25 Best Restaurants in Miami, Florida

© Villa Azur Restaurant

Villa Azur is an elegant gourmet restaurant in South Beach that serves exotic French Mediterranean dishes prepared with an Italian twist. Featuring romantic décor with antique drop chandeliers and vintage motifs, the restaurant has a menu reflecting that same style. Villa Azur has a raw oyster and caviar bar, tartare and carpaccio, cold and warm appetizers, and a range of fresh seafood, meat, and pasta dishes.

If you are looking for best Miami restaurants to celebrate a special occasion, this is a great place to try. A separate dessert menu presents sweet delights such as tarte tartin, pannacotta and dulce de Leche, and the food can be paired with a selection of the finest wines from the restaurant's in-house wine cellar or a seasonal, signature cocktail.

309 23rd St, Miami Beach, 305-763-8688

© Seaspice Brasserie and Lounge

Seaspice Brasserie and Lounge invites guests to come and enjoy a wonderful evening of cocktails and dinner with beautiful views of the Miami River and the downtown skyline. The menu truly caters to all tastes featuring their signature wood-fired casseroles, a brilliant assortment of appetizers, lip-smacking seafood platters and traditional entrees like Hot-stone grilled Wagyu or delicious New Zealand Rack of Lamb. In addition, they also serve a variety of beautifully crafted pasta (house made) dishes and risottos. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays and features their Maine Lobster Benedict which will have you coming back time after time.

412 NW N. River Drive, Miami, FL 33128, 305 440 4200

© Mandolin

The white-washed building with blue trimmed windows and brightly colored bougainvillea that houses Mandolin Aegean Bistro transports you to the magical Mediterranean as soon as you step through the doors. Set in a beautiful 1940s house located between the Design District and the historic Buena Vista, Mandolin serves traditional Aegean food from the azure coasts of Greece and Turkey.

Founded by husband and wife Anastasia Koutsioukis and Ahmet Erkaya, Mandolin features a menu that is ingredient-driven, and they use locally caught fish and farm raised meat, pure olive oil, fresh herbs and vegetables, and homemade breads, cheeses, and yogurt in all their dishes. Enjoy traditional mezes, fresh salads and sandwiches, and a variety of mains and desserts at this charming bistro.

4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, 305-749-9140

© Michael's Genuine Food & Drink

Located in the vibrant Design District, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is a friendly, laid-back neighborhood bistro that serves delicious homemade and seasonal cuisine for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Chef/owner Michael Schwartz is dedicated to using only the freshest ingredients for his menu, which offers dishes such as chargrilled octopus, shitake mushroom risotto, and triggerfish ceviche, all of whose ingredients are sourced from local farmers and producers.

The food menu is accompanied by an exciting list of handcrafted cocktails, beer, and wine. Enjoy weekend brunch alfresco style on the sun-dappled patio or make a selection from the new late afternoon menu of small plates and snacks.

130 Northeast 40th Street, Miami, 305-573-5550

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© Paperfish Sushi

Your dining experience at Paperfish Sushi is intended to transport you from the mundane to the sublime. This contemporary Tokyo-inspired eatery will surprise you around every corner. Guests are invited to step through the traditional red torii gates into a beautiful outdoor terrace or the elegant inside dining area, where your taste buds will be treated to carefully crafted, contemporary Japanese cuisine. The menu is made up of a selection of beautiful dishes in small or large portions, ideal for sharing. Everything that reaches your table has been made using the freshest seasonal local produce which takes your meal to the next level. There are 2 locations:

1421 S. Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33131, 305 741 0936 or

432 Espanola Way, Miami Beach, FL 33130, 305 6860579

© LoKal

LoKal is a hip Coconut Grove restaurant operated by top Miami chef Matthew Kuscher, serving up sustainably-sourced burgers and gastropub fare in an industrial-chic venue. The restaurant, which opened to the public in 2011, is named for the German word for "meeting place" and is the first restaurant within Miami-Dade County to use 100% renewable energy for all of its operations. Locally-sourced and sustainably-produced ingredients are used in all meals, including grass-fed burgers sourced from nearby Fort McCoy Ranch. All of the restaurant's clever burger offerings can be prepared vegan or gluten-free upon request, with many sandwich platters offering inventive beef-free options prepared with chicken, fish, turkey, or vegetarian burgers. A draft beer list highlights unique regional offerings, while a doggie menu allows four-legged friends to dine with their owners.

