The 38 Best Restaurants in Miami

Miami is a true diner’s paradise, where you can start your day with arepas and Colombian hot chocolate, move on to Jamaican jerk or fresh seafood, and end the evening with sushi omakase or sipping a cocktail out of a shoe (a chancleta, or Cuban flip-flop,

to be exact).

The city thrives on Latin and Caribbean cuisine — Cuban, Peruvian, Venezuelan, Haitian — but also excels at all things fusion, with global influences that feel uniquely Miami. Of course, the most frequently asked question Eater Miami receives is, “Can you recommend a restaurant?” The goal of Eater 38 is to answer that with a list of Miami’s top restaurants, covering the entire city, and spanning myriad cuisines, histories, and locations.

We update this list regularly to make sure it reflects the ever-changing Miami dining scene. Our write-ups include insider tips from our experienced writers and editors, as well as a rough range of pricing for each destination — ranging from $ for quick, inexpensive meals with dishes largely under $10, to $$$$ for places where entrees exceed $30.

New to the map in October 2026: ViceVersa Miami, a pizza and aperitivo bar downtown; Fooq’s, a new/old Persian-inspired restaurant that’s reemerged in Little River; and Palma, the tiny tasting menu spot that could, next to a laundromat in Little Havana.

Have a suggestion for somewhere we might have missed? Drop us a note at [e-mail].

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Barra Callao

17034 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL, 33160, US

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Open for: Lunch and dinner; closed Sunday.

Price range: $$$

This Michelin Bib Gourmand in North Miami Beach is an intimate 12-seat ceviche counter with a tightly curated menu and a drinks list of sake, beer, and wine. Standout dishes include the Hokkaido hotate sashimi with Parmesan leche de tigre, nashi pear, and brown butter panko; crispy rice with the catch of the day; and the jumbo lump crab gâteau topped with bluefin tuna tartare and caviar. Save room for the coconut diplomática with mango jelly glaze and a white sesame coconut tuile.

Best for: Chef’s counter dining with stellar ceviche.

Makoto

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9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL

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Open for: Lunch and dinner

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Located in the upscale Bal Harbour Shops, this bustling Japanese restaurant is a favorite among well-heeled locals, tourists, and celebrities. Having recently moved three floors up from its original spot, the redesigned space now offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with coral pinks, saffron, and sandalwood hues, accented by oversized floral motifs. Chef Makoto Okuwa offers some of the best sushi and sashimi in Miami, complemented by dishes from the charcoal robata, including wagyu filet, rib-eye, sea bass, and lamb chops. The extensive sake list and creative cocktails, such as the Tatsu made with mezcal, passionfruit, hibiscus, and Hellfire bitters, round out the experience.

Best for: Sushi and robata, and celeb spotting.

The Surf Club Restaurant

9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154, USA

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$$

The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller offers nostalgic bistro fare alongside plenty of stiff martinis. Housed in one of Miami’s most storied buildings — now one of its chicest hotels — the dining room is adorned with art deco chandeliers, warm wood paneling, and plush leather banquettes, transporting guests back to the city’s golden era. Kick the night off with one (or two) of those martinis or a well-chosen wine from the restaurant’s impressive selection of vintages. The menu complements the old-school feel of the space, with upscale renditions of beef Wellington, Caesar salad prepared tableside, and a well-executed roast chicken for two. Don’t miss the decadent ice cream sundae, prepared tableside and topped with an array of indulgent toppings, including chocolate drizzle, marshmallow fluff, Chantilly cream, and more.

Best for: Date night, martinis, and over-the-top desserts.

Fooq’s

150 NW 73rd St, Miami, FL, 33150, US

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Open for: Dinner and Sunday brunch

Price range: $$$

With Persian roots and a fresh start in Miami’s Little River neighborhood after a four-year hiatus, Fooq’s is the place to share dips, mezze, kebabs, and bigger plates designed for two (or four), plus plenty of sides. The dessert menu is small for now (soft serve, chocolate mousse, and Manchego cheesecake) with coffee, tea, and dessert wine to round things out. Come for happy hour, a relaxed dinner in one of Miami’s coolest neighborhoods, or a leisurely weekend brunch — don’t miss the shakshuka.

