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dining area with wooden floors. — Tambourine Room.

38 Essential Restaurants in Miami, Fall 2023

Where to dine and drink in Miami

by Olee Fowler@oleefowler Updated Oct 10, 2023, 12:00pm EDT

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Tambourine Room.

| Michael Pisarri

by Olee Fowler@oleefowler Updated Oct 10, 2023, 12:00pm EDT

If you book a reservation through an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

aThe most frequently asked question Eater Miami receives is, “Can you recommend a restaurant?” The goal of the Eater 38 is to answer that question with a list of Miami’s top restaurants, spanning the city’s best cuisines and neighborhoods. The restaurants on this list cover the entire city, span myriad cuisines, histories, and locations, and collectively satisfy any restaurant needs.

Every couple of months, the list is updated to add pertinent restaurants that were perhaps omitted or have newly become eligible (which means they’ve been open for more than six months, but usually closer to a year) or have made meaningful recent changes.

Have a suggestion for somewhere we might have missed? You can nominate the restaurant by dropping us a note at miami@eater.com.

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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. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Motek (Multiple locations)

This bright and charming cafe inside Aventura Mall (with a sister location in Downtown Miami) woos diners with a melange of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. It is an all-day brunch feast here with items like the smoked salmon Jerusalem bagel plate, lahmajun (flatbread filled with vegetables), chips with harissa aioli, and majadra rice bowl, which blur the lines between breakfast and lunch. Order the malawach (Jewish pancakes) churros for dessert and wash it all down with limonana, an Israeli mint lemonade.

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19565 Biscayne Blvd #938, Aventura, FL 33180

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paradis books & bread

Paradis Books and Bread in North Miami offers a quaint escape for wine aficionados and connoisseurs of simple yet interesting cuisine. Engagingly unassuming, it melds a bookstore, natural wine shop, and bakery/restaurant into an experience with a succinct list of innovative offerings, such as baby potatoes with black garlic and charred scallion, and distinctively flavored tinned fish. While its sourdough bread earned its own following over the years, the generously spaced outdoor patio invites guests to stay a while and explore the wide range of wines available.

12831 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami, FL 33161

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Makoto

Located inside the ritzy Bal Harbour Shops, this seemingly always busy Japanese restaurant just got a new look and new location – three floors above where it was located for nearly a decade. The now bright and airy space still offers up some of the best sushi and sashimi in town by chef Makoto Okuwa. Still, it also features plenty of dishes made on the charcoal robata, like wagyu filet, ribeye, sea bass, and lamb chops that shouldn’t be missed.

9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL

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The Surf Club Restaurant

Oozing with 1950s glamor, the Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller boasts nostalgic American cuisine with the world-renowned Keller touch. Start the night with a stiff martini or a well-chosen wine from the restaurant’s impressive selection of vintages. The cuisine goes with the old-school feel of the space, with upscale renditions of beef Wellington, Caesar salad, roast chicken, and a can’t-miss ice cream sundae.

9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154

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Taquiza

This North Beach waterfront restaurant features a variety of traditional tacos like al pastor, chicken, and lengua by chef Steve Santana served on handmade blue-masa corn tortillas so good that Taquiza now supplies them for half the restaurants in town. A trip to Taquiza isn’t complete without an order of the totopos — homemade tortilla chips, which come out warm, “fluffy,” and flawlessly fried and are worth the visit by themselves.

7450 Ocean Terrace, Miami Beach, FL 33141

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Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt

Housed inside the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, this intimate fine dining restaurant serves a three-or six-course tasting menu filled with modern takes on classic French cuisine with Asian influences from Tristan Brandt. The recently one-Michelin-starred restaurant has a menu that menu rotates frequently. Still, diners can expect dishes like thinly sliced scallops marinated in brown butter and curry spices served with cauliflower puree, roasted cauliflower, with a lobster, tarragon, and saffron sauce poured tableside. As for beverages, Tambourine Room is currently wine only, as Brandt believes the menus are best served with wine.

6801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141

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Phuc Yea

As one of the restaurants credited with helping the resurgence of the historic MiMo district (before that, it served as Miami’s original pop-up restaurant), Phuc Yea offers modern Vietnamese cuisine that’s heavily influenced by owners Cesar Zapata and Ani Meinhold’s roots. The colorful and industrial setting is a perfect backdrop for dishes like caramel chicken wings, seafood curry, fried chicken, and the simple but flavourful PY noodles made with plenty of garlic and parmesan cheese. Another plus: its lively bar serves as a top spot for a post-meal drink or happy hour.

