STOP! Please read. 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?
This year’s list looks a little different than usual. It has changed in the best of ways. Miami has made it incredibly difficult to come up with my final results. What a brilliant problem to have!
Not officially ranked within the Top 24, but important nonetheless, are three restaurants outside of Miami that made a significant impact: one in Fort Lauderdale, another in West Palm Beach, and the last in Orlando. All stood out enough for me to reconsider renaming this “Miami” list as a “Florida” one. I didn’t, but I feel strongly that one of them is the best restaurant experience I’ve had in the entire state. Given how challenging I just explained finalizing this list was, that says a lot. More on these three spots later on.
First, Miami. 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. The food doesn’t have to necessarily fit in the fine dining category, but it MUST be excellent. These 24 locations offer it all—dinner as a leisurely experience and not an afterthought or a quick pitstop. 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, and celebrate something. Here, you can receive the kind of service you don’t have to think about because it just is.
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.
This is the first time in a long time that some restaurants have shifted significantly within the list compared to other years or were removed due to closure, inconsistency, or lack of space on the list. There’s even a new #1. 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 12th year posting this list (and the fifth with a corresponding PALETTE AWARD). I am passionate about supporting Miami’s food scene. I reserved, ordered, photographed, ate, and paid at these restaurants. No one asked nor paid me to do so.
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 major role in my decision for placement. Although the awards, technically speaking, are for a restaurant’s performance in 2024, 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 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 FIU 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. Great DJ.”
“I received the press release for it, and attended the media dine, 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.
24. GHEE
2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
This family-owned Indian kitchen by Chef Niven Patel (Erba, Paya, and Nimo) continues to deliver an unforgettable experience. Many of the ingredients used at all of the Feal Hospitality restaurants are sourced from Rancho Patel (chef’s Homestead farm), but Ghee’s best gift to Miami is the love of communion and its near-perfect execution of a home-cooked meal within a commercial space. Dinner at Ghee stays with you long after it concludes. And for that, they remain on my list as a mainstay Miami staple.
23. La Fresa Francesa
2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
A Hialeah meets Paris fairytale. Charming owners Chef Benoit and boss of all things 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. Say oui!
22. Phuc Yea
2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
A 2011 pop-up started it all: OG Miami royalty. Boss Ani Meinhold and Chef Cesar Zapata have worked through hell and high water, year after year, to fine-tune their menu, cocktails, and wine program. It’s food I crave often. Pronounced: fuhk-ya, this concept is unapologetically inspired by family recipes. But, at half Colombian, half Viet, this is not your classic Vietnamese spot. Expect the unexpected. Jam to old-school hip hop, and enjoy the cooler-than-cool vibes. There’s a cohesive message that shines through…Phuc Yea‘s got soul. 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.
21. Erba
2024
As if walking into a posh Downtown Abbey parlour or study, the dark and moody interiors set the stage for a beautiful experience. Dinner begins with a rich rosemary (candle) butter and focaccia, and continues with course after course of food I dream about regularly. Even driving by Erba evokes a craving. Conceptualized by Feal Hospitality, the team behind Ghee, Erba quickly became a favorite spot I could count on and snagged a place on this list.
20. Macchialina
2013 2014 2022 2023 2024
A go-to. A solid. A Miami original favorite. Dinner at Macchialina feels like entering a warm and inviting home, not a business establishment. Recently, they unveiled a new remodel that offers more space and reservation availability for us Macchia-diehards! 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.
19. Maty’s
2023 2024
Crafted by local culinary virtuoso Chef Valerie Chang (Itamae + B Side), Maty’s had quite a year that recently culminated in a win as Best Chef South during the 2024 James Beard Awards. 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, with dance-stirring tunes (the authentic type, not the typical Miami oontz oontz), always coaxes me to sway and immerse myself in animated conversation while relishing every morsel. This beautiful homage to Valerie’s beloved grandmother, Maty, 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.
18. Sereia
2024
Located in Coconut Grove, Sereia by Chef Henrique Sa Pessoa (of the Michelin-starred ALMA in Portugal) is a modern seafood-forward restaurant inspired by the Iberian Coast. There truly is no wrong choice on the menu. Not shockingly, the arroz carabineiro and arroz de pato solidified my allegiance early on. Led by the expert hands of Miami chef de cuisine Miguel Massens, Sereia has climbed the ranks steadily since opening. The ambiance is sexy, sophisticated, and inviting, with deep ocean blue hues and touches of sandy whites framing the room for a spectacular meal. Service is dependable, and the wine list offers something for everyone, including an extensive, explore-worthy list of Portugal wines. Sereia is the Portuguese word for mermaid, and just like its namesake, the allure is charming and strong.
