Miami’s vibrant and diverse restaurant scene is a culinary playground, beckoning travelers of all tastes and inclinations. Whether you’re a night owl seeking a sophisticated pre-club steakhouse experience or a family yearning for a relaxed pizza outing, Miami boasts a dining landscape capable of thrilling and satisfying every palate. From the dedicated vegan to the ardent carnivore, and with outposts of globally renowned restaurants helmed by celebrated international chefs, the city has firmly established itself as a gastronomic destination.
Restaurants in Miami stand ready to enchant visitors with an abundance of fresh seafood, a kaleidoscope of international flavors, and creative twists on beloved American classics. While delectable dining experiences can be found throughout the city, from the iconic shores of South Beach to the lush environs of Coconut Grove, this guide highlights some of the Top Restaurants to Try in Miami.
A Culinary Journey Through Miami: Discovering the Best Restaurants
This exploration delves into a curated selection of Miami’s most outstanding restaurants, each offering a unique ambiance, distinct culinary philosophy, and unforgettable dining experience. From Vietnamese-Cajun fusion to plant-based masterpieces, and from authentic Mexican street food to meticulously crafted steaks, prepare to embark on a journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. These are some of the Top Restaurants to Try in Miami.
Phuc Yea: A Fusion of Flavors in the MiMo District
Nestled off Biscayne Boulevard in the trendy MiMo District, Phuc Yea offers a tantalizing marriage of Vietnamese and Cajun cuisines, resulting in a truly unique and spice-infused dining experience. The restaurant’s name, "Phuc Yea," translates to "blessings and prosperity" in Vietnamese, a fitting moniker for a place that reimagines classic Vietnamese recipes with a bold Cajun flair.
Forget the typical Vietnamese fare; while pho makes a special appearance during happy hour, Phuc Yea’s menu boasts inventive dishes bursting with flavor. Indulge in the curried mussels, a harmonious blend of Southeast Asian spices and creamy coconut milk, or savor the smoked short rib, accompanied by a refreshing and spicy watermelon salad that cuts through the richness of the meat. The restaurant’s eclectic decor and lively atmosphere further enhance the dining experience, making it a must-visit for adventurous foodies seeking a taste of the unexpected.
- Address: 9700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, USA
- Phone: +1 305-864-8600
PLANTA South Beach: Vegan Delights in a Stylish Setting
Hailing from Toronto, PLANTA has rapidly expanded its presence in Florida, with its South Beach location earning widespread acclaim as one of the best vegan restaurants in Miami Beach. Committed to a 100% plant-based menu, PLANTA South Beach is a haven for vegans and vegetarians, offering a diverse array of delectable dishes that even the most ardent meat-eaters will appreciate.
The restaurant’s innovative sushi offerings utilize ingredients such as truffle miso and hearts of palm, while the poke bowls feature creative combinations of watermelon and beets. Beyond these imaginative creations, PLANTA also serves its signature dishes, ranging from classic veggie burgers to quesadillas crafted with creamy cashew cheese. The sleek and modern ambiance, coupled with the inventive menu, makes PLANTA South Beach a destination for those seeking sophisticated and satisfying plant-based cuisine.
- Address: 850 Commerce St, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
- Phone: +1 305-397-8513
Zuma: Japanese Izakaya Elegance in Downtown Miami
Located within the luxurious Kimpton EPIC Hotel, Zuma is the brainchild of internationally renowned chef Rainer Becker, who has successfully replicated his high-quality concept in cities like London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, and Bangkok. Zuma’s Miami outpost offers sophisticated and flavorful dishes inspired by the Japanese izakaya, an informal, pub-like dining experience.
The restaurant’s prime location in downtown Miami provides stunning riverside views from its covered terrace, which is thoughtfully air-conditioned for year-round comfort. Zuma offers a diverse menu, allowing guests to order from the main kitchen, sushi counter, or robata grill, each offering a unique culinary perspective. For a truly indulgent experience, consider Zuma’s brunch menu, which includes a selection of appetizers, sushi, sashimi, cold and hot dishes, and the option to enhance your meal with Brut Premier, Premium Sake, or Dom Perignon. Large plates like the truffle hot pot, sashimi platters, and wagyu beef dishes are also available for sharing, making Zuma a perfect choice for a memorable group dining experience.