7100 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

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El Bagel

What started as an incredibly popular weekend bagel pop-up has turned into a full-blown outpost with just as strong of a following. The counter-service restaurant offers a variety of creative bagels, schmears, and bagel sandwiches filled with everything from thick-cut bacon and eggs to a nod to the Miami favorite, pastelito, made with guava marmalade, cream cheese, and potato sticks.

6910 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

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Where to Eat in MiMo: 12 Great Spots

Boia De

This small, charming restaurant tucked away in a strip mall lets its owners, culinary duo Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer, show off their extensive fine dining backgrounds. The menu features some of the most creative dishes in the Magic City, like crispy potato skins topped with stracciatella, caviar, and a hard-boiled egg; baked clams with ‘nduja; or lamb ribs. Whatever your order, pair it with one of the restaurant’s hard-to-find vintages or natural wines.

5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

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Mandolin Aegean Bistro

Miami's best Greek and Turkish food is found in the intimate, understated courtyard at Mandolin. Transport to the Greek isles with a menu of elegant small plates, entrees like lamb and beef meatballs, and an exceptional grilled octopus. Any meal here can be paired with one of the refreshing Greek wines on the menu.

4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL

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Cote Miami

This Michelin-starred New York City import has won over the Magic City with its 45-day, dry-aged beef, cooked Korean barbecue style at the table on smokeless grills. The dimly lit, date-night restaurant features high-end steaks, stiff martinis, and one of the most robust wine selections in town. The most popular order at Cote is the butcher’s feast, boasting a variety of cuts along with different vegetables and kimchi, egg souffle, two stews, rice, and soft serve for $64 per person. For those who want to go more high-brow, a 10-course steak omakase is available for $185 per person.

3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

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Old Greg's Pizza

This photogenic square pizza that became the viral sensation of quarantine has become a pizza legend since its inception. On the menu, diners will find its popular sourdough square pizzas alongside some round pizza varieties, with other go-tos making an appearance, like the polenta-crusted chicken wings, garlic knots, Italian salad, and tres leches. Natural wines, lively happy hours, and old-school hip-hop tunes playing in the background complete the experience.

3620 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

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Amara at Paraiso

Part of the culinary empire of James Beard winner Michael Schwartz, Amara at Paraiso not only showcases some of Miami’s best waterfront dining but has solid dishes found throughout South America to boot. Using Schwartz’s farm-to-table ethos that gained him national fame at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, the menu offers crispy octopus, short-rib-filled empanadas, and fresh-out-of-the-oven yucca balls. Perfect for large groups, grab a patio drink before or after the meal to soak in all those enviable views.

3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137

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Zak the Baker

That bread that is offered at nearly every restaurant in town? Odds are Zak Stern and his team of talented bakers baked it. In addition to a successful wholesale business, the popular kosher baker also boasts his own successful standalone shop. Expect his signature breads and an assortment of soups, bagels, sandwiches, and pastries.

295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127

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Leku

Get a taste of Spain’s Basque country at Leku, the chic restaurant at the Rubbell Museum. The Allapattah spot offers a wide-ranging menu of dishes that are as eye-pleasing as the art inside the museum, like creamy croquetas, whole branzino, beet tartare with olive oil caviar, and the must-order Iberico ham that sits on a puffed cracker. Pair the meal with one of the many gin and tonics in the restaurant’s always perfectly breezy garden to round out the meal.

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1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127

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Mignonette

A modern take on the classic seafood restaurant by Blue Collar chef Danny Serfer and partner Ryan Roman. This Edgewater restaurant, described by critics and guests as a “plain and fancy” oyster heaven, also features other seafood items and non-sea options like prime rib, chicken, and its famous “veggie" board with decadent renditions of seasonal vegetables.

210 NE 18th St, Miami, FL

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Klaw Miami

Klaw, a stunning multi-level restaurant in Edgewater inside the former Miami Women’s Club building in Edgewater, boasts a rooftop bar with impressive waterfront views. As the name implies, seafood is the main focus, particularly the sizable Norwegian king crab sold by the pound. However, Klaw also offers a variety of dry-aged meats and a well-rounded bar program. While it may not be the most budget-friendly dining option, Klaw is a great choice for a special night out.

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1737 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132

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Macchialina

Macchialina, which comes from the words “macchia,” meaning mark or spot, and “maialina,” meaning piglets, aims to be reminiscent of a small rustic restaurant in the heart of any Italian town. Under chef and owner Michael Pirolo’s lead, it serves well-executed Italian classics like veal parm, branzino, and cacio pepe alongside interesting twists, like broccolini Caesar salad.

