Miami is buzzing with hundreds of restaurants, bars and everything in between, so sometimes it can be hard to know where to go. Sure, there are tons of new spots popping up everyday, but do they outweigh the tried and true restaurants we’ve grown to love? From juicy steakhouses to Peruvian fare with a view, we’ve rounded up some of Miami’s best restaurants you can book a table at, but don’t just take our word for it — go out and try them for yourself!
1. COTE Miami, Design District
If you’ve ever wanted to try out Korean barbecue, COTE is your answer. But unlike other Korean BBQ spots where you’ll get to cook your own meat, you’ll have your food cooked right in front of you instead. Much like its NYC sibling, COTE marries the “fun and fire” of Korean barbecue with the “hallmarks of a classic, regal” American steakhouse and each table inside the sleek, 100-seat dining room features smokeless grills. It’s Michelin-starred, so you know it’s quality and its menu features all sorts of traditional cuts of beef, short ribs and more.
Where: 3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
2. Cafe La Trova, Calle Ocho
If you’re on the lookout for authentic Cuban fare, you don’t have to look far — you’re in Miami after all. But this restaurant has garnered multiple awards and recognition, including a spot on The World’s 50 Best Bars, Best Bars in America and most recently, Best U.S. Restaurant Bar at the Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards. Inspired by traditional trova music, Julio Cabrera and his team of cantineros bring the retro atmosphere to life with their creative drinks while Chef Michelle Bernstein brings a contemporary take on Latin-styled dishes. There’s live music seven nights a week and a happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. daily.
Where: 971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130
3. Joe’s Stone Crab, South Beach
Arguably one of the hardest restaurants in Miami to get into, at least during stone crab season, Joe’s Stone Crab is off the hook with hungry Miamians looking to get their hands on the crustacean and other delicious seafood dishes. Its legacy stretches back to 1913, before Miami Beach was even a city and stone crab was nowhere to be found on the menu. Stone crabs were an unknown find at the time and owner Joe Weiss would go on to experiment and cook them. The rest, as they say, is history.
Where: 971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130
4. Rusty Pelican, Key Biscayne
The historic Rusty Pelican is another must-visit when it comes to waterfront dining in Miami. It boasts an al fresco patio and dining room overlooking the sparkling city skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows, a sophisticated ambiance that’ll impress anyone you take out to dinner and locally-sourced fresh seafood. It’s the perfect spot to feel the breeze and eat really well.
Where: 3201 Rickenbacker Cswy, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
5. La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Brickell
Take a trip to Peru without the plane ticket at this charming waterfront eatery in Brickell. Helmed by Chef Diego Oka and featuring the acclaimed cuisine of Chef Gastón Acurio, enjoy a sophisticated affair of signature cebiches, freshly grilled anticuchos and specialty cocktails on offer. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, but we’ll just cut to the chase: nothing beats the amazing skyline views from the terrace!
Where: 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131
6. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Design District
We couldn’t get through this roundup without featuring L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, the only two-Michelin star restaurant in Florida. And luckily for us, it’s located in Miami. This modern French restaurant seats 34 diners at once from its signature counter overlooking the open kitchen. This means diners have the privilege of observing the chefs working their magic on every meal. There are three menus to choose from; an à la carte, seasonal prix-fixe and tasting portions.
Where: 151 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137
7. Ghee Indian Kitchen, Kendall
Head to Downtown Dadeland and get cozy at this long-standing favorite with a plate of the best samosa, naan, chicken tikka masala and other flavorful dishes that reflect Chef Niven Patel’s Indian roots. In fact, the ingredients behind these menu masterpieces are grown and taken from Patel’s own farm!
Where: 8965 SW 72nd Pl, Kendall, FL 33156
8. Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Design District
Walk through the blue gates of this small, 1940s house-turned-restaurant on the outskirts of Miami Design District and you’ll find yourself in a garden courtyard reminiscent of the idyllic Greek islands. This beautiful restaurant serves delectable Greek-Turkish food in a taverna setting, making it the perfect place for an intimate yet relaxed evening.
Where: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
9. Bourbon Steak, Aventura
Located inside the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, tuck into timeless steakhouse dishes and a vast selection of wines at this award-winning restaurant that should be on any foodie’s bucket list. The menu features a selection of all-natural, organic and hormone free cuts of meat tempered in herb-infused butter, grilled over wood to order, and high quality meats including Japanese A5 Wagyu beef and American Wagyu.
Where: 19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180
10. PLANTA Queen, Coconut Grove
A favorite among vegan (and non-vegan) Miamians, this plant-based restaurant in CocoWalk serves traditional Asian fare with a twist, ranging from tasty dumplings and sushi to their famous Bang Bang Broccoli. While vegetables are the main stars of the show, you wouldn’t even know it when you take a bite.
Where: 3015 Grand Ave Suite 201, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
11. LPM Restaurant & Bar, Brickell
Transport your taste buds to the South of France for the night at this sophisticated eatery sitting in the heart of Brickell. With its dimmed lighting and Belle Epoque styling and details inspired by the French Riviera throughout, LPM is a place you can always rely on for French-Mediterranean fare without having to splurge on the pricey airfare.
Where: 1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131
12. Klaw, Edgewater
Housed in the historic Woman’s Club building, Klaw mesmerizes diners with its Spanish Renaissance architecture and breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay as Edgewater’s first rooftop bar. The chic hotspot has introduced a new wave of luxe surf and turf, with tons of options from Kobe beef, live king crab and more.
Where: 1737 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132
13. Ariete, Coconut Grove
Since opening in 2016, Chef Michael Beltran’s Michelin-starred restaurant has garnered rave reviews and collected an impressive handful of accolades. Set in a lush tropical space, its menu consists of New American cuisine with robust Cuban influences, with ever-changing seasonal dishes. Much like the fare, cocktails at Ariete are bold but elegant, each one meant to complement Beltran’s dynamic cuisine.
Where: 3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
14. Graziano’s, multiple locations
Graziano’s has been an absolutely delicious Argentinian restaurant since its first location opened in 1992, with a menu full of high quality steaks and one of the most extensive wine collections in South Florida. Those are their main specialties, after all. But you also can’t go wrong with any of their pasta and seafood dishes.
Find all Graziano’s locations here.