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 the 305:
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 Mallman, 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, lanterns and fairy lights.
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 and intimate 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. Plus, with an omakase experience hidden inside the restaurant, it’s a place you’ll want to spend plenty of time in.
Where: 1636 Meridian Avenue Rooftop, Miami Beach, FL 33139
11. Mandrake, Miami Beach
Rocking a vibrant tropical theme with neon lights and eye-catching patterns, Mandrake is your much-needed escape from the ordinary. Hidden behind dramatic velvet drapes, head to the dining room for dimly lit dining among whimsical walls, upholstered seats and a ‘grammable rhino head sculpture that steals the show. The aesthetic extends to the restaurant’s garden patio, which goes all in with a bamboo wall and purple plants dangling from the ceiling.
Where: 210 23rd St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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. Bebito’s Cafe, Miami Beach
Perfect for cafecito runs or somewhere to prop up your laptop and get some work done, Benito’s is a modern approach to your classic Cuban café. There is no ventanita, as Cuban-American founder and restaurateur Jason Odio once shared he wanted a coffee concept that fit more to what he and his friends were used to, but the space is a killer spot to get a cortadito or a more creative concoction like a cloud latte. Nestled in Flamingo Point on Lincoln Road, every single corner is pleasing to the eyes, with bright tones, a lush feel, emerald green tiles and pink velvet chairs.
Where: 1504 Bay Rd #106, Miami Beach, FL 33139