You might not believe it, but once upon a time, Miami’s culinary scene was not as good as what it is today. Guests were not impressed with the quality of food, price, or the service that was offered.
However, the time has gone and you can find some of the top restaurants in Miami now. During the past two decades, the city has gone to a welcome change and you will find some of the places to eat in Miami spread throughout the city.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN MIAMI
The city now features some really good restaurants and below is my list of some of the best restaurants in Miami.
LOS FUEGOS BY FRANCIS MALLMANN
One of South America’s most loved chefs Francis Mallman brings his authentic take to the heart of Miami Beach. Francis Mallman discovered his love for open fire cooking after training at traditional fine dining restaurants in France.
The restaurant has a traditional first of its kind fire kitchen that is specially designed according to the needs of the chef. They are inspired by the outdoor barbecues of Argentina’s legendary gauchos.
A highlight of the restaurant on Sunday Asado for which people visit the restaurant from everywhere. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Address: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140, United States
Location: https://g.page/losfuegosfaena
Timings:
Sunday to Thursday, 7 am–11:30 am, 12 pm–4 pm, 6:30 pm–10 pm
Friday and Saturday, 7 am–11:30 am, 12 pm–4 pm, 6:30 pm–11 pm
Phone: +17866555600
Website: https://www.faena.com/miami-beach/restaurant/los-fuegos-by-francis-mallmann/
PALME D’OR
Palme d’Or restaurant is located in the gorgeous Biltmore Hotel which actually lives up to its surroundings. You will feel like you have stepped back in time as you enter the 1902 eras dining room which is set between the courtyard and swimming pool.
The kitchen is taken care of by Gregory Pugin who is a James Beard “Rising Star” nominee. Apart from the a la carte menu, the restaurant also has a delicious list of French cuisine along with a nine-course menu specially designed by Pugin.
The restaurant is consistently rated as one of the top restaurants in Miami for its world-class service, exquisite décor, and delicious food.
Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rWTBfPjRKBDLryF1A
Timings:
Tuesday to Saturday, 6 pm–10:30 pm
Menu: https://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/plame-d-or-a-la-carte-menu/
Phone: +13059133189
Website: https://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/palme_dor/
MANDOLIN AEGEAN BISTRO
Started by husband-wife team Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis, Mandolin Aegean Bistro gives you a homey feeling for a reason. Located in the Design District, the restaurant is set in a 1940s bungalow which the couple came across a decade ago when they were searching for the perfect place to start their dream restaurant.
This charming Greek cottage is popular for its Greek and Turkish cuisine. The diverse menu includes everything with dishes like salads, sandwiches, mezes, sides, mains, and more. They also have many Instagram worthy foods like the Mediterranean sea brass.
Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/q9ACvsPhQrFR9kDP8
Timings: 12 pm–11 pm
Menu: https://www.mandolinmiami.com/#new-page-section
Phone: +13057499140
Website: https://mandolinmiami.com/
LA MAR BY GASTON ACURIO
La Mar is a Peruvian inspired restaurant that has been making news in the culinary scene for over a decade. Run by multi-award-winning chef and author of several cookbooks Chef Gastón Acurio brings authentic flavors to his menu.
Whether you visit the restaurant for a light lunch or heavy dinner, La Mar’s menu has everything to suit your needs. You will find light bites like the civché or an indulgent dinner like the Andean fare. The restaurants also serve brunch every Sunday which will be a delight for brunch lovers.
The restaurant overlooks the Miami skyline and the gorgeous Biscayne Bay, you can either chose to dine indoors or in the open air.
Address: 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2VqJu3GvDCL742Tu9
Timings:
Sunday to Thursday, 8 am–11 am, 6 pm–9:30 pm
Friday and Saturday, 8 am–11 am, 6 pm–10 pm
Phone: +13059138358
MAKOTO
For those who would like to indulge in Japanese cuisine, Makoto is the go-to restaurant to visit. Located in Bal Harbour Shops, the menu is taken care of by one of Miami’s most accomplished chefs, Okuwa.
Makoto Okuwa is a master of Edomae-style sushi, has been surprising guests who are always looking for something new. The elegant dining rooms complement the cuisine perfectly and deliver a true Japanese experience. Visit them for delicious dishes like pristine raw fish, premium Japanese and American beef, soulful skewers cooked over a charcoal robata grill, and more.
