When it comes to places to eat, there’s no shortage of exceptional restaurants in Miami. But let’s face it, sometimes a nice dine calls for a spot with striking design and food just as beautiful as the setting. Ornate details such as gold leaf, vaulted ceilings and eye-catching artwork can really elevate a space and we wanted to showcase some of the most resplendent restaurants the Magic City has to offer. Here’s a collection of some of the most beautiful restaurants in Miami:
1. Sexy Fish, Brickell
Immerse yourself in an underwater oasis at this lavish Asian-fusion spot. Sexy Fish’s glamorous interiors, not far from its English sibling, includes incredible artworks by world-renowned artist, Damien Hirst; an installation by internationally acclaimed Frank Gehry comprised of fish lamps; a ceiling adorned with gold and a fish tank filled with live coral and tropical fish. Even the bathrooms are picture perfect!
Where: 1001 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
2. Queen Miami Beach
Make your way through through the golden doors of the Historic Paris Theater — originally built in 1945 — into Queen, a luxurious Japanese restaurant that reigns in its place. Part Hollywood glamour, part Art Deco influences, it earns a spot on our list due to its awe-inspiring brass touches, terrazzo floors, gold leaf motifs, an Italian mosaic, velvet furnishings, marble countertops, Lobmeyr chandeliers and more.
Where: 550 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
3. Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann, Miami Beach
Located inside Faena, which is already a stunning hotel with its gold-painted ceilings and flashy murals, Los Fuegos dazzles from the moment you walk in. Draped in splashes of gold, crimson and cheetah print seats and massive chandeliers that light up the dining room, it’s quite the sight to see whilst the aroma of open-fire asado delights your senses.
Where: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
4. Cecconi’s, Miami Beach
It secured a spot on our most romantic restaurants in Miami list for obvious reasons. Cecconi’s gorgeous garden is the perfect setting for breezy day gatherings over Italian cuisine and al fresco dining underneath the stars. Snag at seat at a marble table and take in the magical setting dotted in trellises and lanterns.
Where: 4385 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
5. Hiyakawa Miami, Wynwood
Minimalistic, timeless and certainly unique, Hiyakawa’s interiors are full of natural elements like oak paneling and stone. The serene space, which is filled with as much nigiri sushi as one can muster, is framed by curvy wood panels that wrap throughout and overhead.
Where: 2700 N Miami Ave #5, Miami, FL 33127
6. Matador Room, Miami Beach
Boasting a sense of glamour you can only find in the Magic City, the Matador Room’s original, massive chandelier is suspended over the spherical dining room that is reminiscent of the glamorous supper clubs of the 1940s and ’50s. There’s also a leafy outdoor terrace that’s just as breathtaking, set beneath a custom pergola engulfed in bougainvillea and lush greenery.
Where: 2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
7. Lido at The Surf Club, Surfside
Ditch the plane ride and travel to this Amalfi Coast-inspired escape in Surfside! Recently added to the Michelin Guide, Lido is an illustrious spot to sip and dine while taking in the waterfront vistas. The palm-filled space features dramatic lights and a vaulted ceiling reminiscent of a cathedral. You can find it inside The Surf Club at the Four Seasons, a gorgeous piece of history that’s been around since 1930 but recently restored.
Where: 9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154
8. Tran An, Little River
Great things come in small packages and tucked in a small brick-and-mortar outpost in Little River is fast-casual Vietnamese eatery, Tran An. But there’s nothing casual about the 20-seat restaurant. Inside, you’ll find what can be best described as a groovy-like aesthetic, with beautiful lights, golden animal heads and several mirrors lining the walls. Pho is the hallmark of their menu, which will have you falling in love with more than just the appearance of this spot.
Where: 215 NE 82nd St, Miami, FL 33138
9. Jaya at The Setai, Miami Beach
A worthy addition to this roundup is the dazzling Jaya at The Setai, with its twinkling palms and gleaming pool. Whether you choose to dine in the courtyard among aerial artists and fire dancers or indoors along the red accented pillows and wood trim finishes, Jaya provides a magical atmosphere with Asian cuisine just as appealing!
Where: 2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
10. MILA Miami, Miami Beach
Perched on a rooftop just off Lincoln Road, you know you’re in for a stunning view when you dine at MILA. And whether it’s the views of South Beach outdoors or the intricate wooden details indoors, the “MediterAsian” spot draws on a minimalistic aesthetic with its ambient lighting, sculptures, ceramics and wood placed throughout.
Where: 1636 Meridian Avenue Rooftop, Miami Beach, FL 33139
11. Elastika, Miami Design District
While dining at Elastika, feast your eyes on the sculpture hanging dramatically overhead. It’s by Zaha Hadid and actually shares a name with the restaurant, which is situated inside the Design District’s 100-year-old Moore building. The food is just as spectacular as the art, with modern American cuisine throughout the menu.
Where: 191 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137
12. Komodo, Brickell
Spread over three levels, Komodo continues to be one of the city’s most popular gems. It’s decked out in illuminating reds, bamboo columns and unique bird’s nests that float above the dining room. Hang out in the “treetops” as you sip on Asian-fusion cocktails like Girl From Ipanema featuring Sōtō sake and take in the views.
Where: 801 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
13. COTE, Miami Design District
A purple-hazed hallway leads to this Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse, where you have the opportunity to grill your meal at the table. There are several pieces of contemporary art throughout, dark wood accents and leather booths, but the focal point of the room is its signature, amber-hued oval bar. It’s the place to see and be seen!
Where: 3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
14. Gianni’s at the Villa, Miami Beach
The Versace Mansion needs no introduction. But if it needs reminding, it is undoubtedly home to one of the city’s most beautiful restaurants. With a nod to its previous iteration as the late Gianni Versace’s home, its restaurant boasts extravagant dining areas that feature an over-the-top aesthetic, mosaic art, ornate statues, a Mediterranean-style garden and pool made of over a million tiles — many of which are 24-karat gold.
Where: 1116 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
15. Rishtedar, Wynwood
While this chic Indian spot boasts masalas, kebabs and tandoor on its menu, its space is adorned in vibrant colors and textures, highlighting the most emblematic elements of the culture. Everything from their stained-glass lanterns to intricate arches and mirrors integrated into the design embrace all those who come to dine here.
Where: 232 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127
16. Teatro at the Arsht Center, Downtown Miami
Keep this one in mind the next time you go to see a show! Located on the second floor of the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House, this striking restaurant really takes the spotlight. Its bold, red aesthetic can be found all over — resembling red stage curtains in a theater. You can start the show here with a tasty dinner, cocktails or a glass from their expansive wine selection.
Where: 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132