Miami is famous for its flavorful melting pot of Latin, Caribbean, and European cuisines. With so many tasty restaurant options, it can be hard to narrow done where to eat. However, there is no shortage of incredible, award-winning eateries and world-class dining experiences in Miami catering to every taste and palate.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| McLoughlin’s Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill | Seafood | Beach bar vibe with fresh seafood and views of Biscayne Bay |
| Zuma Miami | Japanese | Internationally-acclaimed sushi and Japanese dishes with a vibrant ambiance |
| Azul | Fusion | Latin and Caribbean influences with fresh seasonal ingredients |
| Pubbelly Sushi | Asian-Latin Fusion | Innovative sushi rolls and dishes in a chic setting |
| CVI.CHE 105 | Peruvian | Extensive menu of traditional and fusion Peruvian dishes |
| Yardbird Southern Table and Bar | Southern | Comfort food with a modern twist and craft cocktails |
| Planta South Beach | Plant-Based | Elegant plant-based dining with creative dishes |
| Boia De | Italian-Argentinian | Fire-based cooking with simple, flavorful dishes |
| Habitat at 1 Hotel South Beach | Sustainable | Farm-to-table fare in an eco-conscious setting |
| Miami River Oyster Bar | Seafood | Fresh oysters and seafood with industrial-chic ambiance |
| Cafe La Trova | Cuban | Latin gastropub with 1940s Cuba charm and live music |
| NAOE Miami | Japanese | Exclusive omakase with premium ingredients and intimate setting |
| La Mar by Gaston Acurio | Peruvian | Authentic Peruvian cuisine with an emphasis on ceviche |
From fresh seafood to exotic fusions, this list highlights the top restaurants that should be on any foodie’s itinerary while visiting the Magic City.
McLoughlin’s Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill
Name and Location: McLoughlin’s Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill has multiple locations across South Florida including Miami. The South Beach location is located at 909 Ocean Drive.
History and Significance: The Flanigan family opened the first Flanigan’s in 1959, focusing on fresh seafood at affordable prices. Now part of the McLoughlin restaurant group, Flanigan’s is a well-known local restaurant chain in South Florida.
What to Expect: This is a casual restaurant and bar known for seafood dishes like their famous grouper sandwiches plus salads, burgers and drinks in a lively sports bar atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Hours are 11am-2am daily, with happy hour specials 4pm-7pm. Reservations not accepted. Kid-friendly with a kids menu available.
Since 1970, Flanigan’s has served high-quality and meticulously prepared seafood to hungry locals and tourists alike. It’s the quintessential chilled-out beach bar and grill done right with gleaming open-air windows overlooking Biscayne Bay. Flanigan’s built their reputation on succulent peel and eat shrimp along with their crowd-pleasing specialties like the fried haddock sandwich layered with savory crab meat on a toasted brioche bun or the deliciously simple blackened mahi-mahi fillet. Of course, no respectable seafood joint would be complete without Flanigan’s famous delicious house drank — their positively addictive “flanimals” frozen drink. Friendly staff, super-fresh seafood and stunning views of the glittering bay and Miami skyline make Flanigan’s an enduring go-to destination.
Zuma Miami
Name and Location: Zuma Miami is an upscale Japanese fusion restaurant located at 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, at the EPIC Hotel in downtown Miami.
History and Significance: Zuma brings contemporary style Japanese izakaya dining to Miami as an international outpost of the popular London-based Zuma restaurants founded by chef Rainer Becker in 2002.
What to Expect: Zuma Miami offers hip modern Japanese cuisine centered around robata grilling alongside sushi rolls, sake and specialty cocktails in a chic, vibrant setting.
Visitor Information: Zuma Miami is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended, dress code enforced. Valet parking available through the EPIC Hotel.
For a sublime sushi and Japanese dining experience, look no further than internationally-acclaimed Zuma located at the exclusive Epic Hotel. As soon as you enter, the vibrance and energy embrace you as vivid backlighting illuminates an exquisite suspension bridge leading to the main dining room where sleek, glittering décor captivates guests. Renowned head chef Rainer Becker expertly crafts unique Japanese and Peruvian-influenced dishes showcasing only pristine ingredients like truffle salmon or fiery Wagyu tacos. The menu dazzles with multiple pages highlighting only the finest sushi, sashimi and hand rolls available. Don’t miss out on Zuma’s daily-changing ceviche and tiradito offerings displayed enticingly on perfect beds of ice. The ultimate vibe and impeccable globally-inspired cuisine makes Zuma an unforgettable dining event.
