Things to do in Miami

Best Restaurants Miami

These culinary delights will have your taste buds performing acrobatics that rival our own.

We might put on a feast for the eyes and ears with our performances, but what about your sense of taste? Some of the best restaurants in Miami will have you practically dancing in your seat when you get that first delectable bite.

Whether you're waiting for our Miami shows or refueling between the mix of things to do in Miami, these restaurants will excite your senses.

Mexican Cuisine

We love the heat and passion that goes into Mexican cuisine, rivaling the spark our performers present every time they get on stage.

Los Félix

The only thing more robust than the authentic flavors at Los Félix is the true passion that goes into honoring indigenous Mesoamerican heritage at every step in the restaurant's food preparation process.

It begins with sourcing native ingredients grown using traditional indigenous methods. It ends with tantalizing farm-to-table meals that add a modern, urban twist to Mexican favorites.

South American Cuisine

South American cuisine draws influence from so many different ethnicities, which is why it's so memorable.

Some of the best restaurants in Miami pull from these influences, and you'll find no shortage of South American meals here. Take your pick from this list. They're all phenomenal.

Maty's

The Peruvian restaurant Maty's may look unassuming at first, but the food here will blow your mind. Pick up delicious Peruvian dishes made with their own twists. Your taste buds will be taken on a culinary journey through familiar, rich flavors.

Explore modern twists on fan favorites, such as oxtail saltado, a rendition of the quintessential lomo saltado dish worth its weight in gold.

La Mar

La Mar by Gastón Acurio exudes elegance and glamor that rivals the food it serves. It's situated right on the shore of Biscayne Bay, rewarding alfresco diners with a stunning view of the water and the Miami skyline.

You'll find a menu brimming with ceviche, tiradito, and Peruvian trout miso. It's a seafood lover's dream come true.

You'll want to make reservations to ensure a seat. Make sure you review the dress code before you arrive to avoid any hiccups.

Photographer: Taylor Kiser

Fiorito

At Fiorito in Miami, things are simple. And it's working for them. This restaurant skips the typical fanfare found in restaurants.

Fiorito serves plates of Argentinian food that look like what you'd make at home without sacrificing the intense, robust flavor. We recommend topping off your meal with a delicious flan made with homemade dulce de leche for a sweet finale.

Rusty Pelican

Rusty might evoke images of old and rundown, but the Rusty Pelican subverts this expectation. It's one of the trendiest, chic restaurants in the city, with breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay right out its windows.

Check out the exotic fire dancers, who perform with the same effortless precision we do. You can even pick up some of the most exquisite seafood or steak while you're at it.

Contemporary American Cuisine

There's something comforting about contemporary American cuisine. But in Miami, restaurants take the typical fare and elevate it into a memorable experience.

Ariete

Ariete invites you to indulge in the luxurious ambiance and Michelin Star-worthy meals. You'll find elegant dishes melding innovation with traditional French and Cuban cooking to create unforgettable meals.

We particularly appreciate the showmanship that goes into Ariete's Canard à la Presse. This is one of four restaurants in the nation where this French technique can be found, and you'll get a tableside show as it's prepared.

Blue Collar

If casual dining is more your style, but you still want a mouthwatering meal, Blue Collar restaurant has you covered. It serves a frequently changing menu featuring fresh, in-season ingredients and draws from American, Mediterranean, Southern, and Latin influences to craft delectable dishes.

Expect eccentric twists on old favorites, such as Cuban sandwich spring rolls or lamb bolognese made with potato gnocchi and ricotta.

Eating House

Eating House exudes trendiness with its shelves of wine bottles and street art hanging from the walls. The quirky interior matches the dishes it serves. Here, chefs take classics such as carbonara, and elevate them with black truffles.

What we adore about this restaurant is the sheer range of food. If you like burgers or simple dishes, they're on the menu alongside more intricate options, such as Aussie lamb chops served with citrus chimichurri.

Photographer: Edward Castrejon

Asian-Inspired Cuisine

If you enjoy Asian-inspired flavors, there's no shortage of top restaurants in Miami that will leave you satisfied. Our favorites elevate the dining experience with unique takes on the dishes or entertainment alongside the meal.

Zitz Sum

Experience Asian-inspired cuisine deserving of the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Award at Zitz Sum.

This small eatery only seats 30 and is a love song to Japanese food with Italian ingredients. The artistic eats available here will delight your senses. You'll be treated to a seasonal à la carte menu or a seven-course tasting experience that changes weekly.

Jaya

Jaya at the Setai is a culinary treasure trove of Pan-Asian foods and drinks, serving curries, dim sum, and its signature Peking duck. What we really love about this restaurant is the extensive array of nightly entertainment.

It features live music in Miami, along with brave fire throwers, acrobats, and contortionists. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the restaurant hosts an Asian Night Bazaar to explore.

Tâm Tâm

Tâm Tâm seems unassuming when you first step foot inside its Downtown Miami doors, but it'll blow you away when the food is placed on the table in front of you.

The restaurant started as a pop-up Vietnamese supper party. However, it was so successful that the owners transformed it into a full-time establishment. Pick up the signature Tâm Tâm wings or goat curry, and dig in. Don't worry about the mess. It's part of the experience.