Best for: Happy hour, intimate outings, and brunch

La Natural

7289 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33150, US

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Open for: Dinner, with lunch on weekends

Price range: $$$

La Natural has been a Little River staple since 2020, tucked into the neighborhood next to the Imperial Moto coffee shop. The 48-hour cold-fermented sourdough pizzas are the reason to come (try both the tomato and white sauce pies), but don’t miss the papaya plate with Cantabrian anchovies and tamarillo vinegar — it sounds wild but is a must. Order the off-menu Japanese sweet potato, too, rich and warming with brown butter and buckwheat. The cozy restaurant owned by Javier Ramirez (formerly of Alter, Palmar, and Bachour) has an excellent natural wine list by the glass or bottle, and keeps dessert simple with just two options, currently a passionfruit panna cotta and a tiramisu.

Best for: Date night, with sourdough pizza and plenty of wine.

Clive’s Cafe

5890 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33127, US

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Open for: All-day dining

Price range: $

Originally a Wynwood staple, Clive’s Cafe has been serving up Jamaican flavors in Miami for nearly four decades. Now in Little River, this no-fuss spot has become a cornerstone of the city’s Caribbean dining scene. From perfectly spiced jerk chicken to melt-in-your-mouth oxtail and fragrant curry goat, the menu delivers dishes that could rival any neighborhood cookout. The laid-back atmosphere adds to the charm, and no meal is complete without a cold Ting or house-made rum punch — especially when paired with the generous side of rice and peas that’s practically a meal on its own.

Best for: Casual Caribbean soul food and meat lovers.

Boia De

5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, USA

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Boia De combines inventive, finely tuned plates with a relaxed-yet-polished atmosphere hidden inside an unassuming strip mall. This one-Michelin-starred gem run by Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer showcases their experience from well-known kitchens like New York City’s Eleven Madison Park and Los Angeles’s Animal through dishes like crispy potato skins with stracciatella and caviar or baked clams with ‘nduja. The cozy, 24-seat space exudes Brooklyn-esque charm with its forest green walls, custom wallpaper, and a soundtrack featuring The Cure and The Smiths. Whatever your order, pair it with one of the restaurant’s hard-to-find vintages or natural wines. If you get the chance, visit the pair’s second restaurant, Walrus Rodeo, as well.

Best for: Wines by the glass and wine-based cocktails.

Bombay Darbar

8405 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL, 33166, US

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Open for: Lunch and dinner

Price range: $$

In a city where restaurants come and go with the seasons, Bombay Darbar has stayed put in Coconut Grove since 2011. But the Miami institution has expanded with newer locations, including Doral. This is the place to go for Indian comfort foods like biryani, mango curry chicken, and tikka masala. Come for photo ops with the seven-foot Buddha statue, stay for Indian beers, creamy mango lassis, and vegetarian dishes like Sag Paneer and Chana Masala (chickpeas).

Best for: Comfort food classics

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL

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Open for: Lunch and dinner

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Miami’s best Greek and Turkish food is found in Mandolin’s intimate, understated courtyard. 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.

Best for: Greek/Turkish mezze, patio dining, and family-style dining.

Cote Miami

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3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, USA

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Open for: Lunch and dinner

Price range: $$$$

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 in the Design District features high-end steaks, stiff martinis, and one of the most robust wine selections in town. Undoubtedly, the most popular order at Cote is the Butcher’s Feast, which features a variety of cuts along with different vegetables, kimchi, egg souffle, two stews, rice, and soft serve for $74 per person. For those who want to go more high-brow, a 10-course steak omakase is available for $225 per person.

Best for: Korean steakhouse vibes, and interactive group dinners.

