IMPORTANT: I know you want to scroll down quickly and see the results. And you can. But please read the following intro now or later to understand the “why” behind this list. What is it? What is it not? What went into the naming and placement of each honoree?
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The restaurants receiving Palette Awards offer the total package.
These are the restaurants you visit to sit for dinner. Read that again. SIT. FOR. DINNER. Not “grab a bite,” “order a few things,” “stop in,” or “just enjoy some cocktails.” You can enjoy food nirvana at any of the Top 23 locations—dinner as a leisurely experience, not an afterthought or just a selfie op. Arrive early for a cocktail, choose a bottle of wine or appropriate pairing, start with some appetizers, order an entrée, dessert, after-dinner drink, and maybe a cafecito. Perhaps try the tasting menu instead. Enjoy the ambiance, celebrate something, and interact with friends and staff. Receive the kind of service you don’t have to think about because it just is. Get the picture?
Many of the places I have named are also on my Miami-Dade County Favorites list (and one I update throughout the year), but not all on that list are here. A few restaurants have shifted significantly within the list compared to other years. Some were removed due to closure or inconsistency. Know that I don’t add any restaurants that opened during the last quarter of the year and why it might take longer for some to be ranked.
This is my 11th year posting this list (and the fourth with a corresponding PALETTE AWARD). I reserved, ordered, photographed, ate, and paid at these restaurants. No one asked nor paid me to do so. Supporting our local restaurants brings me joy, and I am passionate about Miami’s food scene.
CRITERIA
What do I mean by “The Total Package?”
EXCEPTIONAL FOOD First and foremost, obviously, the food. Are these dishes that moved or stayed with me long after leaving the restaurant? Is the menu different than anything else found in South Florida? Is the menu enticing and cohesive? How much care went into composing a dish? Is it thrown together or skillfully plated? Are the ingredients used of excellent quality? Ultimately, is it fuck*n’ good?
CONSISTENCY Consistency plays a significant role in my decision for placement. Although the awards, technically speaking, are for a restaurant’s performance in 2023, I do consider more. Have they consistently delivered the same caliber of experience year after year?
SIPS A notable beverage program can be found at most of these.
VISITS I only add a new restaurant to the list if I have visited it at least three times. Restaurant visits for those already listed vary. I still try to dine in multiple times and follow their annual progress closely.
AND MORE From the tiniest mom ‘n’ pop restaurant listed to the poshest one, these spots all exude character and evoke a “feeling” once in the space. Did the staff go out of their way to offer stellar service? Did the team pay attention to the details from arrival and throughout dinner? Were reservations honored? How were any arising issues resolved? How many menu options are offered to the diner? Is it the same menu at all times? Are they incorporating any local sources? Do they function FOR, and are they invested IN Miami, or are they merely a soulless copy/paste import concept?
What you will NOT find
“It’s a dive, but it has the best ______.”
“The best service, although the food isn’t the greatest.”
“Such a beautiful view, but the food is just OK!”
“I don’t love it, but the owners are sooooo nice.”
“Never been, but I saw it on so and so’s list, so I will add it to mine too.”
“ I went to UM with the chef. I have to post about them.”
“Order at the counter, and wait for your pager to vibrate.”
“I love it there; it’s so much fun. The food is…kind of good.”
“I received the press release for it, so I am obligated to mention them.”
Have no fear; those lists do exist elsewhere. Also worth noting, there’s a time and a place for the dives, and the ones with the fun vibes. This list, however, awards those restaurants I feel offer the most well-rounded and top experiences in Miami.
Ready? Set? Dale!
Use this list as a reference when making your next reservation, and as a springboard to keep the conversation about Miami restaurants going.
23. Leku
2022 2023
Hidden within the grounds of the Rubell Museum, this Basque-style restaurant offers exciting a la carte options and a tasting menu. No meal here is complete without the signature Iberian pork tartare and the Basque cheese tart. The experience delivers it all: delicious food, warm service, gorgeous decor, and super sips. A newish takeover by Chef Carlos Garcia might bring a different side to Leku we have yet to see. Time will tell.
