We already know that Miami houses some of the best restaurants, bars and hotels in the world. But now there’s another accolade for the city, with 14 local venues included in 50 Best Discovery, an expert guide from the people behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars.
Unlike other lists that rank establishments from one to 50, the Discovery list is unranked, showcasing exceptional eateries, hotels and vineyards to serve as a global guide for discerning travelers.
So whether you’re visiting the Magic City or simply looking for somewhere to spend a staycation away from home, there are quite a few places that have caught the eyes of the world’s toughest critics. Keep scrolling to discover them for yourself!
Where to drink
Miami’s mixology is certainly a highlight on this list, with nine bars making the cut.
- Café La Trova, Little Havana – Cuban cantinero bar that always cracks the actual 50 Best Bars rankings.
- ViceVersa, Downtown Miami – Newcomer bringing the Italian aperitivo hub to Miami.
- Sweet Liberty, Miami Beach – Unpretentious local staple with some of the best happy hours in the city.
- The Broken Shaker, Miami Beach – Poolside backyard oasis serving handcrafted cocktails and small bites.
- Champagne Bar at The Surf Club, Surfside – Presents a large collection of champagne in a room filled with old-world glamour.
- Dante’s HiFi, Wynwood – Miami’s first vinyl listening room paired with Japanese-inspired cocktails.
- Bar Kaiju, Little River – Offers drinks inspired by global mythical creatures and monsters.
- Sexy Fish, Brickell – Find glittering underwater themed decor, resident DJs and theatrical drinks here.
- Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery, Miami Beach – Subterranean speakeasy-style American rum paradise.
Where to dine
There are countless incredible restaurants in the city, but the 50 Best Academy singled out one dining room for this specific list: Stubborn Seed in South Beach. Helmed by Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford, it’s praised for its sustainability and constantly-evolving menu, ranging from ginger- and citrus-cured Japanese yellowtail with tomato consommé and umami citrus granita to braised leek and Gruyère raviolo finished with potato espuma and crispy smoked pork belly.
Where to stay
According to 50 Best Discovery, these four beachfront stays represent the pinnacle of global hospitality.
- Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Surfside – Reborn 1930s icon blending Jazz Age glamour with modern oceanfront luxury.
- Faena Miami Beach – Opulent resort with theatrical red-and-gold interiors and art-filled spaces like a gilded woolly mammoth skeleton.
- The Setai, Miami Beach – Art Deco landmark with Asian-inspired design and iconic restaurants.
- 1 Hotel South Beach – Hailed for delivering “posh beach life with a conscience” through its emphasis on eco-luxury and natural materials.
How 50 Best Discovery spots are selected
For starters, a venue cannot apply to be on the list, as inclusion is given by the experts who create The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Bars and The World’s 50 Best Hotels, as well as other rankings. This includes more than 2,000 industry experts worldwide who vote for their top experiences over the last 18 months.
Venues that receive a significant number of votes, but perhaps not quite enough to crack the top 50 or top 100 rankings, qualify for the Discovery list.