820 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL

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Jaguar Sun

While on the surface, Jaguar Sun might seem like a fun, cozy bar in the middle of Downtown Miami, it’s so much more than that. While a well-thought-out beverage menu is still at the core of Jaguar Sun, its small but mighty kitchen is putting out some of the best upscale comfort food in town. The plates of pasta are a must-order but don’t skip out on the Parker house rolls topped with honey butter, the wagyu beef tartare, or the kouign amann housed ice cream sandwich for dessert.

230 NE 4th St, Miami, FL 33132

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NIU Kitchen

NIU Kitchen has officially taken over the former Arson space as its new larger home. But don’t worry, its former, extra cozy location located just next door still serves as a natural wine bar by the same team. Even though it has new digs, its eclectic Catalan cuisine still remains some of the best in the city. Don’t miss the famous clams or the tangy gazpacho, before moving on to heartier dishes like vegan paella and pan-seared foie gras. An extensive wine list featuring natural wines from around the world completes the menu.

104 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132

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Over Under

At first glance, one might suspect Over Under is an eclectic watering hole with well-crafted cocktails, booze-filled slushies, and a lively, late-night crowd. And while all of that is true, Over Under also serves some of the city’s best bar cuisines with its high-low, Floridian-inspired menu filled with gator bites, Treasure Coast oysters, and a much-buzzed-about burger that is akin to a high-end Big Mac.

151 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131

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Stubborn Seed

The solo debut of Miami’s own Top Chef winner, Jeremy Ford, Stubborn Seed is a cozy-yet-hip South of Fifth spot, turning out some of the city’s most exciting cuisine. While there is an a la carte menu with dishes like shrimp with saffron gnocchi, pan-roasted truffle chicken, and foie gras, the real highlight here is the $175, eight-course tasting menu where guests can try a bevy of classics and seasonal creations.

101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

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Joe's Stone Crab

This 109-year-old restaurant is an institution and is thought to have started the stone crab craze that captures Miami to this day. Ordering the namesake stone crabs is a must, served with a mustard sauce that is a legend in its own right, but stone crabs aren’t the only notable item on the menu. There is something for all tastes, from an assortment of seafood dishes to steaks to its popular fried chicken. And don’t forget the sides: creamed spinach and coleslaw are favorites, but the hash browns and the roasted tomatoes are worth the order, too. Don’t want to spend time waiting? Then head next door to Joe’s Takeaway and eat the same caliber claws at home.

11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL

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Cafe La Trova

Classic Cuban comfort food with a slightly upscale twist by James Beard award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein is on the menu at Cafe La Trova, served alongside expertly crafted Cantinero-style cocktails by Julio Cabrera and his team that consistently keep the bar on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Pop in for lunch, happy hour, or dinner, and don’t be surprised if the live music visits last longer than expected. Pro tip: visit the 305 Bar in the back room on the weekend for a Miami Vice-style 80s blast from the past.

971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130

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El Rey De Las Fritas (Multiple locations)

For more than 40 years, people have been flocking to this Little Havana spot for the original frita Cubana, packing all the Cuban-style beef, sauteed onions, and crispy shoestring fries that can fit inside a fluffy Cuban Roll. The no-frills diner-style setup offers a feeling of years past, with most of the burgers and sandwiches ringing in under $5. Complete the meal with some corn or malanga fritters for a proper experience.

1821 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

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Sanguich De Miami

Sure, Cuban sandwiches aren’t exactly hard to come by in Miami. But ones that create lines out of the door? Well, that’s another story. Sanguich quickly gained a following for its modern takes on classic Cuban sandwiches like the Cubano, pan con lechon (a Cuban version of a pulled pork sandwich), pan con croqueta (ham, Swiss, and croquetas housed inside Cuban bread), and pan con bistec (a thinly cut seasoned steak sandwich topped with onions and potato sticks) that appease even the most stringent of sandwich purists. Everything inside the sandwiches, from the pork to the ham to the mustard, is made on-site. Pair the sandwiches with one of its batidos (aka milkshakes) with flavors like trigo, mamey, and banana and enjoy a proper Miami meal.

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2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

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Lung Yai Thai Tapas

This small, unassuming indoor/outdoor Little Havana spot has been perpetually packed since its debut, featuring a menu filled with duck salad, curries, and some of the best fried chicken around — just be prepared to wait, since reservations aren’t accepted at this always busy spot.

1731 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

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La Mar by Gaston Acurio

Located on Brickell Key inside the Mandarin Oriental, La Mar is Gaston Acurio’s lauded Peruvian restaurant offering a combo of well-executed upscale novo-Andean fare and Asian-Peruvian fusion dishes by executive chef Diego Oka. Diners will find classics like lomo saltado, local offerings like yellowtail snapper, and several ceviche options. Make sure to grab a table on its expansive patio for some of the best views of the Miami skyline in town.