17. KLAW
2023 2024
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.
16. COTE Korean Steakhouse
2021 2022 2023 2024
Still going strong! 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.
15. Tambourine Room
2023 2024
This tiny dining room hides inside Miami Beach’s historic Carillon Hotel. The small team of three in the kitchen offers a luxurious journey for fans of a more traditional fine dining approach. If you prefer your steak delivered in a suitcase surrounded by sparklers and Bad Bunny tunes about VIP status, this is not the place for you. Dine at Tambourine if you are a food enthusiast who loves, appreciates, and respects the art of cooking, with or without the need for selfies. That last part is up to you. The experience will speak for itself. Unsurprisingly, Tambourine Room was 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.
14. Elastika
2024
Located in the Miami Design District, on the first floor of the Moore Building, it’s hard to dismiss the exposed connecting beams at the very center of this multistory structure. Thankfully, as dramatic as that art detail is, it compliments the creative food served. Chef Joe Anthony grew up in South Florida. He spent the last 15 years in NYC (working and leading the kitchens at Daniel, the Modern, & Gabriel Kreuther). You know, no big deal. Elastika takes priority in, not only sustainability and green practices, but cooking with nourishing ingredients that aren’t harmful to us or the planet. There you won’t get a ton of butter, sodium, and seed oils, for example. But somehow, they still manage to put out delicious eats.
13. Ogawa
2024
This Miami omakase experience gets my seal of approval. Operating differently from many others, I now understand why Ogawa quickly gained MICHELIN Guide Florida recognition. The first hour is spent exploring their zensai: a combination of starter plates from the kitchen, both hot and cold. The sushi portion of the evening begins when entering the second hour with a series of seasonal nigiri, followed by a hand-roll, miso soup, tamago, and a dessert. It’s obvious attention to sourcing fresh, quality, and, at times, rare ingredients takes priority. Meticulously curated and methodically executed, the Ogawa formula works. As expected, service and hospitality receive the utmost attention.
12. EntreNos
2024
A partnership with Tinta y Cafe in Miami Shores means Chefs Osmel Gonzalez and Evan Burgess operate there at night using limited equipment and only one person on the floor. Thankfully, the sky’s the limit when it comes to their drive and vision. EntreNos is not just trying to use local products; their sole goal is to let Florida obsessively lead the way. Local, local, local. The fish is line-caught off the Florida Keys. To name a few, guests will spot mango, seagrape, aji amarillo, and pork on the menu. The farms sourced are listed on the menu used under each course. An avid fan, I can’t wait to see what EntreNos does next.
11. Shingo
2024
Chef Shingo Akikuni, a fourth-generation sushi chef, learned the art of sushi-making from his father and grandfather at their family sushi restaurant in Osaka, which opened in 1919. He came to the United States in 2017 after further refining his skills in Tokyo. This most precious spot hides inside the historic La Palma in Coral Gables (next to Thomas Keller’s Bouchon). An L-shaped pristine hinoki counter anchors the quaint space. The entire team provides a traditional and elegant experience for 14 guests twice a day and remains laser-focused on providing the best of the best.
10. Kojin 2.0
2022 2024
A tiny speakeasy no more. Japanese lore, tradition, and techniques inspired this modern American restaurant concept. The original spot was a tiny counter behind a ramen shop with limited kitchen facilities. Kojin finally returned this year with their 2.0 version. This familiar Coral Gables location (formerly Eating House & Lion & the Rambler) is already performing as seasoned pros. Diners can indulge on a la carte items or one of the stunning tasting menus. Cuban-American Chef Pedro Mederos shares his refined palate and delivers food that haunts you long after dinner concludes: Incredibly flavorful + intentionally addicting. Young and ambitious, yet humble, focused, and talented, he is one to support and watch. Pedro leads the team with his wife (and incredible pastry chef) Katherine.
9. Itamae AO
2021 2022 2024
Gone are the days of the tiny Nisei pop-up, of when the Nikkei-inspired Itamae occupied a small spot at St. Roch Market, and when it moved downstairs at the Palm Court in the Miami Design District. All grown up and shining brightly, the newest version, Itamae AO (3.0?), brings its chef’s choice tasting menu to Midtown. Chef Nando Chang’s menu features eight courses, with one to three bites within each. Inspired by the traditions of Japan, rooted in his Peruvian homeland, and influenced by his journey to Miami, Chang’s interpretation of Itamae is bolder than ever. The flavors, as expected, evolve as the menu progresses. There’s heat, citrus, umami, and unexpected nuances to taste, and from which to experiment. A team of about six works in unison to prep, cook, and serve the counter of ten, twice nightly. With great creativity and precision, this tasting menu is unlike any other in South Florida.