22. La Fresa Francesa
2018 2019 2021 2022 2023
A Hialeah meets Paris fairytale. Charming owners Chef Benoit and Sandy are the heart of this dreamy operation, and it shows. Filled with antiques and curiosities throughout the restaurant space, you can’t help but transport to yesteryear. Tropical Miami touches on the menu remind you this isn’t your typical French cafe. You can find a truffled egg en cocotte, a croque monsieur, or a roasted quail on any given day. Pero aquí tambien hay guayaba and papaya sprinkled on some dishes. Fun tip: there’s even a clever use of a pastelito on a dish. More importantly, Fresa serves the best damn crepes in Miami Dade. I said what I said.
21. Bourbon Steak
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2021 2022 2023
In a city so preoccupied with the latest trends and looks but not enough attention to customer service, it’s nice to know a magical place such as Bourbon Steak exists: an exceptional modern steakhouse with classic roots, skills, and incredible panache. Besides the intense commitment to the food served, the overall experience for the guest must be as close to perfect as humanly possible, which the team takes very seriously. The extensive wine list and equally spectacular handmade cocktails & spirits list have something for everyone. Not to be missed is the trio of duck-fat french fries.
20. Lion and the Rambler
2022 2023
Chef Michael Bolen opened his restaurant in Coral Gables last year. He continues to navigate Miami’s complex culinary jungle with great skill, humility, and grace. This year saw the reintroduction of the tasting menu concept with which he’d opened initially. The courses, highlighting fresh and local ingredients, change weekly depending on availability and inspiration. The one constant during each visit? The BREAD. Made in-house every day with freshly milled heirloom grains, I can’t get enough.
19. Osaka Cocina Nikkei
2021 2022 2023
One of the very few restaurants on this list with several other locations of their concept worldwide. I don’t know about Lima, Buenos Aires, Santiago, São Paulo, Quito, Bogotá, or London. But in Miami, this Nikkei gem impresses with plenty of stunning dishes unlike any other. The Tuna Foie, Hotate Truffle, Niku Tartar, and the Pato Mochero remain my favorites. Consistent quality and attentive service with every visit keep me coming back and raving about Osaka.
18. MaryGold’s Brasserie
2023
No stranger to Wynwood, Chef Bradley Kilgore (Alter, Ama, Ember, Kaido) finally returned with his new Florida-inspired brasserie, MaryGold’s: a new beginning with Miami diners. Some menu items, like the beignet and ricotta pillows, remind me of Kilgore’s pre-pandemic past favorite, Ember. But MaryGold’s stands on its own. Despite its inaugural year, the menu already feels strong, and it is executed nicely by the current team in place.
17. Beauty & the Butcher
2023
This new Coral Gables beauty by Top Chef alum Jeremy Ford has finally spread its wings—timid at first and now ready for the limelight. Proudly showcasing a new tasting menu, the team’s talent and strengths shine through. From the opening breads and spreads to the glorious closing desserts, it’s apparent that much time and love have gone into creating their progression. The Gueridon cheese service is one of many highlights and the only one in South Florida. Beauty & the Butcher came to elevate the game and play. The result? Fire!
16. Ghee
2018 2019 2021 2022 2023
This family-owned Indian kitchen by Chef Niven Patel (Erba, Mamey, and Orno) continues to deliver an unforgettable experience. When visiting for the first time, I highly recommend the tasting menu and a smoked lamb neck supplement. Dinner at Ghee stays with you long after it concludes. Bite after bite, year after year, infused with love, spice, and everything nice; I am still crushing on Ghee.
15. Phuc Yea
2018 2019 2021 2022 2023
Pronounced: fuhk-ya, this is not your classic Viet spot. Everything about this place screams COOL: graffiti, neon, and vintage touches. There’s a cohesive message that shines through…Phuc Yea‘s got soul. A 2011 pop-up started it all: OG Miami royalty. Boss Ani Meinhold and Chef Cesar Zapata have worked hard through the years to fine-tune their menu, cocktails and wine program. It’s food I crave often. The Crispy Imperial Rolls, P.Y. Noodles, and Smoked Short Rib NEVER leave my order; name it The Whet Palette special. Expect a casual and trendy vibe, and know Phuc Yea doesn’t overlook service quality.
14. Boia De
2021 2022 2023
Hidden within an unassuming strip mall in Little Haiti, the Michelin-starred restaurant is small, but grand in character and style. The high-quality eats never skip a beat. Reservations take some work to come by. If you dine with a party of four food enthusiasts up for the challenge, trying every menu item is a definite possibility. Despite its casual nature, service and wine are equally important as the food at Boia—also, bathroom vodka monkeys. Check them out. You’re welcome.