Azul
Name and Location: Azul at Mandarin Oriental Miami is a fine-dining restaurant located on Brickell Key at 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL.
History and Significance: Azul offers exquisite dining with beautiful waterfront views since opening in 2000 inside Miami’s exclusive Mandarin Oriental hotel. Executive chef Prayogg Irizarry spotlights seasonal Latin ingredients.
What to Expect: The extensive wine list complements the menu’s locally-sourced seafood, meat and vegetarian entrees served alongside Biscayne Bay views in an elegant atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Azul serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with an upscale dress code. Reservations are recommended. Valet parking available through the Mandarin Oriental hotel.
Nestled on Miami’s celebrated Mandarin Oriental Resort overlooking Biscayne Bay, Azul offers sophisticated dining courtesy of James Beard “Best Chef South” winner Dean Max. The elegant waterfront setting under breezy lanai-covered patios provides unparalleled romantic ambiance. In tropical enjoyment, diners taste Executive Chef Max’s modern menu which artfully combines Latin and Caribbean influences using Florida’s freshest seasonal bounty. For the ultimate experience, trust the chef and try Max’s exquisite eight-course tasting menu showcasing his incredible range and talents. With standout service…
Pubbelly Sushi
Name and Location: Pubbelly Sushi has multiple Miami area locations featuring Japanese-Latin fusion sushi. The South Beach location is at 1424 20th Street, Miami Beach.
History and Significance: Helmed by executive chef/owner Jose Mendin, Pubbelly Sushi combines inventive sushi rolls with a lively atmosphere at its many South Florida locations since opening its original eatery in 2012.
What to Expect: Creative sushi rolls feature Latin-inspired flavors alongside specialty cocktails. The buzzing vibe coupled with rock music makes it a hip sushi happy hour and dining spot.
Visitor Information: Hours are 12-11pm daily. South Beach location does not take reservations but all have walk-in seating available. Street parking or garages available.
Brought to you by the creators of popular eatery Pubbelly, this uber-hip Asian-Latin fusion hotspot takes sushi to the next level. Pubbelly Sushi’s chic industrial-style interiors lined with modern black fixtures and pops of crimson make the perfect backdrop for innovative rolls like You’re My Everything featuring spicy salmon, jalapeño, cilantro and sweet chili sauce or fan favorite Good Mood Food – a party on your palate with tuna, yellowtail, avocado, cucumber and crunchy tempura. East meets Southwest in surprising dishes like Baja Tuna made with tempura fried fish, ghost pepper and special pink sauce. From happy hour to late night dining, Pubbelly Sushi brings the flavor, fun and sexy atmosphere quintessential to the Miami scene.
CVI.CHE 105
Name and Location: CVI.CHE 105 is located at 105 Northeast 3rd Avenue in downtown Miami’s residential high-rise Paraiso Bayviews.
History and Significance: Led by Peru native Chef Juan Chipoco, CVI.CHE 105 spotlights authentic Peruvian seafood cuisine trends since its 2014 opening inside Paraiso Bayviews. Known as one of Miami’s top ceviche eateries.
What to Expect: CVI.CHE 105 offers inspired Latin seafood dishes like ceviche, tiraditos and seafood entrees served tapas-style alongside specialty Peruvian cocktails and extensive South American wine lists in a modern setting.
Visitor Information: Reservations recommended, business casual dress code. Valet parking available through Paraiso Bayviews building. Lunch and dinner daily, plus weekend brunch.
For an immersive trip to Peru without leaving Miami Beach, CVI.CHE 105 transports guests through cuisine, decor and sound. Named after the Peruvian Constitutional Act of 1826, the vision behind this restaurant originates from an immense sense of pride in Peruvian culture and heritage. Dining exceeds expectations beginning with an extensive menu divided by altitude including dishes from the Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest and Pacific seaside. Traditional bites like cause catfish skewers or don cebiche with leche de tigre dressing mingle alongside fusion plates such as octopus anticuchos or corvina tiradito. Each bite bursts with bright flavor and textures unearthed only in Peru. Whether enjoying a drink alfresco or sampling through the 5-course tasting menu, CVI.CHE 105 offers a vibrant escape into distinctive Latin history.