500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL

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Dirty French Steakhouse

Major Food Group’s opulent and purposely over-the-top steakhouse, Dirty French Steakhouse, might be a New York City import, but this location is distinctly Miami. From the orange velvet-lined walls, animal print seating, Murano glass leaf chandelier, and gold leaf ceiling, the space oozes 80s excess — while serving as a fun foil to the traditional buttoned-up steakhouse. Guests can expect to dine on prime-aged steaks alongside dishes like mushroom millefeuille, lobster ravioli, crab cake croustillant, wedge salad, and caviar vichyssoise.

1200 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

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LPM Miami

This chic Brickell restaurant boasts high-end French brasserie fare with Mediterranean touches. Diners can expect to dine among the socialite and business crowds, who are all in search of one thing: delicious food. Stars of the menu include the creamy burrata, fresh yellowtail carpaccio, and butter- and herb-soaked traditional escargot. Don’t forget to save room for light-as-air cheesecake.

1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131

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Edge Brasserie and Cocktail Bar

After a decade in business, Edge Steak & Bar has gone through a revamp, including a new name and menu. Still helmed by executive chef Aaron Brooks, the restaurant isn’t as meat-focused as it once was, offering a more diverse menu with various seafood, steak, and lamb dishes. Try the wagyu steak tartare, roasted oysters, or the seafood plateau. Chard cauliflower, half-roast chicken, or grilled Rohan duck are popular choices for entrees. And for dessert, the pavlova, blueberry cobbler, or guava cheesecake are highlights. And while it might be housed in the ritzy Four Seasons Miami, there’s no need for an expense account to enjoy it.

Four Seasons Hotel, 1435 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

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Zitz Sum

After becoming a favorite during the COVID-19 shutdown through social media with its dumplings, “Asian-ish” restaurant Zitz Sum opened a permanent (somewhat tricky to find) outpost right in Coral Gables. Inside the small space, diners feast on creative versions of cucumber salad, charred cabbage, grilled pork chops, and hanger steak — but don’t worry, the dumplings also make the menu.

396 Alhambra Cir Suite 155, Coral Gables, FL 33134

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Luca Osteria

While the newly-reopened Eating House put chef Giorgio Rapicavoli on the culinary map — Luca Osteria is what solidified his place in Miami’s food scene for years to come. While the restaurant offers considerably more refined dishes from Rapicavoli, highlighting his Italian roots, guests can still find the irreverence and humor that made Eating House such a hit sprinkled throughout the menu. It features Italian classics updated with modern techniques and flavors on pedestrian-friendly Giralda Avenue. Think items like pappardelle with beef short rib bolognese, wagyu beef carpaccio, and bluefin tuna Caprese, alongside spruced-up versions of Italian-influenced cocktails.

116 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

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Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Miami

High-end omakase is having a moment here in Miami, and this restaurant is at the forefront of that trend. Now housed in a permanent location in Coconut Grove, guests dine at a 10-seat counter-only space manned by a team of three chefs and one bartender. With three seatings nightly (5 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.), the 17-course meal consists strictly of nigiri with each item served as is — meaning no extras like soy sauce or wasabi. The menu changes regularly, but certain favorites have made their way to Miami, like the hamachi painted with a sweet corn pudding and topped with bread crumbs and the 1-2 Punch offering different presentations of bone marrow over two courses.

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3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

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Ariete

Led by chef Michael Beltran, this one-Michelin star Coconut Grove mainstay features a menu of inventive dishes with Cuban flair that reflects Beltran’s upbringing. Highlights include the grilled oysters drenched in bone marrow butter, aged wagyu ribeye, and a duck press meant for two.

3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL

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Fiola Miami

Possibly one of the most glamorous restaurants in Miami, this D.C. import has been wowing crowds since its debut. It showcases a menu filled with pristine seafood and pasta plates (all offered in gluten-free varieties), such as short rib agnolotti and even a pasta omakase experience. Customers will also find heartier dishes like lamb rack, branzino, and perfectly cooked steak paired with an extensive wine selection. For those looking to impress a date or celebrate a special occasion, Fiola is guaranteed to make the night memorable.

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1500 San Ignacio Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146

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Ghee Indian Kitchen

This industrial-chic Indian restaurant in Kendall from Niven Patel features dishes made mainly from ingredients from Patel’s farm in Homestead, like smoked lamb neck, green millet, ghost pepper cheddar naan, and more. A three-course $65 tasting menu is also available and is a feast of the restaurant’s best items.

