles sit on a decorative plate
Noodles at Phuc Yea
Eater Miami

El Bagel (Multiple locations)

What started as an incredibly popular weekend bagel pop-up has turned into a full-blown outpost with just as strong of a following. The counter-service restaurant offers a variety of creative bagels, schmears, and bagel sandwiches filled with everything from thick-cut bacon and eggs to a nod to the Miami favorite, pastelito, made with guava marmalade, cream cheese, and potato sticks. 

A basket of bagels with a sesame bagel the only thing in focus
A sesame bagel from El Bagel
El Bagel

Boia De

This small, charming restaurant tucked away in a strip mall lets its owners, culinary duo Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer, show off their extensive fine dining backgrounds. The menu features some of the most creative dishes in the Magic City, like crispy potato skins topped with stracciatella, caviar, and a hard-boiled egg; baked clams with ‘nduja; or lamb ribs. Whatever your order, pair it with one of the restaurant’s hard-to-find vintages or natural wines.

A bar with a marble countertop, wine bottles and glasses on shelves, and green walls.
A look inside Boia De
David Bley

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

Miami's best Greek and Turkish food is found in the intimate, understated courtyard at Mandolin. Transport to the Greek isles with a menu of elegant small plates, entrees like lamb and beef meatballs, and an exceptional grilled octopus. Any meal here can be paired with one of the refreshing Greek wines on the menu. 

Cote Miami

This Michelin-starred New York City import has won over the Magic City with its 45-day, dry-aged beef, cooked Korean barbecue style at the table on smokeless grills. The dimly lit, date-night restaurant features high-end steaks, stiff martinis, and one of the most robust wine selections in town. The most popular order at Cote is the butcher’s feast, boasting a variety of cuts along with different vegetables and kimchi, egg souffle, two stews, rice, and soft serve for $64 per person. For those who want to go more high-brow, a 10-course steak omakase is available for $185 per person. 

A table with an inset grill surrounded by banchan
A table with an inset grill surrounded by banchan
Giovanny Gutierrez/Chat Chow TV

Old Greg's Pizza

This photogenic square pizza that became the viral sensation of quarantine has become a pizza legend since its inception. On the menu, diners will find its popular sourdough square pizzas alongside some round pizza varieties, with other go-tos making an appearance, like the polenta-crusted chicken wings, garlic knots, Italian salad, and tres leches. Natural wines, lively happy hours, and old-school hip-hop tunes playing in the background complete the experience.

A spread of pizzas, garlic knots, and salads on decorative tablecloths and papers from Old Greg’s Pizza
A spread from Old Greg’s Pizza
Ruben Cabrera/Old Greg’s Pizza

Maty's

Spearheaded by chef Val Chang, this Midtown Peruvian restaurant pays homage to her grandmother, blending traditional flavors with modern flair. The menu showcases creative takes on classics, with standout dishes like the yellowedge grouper tail and an eclectic mix of cebiches, which all pair perfectly with its refreshing, well-balanced cocktail program. The space is intimately personal, featuring photographs of Maty, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

A brightly lit bar area with wooden seats
The bar at Maty’s.
Giovanny Gutierrez/Chat Chow TV

Amara at Paraiso

Part of the culinary empire of James Beard winner Michael Schwartz, Amara at Paraiso not only showcases some of Miami’s best waterfront dining but has solid dishes found throughout South America to boot. Using Schwartz’s farm-to-table ethos that gained him national fame at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, the menu offers crispy octopus, short-rib-filled empanadas, and fresh-out-of-the-oven yucca balls. Perfect for large groups, grab a patio drink before or after the meal to soak in all those enviable views.

Zak the Baker

That bread that is offered at nearly every restaurant in town? Odds are Zak Stern and his team of talented bakers baked it. In addition to a successful wholesale business, the popular kosher baker also boasts his own successful standalone shop. Expect his signature breads and an assortment of soups, bagels, sandwiches, and pastries.

A person holds a loaf of bread in their left hand
Bread from Zak the Baker
Zak the Baker

Leku

Get a taste of Spain’s Basque country at Leku, the chic restaurant at the Rubbell Museum. The Allapattah spot offers a wide-ranging menu of dishes that are as eye-pleasing as the art inside the museum, like creamy croquetas, whole branzino, beet tartare with olive oil caviar, and the must-order Iberico ham that sits on a puffed cracker. Pair the meal with one of the many gin and tonics in the restaurant’s always perfectly breezy garden to round out the meal.

