Top 10 Best Miami Restaurants
The top 10 restaurants in Miami are Sunny's Steakhouse, ViceVersa, Recoveco, Itamae AO, Sra. Martinez, Carbone Vino, Amara at Paraiso, Boia De, Stubborn Seed, and The Surf Club Restaurant. Miami offers iconic dishes such as the Cuban Sandwich, stone crabs, and Key lime pie. Landmark establishments like Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana have defined the city's food identity for decades. As a food destination, Miami is highly noted for Cuban, Peruvian, Colombian, and Argentinian influences. Neighborhoods like South Beach, with its glamorous dining rooms, the artsy Wynwood district, and historic Little Havana are home to some of the best restaurants in Miami.
Miami is a major city in southeastern Florida, right on the Atlantic coast. This location provides direct access to fresh local seafood, including the famous stone crabs, and tropical fruits that feature on menus across the city. Its identity is shaped by this blend of Latin culture, fresh ingredients, and a vibrant nightlife. The many acclaimed places to eat Miami are a core part of the experience. The top Miami restaurants are shown below:
What Food is Miami Famous For?
The food that Miami is famous for is its Latin American and Caribbean food, especially Cuban dishes. The Cuban Sandwich, made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, is a local icon. Other notable examples of good food in Miami include stone crabs, a seasonal delicacy served with a mustard sauce, Key lime pie, a sweet and tart dessert, and ceviche, a dish of raw fish cured in citrus juices.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Miami?
The average cost of a meal in Miami ranges from $20 to $400 per person, depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs between $20 and $35. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant averages between $80 and $150. At fine-dining establishments, tasting menus or multi-course meals can cost $200 to over $400 per person. A coffee and pastelito for breakfast is under $10, while a fast-food meal is under $15.
Which Miami Restaurants Offer the Best Fine Dining Experience?
The fine dining restaurants in Miami that offer the best experience are listed below:
- L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon: This restaurant holds two Michelin stars and offers modern French food from a counter overlooking the kitchen.
- The Surf Club Restaurant: Located in the Four Seasons hotel, this Thomas Keller restaurant serves classic Continental food in a glamorous, historic setting and has one Michelin star.
- Ariete: This Coconut Grove restaurant has a Michelin star and serves a menu that blends New American techniques with Cuban influences.
- Stubborn Seed: A Michelin-starred restaurant in South Beach from chef Jeremy Ford, offering an inventive tasting menu of contemporary American food.
What are the Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurants in Miami?
The most popular fast-food restaurants in Miami, which many consider the best fast food in the city, are listed below:
- Pollo Tropical: A Florida-based chain famous for its citrus-marinated grilled chicken, black beans, and rice.
- La Carreta: A local Cuban restaurant chain with quick-service windows (ventanitas) that serve Cuban coffee, pastelitos, and croquetas.
- Shake Shack: This national chain is very popular in Miami, with multiple locations serving burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and milkshakes.
- El Rey De Las Fritas: A Miami institution known for the Frita Cubana, a Cuban-style hamburger patty topped with shoestring potatoes.
Are There Any Good Restaurants Near the Airport in Miami?
Yes, there are good restaurants near the Miami International Airport. Versailles Restaurant, often called the best restaurant near Miami airport for Cuban food, is a landmark located a short drive away in Little Havana. For the best food near Miami airport that is a true local specialty, El Mago de las Fritas serves authentic Frita Cubana sandwiches. For Peruvian seafood, Dr. Limon Ceviche Bar is another popular choice close to the airport.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Miami?
The new restaurants in Miami are listed below:
- Sra. Martinez: The revival of chef Michelle Bernstein's acclaimed Spanish tapas restaurant, located in Coral Gables. Located at 2325 Galiano St, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
- Itamae AO: An intimate, 10-seat Nikkei tasting counter from the team behind the original Michelin-starred Itamae. Located at 3255 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137.
- Joliet: A seafood bistro and garden in Miami Beach serving a menu inspired by New Orleans flavors. Located at 1209 17th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139.
- Ogawa: A high-end, 11-seat omakase restaurant in Little River from the team behind the popular Wabi Sabi eatery. Located at 7223 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33150.
What is the Best Restaurant for a Business Lunch in Downtown Miami?
Zuma is the best restaurant for a business lunch among downtown Miami restaurants. Located in the Kimpton EPIC Hotel, Zuma offers modern Japanese food in a sophisticated and energetic setting. The restaurant has a dedicated business lunch menu that allows for a high-quality meal with efficient service. Its reputation, central location, and professional atmosphere make it a top choice for business meetings out of all the restaurants in downtown Miami.
Which Restaurants in Miami Serve Vegan Food?
Miami has many restaurants that serve vegan food. Planta Queen in Coconut Grove offers a full menu of plant-based Asian-inspired dishes, including sushi, dumplings, and noodles. Love Life Cafe in Wynwood is a casual spot known for its vegan burgers, pizzas, and salads. The Vegan Marie provides vegan versions of classic Cuban and Latin American dishes.
Which Restaurants in Miami Serve Gluten-Free Food?
Many Miami restaurants serve gluten-free food. Carrot Express is a health-focused chain with multiple locations offering salads, bowls, and wraps with clear gluten-free options. G.L.O.W. is a food truck and cafe in Wynwood with a 100% plant-based and gluten-free menu. Many upscale restaurants like COTE Miami can accommodate gluten-free requests for their Korean steakhouse menu.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in Miami?
The most famous cuisines in Miami are listed below:
- Cuban: This is the city's most iconic food style, with countless restaurants, bakeries, and coffee windows serving Cuban sandwiches, croquetas, and cafecito.
- Latin American: Beyond Cuban food, there is a strong presence of Peruvian, Colombian, Venezuelan, and Argentinian restaurants throughout the city.
- Seafood: Given its coastal location, Miami has a strong seafood scene, with a focus on fresh local fish, stone crabs, and ceviche.
- New American: Many of the city's top fine-dining restaurants offer modern American menus that incorporate local and international influences.