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Dining in Downtown Miami: 12 Great Spots

Downtown Miami is certainly stepping up its food game

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Macklemore was right when he sang, "ain't seen nothing yet until you’re downtown." Some of Miami’s most interesting dishes and unparalleled city views are located in the heart of Downtown — just north of the bridge that connects Brickell and Downtown. Here are 12 that have stolen the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Editor’s Note: A number of South Florida restaurants have resumed indoor and outdoor dining services. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for onsite dining, as there are still safety concerns: for updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the Florida Health Department’swebsite. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines. For those wanting to find the best takeout and dining options throughout Miami, please visit here.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Now helmed by chef Hedy Goldsmith, Verde at PAMM has updated its menu to feature plenty of newcomers alongside long standing classics. Grab a seat at its expansive patio overlooking Biscayne Bay and dine on dishes like prosciutto pizza, its popular chicken under a brick, and grilled salmon. Of course leave room for dessert as Goldsmith brings back her popular pastries to the restaurant.

Da Lida at Fooq's

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This casual pasta bar pop-up eatery housed in the Fooq’s space specializes in traditional Italian dishes and a focused collection of wine. Diners can expect dishes like burrata and pesto, gem lettuce salad, spaghetti alla nerano, rigatoni bolognese, and even a Fooq’s favorite, buccatini amatriciana, makes a return to the menu. Open until December 2020.

All Day

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For those in the mood for some serious coffee concoctions, this is the place. Nestled between Fooq’s and The Corner, All Day offers everything from pastries to sandwiches and salads, and more importantly, eggs anyway you want them, all day.

NIU Kitcheners x Arson

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NIU Kitchen has teamed up with its sister restaurant, Arson, which is conveniently located next door. They’ve combined the best of both menus including the eclectic Catalan cuisine of NIU — including its famous clams and gazpacho — with the best of Arson’s menu including many of its Josper-grill prepared dishes. An extensive wine list, featuring natural wines from around the world completes the menu.

Over Under

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The eclectic watering hole slash eatery offers well-crafted cocktails, booze-filled slushies, and a menu filled with items like a much buzzed about burger that is akin to a high-end Big Mac, vegan Jamaican patties, and sour orange pie.

Lost Boy

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While Lost Boy might best be known for its clever cocktails and popular happy hour, its food menu is also more expansive than most with a variety of charcuterie boards, sandwiches, hot dogs, “hot pots” filled items like mac ‘n cheese and pot pie.

El Primo Red Tacos by PEZ 

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El Primo features birria-style street tacos straight from Tijuana that have become Instagram. The menu offers beef birria in taco and quesadillas with options like adding bone marrow, alongside birria ramen and consumme, as well as tequila and mezcal shots. Available for takeout and outdoor dining Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m.

Black Market Miami

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With more than 30 TV screens, Black Market Miami is the ultimate sports bar. To drink? Fans order beer in bulk by the bottle. To eat? Bar food is what’s for dinner with burgers on burgers, tacos, and beer battered onion rings.

Meraki Greek Bistro

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For simple yet tasty Greek food served with a smile, Meraki is the place to go. An understated cottage with a charming garden sets the scene for guests to mix, mingle, and break bread with delicacies like fried zucchini, lamb burgers, and meatballs. 

Il Gabbiano

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What can be more comforting than Italian food? Italian food enjoyed on a waterfront terrace, of course. Ocean view aside, guests return for the pasta, which is made to order, and stay for the friendly service coupled with a great atmosphere.

Novikov Miami

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Novikov Miami is the cool kid in town when it comes to high-end Asian dining. With sushi, dim sum, and a mean Peking duck, the dishes are as “Instagramable” as the Biscayne Bay views. 

This modern Japanese eatery is located in the heart of downtown Miami. The menu boasts bold flavors to be enjoyed in izakaya style: shared at the table or individually, with some of Miami's best people watching to boot.

Verde

Now helmed by chef Hedy Goldsmith, Verde at PAMM has updated its menu to feature plenty of newcomers alongside long standing classics. Grab a seat at its expansive patio overlooking Biscayne Bay and dine on dishes like prosciutto pizza, its popular chicken under a brick, and grilled salmon. Of course leave room for dessert as Goldsmith brings back her popular pastries to the restaurant.

Da Lida at Fooq's

This casual pasta bar pop-up eatery housed in the Fooq’s space specializes in traditional Italian dishes and a focused collection of wine. Diners can expect dishes like burrata and pesto, gem lettuce salad, spaghetti alla nerano, rigatoni bolognese, and even a Fooq’s favorite, buccatini amatriciana, makes a return to the menu. Open until December 2020.

All Day

For those in the mood for some serious coffee concoctions, this is the place. Nestled between Fooq’s and The Corner, All Day offers everything from pastries to sandwiches and salads, and more importantly, eggs anyway you want them, all day.

NIU Kitcheners x Arson

NIU Kitchen has teamed up with its sister restaurant, Arson, which is conveniently located next door. They’ve combined the best of both menus including the eclectic Catalan cuisine of NIU — including its famous clams and gazpacho — with the best of Arson’s menu including many of its Josper-grill prepared dishes. An extensive wine list, featuring natural wines from around the world completes the menu.

Over Under

The eclectic watering hole slash eatery offers well-crafted cocktails, booze-filled slushies, and a menu filled with items like a much buzzed about burger that is akin to a high-end Big Mac, vegan Jamaican patties, and sour orange pie.

Lost Boy

While Lost Boy might best be known for its clever cocktails and popular happy hour, its food menu is also more expansive than most with a variety of charcuterie boards, sandwiches, hot dogs, “hot pots” filled items like mac ‘n cheese and pot pie.

El Primo Red Tacos by PEZ 

El Primo features birria-style street tacos straight from Tijuana that have become Instagram. The menu offers beef birria in taco and quesadillas with options like adding bone marrow, alongside birria ramen and consumme, as well as tequila and mezcal shots. Available for takeout and outdoor dining Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m.

Black Market Miami

With more than 30 TV screens, Black Market Miami is the ultimate sports bar. To drink? Fans order beer in bulk by the bottle. To eat? Bar food is what’s for dinner with burgers on burgers, tacos, and beer battered onion rings.

Meraki Greek Bistro

For simple yet tasty Greek food served with a smile, Meraki is the place to go. An understated cottage with a charming garden sets the scene for guests to mix, mingle, and break bread with delicacies like fried zucchini, lamb burgers, and meatballs. 

Il Gabbiano

What can be more comforting than Italian food? Italian food enjoyed on a waterfront terrace, of course. Ocean view aside, guests return for the pasta, which is made to order, and stay for the friendly service coupled with a great atmosphere.

Novikov Miami

Novikov Miami is the cool kid in town when it comes to high-end Asian dining. With sushi, dim sum, and a mean Peking duck, the dishes are as “Instagramable” as the Biscayne Bay views. 

Zuma

This modern Japanese eatery is located in the heart of downtown Miami. The menu boasts bold flavors to be enjoyed in izakaya style: shared at the table or individually, with some of Miami's best people watching to boot.

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