Mother Wolf Miami

3841 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33137

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Celebrity chef Evan Funke (Felix Trattoria, Mother Wolf, and Funke in Los Angeles) debuted his hit Roman-inspired restaurant in Miami’s Design District just last year. For a stunning night out, Mother Wolf is not only gorgeous (grand piano bar, intricate terrazzo-style tile, lush floral arrangements and indoor trees, mood lighting, deep rusty red wine-colored furniture) but it also offers a menu full of incredibly delicious dishes. Known for handmade pastas (the fettuccine al limone is a must), wood-fired pizzas, and consistently exceptional service, diners should not miss the signature focaccia, burrata with prosciutto, or the chilled octopus salad. For dessert, go classic with tiramisu and either a little limoncello or a grappa digestivo. If you’re left craving more, give Chef’s Table: Noodles a watch for some behind-the-scenes pasta making action by Funke himself.

Best for: Pasta lovers, amaro list, and a swanky night out.

Amara at Paraiso

3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137, USA

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Open for: Dinner, weekend brunch, weekday lunch

Price range: $$$$

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 also has compelling dishes found throughout South America. Using Schwartz’s farm-to-table ethos, which gained him national fame at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, the menu offers items like crispy octopus, short rib empanadas, and steaming hot yucca balls. With its outdoor space primed for large groups, diners can grab a patio drink — perhaps, the Calm Before the Coconut cocktail filled with rum, cachaca allspice dram, coconut pineapple, and lime, all served in a Florida coconut — before or after the meal to soak in all those enviable views.

Best for: Waterfront views, outdoor dining, and cocktails.

Klaw Miami

1737 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132, USA

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Open for: Dinner, brunch, happy hour

Price range: $$$$

Klaw, a stunning multi-level restaurant inside Edgewater’s former Miami Women’s Club building, has a rooftop bar with expansive waterfront views. As the name implies, seafood is its main focus, particularly the sizable Norwegian king crab sold by the pound. The restaurant also offers a variety of dry-aged meats and a well-rounded bar program, featuring cocktails that complement the seafood-centric menu. These include gin-based options infused with marine botanicals and vodka drinks garnished with caviar. With prices ranging from $25 to $350 per dish, it doesn’t make for an inexpensive night out, so add it to the list for the next special occasion.

Best for: Sunny rooftop brunch and cocktails.

ViceVersa Miami

398 NE 5th St, Miami, FL, 33132, US

Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$

Enjoy pizza and aperitivi in downtown Miami from the folks behind Jaguar Sun (R.I.P.) and Sunny’s in this cool, sexy space. Though the menu is small, it feels complete with raw bar items, apps, salads, and pizzas. The seasonal stracciatella is a must — in September it came with figs; right now, it’s made with lunchbox peppers and puffed farro. The fennel salad with olives, Piave Vecchio, and Marcona almonds is literally perfect, too. Go classic with a margherita or spicy pepperoni pizza (it has hot honey), or try the vaca frita, a clever ode to Miami and Latin culture. Don’t let downtown parking deter you; a spot on the street is pretty easy to come by during the week.

Best for: Girls’ nights, date night, or solo dining

Macchialina

820 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL

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Open for: Dinner and happy hour

Price range: $$$-$$$$

This cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant, a city mainstay for nearly a decade, recently expanded its dining room and outdoor area, making it easier to snag a reservation. Start with the creamy polenta or cacio e pepe, move on to the veal Milanese with concentrated tomato, arugula, and Parmigiano Reggiano, and finish with its classic tiramisu — although there’s no wrong choice here. Can’t decide? Opt for the $75 four-course tasting menu, a steal by Miami standards, which includes a couple of antipasti, a selection of pastas, two entrees, and family-style dessert.

Best for: Family meals and homestyle Italian vibes.

