Friends of Eater Miami Share Their Top Restaurant Standbys of 2022

As we put a cap on 2022, Eater surveyed a group of friends, writers, and all-around experts for their take on the past year. We asked them six questions: from top standbys to top newcomers, from best meals to restaurants they’ve broken up with. All will be answered by the time we turn off the lights at the end of 2022. Responses are related in no particular order; all are cut, pasted, and (mostly) unedited herein. Responses do not necessarily reflect the views of Eater and Eater Miami.

Gretchen Schmidt (Edible South Florida): Off Site, The Citadel, Botta Street Food, Paradis B&B, Tinta y Cafe, Lan, Ghee Indian Kitchen, Orno, Mamey. Also, the taquerias and pupusa stand at Redland Market Village.

Amber Love Bond (Eater Miami contributor): This year I was out of town more than ever, so when I did get the chance to be home I really went for comfort — which for me tends to mean pasta, so there was lots of Macchialina and Jaguar Sun. And quite a bit of Sweet Liberty... that full menu served until 4am is always a lifesaver. I’m fully aware this has probably been my answer for a few years now, but they are my regular spots for a reason!

Stacy Moya (Eater Miami Contributor): I’m sure it’s no surprise to know that I am a regular at Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant (the filet mignon, oh my!) but I also frequented Flanigan’s because the price is right and the dolphin fingers are so tasty (extra lemon, please).

Alona Martinez (Eater Miami Contributor): Here are the spots I never tire of: Itamae, Boia De (if you can get in), Stanzione 87 (for those days an awesome pizza and glass of wine can fix the world), Fiola (because...pasta!), Sérêvène (classy and, come on, beef tartare with Lays chips really does work!), Caracas Bakery (one word: cachitos [are the best in the world], okay seven words), and The Katherine (yes, drive to Fort Lauderdale, it is worth it).

David Rosendorf (Food For Thought): There’s been no greater enhancement to my quality of life than having Wabi Sabi within a few miles of home, where we regularly stop in for an omakase. Plus Boia De whenever we can squeeze in, Lil Laos and The Shores at the Citadel, Off Site for the fantastic crispy chicken sandwich, the Angry Nonna pizza from Collins Pizza, a recent fixation on the Chicken Caesar Hoagie at Old Greg’s, and bi-weekly bagel restocks from El Bagel. And Michael’s Genuine has been back in the rotation lately: still solid, and doing some nice new things (like a great seafood tower) in addition to the pretty facelift of the space.

Lyssa Goldberg (Freelance food writer): I’ve found myself going back to Vinya Table for the fun wines and creative small plates like Morcilla Spring Rolls; Americana Kitchen for the Ahi Tuna Tostada and the illusion that I’m a hotel guest at the new Loews Coral Gables; and even though it just reopened this month, Eating House is already climbing back to the top of the list (their guava and cream cheese-infused Josefina cocktail is mind-blowing). For more of an everyday, quick-and-healthy option, Naked Farmer is my new neighborhood go-to. Their seasonal bowls with locally sourced veggies and roasted meats are so much more satisfying than your basic salad.

Belkys Nerey (WSVN 7): Le Chick Wynwood. Always consistent, unbelievable roasted chicken. Carrot Express. Easy to order on line and with locations all over town it was a great way to grab a healthy lunch on the go.

Giovanny Gutierrez (Chat Chow TV/Eater Miami photographer): There’s a theme: La Mar, La Camaronera, La Trova, La Petite Maison. Other places you’ll catch me in time and time again: Phuc Yea, Klaw, & Sanguich.

Juliana Accioly (Eater Miami contributor): Graziano’s Market in Coral Gables, Novikov Miami, Icebox Cafe and Azabu in South Beach.

Sara Liss (Author of Miami Cooks): Loved that Carrot Express expanded so much this year - I can literally get my favorite salmon wrap in any neighborhood in the city. The restaurants at Bal Harbour Shops continue to be my standby’s with Le Zoo always satisfying when I need a bistro fix and Makoto’s glow-up and expanded space being a fun change. I also spent a lot of time at Neya in Surfside because I can walk there and get a great cocktail with delicious Mediterranean food and it’s easy and solid.

Kelly Blanco (NBC 6): Le Zoo, Doya, Tequiztlan, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Tropezon, and Shake shack.

George Arango (@Mr.Eats305): I’m normally going to different places daily so whenever I am back at a spot it says something. A few of those places are Sanguich De Miami, Islas Canarias, Miami Slice, Caja Caliente, Tinta y Cafe, and Smorgasburg.

Olee Fowler (Eater Miami): Ever since Motek opened its Aventura location, I order from there at least once a week. When in doubt, LPM and Mandolin are wonderful go-tos for me and work great for a simple date night or a special occasion.