As we begin to wrap up the year, it’s important to take a look back at the stellar additions that joined the city’s ever-growing number of bars and restaurants! This year, we’ve seen a craze of must-visit clubstaurants and revamped spots, along with so many promising eateries that make Miami such an exciting place for foodies. Here’s some of our favorites that opened throughout 2022:
1. Gekkō, Brickell
David Grutman and Bad Bunny’s new restaurant Gekkō, which recently opened in Brickell, is a must-see location. Translating to “moonlight” in Japanese, this sultry, yet elegant steakhouse serves fancy cuts of Wagyu beef, sushi and other mouthwatering chophouse staples.
Location: 8 SE 8th St, Miami, FL 33131
2. Klaw, Edgewater
Located in the 95-year-old Miami Women’s Club building, Klaw is a surf-and-surf concept brought to life by duo Sasha Krilov and Misha Zelman. Not only does it dazzle guests with its Spanish Renaissance allure and breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay, its menu is highlighted by Norwegian king crab and high quality meat from an exceptional cattle-rearing program.
Location: 1737 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132
3. Sushi | Bar, Miami Beach
Like a traditional Japanese sushi bar, this intimate omakase has a 12-seat counter for guests to watch and learn as chefs prepare the freshest fish flown in from Japan, Australia and California. At the helm is executive chef Ambrely Ouimette, one of the country’s only female omakase chefs.
Location: 1438 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
4. Fabel Miami, Wynwood
Miami loves its rooftop restaurants and this new rooftop clubstaurant, set atop Wynwood Jungle, combines old-world glamour with high-energy dining, making it the perfect destination for a night out. It features a Mediterranean-inspired menu, curated by executive chef Ian Fleischmann, and takes guests on a whimsical journey to experience their own enchanted fairytale.
Location: 50 NW 23rd St #110, Miami, FL 33127
5. KAÏA Greek, Coral Gables
Earthy, neutral tones and natural materials set the scene for the Greek dishes at KAÏA, which means “From The Earth.” The eatery, in the heart of Miracle Mile, brings the flavors of Aegean cuisine in a modern, bohemian setting with everything from sharable spreads like the skordalia, a garlic dip with almonds and extra virgin olive oil to mouth-watering main dishes like home-made kebab prepared with a mixture of ground beef and lamb.
Location: 232 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134
6. Tiffany Café, Miami Design District
2022 even brought us the possibility of having Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Tiffany & Co. has taken over the OTL Café in the Design District with a beautifully blue pop-up and café for the holidays. Perfect for breakfast or a light lunch, you can order coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads, wraps and many more delights.
Location: 160 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137
7. A Love Story Winery & Bistro, South Miami
This whimsical love-themed winery & bistro is perfect for romantic date night or Sunday brunch with friends. From its decorative movie wall and pink phone booth to its fusion of Latin dishes and selection of international wines, there’s so much to love!
Location: 8800 SW 56th St, Miami, FL 33165
8. Sexy Fish, Brickell
London-based Sexy Fish made its way to Brickell and it’s been all the rave, from its delectable and menu inspired by the seas of Asia and themed cocktails to extravagant artwork all over its interior. The Miami outpost is even more opulent than its London counterpart, complete with show-stopping, glamorous interiors inspired by the style and sophistication of a mid-century brasserie and motifs of the ocean.
Location: 1001 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
9. John Martin’s, Coral Gables
Founded in 1989 by friends John Clarke and Martin Lynch shortly after they moved to Miami from Ireland, JohnMartin’s was a go-to destination in Coral Gables before it closed its doors during the pandemic in 2020. Under new management, industry veterans Emi Guerra, Alex Mantecon and Erick Passo, the revamped pub pays homage to the original location while creating a welcoming atmosphere that is both contemporary and enduring.
Location: 253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134
10. Bayshore Club, Coconut Grove
The brainchild of local restaurant group Grove Bay Hospitality, Bayshore Club is the new waterfront bar and grill located at Regatta Harbour. It features a 360-degree bar, plush seating and a hint of nostalgia — the restaurant also features a retro “Greetings from Miami” postcard mural. What was once a Pan Am seaplane terminal and hangar, now offers guests panoramic views of Miami’s Biscayne Bay, which is surprisingly hard to come by.