Yardbird Southern Table and Bar
Name and Location: Yardbird Southern Table & Bar is located at 1600 Lenox Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida.
History and Significance: Founded in 2011 by chef Jeff McInnis, Yardbird offers modern southern comfort food at multiple locations in South Beach, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The Miami Beach flagship inside the historical Lenox Hotel blends southern hospitality, food and drinks in a lively setting.
What to Expect: Signature southern dishes like fried green tomatoes, chicken & waffles, and “yardbird” fried chicken are served alongside inventive cocktails using regional bourbons, whiskies and spirits in a welcoming, family-style atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Open daily 11:30am-midnight, reservations recommended. Located in Miami Beach near popular Lummus Park. Street and valet parking available.
The key to quintessential Southern cooking lies in perfecting comfort food, which is exactly what Yardbird accomplishes. This lively and welcoming eatery built in a former warehouse blends farmhouse chic with urban Miami flair thanks to reclaimed wood interior accents, white marble tables and hanging Edison-style lightbulbs. Yardbird keeps it real with stick-to-your-ribs soul food like crispy fried green tomatoes, duck confit, cheddar grits and the restaurant’s namesake dish: impossibly moist charcoal-roasted half Cornish game hens served with seasonal vegetable succotash. And don’t forget the impressive craft cocktail menu or seasonal hand-churned ice creams for dessert rounding out the homey meal. At Yardbird, indulge in Southern hospitality at its most delicious.
Planta South Beach
Name and Location: Planta South Beach is located at 850 Commerce Street inside the COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach hotel.
History and Significance: Canada-based Planta brings gourmet, plant-based dining to Miami Beach at this oceanfront location opened in 2021. Award-winning executive chef David Lee spotlights creative vegan cuisine using quality ingredients.
What to Expect: Artful, globally inspired vegan plates that range from sushi to pasta, alongside signature cocktails and wine. Chic outdoor terrace seating overlooks the beach.
Visitor Information: Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Reservations recommended through the hotel. Valet parking available.
For an elegant plant-based dining experience steps from Miami’s iconic beaches, Planta South Beach delivers. Their chic Art Deco hideaway overflows with natural woods, lush palms, rattan pendant lights and curated contemporary art contrasting beautifully with clean white surfaces. The menu bursts with colorful, creative plates as vibrant as South Beach itself. Start with Mexican elotes off the cob with cashew spread, chili lime salt and cilantro or everyday green salad with creamy cashew caesar dressing. Move to moreish mains like truffle parmesan fries, Cajun blackened chick’n or curry coconut bowl with forbidden black rice. Flexible menus support vegan, gluten-free and other specialized diets allowing more people to experience and rave about Planta’s irresistible fare. This hotspot proves scrumptious plant-based cuisine suits South Beach’s sexy, laidback vibe.
Boia De
Name and Location: Boia De is an Italian restaurant located in the Buena Vista neighborhood at 5205 Northeast 2nd Avenue in Miami.
History and Significance: Boia De opened in 2018 led by chef-owner Sergio Guardascione, spotlighting authentic family recipes and techniques from his hometown in southern Italy reinterpreted with local Florida ingredients.
What to Expect: Regional Italian food shines through house-made pastas, pizzas from an imported wood-fired oven, risottos and desserts paired with Italian wines in an urban-rustic setting with al fresco patio seating.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday through Sunday 5pm-10:30pm for dinner plus weekend brunch. Reservations recommended. Street parking.
Led by Argentina-born chef Mauro Colagreco, Boia De takes the stage at the new Resorts World Miami complex as Colagreco’s first U.S. restaurant. Already considered one of the world’s top chefs, Colagreco channels his immense talents and passion to deliver a dining experience celebrating the essence of fire-based cooking. Meaning “flame” in the Ligurian dialect from northwest Italy where Colagreco resides, Boia De centers their open-flame kitchen and wood-fire grill to showcase simplistic, flavorful dishes with proper technique. From charred leeks and roasted cauliflower to dry-aged tomahawk steak for two – each bite smolders with smoky intensity while allowing premium ingredients to shine. Catch dinner and a show as dishes flame to life beside views of starlit downtown cityscapes through soaring floor-to-ceiling glass, completing this sleek and swanky epicurean theater.
