The 40 best restaurants in Miami

What is it? Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford’s edgy neighborhood restaurant doles inspired new American cuisine you’ll be craving long after your meal.

Why we love it: Besides earning a Michelin star, Stubborn Seed has the kind of wow factor you don’t see often in these parts of South Beach, where it’s all sparklers and velvet ropes (yes, even at restaurants). There’s a thoughtful subtleness to Ford’s cooking, which we find at once unconventional and familiar. 

Time Out tip: Never dined at Stubborn? Book a Friday or Saturday evening, when the eight-course chef’s tasting menu is served—a no-brainer for any first-timer at Stubborn Seed.

What is it? This family-owned, Nikkei-inspired restaurant grew from a humble stall in the neighborhood’s food hall, Mia Market, to a prime location in the Design District’s Palm Court. 

Why we love it: Itamae 2.0 is a glittering example of innovative Peruvian cooking, where the possibilities for raw fish are seemingly endless. You’ll find a variety of cebiches and other staples of South American cuisine, though our greatest obsession are the conchitas a la parmesana (stacked with fish, charred scallops and avocado). Each order offers four deliciously messy bites that make it snow parmesan flakes as you try to stuff one in your mouth. Getting it everywhere is actually half the fun. 

What is it? Thomas Keller’s restaurant inside the Four Seasons Surf Club is a shining example of the quality and elegance the chef is known for.

Why we love it: From the tightly edited classic American menu to the midcentury stylings to the special moments afforded by the numerous tableside preparations available, it’s all class, baby. It’s not stuffy though, as classic rock and dim lights give the warm space a lounge feel. Go in knowing you’re going to spend a fortune but it’ll all be worth it for shareable dishes like the flaky beef wellington that’s baked and carved to order.

What is it? A cross between an L.A. strip-mall gem and a cozy, narrow Brooklyn dive, Boia De sits on the edge of Little Haiti, where it serves modern American dishes with a few that lean Italian.

Why we love it: Chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer pour themselves into this place, constantly reinventing the classics. The beef tartare, for example, is topped with a crunchy shallot-garlic concoction as well as capers, which are fried for a burst of briny flavor, and then the whole thing is smothered in a yummy tonnato sauce, a tuna-based Italian condiment that holds everything together like some kind of fancy picnic salad. The pasta is fresh and the wine list is superb, offering a few skin-contact options to coax you out of your comfort zone.

What is it? At Ariete in Coconut Grove, Michael Beltran flourishes at the intersection of homestyle Cuban cooking and contemporary fine dining. He takes familiar dishes up a notch with high-low ingredient pairings that never feel too forced: From grilled oysters with bone marrow and uni butter to truffle chicken with tamal en cazuela, it all kind of makes sense. 

Why we love it: Few restaurants can prepare a duck in as many ways or with the same level of precision. But then again, offer a tableside pressed duck experience like Ariete.

What is it? Zitz Sum is a modern, Asian-inspired restaurant in Coral Gables.

Why go? Chef and owner Pablo Zitzmann started his solo dumpling business during lockdown, and we couldn’t be happier for his success. Zitz Sum is now a brick-and-mortar in Coral Gables, which means we can pop in at any time for his hand-rolled dumplings, scallion pancakes and other Asian-influenced dishes. Zitzmann, who’s of German-Mexican heritage, lets his creativity run free with unexpected pairings like charred cabbage with habanero butter and wonton in brodo with chicken and foie gras. 

What is it? Gastón Acurio’s renowned Peruvian restaurant inside the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, where the supremely talented Diego Oka runs the show.

Why we love it: It takes serious talent to skillfully execute the complicated raw dishes La Mar puts out daily, and chef Oka’s got it in droves. His precision and technique are on display in every ceviche and tiradito adorned by foams and edible flowers. La Mar’s waterfront patio is another sight for sore eyes, offering diners a 360-degree vista of Downtown and Brickell. Swoon.

Time Out tip: La Mar's epic weekend brunch is back and it's one of the best values in town as far as high-end experiences go. Diners get their choice of entreé in addition to the sprawling buffet, featuring individually portioned ceviche and other raw-bar favorites. There's also an anticucho station and a build-your-own sancocho bar sure to cure even the most hungover souls. 