Location: 3391 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133
11. Contessa, Miami Design District
The energy of the Magic City meets the sophistication of Northern Italy in Major Food Group’s newly opened Contessa Miami. The two-story restaurant presents an elegant ambience, and a menu that offers the finest meats, antipasti, signature pizzas and an extensive in-house gelato program.
Location: 111 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137
12. MaryGold’s Brasserie, Wynwood
The eatery, blending warm and natural woods with lush greenery and ambient lighting, recently opened its doors at the Arlo hotel in Wynwood, the district’s first hotel. Diners can expect locally-caught seafood, house-made pastas and bold, flavorful plates along with a cocktail program that melds imaginative ingredients with meticulous technique.
Location: 2217 NW Miami Ct, Miami, FL 33127
13. Sushi by Bou, Brickell
Speakeasy-inspired omakase concept Sushi by Bou has found a home at the SLS Hotel after a successful run at the Versace Mansion. Complete with a cozy atmosphere, the new spot features a 12-seat counter and lounge where guests can choose from two options ranging from $60 to $125 per person. The elegant cuisine is complemented by a selection of handmade cocktails, imported sake and rare Japanese whiskeys.
Location: 1300 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
14. Avra Estiatorio, Sunny Isles Beach
Having opened in November around Art Basel’s Miami run, this new restaurant can’t be missed. Inspired by the seaside tavernas found all over Greece’s coast, Avra isn’t just a place to dine — it’s a destination that transports diners to to the islands with its setting and cuisine, where fresh seafood, vegetables and hand-pressed extra-virgin olive oil are the stars.
Location: 17945 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
15. The Mad Butcher, Wynwood
Doubling as a deli and hidden speakeasy, The Mad Butcher is known for its signature sandwiches brought on by Venezuelan chef Saver Stassi. Its globally inspired menu features the Reuben brisket, Tennessee fried chicken, a Cubano, and a Philly cheesesteak, alongside smoked barbecue meats like their famous Texas-style beef brisket and lightly glazed St. Louis ribs. Make your way through the plastic curtains at the back of the shop, for a surprise nightclub and a stellar selection of cocktails not on the Mad Butcher’s regular menu.
Location: 2300 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
16. Wet Miami, Brickell
In an over-the-top style that’s no stranger to Miami, this alluring new restaurant brings fine dining and live entertainment to the ground floor of the iconic Millecento Building. In a two-level, underwater kingdom-themed venue worthy of Poseidon himself, Wet brings with it a menu full of classic seafood and steak preparations.
Location: 1110 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
17. Aba Miami, Bal Harbour
A stunning Mediterranean restaurant with outposts in Chicago, Aba, brings flavors from across the Mediterranean to Miami, with influences hailing from Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece. Taken from a scene off the Mediterranean coast, the restaurant evokes summer in the Mediterranean with its lush interior dining room featuring earthy tones and natural elements that brings the outside in.
Location: 9700 Collins Ave Suite 101, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
18. Sofia, Miami Design District
After launching in Toronto, the pretty-in-pink Sofia has made its way to the iconic neighborhood, becoming Palm Court’s newest signature restaurant. It offers a fresh perspective to both new and nostalgic Italian dishes, highlighting the quintessential flavors of Italian fine dining, on top of its livened courtyard oasis and glamorous dining room (featuring a notable rotating art collection).
Location: 140 NE 39th St Suite133, Miami Beach, FL 33137
19. Rolled, University Park
Night Owl Cookies founder Andrew Gonzalez just keeps delivering. His newest dessert concept, Rolled, puts a spin on the average cinnamon roll. It features 10 signature flavors of the delectable treats, but get this: only two actually have cinnamon! There’s Tres Leches, Funfetti Cake, and even a Night Owl Cookie-infused Cookie Dough Roll to pay homage to the confections.
Location: 10524 SW 8th St. Miami, FL 33174