COTE Miami

If you long for mountains of meat in your dining experience, COTE Miami will bring your dream to life. This Korean steakhouse has a vast menu of steaks, seafood, and accompaniments.

The steak omakase will leave you drooling, as will the other delectable chef-chosen and prepared dishes. Make a reservation in advance, and enjoy the ride to taste bud heaven.

Ghee Indian Kitchen

Chef Niven Patel runs Ghee Indian Kitchen in style, harvesting ingredients from his own farm to include in mind-blowing dishes. The restaurant is lined with walls of spices and inviting decor that complements the food.

Sit back, relax, and let the warm, zingy Indian spices steal the show. Just make sure you've got a reservation first. This is one of the best restaurants in Miami, and it's busy!

Abbale Telavivian Kitchen

Brunch, lunch, and dinner options abound at Abbale Telavivian Kitchen, an Israeli restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating.

We appreciate the effortlessly chic yet elegant air you'll discover upon first setting foot in this restaurant, and the food is even better than the ambiance.

Trendy meets traditional in meals such as Persian braised beef short ribs finished with pomegranate wine, jus, apricots, and a fennel-radish slaw.

Hiyakawa

At Japanese restaurant Hiyakawa, the atmosphere created by the attentive staff is half the experience. Each plate is edible artistry, with expert precision going into the presentation of the dishes. This restaurant features a robust sushi menu that follows the Japanese art of hospitality.

There's one catch. Hiyakawa only serves 50 meals nightly, so the chef can provide plenty of attention to each diner. You'll need a reservation if you want a chance to savor these dishes.

Photographer: Jason Leung

Katana

There's something fun about sitting at a revolving sushi bar like Katana in Miami. You'll watch the dishes slowly meander around the restaurant, waiting to be picked by hungry diners.

You can also order other foods, such as chicken tempura or salmon teriyaki, but the real focus at Katana is the sushi. Keep in mind, this is a pretty small restaurant. Reservations aren't accepted, so expect to wait a bit before being seated.

European Cuisine

European cuisine runs the gamut when it comes to flavor profiles and experiences. These restaurants make the cut as some of the best places to eat in Miami.

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

Mandolin Aegean Bistro is a true labor of love. This spot was opened by a husband and wife team who restored and transformed a 1940s home into the restaurant it is today.

Greek and Turkish coastal foods combine Aegean cooking techniques to evoke images of Mediterranean islands as you eat dishes such as fried calamari or beef souvlaki.

Area 31

Area 31 is a stunning rooftop restaurant in Miami atop the 16th floor of the Kimpton EPIC Hotel, and it promises patrons stellar views of Biscayne Bay while dining on meals made with ingredients sourced from local farms and ranches.

The menu centers around seafood, with other options for those who aren't fans of fish. Each dish is carefully cultivated and plated, and seasonal cocktails are garnished with herbs plucked straight from the garden.

LPM Restaurant & Bar

Prepare for bold sophistication when you arrive at LPM Restaurant & Bar. The flavors of dishes cultivated true to French cuisine command attention and respect.

Its extensive menu has promising flavor profiles suitable for just about every guest. Try delectable desserts, such as warm chocolate mousse served with malt ice cream or, for the adults, lemon sorbet doused with vodka.

Macchialina

If the first thing you think of when you hear Italian cuisine is pasta, South Beach's Macchialina will exceed your expectations. All pasta is handmade with high-quality, local, and seasonal ingredients that'll challenge how you think of typical Italian fare.

If you can't decide what to choose, there's a tasting menu that gets you four courses and transports your taste buds to Italy without you ever having to leave your seat.

Krüs Kitchen

At Krüs Kitchen, you'll find innovative twists on a constantly changing menu designed to subvert expectations and deny conformity in dining. As the seasons change, so do the dishes on the menu, ensuring diners get only the freshest meals to pair with the extensive wine collection.

Try the grilled scallions coated in roasted yeast foam and trout roe. For dessert, dip into some bone marrow pudding, which, contrary to what its meaty name would suggest, is actually made from gold Medjool dates and seasonal ice cream.

Casa Isola Osteria

True to traditional Italian values of family, good food, and fun, Casa Isola Osteria delivers delicious meals that bring on good vibes and good times in a tavern-inspired restaurant.

Indulge in scratch-made fusion meals ready to excite and satiate your appetite, such as Italian ramen made with minestrone broth, meatballs, porchetta, tomato, and basil.

We love how Casa Isola Osteria takes traditional meals and puts a unique spin on them in a way you won't find anywhere else.

Luca Osteria

Luca Osteria embraces a sleek, smooth ambiance with dark floors and white ceilings to cultivate a modern feel and let the food shine. It features an extensive bar full of premium wines and spirits and an impressive selection of antipasti and pasta dishes.

We love how trendy ingredients, such as American Wagyu beef, combine with classic Italian additions, such as Parmigiano cheese and lemon, to create a bright, savory, and memorable flavor that'll make your taste buds leap with joy.