What is it? Styled after the striking white-and-blue paint seen in Cycladic landscapes, Mandolin is a dreamy outdoor eatery serving traditional Greek food.

Why we love it: There’s no better date spot. The menu of shareable dishes—think mezzes, baskets of freshly baked pita bread and a fresh whole grilled fish for two—helps play up the romantic atmosphere. Mandolin’s satisfying homemade sangria really evokes the feeling of an island vacation, but don’t take too many sips: You might just confuse its whitewashed exterior for Santorini.

What is it? After a brilliant lockdown pivot to an outdoor steakhouse in Little River, the Downtown bar and restaurant returns with a redesigned dining room and new Michelin Bib Gourmand award.

Why we love it: Synergetic owners Chef Carey Hynes and bar director Will Thompson manage to complement each other each step of the way. There’s no fino martini without an order of the market crudo, no Madame Butterfly without the Parker house rolls and no Very Strong Baby without a heaping bowl of spicy rigatoni to make sure you’re not a Very Drunk Diner.

Time Out tip: There are three parts to the perfect meal at Jaguar Sun: a martini, a pasta and an ice cream sandwich. Everything else is the cherry on top.

What is it? James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz’s premier restaurant in the Design District is one of those iconic Miami institutions that you’re supposed to like, and you invariably will.

Why we love it: Even putting buzz, accolades, celebrity sightings and longevity aside, the Design District staple still wows us after 16 years. It's even more impressive now following a renovation that saw it expand its footprint, widen its bar seating and grow its menu to reflect current dining trends—think a grilled pork collar prepared Sicilian-style and beets and a grilled maitake mushroom "shawarma" served with herbed yogurt and pickled onion.

The food and atmosphere walk the line between casual and showy, making it the perfect standby for a quick happy-hour cocktail, a business lunch of crispy duck confit, or a date-night dinner of oysters, wood-oven snapper and pour upon pour of wine.

What is it? This regional Mexican restaurant in Coconut Grove takes its tortillas, and just about everything else it does, very seriously.

Why we love it: For starters, the tortillas here are made from imported Mexican corn ground by a volcano rock in a molino. Then there's the blooming carpaccio of beets that resembles a springtime flower and the blue corn quesadilla with multi-colored squash blossoms fanning out from the opening. Be it vegan, vegetarian, or meaty pibil, every single dish shows immense attention to detail.  

Time Out tip: On weekends, enjoy your brunch as a DJ spins vinyl records. The restaurant is perfectly situated for primo Coconut Grove people watching from the tree-shaded sidewalk.

What is it? At Ghee, critically acclaimed chef Niven Patel doles out farm-to-table Southeast Asian food good enough to get folks to the ’burbs for dinner.

Why we love it: Patel grows about a quarter of his ingredients at his Rancho Patel in Homestead. And the whole operation is a family affair: His mother and mother-in-law can be seen whipping up smoked lamb neck, crispy cauliflower and steamed green millet, and other specialties in the open kitchen. The dishes are seasonal, the curries are made fresh, and the naan is so flavorful, it should really be savored on its own.

What is it? NIU Kitchen chef Deme Lomas and wine director Karina Iglesias’s Catalonian gem is located deep in Downtown Miami. The compact restaurant outgrew its original location (which they've since converted into a lovely hole-in-the-wall wine bar dubbed NIU Wine) and has since expanded to a roomier setting next door.

Why we love it: There’s a seasonal lineup of bold tapas and flame-grilled mains, like the delicate branzino tartare served with a white garlic soup and pan-seared foie over honey bread and fruit. While delicious pa amb tomàquet (the traditional rustic bread with vine-ripened tomatoes, olive oil and salt), bottles of natural wines and something starring a running yolk like the ous—a creamy bowl of poached eggs, truffled potato foam, jamón ibérico and black truffle—are always a given.

What is it? The Miami outpost of this Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse from New York City is every bit worth the splurge—and splurge you will.