Address: 9700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, United States
Location: https://g.page/MakotoBalHarbour
Timings: 11:30 am–10 pm
Menu: https://makoto-restaurant.com/#menus
Phone: +13058648600
Website: https://makoto-restaurant.com/
MATADOR ROOM
Matador Room is one of the nice restaurants in Miami which is run by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Chef Jean brings a touch of old-school to his menu which compliments the architecture as the restaurants feel like an exclusive club from the 1940s with an oval dining room and chandelier.
Even though the décor is old-fashioned, the menu is modern and creative. Chef Vongerichten has been successful in bringing the best of Spanish, Caribbean, South American, and Latin dishes to his menu.
The menu is seasonal which means you will have something new to try every time you visit. This also allows the chefs to use the freshest ingredients in their dishes. Guests can also choose to dine at the Matador Terrace during humid nights which is covered by lush greenery and overlooking the beautiful view of the ocean.
Address: 2901 Collins Avenue The Miami Beach EDITION, Miami Beach, FL 33140, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/C8qec1Fy1Rs8dcnY9
Timings:
Monday to Friday, 6 am–10 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 6 am–11 pm
Menu: https://places.singleplatform.com/matador-room/menu
Phone: +17862574600
Website: https://www.matadorroom.com/
QUINTO LA HUELLA
The people behind Parador La Huella, Uruguay’s popular eatery decided to bring their magical culinary to the US through their restaurant Quinto La Huella.
The restaurant is known for its meat dishes even though they also serve seafood. Some of their dishes like the Entrecôte, a 16-ounce grass-fed rib-eye are popular among the visitors.
Address: 788 Brickell Plaza, Miami, FL 33131, United States
Location: https://g.page/quintolahuella
Timings: 7 am–11 am, 12 pm–11 pm
Menu: https://menu.iwallet.com/file_uploads/Quinto-la-HuellaMJnj.pdf
Phone: +17868054646
Website: https://www.east-miami.com/en/restaurants-and-bars/quinto-la-huella
HAKKASAN
Hakkasan serves one of the best food in Miami and is located in the Fontainebleau Hotel in 2009. While the restaurants of Miami were already known for their service and quality, Hakkasan raised the bar even more.
Since its operation in 2009, Hakkasan has never disappointed its guests and is still popular among the locals and visitors of Miami. The restaurant serves delicious Cantonese cuisine along with an award-winning list of wines. Don’t forget to try the Dim Sum Lunch, Hakkasan’s signature three-course meal the next time you visit.
Address: 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/C59iHCnEeXkbgVNL6
Timings:
Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, 6 pm–11 pm
Friday and Saturday, 6 pm–12 am
Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
Menu: https://hakkasan.com/miami/menu/#pickup-menu
Phone: +18773267412
Website: https://hakkasan.com/miami/
AMARA AT PARAISO
Amara at Paraiso is run by James Beard winner Michael Schwartz which is a part of his culinary empire. The restaurant boasts of some of the best views of Miami beaches.
The menu includes some solid Latin dishes along with many other amazing dishes like crispy octopus, and short-rib-filled empanadas, which have a blend of the Caribbean and South American cuisine.
Address: 3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XH6RArNpi8CmUhrV8
Timings:
Monday to Thursday, 5 pm–10 pm
Friday, 5 pm–10:30 pm
Saturday, 11 am–10:30 pm
Sunday, 11 am–10 pm
Menu: https://tghgcloud.egnyte.com/dl/vFl4121ULi/
Phone: +13057025528
Website: https://amaraatparaiso.com/
BOURBON STEAK BY MICHAEL MINA
Bourbon Steak restaurant takes the classic American steakhouse to the next level. They always use all-natural, organic, and hormone-free beef, freshest ingredients, and seafood available.
Chef Gabriel Fenton balances the art of fine dining with his steakhouse classics. Some of the signature dishes of the restaurant are Main Lobster Pot Pie, Caviar Parfait, 32oz Porterhouse steak, and more.
Address: 19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Luj8kymkqQsWWe4QA
Timings:
Tuesday to Saturday, 6 pm–10 pm
Closed on Sunday and Monday
Menu: https://places.singleplatform.com/bourbon-steak-3/menu#menu_3900120
Phone: +17862796600
Website: https://bourbonsteakmia.com/
These are some of the best restaurants in Miami. Which restaurant according to you is the best place to eat in Miami? Let me know in the comments below.