{"id":1943,"date":"2023-07-16T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-16T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journal.hotala.com\/?p=1943"},"modified":"2023-07-26T05:19:57","modified_gmt":"2023-07-26T05:19:57","slug":"20-restaurants-miami-food-scene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hotala.com\/journal\/20-restaurants-miami-food-scene\/","title":{"rendered":"Miami Food Scene: 20 Must-Visit Restaurants + Nearby Stays"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Prepare your taste buds for a trip around the world! Hotala’s guide lists 20 must-visit culinary hotspots in Miami \u2013 perfect for those wanting a bite of South American, Caribbean, Asian, and European cuisine.<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo Credit: THE CONFIDANTE MIAMI BEACH, PART OF HYATT | HOTEL IN MIAMI BEACH<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Prepare your taste buds for a trip around the world! Hotala’s guide lists 20 must-visit culinary hotspots in Miami \u2013 perfect for those wanting a bite of South American, Caribbean, Asian, and European cuisine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":1975,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,38,26],"tags":[92,126,109,115],"class_list":["post-1943","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-florida","category-inspiration","category-miami","tag-florida","tag-miami","tag-restaurants","tag-where-to-stay"],"acf":{"main":"\r\n

A Medley of Culinary Delights<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\nMiami's<\/a> food scene is an echo of the city's rich multicultural heritage.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe 20th century saw a surge in population and development in Miami as the railroad was built and natural resources were discovered. This drew in immigrants from around the world. As a result, Miami is now known as the \"Magic City\"<\/a> and is home to a diverse blend of Caribbean, South American, Asian, and European flavors.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nInterestingly, Miami also happens to be the birthplace of Burger King,<\/a> the second-largest fast-food chain in America. Originally called \"Insta-Burger King,\" the chain struggled in Jacksonville until it was acquired in the 1950s, rebranded, and expanded in Miami. It was also here that the world-famous Whopper was first added to the menu!\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBut fast food isn't the only culinary offering in Miami. The city houses some of the best restaurants in the country, providing a unique gastronomic adventure for visiting and local foodies alike.\u00a0Read on to find out where to eat, what to eat, and where to crash after!\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
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Unmissable Gems in Miami's Food Scene<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\nWith the scene set, it's time to explore the beating heart of Miami's culinary landscape.\u00a0Here are the 20 must-visit restaurants in the Magic City:\r\n\r\n \r\n

ARIETE<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove | (786) 615-3747<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nNestled in the heart of Coconut Grove, Ariete offers a unique blend of traditional Cuban cuisine and contemporary fine dining. Under the expert guidance of Michael Beltran, familiar dishes are elevated with innovative high-low ingredient pairings. Standout dishes include grilled oysters with bone marrow and uni butter, along with truffle chicken with tamal en cazuela. One of the highlights of dining at Ariete is the tableside pressed duck experience, which showcases Ariete's precision and expertise in preparing duck in various manners.\r\n\r\n \r\n

BOIA DE<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n5205 NE 2nd Ave | (786) 209-6310<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBoia De in Little Haiti is a cozy spot in Miami to enjoy modern American and Italian cuisine. This restaurant, helmed by Michelin-trained chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer, serves up delicious twists on classic dishes. We recommend their beef tartare, which features a crunchy shallot-garlic mixture, fried capers, and tonnato sauce. You'll also want to cap your pasta meals with their impressive wine collection, which includes skin-contact wine<\/a> options.\r\n\r\n \r\n

JOE'S STONE CRAB<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n11 Washington Ave | (305) 673-0365<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHaving turned 100 in 2013, Joe's is very much a groundbreaker of Miami's early culinary scene. Without a doubt, one of the top restaurants in Miami, Joe's, is known for having the best stone crabs in the city. Even seafood-averse foodies will get their fill with Joe's insanely affordable fried chicken, liver and onions, coleslaw, garlic creamed spinach, and Lyonnaise potatoes.\r\n\r\n \r\n

GHEE INDIAN KITCHEN<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n8965 SW 72nd Pl | (305) 968-1850<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nFresh, farm-to-table ingredients are the backbone of Ghee's menu. Chef Niven Patel is the mastermind behind this suburban gem, and he grows about a quarter of the ingredients used at Rancho Patel in Homestead. With a family-run kitchen, their flavorful curries, fresh naan, smoked lamb, steamed green millet, and crispy cauliflower provide a homey texture<\/a> to world-class Indian cuisine.\r\n\r\n \r\n
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Photo Credit: emy<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n \r\n