Palma

240 Northwest 8th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33128

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$

In a tiny, intimate space next to a laundromat in Little Havana, Palma is the kind of restaurant, especially in Miami, that rewards curiosity. Chef Juan Camilo Liscano, a Miami native, serves an affordable tasting menu that’s constantly evolving, drawing on his Hispanic heritage and techniques picked up around the world, with a la carte options now available, as well. A few signatures have remained since Palma opened in 2024, including the sweet plantain brioche with coconut-caramel butter (just this should be enough to get you to the restaurant), while the rest of the menu changes with the seasons and the chef’s inspiration. It’s an especially good choice for an adventurous dinner without the typical tasting-menu price tag.

https://www.eatpalma.com/

Best for: Venturesome diners ready to let chef take the wheel

Niu Kitchen

104 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132, USA

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Niu Kitchen continues to deliver standout Catalan fare in Downtown Miami, as it has for nearly a decade, maintaining its reputation as one of the city’s best. Standouts include charbroiled oysters, branded tableside with hot coals and paired with a smoky ponzu and rice vinegar-mayo. The gazpacho offers a cold tomato base topped with mustard ice cream and a drizzle of basil oil, plus croutons for added crunch. Don’t skip the arros sec, a paella-style rice with mushrooms and botifarra sausage, or the pan-seared foie gras for a more indulgent start to the night. An extensive wine list featuring natural wines from around the world completes the menu. For snacks, dessert, or a nightcap, head a few doors down to Niu Wine, where there isn’t really a menu, but if you tell the server what you like to drink, multiple bottles will appear.

Best for: Cozy Catalan dining and natural wine.

Tam Tam

99 Northwest 1st Street, Miami, Florida 33128

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$-$$$$

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, strongly influenced 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 dishes that can be made to accommodate vegan diets — like the lotus root salad and the shimeji mushrooms topped with dill and scallion oil — 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.

Best for: Group outings and creative small plates.

Torno Subito

200 East Flagler Street, Miami, Florida 33131

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Open for: Weekday lunch, dinner daily, and Sunday brunch

Price range: $$$

After a brief stint Downtown, Massimo Bottura’s Design District debut is exactly what the area needed: a restaurant that honors Italian tradition while gleefully rewriting the rules. Chef Bernardo Paladini — a 15-year Bottura collaborator who calls himself “an Italian guest in Miami” — has built a menu that weaves in local crab, key lime, and a delightful saffron risotto. Don’t miss the hand-rolled tortellini, the porchetta-style sea bass, or the “Oops, I Burned the Key Lime Pie,” a fun Floridian riff on Bottura’s iconic lemon tart. Set inside a century-old building with soaring ceilings and Gucci floral accents, the vibe is chic — and valet is just $5.

Best for: Seeing and being seen

Stubborn Seed

101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$-$$$$

This one-Michelin-starred and Green Star winning restaurant from Miami’s Top Chef winner, Jeremy Ford, turns out an eight-course seasonal tasting menu that mixes creative New American flavors with French techniques. Dishes like potato-crusted swordfish, spiced honey lacquered dry-aged duck, and Szechuan-cured yellowtail show Ford’s knack for creative combinations. The rustic-meets-modern space, complete with exposed brick, adds to the intimate vibe. Not ready to commit to the full tasting menu? Grab a seat at the bar, where you’ll find a few a la carte bites, an interesting cocktail lineup, and a well-curated wine list.

Best for: Tasting menu and special occasions.

Joe's Stone Crab

11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL

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Open for: Dinner and happy hour

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Joe’s Stone Crab is a 112-year-old Miami institution, thought to have started the stone crab craze that continues to captivate the city to this day. Ordering the namesake stone crabs is a must; each batch is 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 glistening steaks and Joe’s popular fried chicken. And don’t forget the sides: Creamed spinach and coleslaw are favorites, but the hash browns and roasted tomatoes are worth an 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.

Best for: Iconic seafood tower and flavored martinis.

Cafe La Trova

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971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130, USA

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Open for: Dinner and happy hour

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Classic Cuban comfort food with an irreverent twist by James Beard award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein rules the menu at Cafe La Trova, served alongside expertly crafted Cantinero-style cocktails by Julio Cabrera and his team, which consistently keep the bar on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Pop in for happy hour or dinner, and don’t be surprised if the live music lasts longer than expected. La Chancleta is its version of a Dark ‘n Stormy, and it’s served inside a flip-flop sandal. Pro tip: Visit the 305 Bar in the back room on the weekend for a Miami Vice-style ‘80s blast from the past.