Why we love it? Cote brings a new level of dining experience to Miami, one that’s upscale but approachable and with a high-end menu that’s still got plenty of heart. The tables are equipped with smokeless charcoal grills, where servers cook your dry-aged beef for you. Lest you forget the caliber of the restaurant, there’s no chance you’re going home smelling like you’ve been on the ‘cue yourself. (We can’t say the same about other Korean barbecue joints we’ve frequented.)

Time Out tip: First time? The Butcher’s Feast tasting experience is a great way to sample the restaurant’s heavy hitters for an accessible $64 per person. It’ll leave plenty of room in the budget to savor one of the excellent craft cocktails, such as the Esteban, a super smooth mezcal negroni.

What is it? This enchanting import from London draws on the Mediterranean for inspiration, serving a medley of seafood plates alongside a smattering of Provençal dishes you might find on the French Riviera.

Why we love it? Try the escargot, the whole sea bream baked en papillote and the french fries, which are made with as much care as the entrées. In fact, the spuds cook for hours, going from boiling pot to fryer to oven. 

Time Out tip: The fresh tomato and bread service will catch you off guard if it’s your first time dining at LPM, but don’t be afraid grab a knife and slice right in.

What is it? Stephen Starr’s fancy pants Japanese restaurant inside the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops.

Why we love it: Hello, freshness! Makoto dishes out top-quality seafood, from its sashimi platter and its sushi to its heaping crab salad. With the verdant corridors of the Bal Harbour Shops as the backdrop for its patio and a spicy tuna crispy rice that trumps all other versions of the trendy sushi starter, Makoto wins for its mix of crave-worthy dishes and relaxed, tropical atmosphere.

What is it? Its smash-hit food truck was a favorite among those whose preferred Saturday morning activity was waiting in line for food. Now, El Bagel’s brick-and-mortar is the chosen breakfast pilgrimage of people with incredible patience.

Why we love it: Takeout at this small MiMo shop can take up to two hours but no one craving a fresh, NYC-style hand-rolled bagel can resist. The B.E.C. with Proper Sausages bacon, egg, and cheese and the avo smash with a mound of fresh sprouts are day-one favorites you can still get at the shop. 

What is it? Luca is Giorgio Rapicavoli’s delicious salute to his home country, serving up modern interpretations of Italian classics.

Why we love it: We know this is a restaurant list, but we’re going to lead with cocktails. Luca’s impressive list of Italian standards and reinvented classics deserves serious praise. We can never decide between the banana espresso martini or the Portofino, which is his take on a dirty with a delicate drizzle of super high-quality olive oil. Naturally, we get them both. The same goes for the pasta—from the tangy al limone and the cheesy cacio e pepe to the rich short rib bolognese, you’ll want to order several when you dine here. 

What is it? A modern take on a Cuban cafeteria, this Little Havana counter sells pressed sandwiches, croquetas and a handful of hearty, quick bites.

Why we love it: Sanguich infuses the proud Cubano with house-made ingredients, such as cured ham, brined pork, fresh pickles and artisanal mustard. (Hell, even the doughy bread is made to Sanguich’s strict specifications.) Obviously, the best Cubano in Miami resides here. Plus, its Cuban version of nachos—with fried plantain strips and garlic aioli sauce—is utterly out of this world.

What is it? The Rubell Museum’s onsite restaurant offers a delightful journey through Spain’s Basque country, from the wines and the dishes to the signature burnt cheesecake.

Why we love it: Miami has quite a few Spanish restaurants but few with a focus on Basque cooking, which is pretty special based on our experiences at Leku. Their take on the cuisine is refined, ingredient-driven and occasionally playful—think short rib sliders on milk buns and 5 Jotas Iberico ham on an airy bread you crack with the back of a spoon to enjoy. Leku is even more ideal for a bite before or after a visit to the Rubell.

Time Out tip: Leku became the first restaurant in South Florida to boast an outdoor double Josper grill. The high-powered contraption doles out a chateaubriand for two, double lamb chops, picanha and other prime cuts of meat. Carnivores, prepare to feast.

What is it? Chef Michael Pirolo’s South Beach trattoria with a newly minted garden patio.

Why we love it: It’s the familiar rustic Italian dishes that do us in here. Get handmade pasta served with lamb ragú, tossed with clams or served simply with garlic and olive oil to enjoy outdoors or at home now that the restaurant introduced delivery.