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8965 SW 72nd Pl, Kendall, FL 33156

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$steak topped with creme frachie and pink onions on a white plate$

14 Must-Try Kendall Restaurants

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Motek (Multiple locations)

19565 Biscayne Blvd #938, Aventura, FL 33180

This bright and charming cafe inside Aventura Mall (with a sister location in Downtown Miami) woos diners with a melange of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. It is an all-day brunch feast here with items like the smoked salmon Jerusalem bagel plate, lahmajun (flatbread filled with vegetables), chips with harissa aioli, and majadra rice bowl, which blur the lines between breakfast and lunch. Order the malawach (Jewish pancakes) churros for dessert and wash it all down with limonana, an Israeli mint lemonade.

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19565 Biscayne Blvd #938, Aventura, FL 33180

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paradis books & bread

12831 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami, FL 33161

Paradis Books and Bread in North Miami offers a quaint escape for wine aficionados and connoisseurs of simple yet interesting cuisine. Engagingly unassuming, it melds a bookstore, natural wine shop, and bakery/restaurant into an experience with a succinct list of innovative offerings, such as baby potatoes with black garlic and charred scallion, and distinctively flavored tinned fish. While its sourdough bread earned its own following over the years, the generously spaced outdoor patio invites guests to stay a while and explore the wide range of wines available.

12831 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami, FL 33161

Makoto

9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL

Located inside the ritzy Bal Harbour Shops, this seemingly always busy Japanese restaurant just got a new look and new location – three floors above where it was located for nearly a decade. The now bright and airy space still offers up some of the best sushi and sashimi in town by chef Makoto Okuwa. Still, it also features plenty of dishes made on the charcoal robata, like wagyu filet, ribeye, sea bass, and lamb chops that shouldn’t be missed.

9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL

Visit Website

The Surf Club Restaurant

9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154

Oozing with 1950s glamor, the Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller boasts nostalgic American cuisine with the world-renowned Keller touch. Start the night with a stiff martini or a well-chosen wine from the restaurant’s impressive selection of vintages. The cuisine goes with the old-school feel of the space, with upscale renditions of beef Wellington, Caesar salad, roast chicken, and a can’t-miss ice cream sundae.

9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154

Visit Website

Taquiza

7450 Ocean Terrace, Miami Beach, FL 33141

This North Beach waterfront restaurant features a variety of traditional tacos like al pastor, chicken, and lengua by chef Steve Santana served on handmade blue-masa corn tortillas so good that Taquiza now supplies them for half the restaurants in town. A trip to Taquiza isn’t complete without an order of the totopos — homemade tortilla chips, which come out warm, “fluffy,” and flawlessly fried and are worth the visit by themselves.

7450 Ocean Terrace, Miami Beach, FL 33141

Visit Website

Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt

6801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141

Housed inside the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, this intimate fine dining restaurant serves a three-or six-course tasting menu filled with modern takes on classic French cuisine with Asian influences from Tristan Brandt. The recently one-Michelin-starred restaurant has a menu that menu rotates frequently. Still, diners can expect dishes like thinly sliced scallops marinated in brown butter and curry spices served with cauliflower puree, roasted cauliflower, with a lobster, tarragon, and saffron sauce poured tableside. As for beverages, Tambourine Room is currently wine only, as Brandt believes the menus are best served with wine.

6801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141

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Phuc Yea

7100 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

As one of the restaurants credited with helping the resurgence of the historic MiMo district (before that, it served as Miami’s original pop-up restaurant), Phuc Yea offers modern Vietnamese cuisine that’s heavily influenced by owners Cesar Zapata and Ani Meinhold’s roots. The colorful and industrial setting is a perfect backdrop for dishes like caramel chicken wings, seafood curry, fried chicken, and the simple but flavourful PY noodles made with plenty of garlic and parmesan cheese. Another plus: its lively bar serves as a top spot for a post-meal drink or happy hour.

7100 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

Visit Website

El Bagel

6910 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

What started as an incredibly popular weekend bagel pop-up has turned into a full-blown outpost with just as strong of a following. The counter-service restaurant offers a variety of creative bagels, schmears, and bagel sandwiches filled with everything from thick-cut bacon and eggs to a nod to the Miami favorite, pastelito, made with guava marmalade, cream cheese, and potato sticks.

6910 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

Visit Website

Boia De

5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

This small, charming restaurant tucked away in a strip mall lets its owners, culinary duo Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer, show off their extensive fine dining backgrounds. The menu features some of the most creative dishes in the Magic City, like crispy potato skins topped with stracciatella, caviar, and a hard-boiled egg; baked clams with ‘nduja; or lamb ribs. Whatever your order, pair it with one of the restaurant’s hard-to-find vintages or natural wines.