- Address: 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131, USA
- Phone: +1 305-577-0277
Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market: A Miami River Tradition
Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market is a Miami institution, serving up the freshest seafood daily since 1966. This unique establishment operates as both a restaurant and a fish market, ensuring that only the highest quality ingredients grace your plate. Situated northwest of Downtown Miami, along the scenic Miami River, Garcia’s offers a captivating view of boats gliding by, enhancing the dining experience.
Renowned for its stone crabs, best enjoyed between October and May, Garcia’s is a reliable source for consistently fresh seafood sourced directly from the Florida coast. Choose from the daily blackboard menu, showcasing the freshest catches of the day, or indulge in house specialties like fried grouper or the famous fish dip. The menu caters to diverse appetites, offering casual lunch options like shrimp po’boy sandwiches and lobster macaroni and cheese, alongside classic seafood preparations like seared scallops. Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market embodies the essence of Miami’s seafood heritage.
- Address: 398 NW N River Dr, Miami, FL 33128-1626, USA
- Phone: +1 305-375-0765
La Sandwicherie: A Classic Miami Grab-and-Go
La Sandwicherie has been a Miami staple since 1988, serving up delicious and satisfying sandwiches from its walk-up counter. While not a traditional restaurant, La Sandwicherie offers a quintessential Miami experience. Imagine fresh French bread, juicy deli meats, and an array of cheeses, sauces, and salad toppings like ripe tomatoes and gherkins, all expertly assembled into a perfect sandwich.
Seating at the counter can be limited, but the beach is just steps away from the original location, allowing you to enjoy your sandwich with a stunning ocean view. La Sandwicherie has expanded its presence with locations in Wynwood, North Beach, and Coral Gables, making it easier than ever to grab a taste of this Miami classic.
- Address: 229 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
- Phone: +1 305-532-8934
Ms. Cheezious: Grilled Cheese Nirvana
What began as a cult-classic food truck has evolved into a brick-and-mortar store on Biscayne Boulevard, bringing grilled cheese supremacy to the masses. Ms. Cheezious’ menu is a grilled cheese lover’s dream, featuring an array of creative and indulgent combinations.
The Mackin’ Melt, a sourdough bread grilled cheese sandwich with mac ‘n’ cheese in the middle, is a testament to the restaurant’s playful approach to comfort food. Other inventive concoctions, like the Frito Pie Melt with chili, onions, and Fritos, offer a unique and satisfying twist on the classic grilled cheese. The fun, family-friendly atmosphere makes Ms. Cheezious a delightful experience for cheese lovers of all ages, inspiring you to elevate your own grilled cheese game at home.
- Address: 7418 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138, USA
- Phone: +1 305-989-4019
Lokal: Burgers with a Local Flair
Lokal takes pride in sourcing its ingredients from Florida businesses, showcasing the best of the region’s culinary offerings. All burgers are made from grass-fed meat ground in-house, ensuring the highest quality and freshness.
The restaurant’s menu features a delectable selection of burgers with creative and funky ingredients. Try the Childhood Dream Burger, a 4-ounce patty topped with American cheese, candied bacon, and a fried egg, all served on a donut bun. For a truly indulgent experience, opt for Juan’s Fidy-Fidy, a burger with a patty that’s half-beef and half-bacon, topped with even more bacon for good measure. Lokal also caters to canine companions with a dedicated Doggy Menu, offering chicken and meatloaf with a side of non-alcoholic beer designed specifically for dogs.
- Address: 3190 Commodore Plaza, Miami, FL 33133, USA
- Phone: +1 305-442-3377
Lolo’s Surf Cantina: Authentic Mexican Comfort Food
Voted "Best Tacos" by the Miami New Times, Lolo’s Surf Cantina is a vibrant and flavorful destination for authentic Mexican cuisine. Chef Richard Ampudia infuses his Mexican roots into every dish he creates, offering a menu of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican comfort food staples.
Located on Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive, Lolo’s casual and inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for meeting friends for Sunday brunch or a weeknight catch-up. The extensive menu features classic Mexican street food like churros and elote, and vegetarians can enjoy an Impossible Torta made with plant-based meat.
- Address: 161 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
- Phone: +1 786-276-0535
The River Oyster Bar: Fresh Seafood and Happy Hour Hotspot
Located in the heart of Brickell, The River Oyster Bar is a popular happy-hour destination known for its fresh Alaskan fish, locally sourced produce, and wide array of cold-water oysters. The restaurant offers a fun and lively atmosphere, perfect for gatherings with friends or casual family dinners.