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Mignonette

A modern take on the classic seafood restaurant by Blue Collar chef Danny Serfer and partner Ryan Roman. This Edgewater restaurant, described by critics and guests as a “plain and fancy” oyster heaven, also features other seafood items and non-sea options like prime rib, chicken, and its famous “veggie" board with decadent renditions of seasonal vegetables.

The interior of Mignonette with a large letter marquee-style menu overlooking a lunch counter
The inside of Mignonette
Mignonette

Klaw Miami

Klaw, a stunning multi-level restaurant in Edgewater inside the former Miami Women’s Club building in Edgewater, boasts a rooftop bar with impressive waterfront views. As the name implies, seafood is the main focus, particularly the sizable Norwegian king crab sold by the pound. However, Klaw also offers a variety of dry-aged meats and a well-rounded bar program. While it may not be the most budget-friendly dining option, Klaw is a great choice for a special night out.

An upscale dining room with square wooden tables set with wine glasses and flatware, and accompanied by dark teal leather chairs.
The dining room at Klaw Miami
Giovanny Gutierrez/Chat Chow TV

Miami Slice

Miami Slice has become a top destination for pizza lovers in the city. Located in Midtown, this small pizzeria offers on-site slices and whole pies, with the La Salsera as its standout item. This pie, a hit on Instagram, features eye-catching swirls of marinara, vodka sauce, and pesto, combining for a visually impressive and tasty creation. The concise but hearty menu features other stars like richly flavored mushroom truffle pie. Diners should anticipate a wait, as Miami Slice does not take reservations and is particularly popular on weekends, often resulting in long lines.

Slices of pizza with various toppings on gray plates. In the center, Pepperoni Proper with the all kicks upgrade with some honey on the side.
Pepperoni Proper with the all kicks upgrade
Miami Slice

Macchialina

Macchialina, which comes from the words “macchia,” meaning mark or spot, and “maialina,” meaning piglets, aims to be reminiscent of a small rustic restaurant in the heart of any Italian town. Under chef and owner Michael Pirolo’s lead, it serves well-executed Italian classics like veal parm, branzino, and cacio pepe alongside interesting twists, like broccolini Caesar salad.

Jaguar Sun

While on the surface, Jaguar Sun might seem like a fun, cozy bar in the middle of Downtown Miami, it’s so much more than that. While a well-thought-out beverage menu is still at the core of Jaguar Sun, its small but mighty kitchen is putting out some of the best upscale comfort food in town. The plates of pasta are a must-order but don’t skip out on the Parker house rolls topped with honey butter, the wagyu beef tartare, or the kouign amann housed ice cream sandwich for dessert. 

A coup glass coated with a salt rim and filled with a green cocktail and a cucumber garnish sits on a wooden table with pebble ice around the base of the glass
The Green Ghoul
Adam Delgiudice/Jaguar Sun

NIU Kitchen

NIU Kitchen has officially taken over the former Arson space as its new larger home. But don’t worry, its former, extra cozy location located just next door still serves as a natural wine bar by the same team. Even though it has new digs, its eclectic Catalan cuisine still remains some of the best in the city. Don’t miss the famous clams or the tangy gazpacho, before moving on to heartier dishes like vegan paella and pan-seared foie gras. An extensive wine list featuring natural wines from around the world completes the menu.

Two plates, one with grilled artichoke confit, jamon ibérico, almond, balsamic vinaigrette the other with Cantábrico anchovies, boquerones en vinagre, marinated olives, grated tomato & guindilla peppers, and a table with a glass of white wine.
Artichoke and Gilda at Niu Kitchen
Stephan Goettlicher/NIU Kitchen

Tam Tam

Tam Tam, a COVID-era pop-up turned Vietnamese restaurant in Downtown Miami, was born from Tam Pham, a Saigon native, and Harrison Ramhofer’s shared love for Vietnamese culture. The restaurant, inspired by Vietnam’s quán nhậu tradition of social drinking and snacking, features standout dishes like fish sauce caramel wings and lamb lettuce wraps alongside a wide range of vegan-friendly dishes filled with vegetables that even the most discerning carnivore would enjoy. Set in a former Cuban diner, the eclectic space combines quirky decor with a unique karaoke-equipped bathroom, ensuring a memorable meal. 

dining room with dim lighting and wood paneling.
Tam Tam’s dining room.
Tam Tam

Stubborn Seed

The solo debut of Miami’s own Top Chef winner, Jeremy Ford, Stubborn Seed is a cozy-yet-hip South of Fifth spot, turning out some of the city’s most exciting cuisine. While there is an a la carte menu with dishes like shrimp with saffron gnocchi, pan-roasted truffle chicken, and foie gras, the real highlight here is the $175, eight-course tasting menu where guests can try a bevy of classics and seasonal creations.