LEKU<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n1100 NW 23rd St | (786) 464-0615<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nLeku is the onsite restaurant of The Rubell Museum and specializes in Basque cuisine. Apart from the signature burnt cheesecake of northern Spain, they offer ingredient-driven and occasionally whimsical dishes like short rib sliders, 5 Jotas Iberico ham, and crackers with seasonal tomato toppings. Meat lovers will want to take advantage of Leku's chateaubriand, double lamb chops, and picanha \u2013 straight from their outdoor double Josper grill.\r\n\r\n \r\n

ITAMAE<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n140 NE 39th St #136 | (305) 631-2664<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe Miami food scene is an intercontinental experience best completed with a visit to Itamae. This family-owned restaurant started as a small stall at Mia Market but has become a premier destination<\/a> for those wanting to sample Peruvian cooking. Many of their menu items focus on creative raw fish preparations, and we encourage you to start with the conchitas a la parmesana. It's a messy yet delightful combo of fish, charred scallops, and avocado, so be ready to get your hands dirty!\r\n\r\n \r\n

LUCA OSTERIA<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n116 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables | (305) 381-5097<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nLuca, the brainchild of Giorgio Rapicavoli, is a delectable addition to the vibrant Miami food scene. The restaurant's menu is centered around modern interpretations of Italian classics, such as tangy al limone, cheesy cacio e pepe, and flavorful short rib bolognese. But that's not all \u2013 even their beverages have contemporary twists. Sip on a banana espresso martini, or try the Portofino, a dirty martini with a drizzle of super high-quality olive oil.\r\n\r\n \r\n

LA MAR<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n500 Brickell Key Dr | (305) 913-8288<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nLa Mar, a celebrated Peruvian restaurant in Mandarin Oriental, is known for its visually stunning and creatively prepared ceviches and tiraditos. Their weekend buffet is a favorite among locals and repeat visitors, as it features an anticucho station and a build-your-own sancocho bar. The best way to enjoy your meal here? Reserving a spot on their waterfront patio, where you'll be treated to a 360-degree view of Downtown and Brickell<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n
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Photo Credit: silvia trigo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n \r\n

LUNG YAI THAI TAPAS<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n1731 SW 8th St | (786) 334-6262<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nChef Bas's cozy restaurant in Little Havana offers a mouthwatering tribute to his homeland of Thailand. Be mindful that you can only order once, so choose wisely. We recommend their pad see ew with beef and the khao soi gai. Though there's often a line outside Lung Yai Thai Tapas, you can make the most of the wait by grabbing a beer or a glass of wine from inside.\r\n\r\n \r\n

ZAK THE BAKER<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n295 NW 26th St | (786) 294-0876<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nChances are, most of the restaurants you visit in Miami source their bread from Zak Stern. In his bakery and kosher sandwich shop, you'll get to experience his baking prowess through sourdough bread, breakfast sandwiches, handmade pastries, and classic deli-style food. They even offer a rotating selection of vegan soups \u2013 perfect for pairing with their versatile offerings.\r\n\r\n \r\n

MACCHIALINA<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n820 Alton Rd | (305) 534-2124<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nChef Michael Pirolo's South Beach Trattoria is a must-visit spot for lovers of rustic Italian cuisine. The restaurant's charming garden patio<\/a> is the perfect setting to savor their handmade pasta, which comes with a variety of flavorful toppings such as lamb rag\u00fa, clams, or garlic and olive oil.\r\n\r\n \r\n

STUBBORN SEED<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n101 Washington Ave | (786) 460-5962<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHeaded by Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford, Stubborn Seed is a Michelin-starred restaurant that doesn't shy away from clever and unconventional cooking techniques. Start with the jalape\u00f1o fritters and cacio e pepe cheesy puffs, and work your way through their roasted barramundi. With an eight-course chef's tasting menu available every Friday and Saturday, you should definitely squeeze this into your Miami food scene adventure.\r\n\r\n \r\n

