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. Exactly.
This list is different than my Top Miami Restaurants Palette Awards list (where I choose restaurants 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. Promise. MY favorites. I love seeing the list evolve and change over time: started in ’15 and now we’re here.
Last Update: 8.21.2023
MY FAVORITE MIAMI RESTAURANTS
Listed in alphabetical order:
Amara at Paraiso Beautiful view, and “genuine” food. Perfect for groups, but also for those days when you want to truly enjoy where others vacation! Review HERE
Ariete They had me at foie gras over maduros, but also the only duck press in Miami, and the fabulous tasting menu nights. Is there no end to Ariete’s bag of (tasty) tricks? One Michelin star.
Beauty & the Butcher
Blue Collar Miami long-timer. Delicious comfort eats. Stretchy pants required to enter.
Boia De Tiny spot with powerful flavors and heart. Make. A. Reservation.
Bourbon Steak I’ve lost count of how many times I have been to this Michael Mina powerhouse. Beautiful. Great service. Exceptional food. A longtime favorite. Read about it HERE!
Brasserie Laurel French, fabulous, and ambitious. I cannot wait to follow this one’s journey.
Byblos Black. Truffle. Pide. Do it. Also, end with the Cold Tea Service. Thank me later. Read more HERE.
Caffe Vialetto A Cuban, Argentinian, Italian trifecta. Owners Marcelo and Ernie are the heart of this operation. Tell them I send my love! I promise they will take good care of you. Did you miss my feature on Check Please! ? What? Click here!
Casa Mariano
Cote Miami Miami Design District coming in hot with this Korean Steakhouse. More fun in a group of at least four. Just sayin’ One Michelin star.
Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market Offering modern Japanese, this izakaya restaurant, and fish market is truly a nice addition to the area.
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!
Hakkasan Modern-Cantonese standing the test of time on Miami Beach with no signs of slowing down. Located inside the Fontainebleau Hotel, Hakkasan’s space is sexy and the food is delicious.
Hutong Chinese gem. Beautiful and with substance. Imagine that! Warning, they do turn up the flavor heat, and I’m alllll for it.
Itamae The freshest Peruvian-Japanese, located in the Design District. Love to love them!
Jaguar Sun All you really need to know is…Parker House Rolls.
KLAW One visit was all it took to fall in love with Klaw’s exceptional Norwegian King Crab legs. Located at the former International Fine Arts College in Downtown Miami.
L’ Atelier de Jöel Robuchon Two Michelin stars
La Cosecha Argentinian Steakhouse
La Fresa Francesa Tiny Hialeah hidden gem offering French comfort food in a friendly, family-like environment. Read about it HERE!
La Mar Peruvian-Japanese food located inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Brickell Key. I love this place! Read about it HERE
Leku Basque-style fine dining.
Lion and the Rambler This one is going places.
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 Small, cozy, and charming locale serving casual Italian in South Beach.
Mamey
Maty’s Midtown
Mosaico by Maurizio Farinelli
NAOE For the intense and serious gourmand, this experience will educate and shock your senses. Note, this chef-led tasting menu is not for everyone. Arrive and dine with an open mind.
Omakai Omakase without the wallet sting.
Orno Miami This one quickly becoming a favorite. Especially brunch!
Osaka Chic Peruvian Japanese spot in town. Can’t get enough.
Phuc Yea Too cool for school. Really. A Vietnamese/Cajun fusion with a whole lot of passion and soul. Old school Miami meets Mimo. Read more HERE.
Red Rooster Overtown NYC import bustin’ out all the right moves.
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.
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 Tamal en cazuela. 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.
Timo A hidden Italian-Mediterranean gem in Sunny Isles. Definitely an unsung hero!
Tur Kitchen Exceptional tasting menu
Zitz Sum Hard to find Coral Gables spot by chef Pablo Zitzmann. Flavor bombs. Sensational tasting menu!
