Miami has an impressive culinary scene with renowned chefs from all over the world and a diverse range of cooking styles that contribute to the town’s dynamic dining culture. The city has an abundance of amazing restaurants that cater to all taste buds, from traditional food to Mediterranean to Latin American eateries; there is something for everyone here. No matter what you wish to eat, you are surely going to find that in Miami. However, with so many options, deciding on a restaurant in Miami can be challenging. But don’t fret, as we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best restaurants in Miami that are guaranteed to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Zitz Sum
Zitz Sum is one of the best restaurants in a Miami suburb that seats around 60 people. The restaurant has an eclectic focus, which is not entirely Asian or Italian, and is not exactly dim sum or izakaya. Instead, it combines elements of all these cuisines to create inventive and thoughtful flavors and dishes that are way too delicious. The menu here changes regularly, and the tasting menu is an excellent way to experience the restaurant’s distinct identity, which is influenced by the owner’s love of Italian food and memories of eating in dim sum restaurants during his childhood. The owner, Zitzmann, who is of German-Mexican descent, allows his creativity to flourish, and he comes up with unexpected combinations you might have never tried before, such as charred cabbage with habanero butter and aged parmesan, as well as chicken pot stickers with Oaxacan salsa macha.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
The welcoming and cozy atmosphere at Mandolin is not a coincidence. More than ten years ago, the husband and wife duo of Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis discovered a charming 1940s bungalow in the Design District, which they believed was the ideal location for their dream restaurant – a delightful Greek cottage specializing in simple, Greek, and Turkish cuisine. The menu is divided into different categories, including sandwiches, salads, mezes, mains, and sides, making it easy to enjoy as much or as little food as you desire. Additionally, the whole Mediterranean sea bass, made with olive oil, oregano, and lemon, is to die for!
Stubborn Seed
Stubborn Seed is a restaurant located in South Beach that has received a Michelin star and stands out from the rest of the restaurants in the area, which often feature flashy lights and velvet ropes. The chef, Ford, has a distinct and subtle approach to cooking that is both unconventional and familiar. The appetizers, such as the jalapeño fritters and cacio e pepe cheesy puffs, are so delicious that you will end up wondering why you have never tasted them before (and believe us, you’ll not find such combos anywhere else). Once you try them, they will stay in your memory. For a nostalgic touch, the roasted barramundi, which is served on a delicate stew of onions, citrus, and carrot puree, is inspired by a dish that Ford’s grandmother made for him during his childhood. No matter what you decide to eat here, everything is finger-licking good!
Itamae
Itamae is a family-owned restaurant inspired by Nikkei cuisine, which originated from a small food stall in Mia Market and has now moved to a prime location in the Design District’s Palm Court. Itamae is a shining example of innovative Peruvian cuisine, particularly in its use of raw fish in numerous recipes. The restaurant offers a range of South American dishes, including various types of cebiches. However, their conchitas a la parmesana, which are stacked with fish, charred scallops, and avocado, are particularly noteworthy. Each order consists of four delicious and messy bites that create a flurry of parmesan flakes as you try to fit one into your mouth – making a mess that you won’t mind at all.
Vero Italian Restaurant
Vero Italian Restaurant offers a wide range of delicious and healthy Mediterranean classics that will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey through Italy. The cozy and rustic indoor dining room, decorated with wine barrel tables and wooden features, and the charming outdoor patio that resembles a courtyard create the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. Start your meal with classic Italian small plates such as tomato bruschetta or swordfish carpaccio before moving on to the gourmet main courses. The menu includes handcrafted pasta using traditional Italian techniques, hand-spun pizzas with a variety of tempting toppings, and generous main courses such as marinated Cornish hen and lamb with béchamel sauce or Italian lasagne bake with bolognese sauce, which are all inspired by different regions of Italy.
KYU Miami
KYU Miami is an Asian-inspired restaurant that embraces the idea of “wabi-sabi”, finding perfection in imperfection. Its rustic-industrial interior, with concrete walls and wooden and metal accents, creates an artistic, urban loft-like atmosphere. KYU Miami offers a diverse menu of Japanese barbecue-style dishes and creative vegetable sides inspired by the head chef’s international journeys. Guests can choose from chilled crudo, wood-fired dishes, and healthy nibbles, or opt for the Chef Special with beverage pairing. Don’t miss out on their signature dish; Duck breast burnt ends with yuzu pickles.
Zuma
The izakaya restaurant owned by Chef Rainer offers contemporary small Japanese dishes served in a space filled with famous personalities (there is a high chance of spotting a celebrity here). The restaurant’s menu, known for its unique recipes and shareable plates, is consistently well-prepared and draws a regular clientele looking for a lively ambiance. To begin, try the seabass sashimi with yuzu, salmon roe, and truffle oil. For your main dish, select something from the robata grill or one of the signature plates, such as roasted lobster with shizo-ponzu butter. Pair your dish with a beverage from the 350-plus wine bottle list, as well as sake and yuzu-heavy cocktails.
Santorini by Georgios
Santorini in Miami Beach is a Greek restaurant that aims to please all of its customers by providing an experience that showcases the true meaning of freshness in food. They specialize in fresh Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on Greek culture, offering a variety of dishes such as the biggest shrimp, fresh local lobster, prime steaks, and delicious lamb chops. Don’t miss out on the delicious chicken and lamb gyros which are a staple in Greek. Pair your food with their special drinks, such as white wines, rose wines, and red wines, all the way from Greece, Italy, Spain, and France.
Shiver’s BBQ
Barbecue may not be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Miami, but as the largest agricultural state east of the Mississippi and home to the largest cattle ranch in the country, Florida has a barbecue tradition worth exploring. For more than 60 years, Shiver’s BBQ in Homestead has been offering authentic hickory-smoked barbecue, specializing in slow-smoked meats like baby back ribs, pork spare ribs, beef ribs, chicken, beef brisket, pork, and more. Many of these items, including pulled pork, are smoked for 12 hours or longer to ensure that each bite is full of flavor and tender. Definitely a must-try in Miami!
Joe’s Stone Crab
Back in 1913, Joe Weiss started a small lunch counter on the beach, serving fried-fish sandwiches, and slowly but surely built a loyal customer base. However, the business really took off when Weiss introduced stone crabs to the menu, a dish that was previously unknown in Miami. Today, Joe’s Stone Crab is a renowned Miami eatery that experiences a surge in customers during the crab season, from October through May. The restaurant serves chilled and cracked stone crabs with mustard sauce, a simple yet classic recipe that has stood the test of time. Despite not accepting reservations and having long wait times during peak hours, the restaurant’s over-the-counter takeaway option now offers cafeteria-style seating, where customers can relish crab cakes and lobster rolls straight from Joe’s kitchen.