3190 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, FL 33133, Phone: 305-442-3377

© Yardbird Southern Table and Bar

Fried chicken, magnolias, and Moon Pies come to mind when thinking of Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. Located on Lenox Avenue in Miami Beach, this stylish restaurant pays homage to classic Southern cooking, culture, and hospitality, and it offers a seasonal menu with dishes made with innovative flair and farm-fresh ingredients. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Southern Table offers a relaxed and comfortable place to gather and enjoy good food and wine with friends.

Menus include favorite Southern classics such as fried green tomatoes, skillet cornbread, and smoked brisket with buttermilk biscuits, while the bar menu boasts an array of libations, traditional Southern cocktails and bourbons, draft and canned beer, and a range of whiskey and wine.

1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, 305-538-5220

© Aromas del Peru

Bringing the unforgettable flavors and aromas of Peru to several locations in Miami, Aromas del Peru will transport you to the little fishing port of Chimboti in Peru, where owner/manager Marita Astete grew up. The emphasis is on serving authentic Peruvian cuisine using the freshest locally-sourced ingredients. Peruvian cuisine traditionally features plenty of vegetables, beef and seafood, which means than everyone can find something fresh and delicious to enjoy. Each of the 6 venues offers a warm welcome, excellent cocktails and a relaxing atmosphere. A few of their signature dishes include Ceviche 3 Ways, Tuna Tartar, succulent Parilla Mixta and much more.

5757 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33144, 786 347 0506

© Miam Cafe

Located in the heart of the world-renowned edgy arts district of Miami, Miam Café & Boutique serves a simple, fresh menu of homemade food and drinks all day long in a casual, and friendly atmosphere. From hearty, wholesome breakfasts and healthy lunches to delicious afternoon snacks and made-to-order dishes, the café’s food is prepared with only the freshest ingredients, all of which are locally sourced.

Salads, sandwiches, pastries, and quiches are all made fresh on site, and you can choose an accompaniment from a list of beverages that includes various teas and coffees, cold drinks, beers, and wines.

2750 NW 3rd Avenue, Suite 21, Miami, 786-703-1451

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© Coyo Taco

Located in Wynwood, Coyo Taco is the home of the handcrafted taco served in traditional Mexican fashion, and its menu features other traditional Mexican food and drinks. Following the philosophy of todo fresco (everything fresh), dishes are made with natural, locally sourced ingredients, from the smashed-on-site guacamole and freshly caught seafood to their famous Don Julio margaritas. Whitewashed walls and a long communal table add to the casual, relaxed ambiance.

2300 NW 2nd Ave #3, Miami, 305-573-8228

© Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is a casual eatery that serves authentic Mexican street food and beverages in a casual, vibrant space for lunch and late night meals. Founded by self-proclaimed “connoisseur of the taco” Chef Bernie Matz, the tricked-out taco truck has a unique interior with a rotating vertical spit.

Everything combines to create an inviting ambiance, and the enticing menu boasts Mexican favorites such as ceviche, tacos, and burritos, as well as a range of handmade signature cocktails and specialty shots. Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is open for lunch and dinner daily and has happy hour between 6-8 pm. It also offers delivery and takeout options.

1220 16th Street, Miami Beach, 305-704-2145

© loki_ast/stock.adobe.com

You will find Toscana Divino nestled in the heart of Bricknell, where it brings top-end Italian fine-dining cuisine to Miami. Following age-old Italian culinary traditions, Toscana Divino believes in using only the finest locally grown organic produce from farmers who are passionate about sustainability. The poultry is all free-range and pasture reared, while the salmon is flown in from a sustainable source in Scotland. The menu features innovative modern Italian fare with something to suit all tastes. There are beautiful appetizers and antipasti, traditional small plates ideal for sharing and then the very impressive meat and fish dishes. A 4-course Chef’s tasting menu for 2 is also available.