What is it? The picnic table and smoker setup still feels very much like a pop-up, but this pandemic-era creation from former KYU chef Raheem Sealey is serving up South Florida’s best barbecue. Drinking Pig has avoided strict regional styles, instead putting out barbecue as imagined by talented chefs unbounded by the limits of tradition.

Why go? Moist and tender brisket, just a bit of fat clinging to that pink-hued meat; smoky wings tossed in a mustard sauce; sausage with a crunchy exterior and spicy inside; and baby back ribs so succulent they slide off the bone before making it to your mouth.

Time Out tip: Don't skip Sealey’s red sauce, which we simply couldn’t figure out, no matter how many times we tried to deduce what was in it. There’s soy and Korean gochujang paste, and yet it just tastes like a great American barbecue sauce, complicated and spicy, a bit sweet, tangy and faultless.

What is it? A retail shop for books and bottles, a wine bar and café for sipping and dining day to night, a bakery doling out wholesome goods and an urban garden adjacent to a charming patio with seating. Bianca Sanon, the lead wine sommelier for the project, presents a tightly edited selection of low-intervention wines, while Ben Yen puts out wine-friendly plates, including various spreads and slices of sourdough pizza.

Why we love it: There’s a true sense of nostalgia and reverence for the way things were here. The $3 pizza by the slice made with ingredients like charred scallion cream and pork fat chili oil is a phenomenally delicious example of Paradis’ pared-back approach to food and drink.

Time Out tip: Browse the assortment of new and used books spanning salient subjects like Black studies and queer identity, plus zines and novels from small publishers—all ideal for inspiring thought-provoking conversations while you sip.

What is it? Motek rivals the hip cafés of Tel Aviv with its bright, inviting indoor/outdoor space at Aventura Mall (plus locations in Downtown and Coral Gables) and stacked menu of authentic Israeli delights.

Why we love it: From crispy falafel and juicy schnitzel to fresh salad and creamy house-made hummus, the fast-casual spot does street food with care, leaning into the spice-driven cuisine for simple, flavorful dishes you can enjoy at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Getting a late start to the day? Motek serves an all-day breakfast, including our favorite shakshuka—made with just enough heat to kickstart your day.

What is it? Old Greg’s was born out of the pandemic when chef Greg Tetzner and PR pro Jackie Richie started selling square pizzas out of their house made from a much-loved sourdough starter they named Old Greg. That transitioned first to a takeout pizza phenomenon in a shuttered Design District bar and then, finally, to its own brick-and-mortar shop.

Why we love it: Ordering here can still feel a bit chaotic. But, along with an expanded menu of salads and binge-worthy hoagies, Tetzner is still slinging the handsome, grandma-style pies that first blew up Instagram during lockdowns. These things are absolutely crammed with toppings like zucchini and burrata, lamb sausage with tahini and the O.G. Roni with hot honey and a whole lot of curled-up pepperoni cups.

What is it? South Florida’s most famous restaurant, Joe’s (which turned 100 in 2013) is as much a Miami must-see as Ocean Drive.

Why go: It's no secret that Joe's serves the best stone crabs in Miami, but there's also the garlic creamed spinach, Lyonnaise potatoes, coleslaw and Joe's salad. If you don’t like seafood, try the insanely inexpensive fried chicken, or the liver and onions. Joe’s doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared for a horrendously long wait, first to register your name, then for a table. 

Time Out tip: Joe's finally takes reservations via Resy. Availability is limited but it beats staring down the hostess for hours while you wait.

What is it? Converted from a 1930s gas station, this is a genuine oyster bar, with the marquee to prove it.

Why we love it: Find the day’s Atlantic and Pacific bivalves listed on a retro signboard that’s perched above the counter, where you can take a load off and watch all the shucking action. The casual space has a definite diner feel, but with much better food: Overflowing with chunks of buttery claw meat, the Connecticut-style lobster roll comes complete with house-made potato chips.

What is it? Zak Stern’s eponymous bakery and certified-Kosher sandwich shop in Wynwood is ground zero for all things sourdough.

