Consider this the answer to  “Hey Bren, can you recommend a good restaurant in Miami?”  You know who you are, messaging me in a panic on Friday afternoons. I see you.

This list is different from my Top Miami Restaurants Palette Awards list (where I choose restaurants based on their overall performance). The concept for this one? Pretty simple, actually. If it’s listed, you can find me there on any given day. I promise. My favorites. I love seeing the list evolve and change over time: It started in ’15, and now we’re here.

Last Update: 08.18.2024

MY FAVORITE MIAMI RESTAURANTS

Listed in alphabetical order:

Amano by Oka I already love La Mar. This is a genius extension- a tasting menu option within the restaurant. A must!

Ariete My name is Brenda and I am an Ariete lifer. One Michelin star. The end.

Blue Collar Miami OG. Delicious comfort eats. Stretchy pants required to enter. New digs coming soon!

Boia De Tiny spot with robust flavors and heart. Make. A. Reservation.

Bourbon Steak  I’ve lost count of how many times I have been to this powerhouse. Beautiful. Great service. Exceptional food. A longtime favorite. Read about it HERE!

Brasserie Laurel French, fabulous, and ambitious. Try the new tasting menu.

Byblos  Black. Truffle. Pide. Do it. Read more HERE.

Casa Mariano Doral favorite. Quaint and casual. Great food and service, plus ample parking.

Cote Miami Miami Design District still coming in hot with this Korean Steakhouse. More fun in a group of at least four. One Michelin star.

Elastika Newcomer with much potential. Plus, they have Miami’s only cheese cart on wheels.

EntreNos Florida everything. Operating as a pop-up until later this year, but also one of Miami’s newest Michelin Star.

Erba Came in like a wrecking ball. Obsessed. Go early for the pasta-tasting menu.

GHEE Indian Kitchen Casual, yet wildly exciting, Ghee flaunts new flavors and adds character to South Florida’s thriving dining scene. Review HERE

Finka  Croquetas de Jamón Pizza. Need I say more? Casual comfort food in a hip setting. Dale!

Fiola Miami Forget the star-studded dining room. The food and service are worthy of our praise and the real stars that matter.

Graziano’s It’s where I get my Argentinian steak fix. And provoleta too! Oof!

Itamae AO Chef Nando AF. Miami’s newest omakase-style eats by the Chang gang—seating for 10.

KLAW So in love with Klaw’s exceptional Norwegian King Crab legs. Located at the former International Fine Arts College in Downtown Miami.

Kojin 2.0 It’s back and better than ever. Ambitious tasting menu, and they’ve only just begun.

L’ Atelier de Jöel Robuchon Miami’s sole Two Michelin Stars. Sit at the counter. Watch the magic happen.

La Cabrera Casual Argentinian in Sunny Isles. Pero also a fun vibe!

La Cosecha Argentinian Steakhouse Led by a badass woman (real) grillmaster. Hiding out in Medley and worth the trip.

La Fresa Francesa Tiny Hialeah hidden gem offering French comfort food in a friendly, family-like environment. Read about it HERE!

La Mar  Upscale novo-Andean fare to Asian-Peruvian fusion, located inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Brickell Key. Under Chef Gaston Acurio and led by Chef Diego Oka. Read the original review HERE

Los Fuegos by Francis Mallman Posh location, delectable Argentinian eats with a fine-dining nod. Ask for the off-menu Napoleon for dessert. Read about it HERE

Macchialina Taverna Rustica Charming -newly renovated- locale serving casual Italian in South Beach.

Maty’s Midtown– Chef Valerie Chang bringing the home-cooked Peruvian fare to Midtown Miami. And I can’t get enough.

NAOE For the intense and serious gourmand, this experience will educate and shock your senses. Note, this chef-led tasting menu is for serious gourmands. Arrive and dine with an open mind.

Omakai Omakase without the wallet sting.

Osaka Cocina Nikkei  Chic Peruvian Japanese spot in town.

Paya One visit in and already in love.

Phuc Yea Too cool for school. Really. Modern Vietnamese with a whole lot of passion and soul. Old school Miami meets Mimo. Read more HERE.

Queen OMAKASE Hiding inside Queen restaurant in Miami Beach.

Rakki Sushi Under the “casual suburbia omakase” disguise, but it’s much more than that. Top ingredients, ambitious chef.

Sereia From Portugal with love. Love this newcomer.

Shingo One of Miami’s newest Michelin-starred omakase spots. Worth it? 100%

Silverlake Bistro brought to you by the team behind La Fresa Francesa. California-inspired, refined comfort eats. Plus, that addicting Butterscotch Pudding. Review HERE

Stubborn Seed  Passion, spirit, expertise, and a playful flair make this one a keeper. Highly recommend the tasting menu. One Michelin star.

Sunny’s Steakhouse Heartbroken when they closed for renovations. And they are back! Casually elegant vibe. Brilliant menu.

Sushi by Scratch Taking the seriousness out of omakase. Use your hands. Stuff your mouth. Taste the unconventional ingredients. Have a blast!

The Gibson Room Flan. The end. Go.

The Surf Club Restaurant  Standing the test of time. Impeccable everything. One Michelin star.

The Tambourine Room As fine dining as it gets. These newcomers came to play.

Zitz Sum Hard to find Coral Gables spot by chef Pablo Zitzmann. Flavor bombs. Sensational tasting menu!