5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Visit Website

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL

Miami's best Greek and Turkish food is found in the intimate, understated courtyard at Mandolin. Transport to the Greek isles with a menu of elegant small plates, entrees like lamb and beef meatballs, and an exceptional grilled octopus. Any meal here can be paired with one of the refreshing Greek wines on the menu.

4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL

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Cote Miami

3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

This Michelin-starred New York City import has won over the Magic City with its 45-day, dry-aged beef, cooked Korean barbecue style at the table on smokeless grills. The dimly lit, date-night restaurant features high-end steaks, stiff martinis, and one of the most robust wine selections in town. The most popular order at Cote is the butcher’s feast, boasting a variety of cuts along with different vegetables and kimchi, egg souffle, two stews, rice, and soft serve for $64 per person. For those who want to go more high-brow, a 10-course steak omakase is available for $185 per person.

3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

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Old Greg's Pizza

3620 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

This photogenic square pizza that became the viral sensation of quarantine has become a pizza legend since its inception. On the menu, diners will find its popular sourdough square pizzas alongside some round pizza varieties, with other go-tos making an appearance, like the polenta-crusted chicken wings, garlic knots, Italian salad, and tres leches. Natural wines, lively happy hours, and old-school hip-hop tunes playing in the background complete the experience.

3620 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Visit Website

Amara at Paraiso

3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Part of the culinary empire of James Beard winner Michael Schwartz, Amara at Paraiso not only showcases some of Miami’s best waterfront dining but has solid dishes found throughout South America to boot. Using Schwartz’s farm-to-table ethos that gained him national fame at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, the menu offers crispy octopus, short-rib-filled empanadas, and fresh-out-of-the-oven yucca balls. Perfect for large groups, grab a patio drink before or after the meal to soak in all those enviable views.

3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Visit Website

Zak the Baker

295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127

That bread that is offered at nearly every restaurant in town? Odds are Zak Stern and his team of talented bakers baked it. In addition to a successful wholesale business, the popular kosher baker also boasts his own successful standalone shop. Expect his signature breads and an assortment of soups, bagels, sandwiches, and pastries.

295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127

Visit Website

Leku

1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127

Get a taste of Spain’s Basque country at Leku, the chic restaurant at the Rubbell Museum. The Allapattah spot offers a wide-ranging menu of dishes that are as eye-pleasing as the art inside the museum, like creamy croquetas, whole branzino, beet tartare with olive oil caviar, and the must-order Iberico ham that sits on a puffed cracker. Pair the meal with one of the many gin and tonics in the restaurant’s always perfectly breezy garden to round out the meal.

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1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127

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Mignonette

210 NE 18th St, Miami, FL

A modern take on the classic seafood restaurant by Blue Collar chef Danny Serfer and partner Ryan Roman. This Edgewater restaurant, described by critics and guests as a “plain and fancy” oyster heaven, also features other seafood items and non-sea options like prime rib, chicken, and its famous “veggie" board with decadent renditions of seasonal vegetables.

210 NE 18th St, Miami, FL

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Klaw Miami

1737 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132

Klaw, a stunning multi-level restaurant in Edgewater inside the former Miami Women’s Club building in Edgewater, boasts a rooftop bar with impressive waterfront views. As the name implies, seafood is the main focus, particularly the sizable Norwegian king crab sold by the pound. However, Klaw also offers a variety of dry-aged meats and a well-rounded bar program. While it may not be the most budget-friendly dining option, Klaw is a great choice for a special night out.

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1737 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132

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Macchialina

820 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL

Macchialina, which comes from the words “macchia,” meaning mark or spot, and “maialina,” meaning piglets, aims to be reminiscent of a small rustic restaurant in the heart of any Italian town. Under chef and owner Michael Pirolo’s lead, it serves well-executed Italian classics like veal parm, branzino, and cacio pepe alongside interesting twists, like broccolini Caesar salad.

820 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL

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Jaguar Sun

230 NE 4th St, Miami, FL 33132

While on the surface, Jaguar Sun might seem like a fun, cozy bar in the middle of Downtown Miami, it’s so much more than that. While a well-thought-out beverage menu is still at the core of Jaguar Sun, its small but mighty kitchen is putting out some of the best upscale comfort food in town. The plates of pasta are a must-order but don’t skip out on the Parker house rolls topped with honey butter, the wagyu beef tartare, or the kouign amann housed ice cream sandwich for dessert.