Why we love it: Stern’s bread is a well-known team player in sandwiches and toasts at countless other restaurants. But his own intricate breakfast sammies are in a class of their own, with ingredients like alfalfa sprouts and heirloom tomatoes. We’re also big fans of the spectacular bagel platters, classic deli-style food and the rotating vegan soup. Delivery and takeout are available as is dine-in service at its recently expanded patio.

What is it? James Beard Award-nominated chef Niven Patel (of Ghee Indian Kitchen) takes us on an island tour with a smattering of dishes inspired by his travels through French Polynesia, Asia and the Caribbean.

Why we love it: Getting to experience Patel’s range in the kitchen is a real treat. He ventures far away from the flavors we’re used to yet the food is still undeniably his. He stuffs the menu with as many locally grown ingredients as he can, most of which hs sources from his very own farm in Homestead. Dishes don’t skimp on spices but everything is well-balanced so you’ll never feel like you’ve been hit in the face by sofrito. If there’s one thing you must order, it’s the Ghee roasted plantains. We won’t spoil the surprise, so that’s all we’ll say.

Time Out tip: Mamey on 3rd is the restaurant’s third-floor rooftop bar, where you can order bites and drinks and watch the sunset. It’s a dreamy introduction to the cuisine if it’s your first time.

What is it? A steakhouse for nonbelievers, Bourbon keeps things casual with a sleek wraparound bar and a lounge where snug booths and high-top tables are available sans reservations.

Why we love it: The menu sticks to tried-and-true standards: a crisp wedge salad, a tuna tartare that’s finished tableside, and myriad cuts of prime Angus beef and wagyu. Don’t overlook the burger, which pairs perfectly with the free (and unlimited!) duck-fat fries, served in lieu of the usual bread basket.

What is it? A popular Overtown pop-up restaurant owned by husband and wife Akino and Jamila West that's reemerged as Rosie’s: The Backyard, an expansive courtyard where guests can dine under the cover of large Banyan trees. The all-day menu includes standouts such as deviled eggs topped with crispy chicharrones and chines; burrata topped with fresh mango from the Wests’ own backyard as well as wildflower honey; and a hangover-curing pastrami hash with sweet potato sformato, charred green onion gremolata and goat cheese.

Why we love it: Have you ever had a meal so memorable you countdown the days until you can have it again? It happened to us the day we tried Rosie’s wild mushroom polenta for the first time, and we’ve been looking forward to it ever since.

What is it? James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, her chef/restaurateur husband David Martinez, and internationally acclaimed cantinero Julio Cabrera partner up on this charming Cuban restaurant. 

Why go? A nostalgia-tinged aesthetic meets a modern-day Cuban menu, serving serrano ham croquetas, Cuban sandwich empanadas and skirt steak ropa vieja that gives Abuela's a run for its money. It's where you'll find Miami's best arroz con Pollo and Miami's best mojito—the only two reasons you need to venture out to Little Havana. Though if you needed a third, La Trova features live music nearly every night.

What is it? Brace for full Florida kitsch at this irreverent Downtown bar and restaurant steeped in all the things that make our great state weird and amusing.

Why we love it: Over Under is home to one of the best cheeseburgers in Miami, plus a few more things that chef James McNeal does very well. The thoroughly Floridian menu touts local ingredients, such as gulf oysters served on the half-shell and a wahoo smoked fish dip. Keep an eye on the restaurant's Instagram, where they announce can't-miss food specials and limited-time collaborations.

What is it? Chef Eileen Andrade’s Cuban-fusion gastropub serves up craft cocktails and creative Latin/Asian dishes way out in West Kendall.

Why go? This neighborhood restaurant sits outside of Miami’s culinary epicenter but that doesn’t mean folks aren’t driving west in search of chef Andrade’s signature stick-to-your-ribs creations. Her menu is expansive, with hints of Asia, Latin America and, of course, Cuba. Her grandparents founded the iconic Islas Canarias restaurant, home to some of Miami’s best croquetas, which she also serves at Finka. First time? We suggest the braised oxtail pizza or the Korean chicken fried rice for a taste of what Finka’s truly all about.

What is it? Chef Bas’s compact restaurant in Little Havana is a delicious ode to his native Thailand. 