Habitat at 1 Hotel South Beach
Name and Location: Habitat at 1 Hotel South Beach serves locally-sourced food and drink inside the eco-luxury 1 Hotel located at 2341 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.
History and Significance: The hotel and its signature farm-to-table restaurant Habitat opened in 2015 with a mission to connect guests to nature through design and culinary sustainability efforts showing Miami’s ecosystems.
What to Expect: Menus showcase hyper-local Florida produce, fish and ingredients in globally-inspired dishes served beside the beachfront infinity pool’s cabana seating, and inside the lobby living room amid jungle garden decor.
Visitor Information: Breakfast and lunch/dinner served daily, reservations recommended but walk-ins available. Valet parking through the hotel.
For unrivalled farm-to-table sustainable fare beside South Beach, book a coveted table at Habitat, the signature restaurant of eco-conscious 1 Hotel South Beach. Dine al fresco under swaying palms in an urban garden oasis steps from the Atlantic surf as friendly staff deliver bright beverages like ginger margaritas garnished with hibiscus buds. Tasting the vibrant menu is an awakening of Miami’s indigenous ingredients prepared simply to highlight unique flavors and natural essences. Dishes feature locally-sourced produce, fish, meats and artisanal finds like heavenly burrata mozzarella from rural Homestead or rich duck confit nestled in wild mushroom fried rice. For dessert, don’t miss the crowd-pleasing key lime pie layered with creamy housemade whipped topping and toasted coconut. At Habitat, conscious luxury dining supports sustainability one delightful farm-forward bite at a time.
Miami River Oyster Bar
Name and Location: The Miami River Oyster Bar overlooking the Miami River is located at 150 NW North River Drive in downtown Miami.
History and Significance: The Miami River Oyster Bar opened in 2019 led by owner Anisha Jagtap, spotlighting an urban seafood house atmosphere with dockside riverfront views of downtown.
What to Expect: Signature oyster preparations join shared plates showcasing Florida seafood alongside frozen drinks, local brews and wines served indoors and outdoors along the Miami River.
Visitor Information: Serves lunch and dinner daily. Reservations recommended. Paid garage parking at 444 NW 3rd Ave.
For the absolute height of seafood luxury, Miami River Oyster Bar sets the gold standard. Their airy industrial-chic space excuses casual comfort with a hip Miami edge. Focus goes directly to the main attraction: absurdly fresh raw bar selections. Devour fistfuls of delicate, briny oysters from both coasts or try rare varieties like buttery Saw Mill Bay British Columbians or subtle Belons imported daily from Maine and Washington. Seafood towers deliver the ultimate bounty loaded with Alaskan king crab, poached Florida lobster tails and Colossal shrimp cocktail alongside cured items like salmon pastrami, yellowfin tuna poke and octopus escabeche. For more hearty apps, start with their phenomenal award-winning clam chowder followed by succulent oyster po’ boys or the insanely rich lobster roll dripping with fresh chunks of sweet meat on a pillowy toasted brioche bun. Experience Miami’s best fruits of the sea at MR Oyster Bar through their no-fuss preparations allowing the hand-selected stars to shine.
Cafe La Trova
Name and Location: Café La Trova is located at 971 SW 8th Street in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood.
History and Significance: La Trova combines Latin culture, cuisine and mixology in a unique restaurant-bar concept since opening in 2018. Co-owned by chef Michelle Bernstein, bartender Julio Cabrera and musicians the Miami Design District Associates.
What to Expect: Live Latin beats, mojitos and chef Bernstein’s Cuban-inspired plates draw crowds at this energetic eatery fusing food, drinks and culture inspired by Calle Ocho.
Visitor Information: Serves dinner and late night bites plus weekend brunch. Reservations highly recommended for dining, walk-ins possible at bar. Street parking.