230 NE 4th St, Miami, FL 33132

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NIU Kitchen

104 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132

NIU Kitchen has officially taken over the former Arson space as its new larger home. But don’t worry, its former, extra cozy location located just next door still serves as a natural wine bar by the same team. Even though it has new digs, its eclectic Catalan cuisine still remains some of the best in the city. Don’t miss the famous clams or the tangy gazpacho, before moving on to heartier dishes like vegan paella and pan-seared foie gras. An extensive wine list featuring natural wines from around the world completes the menu.

104 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132

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Over Under

151 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131

At first glance, one might suspect Over Under is an eclectic watering hole with well-crafted cocktails, booze-filled slushies, and a lively, late-night crowd. And while all of that is true, Over Under also serves some of the city’s best bar cuisines with its high-low, Floridian-inspired menu filled with gator bites, Treasure Coast oysters, and a much-buzzed-about burger that is akin to a high-end Big Mac.

151 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131

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Stubborn Seed

101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

The solo debut of Miami’s own Top Chef winner, Jeremy Ford, Stubborn Seed is a cozy-yet-hip South of Fifth spot, turning out some of the city’s most exciting cuisine. While there is an a la carte menu with dishes like shrimp with saffron gnocchi, pan-roasted truffle chicken, and foie gras, the real highlight here is the $175, eight-course tasting menu where guests can try a bevy of classics and seasonal creations.

101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

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Joe's Stone Crab

11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL

This 109-year-old restaurant is an institution and is thought to have started the stone crab craze that captures Miami to this day. Ordering the namesake stone crabs is a must, served with a mustard sauce that is a legend in its own right, but stone crabs aren’t the only notable item on the menu. There is something for all tastes, from an assortment of seafood dishes to steaks to its popular fried chicken. And don’t forget the sides: creamed spinach and coleslaw are favorites, but the hash browns and the roasted tomatoes are worth the order, too. Don’t want to spend time waiting? Then head next door to Joe’s Takeaway and eat the same caliber claws at home.

11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL

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Cafe La Trova

971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130

Classic Cuban comfort food with a slightly upscale twist by James Beard award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein is on the menu at Cafe La Trova, served alongside expertly crafted Cantinero-style cocktails by Julio Cabrera and his team that consistently keep the bar on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Pop in for lunch, happy hour, or dinner, and don’t be surprised if the live music visits last longer than expected. Pro tip: visit the 305 Bar in the back room on the weekend for a Miami Vice-style 80s blast from the past.

971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130

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El Rey De Las Fritas (Multiple locations)

1821 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

For more than 40 years, people have been flocking to this Little Havana spot for the original frita Cubana, packing all the Cuban-style beef, sauteed onions, and crispy shoestring fries that can fit inside a fluffy Cuban Roll. The no-frills diner-style setup offers a feeling of years past, with most of the burgers and sandwiches ringing in under $5. Complete the meal with some corn or malanga fritters for a proper experience.

1821 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

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Sanguich De Miami

2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

Sure, Cuban sandwiches aren’t exactly hard to come by in Miami. But ones that create lines out of the door? Well, that’s another story. Sanguich quickly gained a following for its modern takes on classic Cuban sandwiches like the Cubano, pan con lechon (a Cuban version of a pulled pork sandwich), pan con croqueta (ham, Swiss, and croquetas housed inside Cuban bread), and pan con bistec (a thinly cut seasoned steak sandwich topped with onions and potato sticks) that appease even the most stringent of sandwich purists. Everything inside the sandwiches, from the pork to the ham to the mustard, is made on-site. Pair the sandwiches with one of its batidos (aka milkshakes) with flavors like trigo, mamey, and banana and enjoy a proper Miami meal.

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2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

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Lung Yai Thai Tapas

1731 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

This small, unassuming indoor/outdoor Little Havana spot has been perpetually packed since its debut, featuring a menu filled with duck salad, curries, and some of the best fried chicken around — just be prepared to wait, since reservations aren’t accepted at this always busy spot.

1731 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

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La Mar by Gaston Acurio

500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL

Located on Brickell Key inside the Mandarin Oriental, La Mar is Gaston Acurio’s lauded Peruvian restaurant offering a combo of well-executed upscale novo-Andean fare and Asian-Peruvian fusion dishes by executive chef Diego Oka. Diners will find classics like lomo saltado, local offerings like yellowtail snapper, and several ceviche options. Make sure to grab a table on its expansive patio for some of the best views of the Miami skyline in town.