8. Zitz Sum
2021 2022 2023 2024
Zitz Sum results from Chef Pablo Zitzmann’s fascinating journey from his German-Mexican roots in Bogota, Colombia, through his culinary adventures across Asia. Hidden away on the floor level of a Coral Gables office building, Zitzmann outperforms himself with every tasting menu he sets forth. He analyzes, tweaks, and masterminds his next move daily. At Zitz Sum, the flavors are loud and bold, unapologetically Pablo. The hospitality provided completes the total package with servers that are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about each dish, and a team that cares about performing at their best. Plus, there’s Bing Bread, and that’s all you really need to know.
7. Brasserie Laurel
2023 2024
Sexy AF, savory, and sensational. The dimmed lighting, plus the gold and deep aquamarine touches, scream elegance. A jazzy playlist sets the vibe for a night of back-to-back culinary hits. The French-inspired Brasserie Laurel, by the Ariete Hospitality Group, continues performing like it has been around for years—next-level dining in every category. At first, I knew it was remarkable when I could not stop thinking about those dishes. To date, I still feel that way. Refined. Focused. Delicious.A class act all around.
The Top Six
I obsessed over each of these, even though choosing which ranks where is as difficult as it would be to pick a favorite child. The truth is…I adore them all. This category features Miami’s strongest restaurants, offering diners a supreme overall experience. You should be able to snag reservations at any of these with proper planning. These chefs execute menus at the highest culinary level, using ingredients sourced locally and of impeccable quality. Every location boasts enviable wine lists, and staffs teams who exceed the expected hospitality for their guests—memorable and magical.
6. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
For the record, the city’s sole two MICHELIN-starred restaurant already topped my list before the Guide’s arrival. This modern French cuisine concept is about pursuing perfection, attention to detail, and caring about the diner having the ultimate experience. Miamians might be surprised to learn that the overall service is neither stuffy nor intimidating. Robuchon 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 incredible 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.
5. Ariete
2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
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. Inside, dimly lit interiors give off a moody, speakeasy vibe. The open kitchen allows the guests to watch as the service firestorm ignites. Complete with prohibition-era blues artists and Latin classics, the playlist prompts midbite swaying and occasional instinctual foot tapping. Ariete, by Cuban-American chef Michael Beltran, successfully captures the art of Nouveaux Miami Cuisine created with an impactful, trained hand. Experimental, elegant, and creative food. Choosing what to order from the ever-changing menu can be challenging. Every dish is obsessively conceptualized and executed, giving way to unexpected taste profiles. Often, this means showcasing the feisty Cuban side of the 305. Perhaps one fancies a velvety foie gras (atop perfectly ripened sweet plantains with a sour orange temptation caramel). Or maybe Miami’s sole tableside Rohan Duck Press experience (dry-aged duck breast, duck tamale, and pastelitos of duck fricassée). Despite continued growth, Ariete continues to embrace guests humbly with warm hospitality. Oh, and then there’s the flan.
4. Fiola
2021 2022 2023 2024
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. 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.
3. La Mar & Amano by Oka
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
Ten years ago, I wrote about La Mar Miami for the first time on my blog. The unparalleled Miami views win diners over before they even take a first bite, but it’s not about the location. Led by the skilled Chef Diego Oka, La Mar serves outstanding upscale novo-Andean fare to Asian-Peruvian fusion dishes. Service is always on point, and the delicious seafood-heavy menu keeps diners returning. A recently launched tasting menu, AMANO by Oka, elevates the overall experiences available. Diego’s love of pottery inspired the idea of creating a multi-sensory handcrafted dinner journey for guests. What if, he thought, he could take that new passion a step further and create tableware to present and serve his cooking? And so he did. A hotel room at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, home to the restaurant, transformed into a ceramic studio. There, Oka designed and created over 400 plates and pieces of tableware for the exclusive use of Amano. Each piece, made without a mold, is meant to fit a specific dish. Visual and edible art combined. The inaugural journey takes you through eight meticulous courses. If possible, splurge for the wine pairing. Somm Fernando Zamudio has created a must-have poetic wine pairing. Expect the unexpected, and know there’s nothing else like it in Miami.