Oysters are served raw or roasted, and the menu features creative and eye-catching ingredients like squid ink, pork belly, and pineapple kimchee. The restaurant works with a network of seafood purveyors, fishermen, and farmers to build its menu, and oysters are flown in from all over the country, often directly from the farms where they are raised.
- Address: 33 SE 7th St Suite 100, Miami, FL 33131, USA
- Phone: +1 305-530-1915
Cantina La Veinte: Art Deco Mexican Cuisine
Cantina La Veinte is an art deco-inspired Mexican cantina that showcases the diverse regions and styles of cuisine found throughout Mexico. Located in Brickell, this restaurant offers a full menu of classic dishes, from tacos to prime rib and ceviche, catering to appetites of all sizes.
The tortillas are handmade, and the salsas are blended in a traditional molcajete. While Cantina La Veinte offers classic flavors and dishes, the kitchen also incorporates high-tech gastronomy techniques like vacuum cooking and spherification.
- Address: 33 SE 7th St Suite 100, Miami, FL 33131, USA
- Phone: +1 305-530-1915
Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina: Upscale Comfort Food
Located within the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina offers an upscale experience with traditional late-night eats. Compared to the other restaurants in the Fontainebleau, Pizza & Burger is more casual, offering a wide variety of mouthwatering comfort food.
The Hippie Chick burger is a staple choice, featuring your choice of burger served with grilled eggplant, halloumi cheese, and a stack of potato chips for crunch. Pizza & Burger is a great way to end, or start, a night out in Miami Beach.
- Address: 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
- Phone: +1 305-674-4636
Etzel Itzik Deli: A Taste of Israel
If you’re craving Israeli street food, Etzel Itzik on the Dixie Highway near North Miami Beach is a must-visit. This authentic Israeli restaurant offers a true and delicious taste of the Middle East, from its schnitzel and kebabs to the shawarma.
The walls are plastered with photographs, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Don’t leave without trying the shakshuka, a popular Israeli breakfast dish of sunny-side-up eggs and tomato sauce.
- Address: 18757 Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33180, USA
- Phone: +1 305-937-1546
Edge Steak & Bar: Modern Steakhouse Elegance
Located inside the Four Seasons Hotel Miami in Brickell, Edge Steak & Bar is a modern steakhouse with a classically delicious menu. Executive chef Aaron Brooks cooks up a variety of high-quality cuts, from filet mignon to New York strip steaks.
Ingredients are sourced from local farms and businesses, and the restaurant offers a variety of menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, and bar bites. Vegetarians can enjoy a charred cauliflower steak, ensuring a flavorful experience for everyone.
- Address: Four Seasons Hotel Miami, 1435 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131, USA
- Phone: +1 305-381-3190
Sugar Factory Miami: Candy-Coated Delights
With locations worldwide, Sugar Factory knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth. The Miami location, inside the Victor Hotel on Ocean Drive, excites with its kid-friendly menu and candy-coated milkshakes.
Adults can indulge in creative burgers like the Waffle Breakfast Burger, an eight-ounce beef patty between two waffles, topped with a full breakfast, and drenched in warm maple syrup and gravy. For groups, the King Kong Sundae features 24 scoops of ice cream and every topping imaginable.
- Address: 1060 Ocean Dr 1st Floor, Miami Beach, FL 33139-5014, USA
Andiamo!: Brick Oven Pizza Creations
For an adventurous pizza experience, head to Andiamo! in the MiMo District on Biscayne Boulevard. This restaurant offers brick-oven pizza that you can design yourself, hailed by many as the best in Miami.
Try signature pizza combinations like the Bella Bambina, topped with pancetta, caramelized onions, and smoked gouda, or the Godfather, packed with Italian sausage, pepperoni, meatballs, peppers, mushrooms, and olives. Andiamo! also offers homemade meatballs, sandwiches, and paninis.
- Address: 5600 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137, USA
- Phone: +1 305-762-5751
Conclusion: Savoring the Flavors of Miami
Miami’s culinary landscape is a vibrant and ever-evolving tapestry of flavors, influences, and dining experiences. From hidden gems to internationally acclaimed establishments, the city offers something to satisfy every palate and preference. This guide to the Top Restaurants to Try in Miami provides a starting point for exploring the city’s diverse culinary scene, encouraging you to discover your own favorite spots and create unforgettable dining memories. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from afar, prepare to be captivated by the gastronomic delights that await in the Magic City.