13. Maty’s
2023
This exciting newcomer and breath of fresh air is crafted by local culinary virtuoso Chef Valerie Chang (Itamae + B Side). Stepping foot inside feels like entering Valerie’s cherished family home. The ambiance, akin to festive occasions that pick up steam as the night goes on, resounds with dance-stirring tunes (the authentic type, not the typical Miami oontz oontz), and coaxes me to sway and immerse myself in animated conversation while relishing every morsel. This beautiful homage to Chef Valerie’s beloved grandmother cast a spell on me from day one, with her tortitas de maiz, succulent camarones, and rich arroz con pato—each bite, full of that Peruvian sabor criollo: made with love, sealed with soul.
12. Macchialina
2013 2014 2022 2023
A go-to. A solid. A Miami original favorite. Dinner at Macchialina feels like entering a warm and inviting home, not a business establishment. The vibe is familiar and casual without an ounce of pretentiousness. Service is welcoming and thorough. The pasta-centric menu keeps me addicted, and I can always count on finding a new gem off the wine list.
11. Klaw
2023
When Klaw says it’s fresh, they mean it. The Norwegian King Crabs are imported once a week, alive and fresh, and then stored onsite. They are then prepped tableside and served with garlic and lemon butter. The restaurant, located at the former historic home of International Fine Arts College and the Miami Women’s Club, respected and honored the building’s original architectural details during the restoration project. The final result? A stunning property taking over the 4th floor and rooftop area. The service provided is professional, yet personable and approachable.
10. COTE Korean Steakhouse
2021 2022 2023
A Korean steakhouse offering steak omakase? With a Michelin star? Que? Si. The vibe, electric and contagious, still feels intimate throughout the 5,892-square-foot restaurant. The staff at COTE enthusiastically parades through the space with intent and purpose; it’s clear this is a team effort. COTE takes great pride in the domestic Prime grade (dry-aging select cuts in-house), all-natural American wagyu hybrid, and imported Japanese wagyu (only sourcing A5, the highest grade, with marbling scores of 8 – 12) served. Great care and detail also went into the development of the beverage program.
9. La Mar
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023
The unparalleled Miami views win you over before you even take a bite, but it’s not about the location. Led by the skilled Chef Diego Oka, La Mar by Gastón Acurio serves outstanding upscale Asian-Peruvian food. Service is always on point, and the delicious seafood-heavy menu keeps diners returning. This year, La Mar upped the ante with the most stellar additions to the menu since first coming on my list in 2014. An exciting new tasting menu is slowly being introduced and paired with a new line of dishes handmade by Oka.
8. Zitz Sum
2021 2022 2023
Words cannot adequately express how much I still love Zitz. “How is this much flavor in one bite possible?” I often think. “Damn, that was good,” I comment, course after course, every single time. Zitz Sum’s tasting menu continues evolving into Chef Zitzmann’s dream vision. He tweaks, adds, creates, and never stops moving. All we diners have to do is sit back and enjoy the show. Phenomenal. Now, I have a warning for the chef: if the bing bread ever comes off the menu, I will riot. I mean it!
7. Tambourine Room
2023
Tambourine Room checks all the boxes. This gem hides inside Miami Beach’s historic Carillon Hotel. The small team of three in the kitchen offers a luxurious fine dining journey similar to those I’ve experienced at two Michelin-starred kitchens. Of course, it was no surprise to have Tambourine Room be the sole one-star addition to the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Miami section. While the vibe is relaxed and friendly, the food and service are taken very seriously. The team always hyperfocuses on the overall guest experience and strives to perform at their best at all times.
6. Brasserie Laurel
Sexy, savory, and sensational. The French-inspired Brasserie Laurel, by the Ariete Hospitality Group, opened and immediately performed like it’d been around for years—next-level dining in every category. The foie gras options on the menu are truly special: seared with a berry gastrique, a perfect canelé, and cacao nibs or a paté topped with a grape must gelée and accompanied by pain de campagne. The perfect boeuf en croûte, and decadent guinea fowl make it hard to choose entrées. When I’m not in the mood for those, the brioche burger au poivre topped with gruyere and caramelized onions does the trick. I knew it was remarkable when I could not stop thinking about any of those dishes. Pinky up! Don’t sleep on Laurel. She has the power to overtake ANY of the restaurants I have listed next on my top five list. One to watch.