900 S. Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130, 305 371 2767

© Havana 1957

Havana 1957 is a lively restaurant chain offering five locations throughout Florida, including a hip Miami Beach location. The restaurant strives to recreate the excitement and sophistication of Havana's hippest midcentury dining and nightlife destinations, serving up traditional Cuban favorites throughout the day prepared by executive chef Juan Luis Rosales. House specialties include the Pollo Havana 1957, which pairs traditional family-service roasted chicken in Cuban gravy with black beans, white rice, and sweet plantains. Diners can also enjoy traditional dishes such as ropa vieja, clever Cuban-sandwich-style burgers, or shareable appetizers such as croqueta platters, truffle yuca fries, and Florida day boat ceviche. The restaurant's Mojito Bar stocks more than 120 varieties of international rum, served up in classic cocktails such as Cuba Libres and Mojitos.

819 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Phone: 305-397-8683

© Three

Three is a tropical-themed restaurant at Miami's Wynwood Arcade, opened in 2017.. The restaurant, which is housed within a converted warehouse building, serves delicious New World cuisine that celebrates Florida's ethnic diversity and unique culinary history. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour service are offered, focusing on elegant Floridian comfort fare such as barbecued beets, octopus a la plancha, butter-poached grouper, and sorghum and maple-glazed squab. Specialty cocktails, imported beers, fine wines, and well drinks are available throughout the day.

50 NW 24th St #101, Miami, FL 33127, Phone: 305- 748-4540

© Il Gabbiano

Il Gabbiano is a trendy Italian restaurant that is known for its soul-satisfying food. Located on Biscayne Boulevard on Miami’s waterfront, this stylish eatery is a hotspot for lunch and dinner. Owned by the Masci brothers, founders of Manhattan’s famed Il Mulino, diners are treated to a genuine Italian experience, which includes everything from complimentary antipasti upon arrival and after-dinner limoncello to ample dinner plates infused with authentic Italian flavors.

Pasta is made in-house and sautéed to order, seafood comes fresh from the sea, and desserts are delicious.

335 S. Biscayne Blvd Miami, 305-373-0063

© Prime 112

Located in the historic Browns Hotel, Prime 112 is a chef-driven boutique steakhouse that offers an innovative menu of classic cuisine served in a stylish and elegant environment. Owned and operated by restaurateur Myles Chefetz, the restaurant serves traditional steakhouse dishes such as prime steak tartare, as well as more inventive fare like truffled lobster mac and cheese.

Prime 112 has a nice list of fine wines, beers, and other beverages, and dark leather booths and low lighting create a relaxed, polished ambiance in which to enjoy the dining experience. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Sunday through Thursday.

112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-532-8112

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© Blue Collar

Located in the historic MIMO district of Miami and open for lunch and dinner, Blue Collar is a cozy restaurant that serves American comfort food in a casual setting. Owner/Executive Chef Daniel Serfer opened Blue Collar with the aim of serving the kind of food that he has always loved to eat in an inviting atmosphere, and he has succeeded in doing just that. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas in Miami, this is a great place to visit.

The exciting menu offers a range of delicious cuisine. It caters to both meat-lovers and vegetarians and includes a daily rotation of seasonal dishes and fresh vegetables. The beverage list consists of a variety of local craft beers, delightful wines, and refreshing sodas.

6730 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, 305-756-0366

© Cvi.Che 105

Cvi.Che 105 is a popular Peruvian eatery based on Lincoln Road, and it is known for its delicious ceviche and classic cocktails, all of which is served in a stylish, art-inspired space that attracts a trendier crowd. Start with stiff pisco sours before making your selection from the menu, which features a range of small appetizers, ceviches, and tiraditos, traditional mains such as saltados and tacos, and fresh seafood.

Desserts include creamy mousses and rich cheesecakes while the drink menu is packed with signature cocktails, Peruvian beers, and various soft drinks.