MAMEY<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n1350 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables | (305) 266-2639<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMamey, also operated by Chef Niven Patel of Ghee Indian Kitchen, offers a unique culinary experience that draws inspiration from his travels to French Polynesia, Asia, and the Caribbean. Like in Ghee, the ingredients used in Mamey's dishes are sourced from Patel's own farm<\/a> and other local providers. With perfectly balanced dishes that are not overpowering, Mamey is the place to kickstart your Caribbean gourmet adventure through Miami's culinary scene.\r\n\r\n \r\n

TAQUIZA NORTH BEACH<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n7450 Ocean Terrace | (786) 588-4755<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThere is no better place to eat Mexican cuisine in Miami than this beachfront restaurant. Taquiza is well-known for its blue masa tortillas and street-style tacos. Still, its bestseller is the totopos \u2013 crispy yet chewy corn tortilla chips tracing back to the Oaxaca region.\r\n\r\n \r\n
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Photo Credit: Shan Li Fang<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n \r\n

MANDOLIN AEGEAN BISTRO<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n4312 NE 2nd Ave | (305) 749-9140<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMandolin is an enchanting outdoor eatery that is inspired by picturesque Cycladic landscapes. The restaurant's whitewashed space<\/a> evokes the vibe of Santorini, creating a perfect setting to enjoy their delectable Greek dishes. Their mezes, fresh pita bread, grilled fish, and homemade sangria are sure to transport your taste buds out of Miami.\r\n\r\n \r\n

SANGUICH DE MIAMI<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n2057 SW 8th St | (305) 539-0969<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSanguich de Miami is a modern Cuban cafeteria in Little Havana specializing in pressed sandwiches, croquetas, and other Cuban delights. Many of their ingredients, like the cured ham, brined pork, fresh pickles, bread, and artisanal mustard, are made in-house. Take it from us: their Cuban twist on nachos \u2013 made with fried plantain strips and garlic aioli sauce \u2013 is as mind-blowing as it sounds.\r\n\r\n \r\n

MAKOTO<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n9700 Collins Ave #107 | (305) 864-8600<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMakoto, Stephen Starr's upscale Japanese restaurant, is renowned for its fresh, high-quality seafood dishes, including sashimi, sushi, and crab salad. The restaurant's serene patio offers a picturesque view of the lush corridors of Bal Harbour Shops, creating a relaxed, tropical atmosphere that is perfect for those seeking a refined dining experience<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n
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Photo Credit: THE RITZ-CARLTON BAL HARBOUR, MIAMI | HOTEL IN BAL HARBOUR<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n \r\n

MOTEK CAFE<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n36 NE 1st St Suite 132 | (786) 953-7689<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIf you head over to the Aventura Mall, you'll come across one of the best places in Miami to score authentic Israeli grubs. Motek Cafe's fast-casual concept offers a variety of simple yet flavorful breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, including crispy falafel, juicy schnitzel, fresh salads, and creamy house-made hummus. Be sure to try their crowd-favorite shakshuka for breakfast; it's made with just the right amount of heat to wake you up!\r\n\r\n \r\n

MIGNONETTE<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n210 NE 18th St | (305) 374-4635<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMignonette is one of the best restaurants in Miami for those seeking a charming yet casual experience. Their space is a converted 1930s gas station, with retro signboards adding to the nostalgic ambiance<\/a>. They use the freshest Atlantic and Pacific catch of the day to whip up delectable Connecticut-style lobster rolls.\r\n\r\n \r\n

VERSAILLES<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n3555 SW 8th St | (305) 444-0240<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nVersailles' coffee, sandwiches, and pastelitos are guaranteed to satisfy your craving for authentic Cuban food. Even locals can't get enough of their addictive cafecito, which is dispensed in thimbles by a ventanita. Even though the restaurant is often packed with visitors, it's well worth the wait.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Best Places to Stay to Enjoy the Miami Food Scene<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\nDeciding where to stay can feel like an overwhelming decision. But fear not, as we've rounded up four excellent districts in Miami that offer not only comfortable accommodation options but also promise a gastronomical adventure. From the rich Cuban flavors of Little Havana to the upscale dining options in Coconut Grove, each district offers unique, unforgettable experiences that epitomize the breadth and depth of the Miami food scene:\r\n\r\n \r\n