La Leggenda Pizzeria

La Leggenda Pizzeria is perfectly poised as a hidden gem in South Beach, where food options can run a bit sparse. Despite this, you'll find some of the best pizzas in Miami at this restaurant. Although known for its pizzas, it also has an extensive selection of appetizers.

Just make sure your eyes aren't bigger than your stomach, or prepare to take home leftovers to keep the culinary party going long after you leave.

Photographer: Klara Kulikova

Bulla Gastrobar

Spanish cuisine is the name of the game at Bulla Gastrobar, and they're pros at it. This location offers its very own kids' menu, ensuring a family-friendly dining experience.

For more adventurous palates, there's no shortage of items bursting with flavor on the menu. Try the Tartar de Atún. It's a delicious combination of ahi tuna, mango, and avocado finished with a soy sesame vinaigrette and sriracha aioli for a truly marvelous flavor combination.

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon exudes excellence and sophistication. The first step into this two Michelin Star-winning restaurant reveals stylish designs amid a soft, warm glow of lights to set the ambiance.

Counter seats inspired by Japanese sushi counters face the open kitchen, allowing guests to interact with chefs. However, you'll be in for a modern French treat instead, and you'll get to watch the whole culinary masterpiece come together.

Le Jardinier

For a more traditional French cuisine experience, check out Le Jardinier. Michelin Star-winning chef Alain Verzeroli ensures every guest leaves satisfied. The dishes prominently feature plants, with meat taking a second chair.

The restaurant is bright and airy, just like its dishes, cultivated with local, seasonal ingredients. If you're a fan of alfresco dining, there's also an extensive outdoor dining area.

Seafood

As a city right on the ocean, it's no wonder that Miami plays a strong seafood game. At these restaurants, seafood is the focus, and it shows in every dish you try.

Garcia's Seafood Grille

Garcia's Seafood Grille serves only the finest and freshest picks from daily catches. The food is phenomenal; you can even purchase the day's catch at the on-site market.

You'll be hard-pressed to find fresher seafood than you can get here unless you go out and catch it yourself.

Joe's Stone Crab

Perched in the historic South of Fifth area, the whole experience at Joe's Stone Crab is a spectacle. This place is all about ambiance, from its scallop-shaped chair backs and plates piled high with crab to the stunning garden surrounding its outdoor dining area.

Seafood is the shining star here, and crab reigns supreme. You can even order crab claws by size to accompany your meals. However, this restaurant is busy and only accepts limited reservations online.

Bar and Cocktail Cuisine

If you want to go somewhere to sip and savor a tasty cocktail or alcoholic beverage, check out this top pick.

Jaguar Sun

In the heart of downtown Miami, you'll find Jaguar Sun, an intimate cocktail bar and restaurant featuring drinks for a wide range of palates.

If you're feeling peckish while sipping your drink, look no further than its raw bar menu. The restaurant specializes in oysters, scallops, and Wagyu carpaccio, and offers a small selection of cooked pasta dishes.

Photographer: Ambitious Studio* - Rick Barrett

Blended Cuisine

Can't make your mind up on just one cuisine type? These blended cuisine options meld vastly different flavor profiles into one cohesive restaurant, expertly creating dishes that will blow your mind.

Chefs on the Run

At Chefs on the Run, you'll get a twist on Caribbean and Americana cuisines that create masterpieces for the senses.

Take the Macarrones Con Res, for example. This dish transforms American mac and cheese by adding chipotle, birria-style beef, cotija cheese, and truffle oil to create an amusement park for your taste buds.

The Sandbar at The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club

If you're staying at The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club, you've got good eats right outside your room.

The Sandbar restaurant, situated between the hotel's lounge pool and the Beach Club, delights hungry diners with signature cocktails and simple yet satisfying meals featuring Asian and international inspiration. Hawaiian poke bowls, Greek wraps, hummus platters, and more await those needing a quick pick-me-up after a swim.

Chug's Diner

Cuban and American influences combine to create the dining experience at Chug's Diner. The owner, affectionately nicknamed Chug, sought to combine his Cuban heritage and love for family gatherings over food with the traditional American diner culture.

Explore an all-day breakfast menu, where you can savor a cast-iron pancake. For lunch or dinner, pick up one of his delicious sandwiches with fries or Chug's Abuela's platter, featuring rice, black beans, banana, lechon, pollo a la plancha, and chicharron.

Finka Table & Tap

At Finka Table & Tap, flavors draw inspiration from numerous cuisines, including Korean, Cuban, American, and Hawaiian. These vastly different flavor profiles come together to craft unforgettable meals. The effortless blend of flavors is astounding, but your taste buds will thank you for the treat.

Concluding Your Culinary Journey Through Miami's Best

Although the culinary experiences only make up a small portion of the things you can do in Miami, they're often unforgettable.

To keep the show running, why not attend one of our shows in Miami, where the rest of your senses will be in for a treat? With your belly full, you'll be able to marvel at our dazzling displays of storytelling and athleticism.

Let our performers wow you while defying gravity and weaving thought-provoking visual poetry with their acts. Prepare to be delighted and amazed with elaborate artistry in action that comes together to create an experience you won't soon forget.

We might be biased here, but our shows are a fantastic way to wrap up a night in Miami.

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