For a wildly entertaining night out in Miami’s hot Little Havana neighborhood, queue up at the legendary Café La Trova. This hopping Latin gastropub oozes nostalgic 1940s pre-revolution Cuba charm. Exposed brick walls, vintage travel posters and elevated small bar bites celebrate a bygone era when La Trova music filled the streets. Fuel up on tasty tapas like flaky empanadas, fried yuca, puffy tostones rellenos stuffed with savory ground beef or chorizo-spiked Cuban croquetas before moving on to classic cocktails. Sip Hemingway’s favorite daiquiri El Floridita or mojito Crujiente with fresh mint, cane juice and club soda for sparkling refreshment. Late nights ignite at Café La Trova when the live backing band starts jamming as talented singers belt out beautiful Bolero ballads, fast-paced guaracha rhythms and sultry salsa bringing the place alive. Café La Trova’s spirited music, drinks and dishes validate the Cuban slogan “Hay que vivir la vida alegre!” – you must live life joyfully!
NAOE Miami
Name and Location: NAOE Miami is an exclusive Japanese tasting menu restaurant located at 661 Brickell Key Drive in downtown Miami.
History and Significance: Chef Kevin Cory presents an intimate 20-seat omakase dining experience spotlighting Edomae-style traditional sushi and kaiseki at his Miami establishment since 2015. NAOE has earned accolades as one of America’s Best Restaurants.
What to Expect: A personalized tasting menu unfolds with top-quality nigiri sushi, seasonal small plates and rare Japanese spirits selected by the chef. Diners savor a refined multicourse meal at the exclusive sushi counter.
Visitor Information: Intimate seating strictly by reservation only for two dinner seatings Tuesday through Saturday. Located on Brickell Key, valet parking available.
Super-exclusive NAOE Miami located downtown in Brickell’s lavish Four Seasons Hotel ranks as Miami’s only restaurant designated with the maximum 5-star Diamond Award rating. That’s because supremely skilled Chef Kevin Cory meticulously prepares the Japanese omakase 20-course tasting menu solely for 6 lucky diners each evening. His exacting Edomae-style sushi highlights unusual varieties and premium ingredients sourced internationally from Japan, Scandinavia and Australia shipped directly to his restaurant. Yellowfin amberjack from New Zealand arrives sans tataki searing to accent its lush texture and roasted hazelnut flavor. Prized Japanese uni makes a cameo decorating nori wraps of Scottish salmon, velvety Hokkaido scallop and toro. This intimate experience at the chef’s counter culminates with artful desserts like velvety matcha green tea ganache with white chocolate mousse. At NAOE, expect stellar sophisticated elegance through every spectacular seafood bite.
La Mar by Gaston Acurio
Name and Location: La Mar by Gaston Acurio is located at 500 Brickell Key Drive in downtown Miami.
History and Significance: Chef Gaston Acurio brings the flavors of his Lima, Peru restaurants to Miami in this outpost opened in 2010, combining waterfront Biscayne Bay views with Peruvian gastronomy trends in an upscale yet lively setting.
What to Expect: Inspired seafood dishes take center stage, likesignatures ceviches, alongside other Peruvian specialties ranging from crispy rice to anticuchos skewered meats paired with pisco cocktails and South American wines.
Visitor Information: Serves lunch and dinner daily. Reservations recommended, especially for outdoor seating. Located on Brickell Key, valet parking available.
Thanks to acclaimed Chef Gaston Acurio, Miami obtained its first authentic Peruvian restaurant in the magnificent La Mar. Acurio’s impressive ceviche mastery revolutionized Lima’s food scene and won international acclaim before expanding through Latin America and arriving stateside on Biscayne Bay. Now diners flock for La Mar’s zesty raw seafood dishes spotlighting the catch of the day or colorful salad-style tiraditos brightened with tropical flavors like mango, olive or lime rocoto dressing. Signature plates such as tender pulpo al olivo served with creamy olive sauce and purple potato chips or juicy anticuchos skewers make choosing difficult. Sip a stellar pisco sour then finish by sharing Lucuma ice cream made from a popular Peruvian caramel fruit. The upbeat waterside setting complements La Mar’s bright dishes perfectly for the ultimate taste of Perú.
Miami overflows with extraordinary culinary talent crafting sophisticated dining experiences as sultry and spicy as the Magic City herself. Global flavors fuse seamlessly creating menus as richly diverse as Miami’s inhabitants. Getting a coveted reservation at one of these world-class restaurants promises a memorable epicurean eveningallowing you to taste what gives Miami her marvelous flavor, passion and style.