Best for: Live music, fun cocktails, and date night.

El Rey De Las Fritas (Multiple locations)

1821 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, USA

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Open for: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Price range: $

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, caramelized onions, and crispy shoestring fries that can fit inside a fluffy Cuban roll. The no-frills diner-style setup offers a feeling of days gone by, with most burgers and sandwiches ringing in under $5. Complete the meal with some corn or malanga fritters for the proper experience.

Best for: Quick and casual eats, sandwiches, and burgers.

LPM Miami

1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131, USA

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Open for: Lunch and dinner

Price range: $$$$

LPM brings the elegant, sun-soaked vibe of the French Riviera to the heart of Brickell. Inspired by the Côte d’Azur, the menu features Provençal classics and Mediterranean dishes like creamy burrata with basil and tomatoes, escargots drenched in garlic butter, and deftly grilled lamb cutlets. The dining room, bathed in natural light and adorned with colorful contemporary art and crisp white tablecloths, sets the stage for everything from business lunches to special date nights. Don’t miss the unique Tomatini cocktail — a refreshing blend of tomato, vodka, and balsamic that’s both tangy and sweet all at the same time. It’s one of the best drinks in the city.

Best for: Patio dining, natural lighting, and cocktails.

Osaka Miami

1300 Brickell Bay Drive, FL 33131

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Open for: Lunch and dinner

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Steps from the bay, this chic Brickell spot delivers tasty Nikkei dishes, combining Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions for the best of both worlds. Think perfectly charred bite-sized pieces of sushi, delicate and zesty tiraditos, and more filling plates like the Osaka steak or the black cod criollo. If ordering one of everything is not possible, go with a ceviche or tiradito (the crunchy Akami Truffle with bluefin tuna, Peruvian chilli sauce, Kyuri chalaquita, and sepia crackers is a favorite), a few pieces of nigiri, and a sushi roll (the Antiku roll with A5 Wagyu beef, crispy shrimp, avocado, and yuzu panca sauce is a winner, as well). Save room for standout desserts like the Cacao Matcha (molten chocolate cake with green tea ice cream) and something from the cocktail list, like a pisco-based drink or the sweet and savory Esupuresso Kokotini, made with Haku vodka, espresso, and coconut miso. Perfect for a delicious night out followed with a walk by the water.

Best for: Nikkei cuisine, date night, and cocktails.

Nuna

1435 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL, 33131, US

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$$

Inside the Four Seasons Hotel Miami in Brickell, Nuna recently celebrated one full year of chef Jaime Pesaque’s acclaimed Nikkei cooking in Miami. On the way in, you’ll pass a Fernando Botero sculpture in the lobby, followed by another larger-than-life one as you step out of the elevator onto the restaurant level. The menu highlights Peruvian and Japanese influences across standout dishes like the Nuna ceviche with scallops, octopus, shrimp, crispy calamari, and rocoto leche de tigre; flambéed Wagyu nigiri with Nikkei sauce, quail egg, and chimichurri; and the indulgent arroz con pato with cilantro rice, foie gras, kamo katsu, and shoyu egg yolk. End with the crema volteada, a Peruvian flan finished with yuzu leaf honey, and if you’re doing cocktails, try the Wabi Sabi with pisco, coconut milk, passionfruit, and citrus. Between excellent service and a lush, greenery-filled dining room and bar, this is one of the area’s most polished places for dinner.

Best for: Elegant Nikkei cooking for date night and big celebrations.

Shingo

112 Alhambra Cir, Coral Gables, FL, 33134, US

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$$

The best sushi in Miami is hiding in plain sight inside the historic La Palma Building in Coral Gables, but it comes with some rules — no perfume, no phone calls, and you must eat each bite as the chef places it in front of you. Shingo is a Michelin-starred, 14-seat omakase experience helmed by Osaka born, award-winning fourth-generation chef Shingo Akikuni, and every detail from the intimate counter seating to the precisely sourced fish and seasonal vegetables is top notch. The experience feels a bit like a fancy dinner party with a dozen fellow diners, hushed conversation, and a procession of extraordinary bites. Reserve ahead as seats fill up quickly.