2. The Surf Club
2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
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. Expect white tablecloths, top-notch ingredients, and incredible hospitality. I assure you that Chef Thomas Keller’s unmistakable finesse and signature style come off loud and clear. The goal, “Continental cuisine interpreted for today’s contemporary guests,” hits just the right notes. There is no reinventing the wheel here; everything on the menu is done just right. Weekly specials jazz up the classic menu. Sporting a MICHELIN Guide Florida star for three consecutive years, The Surf Club is always the solid choice whenever a guest wants to be spoiled and experience the perfect night.
1. Stubborn Seed
2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
Seven years after debuting this small casual fine dining concept, Chef Jeremy Ford shows no signs of slowing down. Passion, grit, and a playful flair make this restaurant a fierce keeper annually. But this year, consistency showed off like never before. Hit after hit, after hit! A strong force within Miami’s culinary landscape, Stubborn Seed’s highly seasonal, ingredient-driven tasting menus innovate and are personalized even more now that Ford has acquired a six-acre property in the Florida Redlands. The farm supplies his restaurants with daily farm-grown produce and serves as inspiration when composing the weekly menus. Add mindful hospitality to the flavorful, detail-oriented dishes, and its powerhouse status is solidified. Chances are, you will spot Ford center stage kitchen, happily cooking away with his contagious smile and culinary oomph. Rock on!
The Others…Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando
As I mentioned earlier, three restaurants took Florida by storm earlier this year. All would top this list easily if it included all of Florida.
OMO by JONT
Is this Florida’s best tasting menu experience right now? I think so. I’ve been a fan of Chef Ryan Ratino and his Hive Hospitality group in D.C. (Bresca, Jônt, MAASS) for several years. Two Michelin-starred Jônt became my favorite overall dinner of 2023. ÔMO by JÔNT hosts only 16 diners nightly. Dinner lasts almost four hours and takes place within three gorgeous spaces. I promise time flies.
First, guests are welcomed to the living room, where they enjoy snacks and opening sips. They then visit the main dining room counter overlooking the kitchen. The food is deeply inspired by Japanese cuisine with global touches by a team that joyfully colors outside the lines and bends the rules (in the very best of ways). The playlist is an unexpected fun mix of classic hip-hop beats. Big pimpin’? Ya bet. Dinner ends in the pastry parlor to indulge in a selection of decadent desserts.
Service remains professional, and the attention to detail is impeccable. Will I be surprised when ÔMO is Orlando’s next MICHELIN Guide star? Nope. What about if it is fast-tracked as Florida’s next 2-starred restaurant? All I can say is, it would be WELL-DESERVED. You heard it here first.
MAASS by Ryan Ratino
Mentioned above, and located at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, MAASS is a luxurious contemporary wood-fire concept. Named after the late local architect Gustav Maass (responsible for designs in the Broward and Palm Beach Counties), the beachfront property stuns.
MAASS houses one of the most exceptional kitchens I’ve ever seen— one that might even equal the square footage of the entire dining room side. The culinary theatre is on display, and its performance becomes part of the experience. Surrounding the space is seating at the chef’s counter for about a dozen diners, where a tasting menu is available. Otherwise, a la carte options are available at the tables. Inspired by European and Japanese techniques, this hotspot showcases ingredients sourced from markets across these two regions, plus several domestic gems.
I am thrilled for this talented team to find their place within South Florida and Fort Lauderdale—a city not yet widely known for its fine dining options. With my experience now having dined at all of their concepts, I can confidently conclude that when the MICHELIN Guide decides to add Broward County, MAASS will be the headliner.
KONRO
The Florida fine dining scene is heating up. I ventured north to West Palm Beach to experience the exclusive Chef’s Counter at Konro. Spoiler alert: it was 100% worth that special journey.
Upon arrival, guests are warmly and personally greeted at the door by the Bickelhaupts. The gorgeous space, where every finish and detail is designed with unparalleled luxury in mind, features an intimate u-shaped counter with plush seating for ten, and faces the open stage: the kitchen.
Only two incredibly talented individuals own and work at this restaurant: Mastermind Chef Jacob Bickelhaupt, formerly of 2-Michelin Starred 42 Grams in Chicago, and his wife Nadia, sommelier extraordinaire. Chef Jacob preps, cooks, and plates each dish for the night with intense focus and precision stopping only when it’s time to serve and explain what he created. Meanwhile, Nadia presents diners with the wine pairing pours and explains her methodology in choosing her bottles.
Impressively skilled at their respective crafts, both deliver quite the showstopping dinner experience.
Congratulations to the 2024 Palette Awards recipients! We are so lucky to have you.
Missed the introduction to this post because you were too impatient to read it? I get 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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