1245 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, 786-534-8651

© Estiatorio Milos

Estiatorio Milos brings a taste of Greece to the shores of Miami; it is a chic, stylish eatery that serves classic Mediterranean cuisine. Serving incredibly fresh seafood that arrives every morning and which can be chosen from the icy-cool display in the back of the restaurant, the restaurant features a menu that also boasts classic Greek plates such as charcoal-grilled octopus, lightly fried zucchini flowers filled with Mediterranean cheese, and karidopita (Greek walnut cake) dripping in honey.

As Estiatorio Milos is one of Miami’s most refined and popular restaurants, be prepared to spend a little more than you would at any other restaurant.

730 1st Street, Miami, 305-604-6800

© Zuma Restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown Miami, Zuma is an internationally acclaimed Japanese restaurant that serves modern Japanese cuisine in a stylish and chic environment. Inspired by the informal Japanese dining style referred to as izakaya, Chef Rainer Becker presents an innovative menu of Asian fusion cuisine, and his dishes range from snacks, soups, and salads to tempura, sushi, and sashimi. He has also developed several signature dishes, desserts, and set lunch and brunch menus.

The main dining room is particularly elegant, and the restaurant has a sushi counter and robata grill, as well as a private dining room for special events, an intimate sake bar and lounge, and an outdoor terrace for post-dinner drinks under the stars.

270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, 305-577-0277

© Fresh American Bistro

Located at the Sole on the Ocean Resort and Spa in the heart of Sunny Isles Beach, Fresh American Bistro, aka F.A.B., is a stylish, yet casual American bistro that serves fresh, seasonal cuisine and specialty drinks. Michelin-starred Executive Chef Philippe Ruiz brings a touch of class to this otherwise relaxed eatery with creative cuisine made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Some of his most popular dishes include seared duck breast, saffron seafood risotto, and a range of freshly made salads. The intimate dining room boasts a subtle Cape Cod style in whites and blues and has breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean.

17315 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, 786-923-9305

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© Marabu Brickell

Marabu Restaurant is located in the heart of Bricknell, where it brings the unique flavors, aromas and atmosphere of Cuba to the heart of Miami. The interior of the restaurant is refined and glamorous, reminiscent of the style and elegance of Old Havana. The interior is dominated by a huge bar which serves up wonderful cocktails while you make your menu choices. The food is really special; many of the dishes are cooked over charcoal, imparting a deep smoky flavor which is hard to copy. For starters you can try their delicious Truffle Yucca Fries or Grilled Octopus. These tasty morsels are followed by a selection of raw bar delicacies, salads, bowls and wonderfully flavorsome meat and fish entrees.

701 S. Miami Ave, 4th Floor, Miami, FL 33131, 786 598 8012

© rilueda/stock.adobe.com

Occupying an unbeatable location in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, La Mar by Gaston Acurio offers sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the stunning Miami skyline. The inspired cuisine will take you on a voyage of discovery to sample some of the best traditional and modern flavors emanating from the Andes. Just a few of the menu highlights include an extravagant Tiradito (raw fish or duck in a spicy broth), several takes on the classic Ceviche, the wonderful La Mar Golden Platter (an assortment of traditional Peruvian dishes) and several masterfully-prepared meat and seafood entrees. You can wash it all down with your favorite Peruvian cocktail or wine.

500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, Fl 33131, 305 913 8288

© NaiYaRa

NaiYaRa is an Asian-inspired dining spot operated by famed chef Piyarat Arreeratn, best known throughout the city as Chef Bee. The hip restaurant serves a variety of Thai street food options with global influences, blending familiar and exotic flavors to craft a truly unique dining experience. A variety of hot and raw appetizers are served alongside a full sushi and sashimi menu, which highlights one-of-a-kind omasake and nigiri selections. Familiar Thai favorite entrees are available, including Massaman curry, pad Thai, and drunken udon platters. Asian twists on contemporary American favorites are also available, such as the restaurant's 10-ounce skirt steak, which is prepared with bok choy and nahm jim jao sauce. Sake and imported Asian beers are available, alongside an extensive selection of Asian cocktails and international wines available by the glass.

1854 Bay Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Phone: 786-275-6005