Best for: Fancy date night or a special celebration

Bouchon Bistro

2101 Galiano Street, Coral Gables, Florida 33134

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Open for: Brunch, lunch, and dinner

Price range: $$$$

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 — his highly acclaimed French bistro inspired by the city of Lyon — 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, all housed in a space featuring unique murals by French artist Paulin Paris, a signature of Keller’s restaurants.

Best for: Classic French fare, and ladies who lunch.

Zitz Sum

396 Alhambra Cir Suite 155, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$

Zitz Sum, a small, 30-seat spot in Coral Gables, has seamlessly transitioned from a pandemic-era social media sensation to an established brick-and-mortar destination. The menu changes daily, featuring “Asian-ish” dishes like bing bread with Florida honey butter, wagyu beef tartare with gochujang, and Japanese-style egg salad. Dumplings are a highlight, including wonton in brodo — Berkshire pork in Parmigiano broth — and potato dumplings with shrimp and Calabrian butter. Other standouts include Koshihikari rice with truffle butter and Iberico pork chop with ginger-Fresno chile agrodolce. For dessert, try the Hong Kong-style French toast. Can’t decide? The tasting menu is always a solid choice at $125.

Best for: Adventurous palates, and tasting menu.

Luca Osteria

116 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Luca Osteria on pedestrian-friendly Giralda Avenue is the brainchild of Miami native and Chopped champion Giorgio Rapicavoli. This cozy spot reimagines classic dishes with playful touches: think bites of fried potatoes topped with truffle Parmigiano fonduta, black truffle, and egg yolk, or pasta al limone brightened with pistachios. Must-order dishes include the tuna caprese with local stracciatella and the cheeky “Pasta alla Tucci” that features caramelized zucchini and creste di gallo pasta, a nod to none other than Italophile Stanley Tucci himself. The spruced-up versions of Italian-influenced aperitifs echo Rapicavoli’s inventive approach. Between Luca Osteria and other projects (Eating House, Mayfair Grill, the Grape Ape), this chef certainly has his hands full.

Best for: Cozy Italian from a seasoned chef, date night, and dinner with friends.

Mottai

2881 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL, 33134, US

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Open for: Lunch and dinner

Price range: $$$$

Mottai is a chic, modern Japanese restaurant in Coral Gables. Stop by Monday through Friday for one of its executive lunch menus like the three-course Komosubi ($54) or four-course Sekiwake ($64), or come for dinner, where the a la carte menu features hot and cold plates, rice and noodle dishes, sushi, and nigiri, plus grilled specialties like the American Wagyu flat iron with shiso tempura, miso butter, and tare.

Best for: Refined Japanese cooking for business lunches and special occasions.

Frankie and Wally’s

216 Palermo Ave, Coral Gables, FL, 33134, US

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Open for: Breakfast and lunch

Price range: $$

Coral Gables finally has the New York-style deli it deserves. Frankie & Wally’s has hit the ground running, already drawing long lines that snake out the door. Expect the classics done right: stacked sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, salad, coffee, and no nonsense. Go early, go hungry, and with a bit of patience. The bacon, egg, and cheese alone (only available 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.) is worth the sunrise alarm and the wait.

Best for: Handheld bites to go

Rice Mediterranean Kitchen

3015 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

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Open for: Lunch and dinner

Price range: $

Chef Ali Shabani’s fast-casual Persian-inspired Mediterranean concept has earned its place as a Miami staple for two decades, and the newest Coconut Grove location, which opened in February 2026, might be the best yet. It’s centrally located, walkable, and slightly more elegant than the others, and it serves all the dishes regulars love: kabobs, rice bowls, hummus, salads, and platters, plus coffee and espresso for a pick-me-up. Grab a speedy lunch or linger and be sure to try the sumac sauce and the yogurt, which is made in-house.