Why we love it: You will most definitely have to stand in line for the curries, but trust us: Every single one of them is worth it. Part of the schtick here is that you’re only allowed to order your food once, so make sure the pad see ew with beef (a stir-fry with thick rice noodles) and the khao soi gai (a golden curry) find their way to your table. You’ll want to slurp up the latter like a soup to get every last drop.

Time Out tip: Don't let the line discourage you. Put your name down and grab a beer or glass of wine from inside to enjoy on the sidewalk while you wait.

What is it? Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s first Miami restaurant continues the Southern stylings of its Harlem flagship but with more Caribbean-flare thanks, in no small part, to the city’s flourishing Haitian community. For diners, that means a menu peppered with light and bright local veggies, seafood native to South Florida and a number of Caribbean specialties—think a jerk-spiced, rum-glazed whole chicken—served alongside Southern classics such as a spicy honey fried yardbird and a jambalaya and grits that’s too good to pass up.

Why we love it: Formerly Clyde Killen’s Pool Hall, the restaurant’s upstairs lounge area also functions as a cultural space showcasing exhibitions, performances and weekly, thematic celebrations. The curation is conducted by co-owner Derek Fleming, who is intentional about taking stock of Overtown’s rich history and using it to inform Red Rooster’s cultural programming.

What is it? Second only to Pizza Rustica for late-night bingeing, South Beach’s original gourmet sandwich bar caters to a fabulous mix of clubbers, drinkers, limo drivers and tattoo artists, along with anyone else who appreciates a well-made prosciutto and mozzarella, ham and turkey, or veggie sandwich on a fresh baguette.

Why we love it: La Sandwicherie is a Miami institution, helmed by founders Franz and Elise since 1988. Though the French sandwich shop and its addictive vinaigrette have expanded to throughout Miami, its original location remains on Miami Beach, as well as its second-oldest location in Brickell.

What is it? This is the second location of Vinya Wine & Market, a relaxed wine shop and bistro which quickly became a favorite of Key Biscayners after it opened there in 2021. The Coral Gables location is decidedly more restaurant than shop, with a highly romantic dining room and instant-classic dishes like smoked burrata with rainbow beet carpaccio, bacon-wrapped dates with cantimpalo chorizo and goat cheese, and four cheese gnocchi with crispy guanciale.

Why we love it: True to its roots, the wine list here should please every level of drinker. There are plenty of bottles and by-the-glass options from the expensive stuff, like $125 per pour from a 2001 Barolo that tastes of cherries and pepper. But it’s also totally approachable for the wine novices, with affordable glasses the menu describes in charming, sometimes pretty hilarious ways: for instance, an orange wine from Sardinia that’s “not super orangey” and a red blend that demands “shut up and drink me!”

Time Out tip: If the spirited resident somm Allegra Angelo is around, ask for her recommendations. Either way, peruse the shop shelves for something to take home on your way out. Unlike some shops, prices and tasting notes are displayed among the shop's curated bottles, snacks and wares.

What is it? Dubbed the “Casa de Masa,” this beachfront Mexican spot is known for its signature blue masa tortillas and pared-down, street-style tacos.

Why we love it: Taquiza keeps it simple, with a high-quality base that doesn't need much to help it shine. In fact, it might shock some people that the tacos here are really only stuffed with meat—think al pastor and carne asada—and topped with a sprinkling of fresh onions and cilantro, with ample sauces on the side. The main attraction, though, are the totopos, a style of corn tortilla chips that originates in Mexico’s Oaxaca region. Crispy yet chewy, salty and fresh from the fryer, they pair perfectly with a side of guac and a refreshing michelada.

Time Out tip: Taquiza has a second outpost in South Beach, on 13th Street and Collins Avenue.

What is it? Versailles in Little Havana bills itself as Miami’s most famous Cuban restaurant—and they’re not lying.

Why we love it: This place is slammed at all hours of the day (now outdoors under a widespread tent). If you’re visiting, tick off every Cuban thing from your Miami bucket list—coffee, sandwich and pastelito. If you live here, you’re probably well acquainted with the ventanita dispensing thimbles of addictive cafecito.