A table setting with a plate, a napkin rolled up and tied with a flower, flatware, and a paper menu that reads “Stubborn Seed” and the address of the restaurant.
Table setting at Stubborn Seed
Giovanny Gutierrez

Joe's Stone Crab

This 109-year-old restaurant is an institution and is thought to have started the stone crab craze that captures Miami to this day. Ordering the namesake stone crabs is a must, served with a mustard sauce that is a legend in its own right, but stone crabs aren’t the only notable item on the menu. There is something for all tastes, from an assortment of seafood dishes to steaks to its popular fried chicken. And don’t forget the sides: creamed spinach and coleslaw are favorites, but the hash browns and the roasted tomatoes are worth the order, too. Don’t want to spend time waiting? Then head next door to Joe’s Takeaway and eat the same caliber claws at home. 

A large sepia toned painting overlooks the dining room where diners sit and eat at a packed Joe’s Stone Crab.
The dining room at Joe’s Stone Crab
Bill Addison/Eater Miami

Cafe La Trova

Classic Cuban comfort food with a slightly upscale twist by James Beard award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein is on the menu at Cafe La Trova, served alongside expertly crafted Cantinero-style cocktails by Julio Cabrera and his team that consistently keep the bar on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Pop in for lunch, happy hour, or dinner, and don’t be surprised if the live music visits last longer than expected. Pro tip: visit the 305 Bar in the back room on the weekend for a Miami Vice-style 80s blast from the past.

The bar at Cafe La Trova, with red topped stools, wooden shelves filled with bottles, and a wooden countertop.
The bar at Cafe La Trova
Giovanny Gutierrez/Chat Chow TV

El Rey De Las Fritas (Multiple locations)

For more than 40 years, people have been flocking to this Little Havana spot for the original frita Cubana, packing all the Cuban-style beef, sauteed onions, and crispy shoestring fries that can fit inside a fluffy Cuban Roll. The no-frills diner-style setup offers a feeling of years past, with most of the burgers and sandwiches ringing in under $5. Complete the meal with some corn or malanga fritters for a proper experience. 

Sanguich De Miami

Sure, Cuban sandwiches aren’t exactly hard to come by in Miami. But ones that create lines out of the door? Well, that’s another story. Sanguich quickly gained a following for its modern takes on classic Cuban sandwiches like the Cubano, pan con lechon (a Cuban version of a pulled pork sandwich), pan con croqueta (ham, Swiss, and croquetas housed inside Cuban bread), and pan con bistec (a thinly cut seasoned steak sandwich topped with onions and potato sticks) that appease even the most stringent of sandwich purists. Everything inside the sandwiches, from the pork to the ham to the mustard, is made on-site. Pair the sandwiches with one of its batidos (aka milkshakes) with flavors like trigo, mamey, and banana and enjoy a proper Miami meal.

A look into the the interior of Sanguich De Miami.
The interior of Sanguich De Miami.
Giovanny Gutierrez / Eater Miami

La Mar by Gaston Acurio

Located on Brickell Key inside the Mandarin Oriental, La Mar is Gaston Acurio’s lauded Peruvian restaurant offering a combo of well-executed upscale novo-Andean fare and Asian-Peruvian fusion dishes by executive chef Diego Oka. Diners will find classics like lomo saltado, local offerings like yellowtail snapper, and several ceviche options. Make sure to grab a table on its expansive patio for some of the best views of the Miami skyline in town.

Dirty French Steakhouse

Major Food Group’s opulent and purposely over-the-top steakhouse, Dirty French Steakhouse, might be a New York City import, but this location is distinctly Miami. From the orange velvet-lined walls, animal print seating, Murano glass leaf chandelier, and gold leaf ceiling, the space oozes 80s excess — while serving as a fun foil to the traditional buttoned-up steakhouse. Guests can expect to dine on prime-aged steaks alongside dishes like mushroom millefeuille, lobster ravioli, crab cake croustillant, wedge salad, and caviar vichyssoise. 

A bar area with chairs and decadent 80s era decor and lighting.
The bar at Dirty French Steakhouse.
Kris Tamburello

LPM Miami

This chic Brickell restaurant boasts high-end French brasserie fare with Mediterranean touches. Diners can expect to dine among the socialite and business crowds, who are all in search of one thing: delicious food. Stars of the menu include the creamy burrata, fresh yellowtail carpaccio, and butter- and herb-soaked traditional escargot. Don’t forget to save room for light-as-air cheesecake.

