From the outside, Miami’s reputation has been that of a fast paced party scene for years. However, as many who live here know, there’s something brewing under the flashing lights and pounding bass. Underneath the glitzy facade there’s a real foodie culture just waiting to be unleashed. From world class seafood to the best Cuban cuisine outside the island, options are in no short supply.
Joes Stone Crab ($$)
If you’ve been in business for over a century, you might know a thing or two about seafood. Joe’s is legit. From oysters, to lobster, to their one of a kind stone crabs, you can’t go wrong at Joe’s. There’s just one thing to remember, Stone Crab season runs from mid-October to mid-May. So, you only have a short window to slip in and taste one of those delicious stone crab entrees. Just don’t forget to put your name on the waitlist ahead of time.
https://www.joesstonecrab.com/
Sugarcane ($$)
This one is for the real foodies out there. Presenting special dishes from small plates of edamame and shishito peppers to the unique entrees you’ll only find at Sugarcane, like bone marrow with veal cheek marmalade and duck waffle with a crispy bird leg and mustard maple syrup. Sugarcane is an experience like no other.
https://www.cntraveler.com/restaurants/miami/sugarcane
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink ($$)
If you’re visiting Miami and you’re looking for something with more of a neighborhood feel, Michael’s is the place to be. Located in the Design District, Michael’s offers enough variety to make even the most demanding diners happy.
NaiYaRa ($$)
Under the care of Chef Bee (Piyarat Potha Arreeratn), NaiYaRa has become an experience all its own. NaiYaRa uses locally sourced ingredients to bring together Thai Street food with Japanese specialties creating a flavor overload only Chef Bee could produce. This means that you could potentially see something like popcorn shrimp available, but it would come with shiitake mushrooms and spicy mayonnaise.
https://naiyara.com/
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar ($$)
Yardbirds precise execution makes even the simplest of southern staples feel like an exquisite dining moment forever frozen in time. In addition to it’s wonderful southern cuisine, they also have a truly impressive bourbon list of more than 50 bottles (some incredibly rare). Dinner at Yardbird is definitely for a night of indulging.
Zuma ($$$)
This is the Miami version of Chef Rainer Becker’s popular izakaya restaurant. Frequent celebrity visits help fill out a stable of customers that come for the buzzy atmosphere as well as for the consistently executed menu of incredible flavors and shareable plates. Enjoy the delicious items from their menu and pair each entree perfectly with any of the 350+ bottles of wine they keep in stock.
Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market($)
A Miami staple for over 50 years, Garcias is at the top of the list when it comes to fresh seafood. Considered a local landmark, it’s popular with native Miamian’s as wells as tourists. A rustic seafood spot on the Miami River with delicious food and great views; everything you need for a wonderful night out.
Byblos ($)
All of the restauranteurs in South Florida claim to offer a one of a kind culinary experience, but Byblos is legit. To get the most of your visit, order a range of dishes to share with your group. There’s plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly options to choose from. If you’re meat friendly, don’t miss out on the Middle Eastern fried chicken served with tahini, za’atar, and housemade hot sauce.
Makoto ($$)
Fresh fish flown in from Tokyo three times a week, so you know Makoto is official. There are some sushi novice options such as spicy tuna and soft shell crab rolls, but Makoto really shines as you make your way further into their menu; highlighted by barbecued fresh water eel, live scallop,sea urchin. They even offer caviar for celebratory vibes.
Red Rooster Overtown ($$)
A restaurant concept brought from Harlem to the neighborhood of Overtown by Marcus Samuelsson. Red Rooster is the perfect addition to Overtown; one of Miami’s first black neighborhoods. The food is a wonderful mix of soul food with Latin and Caribbean flavors. Just as important as the food, is the vibrant atmosphere Red Rooster offers. Live music is always in the air and their fun and attentive staff provide excellent service.