500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL

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Dirty French Steakhouse

1200 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

Major Food Group’s opulent and purposely over-the-top steakhouse, Dirty French Steakhouse, might be a New York City import, but this location is distinctly Miami. From the orange velvet-lined walls, animal print seating, Murano glass leaf chandelier, and gold leaf ceiling, the space oozes 80s excess — while serving as a fun foil to the traditional buttoned-up steakhouse. Guests can expect to dine on prime-aged steaks alongside dishes like mushroom millefeuille, lobster ravioli, crab cake croustillant, wedge salad, and caviar vichyssoise.

1200 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

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LPM Miami

1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131

This chic Brickell restaurant boasts high-end French brasserie fare with Mediterranean touches. Diners can expect to dine among the socialite and business crowds, who are all in search of one thing: delicious food. Stars of the menu include the creamy burrata, fresh yellowtail carpaccio, and butter- and herb-soaked traditional escargot. Don’t forget to save room for light-as-air cheesecake.

1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131

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Edge Brasserie and Cocktail Bar

Four Seasons Hotel, 1435 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

After a decade in business, Edge Steak & Bar has gone through a revamp, including a new name and menu. Still helmed by executive chef Aaron Brooks, the restaurant isn’t as meat-focused as it once was, offering a more diverse menu with various seafood, steak, and lamb dishes. Try the wagyu steak tartare, roasted oysters, or the seafood plateau. Chard cauliflower, half-roast chicken, or grilled Rohan duck are popular choices for entrees. And for dessert, the pavlova, blueberry cobbler, or guava cheesecake are highlights. And while it might be housed in the ritzy Four Seasons Miami, there’s no need for an expense account to enjoy it.

Four Seasons Hotel, 1435 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

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Zitz Sum

396 Alhambra Cir Suite 155, Coral Gables, FL 33134

After becoming a favorite during the COVID-19 shutdown through social media with its dumplings, “Asian-ish” restaurant Zitz Sum opened a permanent (somewhat tricky to find) outpost right in Coral Gables. Inside the small space, diners feast on creative versions of cucumber salad, charred cabbage, grilled pork chops, and hanger steak — but don’t worry, the dumplings also make the menu.

396 Alhambra Cir Suite 155, Coral Gables, FL 33134

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Luca Osteria

116 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

While the newly-reopened Eating House put chef Giorgio Rapicavoli on the culinary map — Luca Osteria is what solidified his place in Miami’s food scene for years to come. While the restaurant offers considerably more refined dishes from Rapicavoli, highlighting his Italian roots, guests can still find the irreverence and humor that made Eating House such a hit sprinkled throughout the menu. It features Italian classics updated with modern techniques and flavors on pedestrian-friendly Giralda Avenue. Think items like pappardelle with beef short rib bolognese, wagyu beef carpaccio, and bluefin tuna Caprese, alongside spruced-up versions of Italian-influenced cocktails.

116 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

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Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Miami

3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

High-end omakase is having a moment here in Miami, and this restaurant is at the forefront of that trend. Now housed in a permanent location in Coconut Grove, guests dine at a 10-seat counter-only space manned by a team of three chefs and one bartender. With three seatings nightly (5 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.), the 17-course meal consists strictly of nigiri with each item served as is — meaning no extras like soy sauce or wasabi. The menu changes regularly, but certain favorites have made their way to Miami, like the hamachi painted with a sweet corn pudding and topped with bread crumbs and the 1-2 Punch offering different presentations of bone marrow over two courses.

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3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Ariete

3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL

Led by chef Michael Beltran, this one-Michelin star Coconut Grove mainstay features a menu of inventive dishes with Cuban flair that reflects Beltran’s upbringing. Highlights include the grilled oysters drenched in bone marrow butter, aged wagyu ribeye, and a duck press meant for two.

3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL

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Fiola Miami

1500 San Ignacio Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146

Possibly one of the most glamorous restaurants in Miami, this D.C. import has been wowing crowds since its debut. It showcases a menu filled with pristine seafood and pasta plates (all offered in gluten-free varieties), such as short rib agnolotti and even a pasta omakase experience. Customers will also find heartier dishes like lamb rack, branzino, and perfectly cooked steak paired with an extensive wine selection. For those looking to impress a date or celebrate a special occasion, Fiola is guaranteed to make the night memorable.

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1500 San Ignacio Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146

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Ghee Indian Kitchen

8965 SW 72nd Pl, Kendall, FL 33156

This industrial-chic Indian restaurant in Kendall from Niven Patel features dishes made mainly from ingredients from Patel’s farm in Homestead, like smoked lamb neck, green millet, ghost pepper cheddar naan, and more. A three-course $65 tasting menu is also available and is a feast of the restaurant’s best items.

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8965 SW 72nd Pl, Kendall, FL 33156

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