Best for: Quick Mediterranean bites

Los Félix Miami

3413 Main Highway, FL 33133

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Open for: Dinner and weekend brunch

Price range: $$$

One of Miami’s Michelin Green Star recipients (alongside its sister restaurant Krüs Kitchen, which is upstairs), Los Félix is known for its commitment to sustainability, championed by Colombian-born chef and world traveler Sebastian Vargas. The crudo changes often depending on the catch of the day and is fresh and zesty with tropical flavors of guanabana, pickled pineapple, and lime caviar. Other standouts include the esquites (unconventional and next level, thanks to wild-caught crab, lobster bisque, and sea urchin), the grilled crab arepa, and the tamal with hazelnuts and green picadillo. The drinks program, led by Esther Merino (previously at the two-Michelin-starred Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen), features sustainable spirits that shine in cocktails like the Espresso Martinez, featuring miso mole, and the Roselita, which combines tequila and hibiscus. Natural wines are also available at this environmentally conscious gem.

Best for: Sustainable ingredients in drinks and dishes, natural wines, and unforgettable cocktails.

Ariete

3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$$

Ariete in Coconut Grove, helmed by chef Michael Beltran, marries Beltran’s Cuban-American roots with American flavors and French techniques. The one-Michelin-starred restaurant combines modern elegance with rustic charm, featuring exposed brick, leather banquettes, and an open kitchen, offering patrons both a la carte options and a popular tasting menu ($165). Standouts include the foie gras with plantain brioche and sour orange caramel, as well as the venison tartare with coffee and cocoa crumble. For a show-stopping experience, try the canard à la presse — a 14-day dry-aged duck breast meant for two and elaborately served tableside. End the meal on a high note with the flan infused with candy cap mushroom.

Best for: Date night, open kitchen views, and global tasting menu.

Tokyo Tuna

5800 SW 73rd St, South Miami, FL, 33143, US

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$

Tokyo Tuna is one of South Miami’s most fun dining experiences, and the neighborhood’s only sushi river restaurant — think little boats floating by, fresh nigiri, and the option to sit in or outdoors (plus a fireplace for Miami’s handful of chilly evenings every year). The rotating selection of dishes like hamachi crudo, tuna crispy rice, salmon rolls, and more keeps things exciting, but don’t sleep on the carrot cake, which has earned a devoted following and might just be the best in the city.

Best for: Sushi that doesn’t take itself too seriously

Recoveco

6000 Southwest 74th Street, South Miami, Florida 33143

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Open for: Dinner

Price range: $$$-$$$$

Right across from the historic Fox’s Lounge, this chic and intimate neighborhood spot brings a much-needed dose of deliciousness and a wine bar feel to South Miami. With a small but mighty menu of seasonal plates (from crisp radicchio salad with rhubarb and pickled almonds to an adventurous grass-fed beef tongue with whipped sesame and chimichurri), it’s all worth trying here. Save room for dessert — with unexpected pairings like fig leaf and starfruit topped with a juniper berry meringue, the sweets at Recoveco are just as fun as the mains. The restaurant is designed to surprise and delight while still feeling comfy, casual, and welcoming to all. Keep an eye on its Instagram for updates on upcoming wine dinners.

Best for: Adventurous dining, creative small plates, and wine.

Apocalypse BBQ

8695 SW 124th Ave, Miami, FL, 33183, US

Open for: Lunch and dinner

Price range: $$

Almost hidden on a South Miami-Dade golf course, Apocalypse BBQ serves up smoky, Miami-influenced barbecue that’s anything but par for the course. This bare-bones spot has earned a cult following for its standout dishes like brisket bacon, cafecito ribs, award-winning wild boar burgers topped with smoked brisket bacon, and skull-shaped cornbread drizzled with hot honey. Don’t bother calling ahead — Apocalypse has a no-phone and a no-takeout policy. Expect long lines, but the payoff is free beer while you wait and barbecue that’s worth every second in line. Arrive early if you can.

Best for: Barbecue lovers and tailgate vibes.