Edge Brasserie and Cocktail Bar

After a decade in business, Edge Steak & Bar has gone through a revamp, including a new name and menu. The restaurant isn’t as meat-focused as it once was, offering a more diverse menu with various seafood, steak, and lamb dishes. Try the wagyu steak tartare, roasted oysters, or the seafood plateau. Chard cauliflower, half-roast chicken, or grilled Rohan duck are popular choices for entrees. And for dessert, the pavlova, blueberry cobbler, or guava cheesecake are highlights. And while it might be housed in the ritzy Four Seasons Miami, there’s no need for an expense account to enjoy it.

Bouchon Bistro

Chef Thomas Keller, known for Michelin-starred restaurants like the French Laundry and Per Se, has taken over the historic La Palma building, once home to the Cla-Reina Hotel, to bring Bouchon to the East Coast. The menu stays true to Bouchon’s roots, offering classic French bistro fare like steak frites, roasted chicken, escargots, mussels, and a raw bar housed in a space that features unique murals by French artist Paulin Paris, a signature of Keller’s restaurants.

steak on plate.
Steak frites from Bouchon Bistro.
David Escalante

Zitz Sum

After becoming a favorite during the COVID-19 shutdown through social media with its dumplings, “Asian-ish” restaurant Zitz Sum opened a permanent (somewhat tricky to find) outpost right in Coral Gables. Inside the small space, diners feast on creative versions of cucumber salad, charred cabbage, grilled pork chops, and hanger steak — but don’t worry, the dumplings also make the menu.

dumplings topped with scallions sit in a pool of sauce and sesame seeds
Dumplings from Zitz Sum

Luca Osteria

While the newly-reopened Eating House put chef Giorgio Rapicavoli on the culinary map — Luca Osteria is what solidified his place in Miami’s food scene for years to come. While the restaurant offers considerably more refined dishes from Rapicavoli, highlighting his Italian roots, guests can still find the irreverence and humor that made Eating House such a hit sprinkled throughout the menu. It features Italian classics updated with modern techniques and flavors on pedestrian-friendly Giralda Avenue. Think items like pappardelle with beef short rib bolognese, wagyu beef carpaccio, and bluefin tuna Caprese, alongside spruced-up versions of Italian-influenced cocktails. 

A selection of dishes including breads, meats, and sauces on white flatware arranged on a table
A selection of dishes from Luca Osteria
Luca Osteria

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Miami

High-end omakase is having a moment here in Miami, and this restaurant is at the forefront of that trend. Now housed in a permanent location in Coconut Grove, guests dine at a 10-seat counter-only space manned by a team of three chefs and one bartender. With three seatings nightly (5 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.), the 17-course meal consists strictly of nigiri with each item served as is — meaning no extras like soy sauce or wasabi. The menu changes regularly, but certain favorites have made their way to Miami, like the hamachi painted with a sweet corn pudding and topped with bread crumbs and the 1-2 Punch offering different presentations of bone marrow over two courses. 

Chef searing bone marrow at Sushi by Scratch Restaurants
Chef searing bone marrow at Sushi by Scratch Restaurants.
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants

Ariete

Led by chef Michael Beltran, this one-Michelin star Coconut Grove mainstay features a menu of inventive dishes with Cuban flair that reflects Beltran’s upbringing. Highlights include the grilled oysters drenched in bone marrow butter, aged wagyu ribeye, and a duck press meant for two. 

Fiola Miami

Possibly one of the most glamorous restaurants in Miami, this D.C. import has been wowing crowds since its debut. It showcases a menu filled with pristine seafood and pasta plates (all offered in gluten-free varieties), such as short rib agnolotti and even a pasta omakase experience. Customers will also find heartier dishes like lamb rack, branzino, and perfectly cooked steak paired with an extensive wine selection. For those looking to impress a date or celebrate a special occasion, Fiola is guaranteed to make the night memorable.

A long booth bench faced by set wooden tables and orange suede chairs.
The dining room at Fiola Miami
Giovanny Gutierrez

Ghee Indian Kitchen

This industrial-chic Indian restaurant in Kendall from Niven Patel features dishes made mainly from ingredients from Patel’s farm in Homestead, like smoked lamb neck, green millet, ghost pepper cheddar naan, and more. A three-course $65 tasting menu is also available and is a feast of the restaurant’s best items.

A wall of spices in glass spice jars
Spices on spices at Ghee Indian Kitchen
Giovanny Gutierrez

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