The Top Five
This category features Miami’s strongest restaurants, offering diners a supreme experience. You should be able to snag reservations at any of these, with proper planning. You won’t find velvet rope hysteria or DJs at any of these. What you will find, however, are chefs who execute menus at the highest culinary level, using ingredients sourced locally and of impeccable quality. Every location staffs restaurant teams who exceed the expected hospitality for their guests—memorable and magical.
5. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
2019 2021 2022 2023
The city’s MICHELIN Guide recently awarded L’Atelier the only two Michelin stars in Florida for a second consecutive year. This modern French cuisine concept is about pursuing perfection, attention to detail, and caring about the diner having the ultimate adventure. Miamians might be surprised to learn that the overall service is neither stuffy nor intimidating. The restaurant offers a couple of specialty and seasonal tasting menus, plus a la carte options. The proprietary dishes are more than just food; they are a taste of history. Every dish is executed with mind-blowing precision: top-notch from beginning to end. As a worldwide operation, the restaurant has been through many kitchen changes. Impressively, their delivery has never been rocked: unusual and admirable.
4. Stubborn Seed
2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023
Passion, grit, and a playful flair make Chef Jeremy Ford’s Stubborn Seed a fierce keeper every year. Service is welcoming and friendly. The upscale dishes and Michelin star solidify its powerhouse status. Chances are, you will spot Ford center stage kitchen, happily cooking away with his contagious smile and culinary oomph. Only he can make juggling several restaurants across a couple of counties, and family life look easy. Top Chef fans take note; there’s always a crudo on the menu. Ordering a la carte is available during the week, but the seasonal tasting menu is always the way to go. And what a ride it is to go through it! Rock on!
3. Ariete
2018 2019 2021 2022 2023
One of my top “tried and true” spots. I am blessed to have experienced Ariete’s evolution from the beginning, and I greatly admire this restaurant’s journey. Chef-owner Michael Beltran navigated and overcame adversity through the years to get to where he is today. Coconut Grove’s one Michelin-starred Ariete sits pretty, solid, and stable, offering diners an array of spectacular experiences set to the tune of a killer playlist: two chef’s tasting menus, an a la carte menu, and Miami’s sole duck press experience. Every dish is obsessively conceptualized and executed by a tight-knit team, often showcasing Cuban-inspired courses unlike anywhere else: Nouveaux Miami Cuisine. Y también tienen tremendo flan.
2. Fiola
2021 2022 2023
Local Chef Danny Ganem brings that Miami heat and passion to the kitchen. The food and service at FIOLA Miami are worthy of our praise. I admire the team’s ability to execute service beautifully, day after day, at such a large scale. Said to be inspired by regional Italian classic dishes and family traditions, Fiola’s menu offers something for everyone, and the dizzying options can overwhelm. How does one even choose when everything is brilliant? Dinner is always coursed perfectly, and tableside presentations and descriptions flow easily. Each highly-curated plate, tray, bowl, and platter showcases the food at its best: stunning to look at and even better to taste. A new crowd-favorite pasta omakase option was a highlight this year. The wine program remains one of my personal favorites. You can trust the dedicated and knowledgeable somms to guide you towards the most suitable option for your palate.
1. The Surf Club
2019 2021 2022 2023
The marvel and beauty of The Surf Club is just how effortless it all feels: a well-choreographed and executed performance worthy of a standing ovation. The best. Without a doubt. Expect white tablecloths and top-notch ingredients, with the absolute best hospitality in South Florida. Consistent since day one, I can assure you that the unmistakable Chef Keller finesse and signature style come off loud and clear at The Surf Club. The goal is “Continental cuisine interpreted for today’s contemporary guests.” Chef de Cuisine Michael Decicco brings exciting weekly specials to jazz up the classic menu. Sporting a MICHELIN Guide Florida star for its second consecutive year, The Surf Club is always the solid choice whenever a guest wants to be spoiled and experience the perfect night.
Congratulations to the 2023 Palette Awards recipients! We are so lucky to have you.
Missed the introduction to this post because you were too impatient to read it? It’s all good. Go back and read it now.
Thank you for visiting my website, reading, and sharing. Get out there and make your reservations, Miami! They ALL deserve your attention and support.
Cheers!
Brenda Popritkin
Photos by: The Whet Palette
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