Miami, Florida may be known for their beautiful beaches and wild party life, but they are also home to a variety of different restaurants with amazing cuisine that I definitely can’t get in Canada. 1 of the best things about Miami in my opinion, is the culinary offerings that they have. Granted, they are very well-known for their Latin cuisine since about 70% of its population is Hispanic, but they also have fresh seafood as well as restaurants that are unique to the Miami area.
With the multiple trips I take to Miami every year, I’ve had the ability to explore different restaurants and have compiled a long list of the best restaurants to visit in Miami during your own travels! These are all the restaurants I’ve visited and are amazing recommendations by a local – my husband – who’s born and raised in Miami and works in the hospitality industry (so he knows his stuff) as well as a few by his friends who love trying new food and are always “in the know”.
Miami Insider Tip: My husband will always say to avoid the restaurants on Ocean Drive. That’s where all the tourists go so prices are jacked up way too high and honestly, the food isn’t even that good! I’ve been eyeing the menu at the Versace mansion too but from what tourists tell him, it’s not worth visiting (unless you’re curious and want to see inside). And honestly, locals will rarely come to South Beach unless they work there.
If you are ready to start planning your Miami itinerary, read about The Best Things To Do In Miami, also recommendations by a local!
Best Restaurants In Miami (And Surrounding Area)
1 – Cvi.che 105
Cuisine – Peruvian
Price Range – $$
Location(s) – Downtown Miami, South Beach-Lincoln Road, and Aventura Mall
Why They’re Good – They’re definitely known for their ceviches and they don’t skimp! I’ve been to 2 locations and it has a really nice atmosphere to enjoy your meal whether you’re with friends, family, or a significant other.
Interesting Facts – The chef is born and raised in Lima, Peru so it is authentic Peruvian food without being too expensive and it is an award-winning restaurant in South Florida.
2 – La Industria Bakery And Café
Cuisine – Venezuelan and Puerto Rican
Price Range – $$
Location – Bayside Marketplace
Why They’re Good – The desserts are out of this world and the dishes are ginormous. They have a good range of food which are delicious and super appealing to the eyes as well as a selection of sweet Latin treats at the bakery across the restaurant. I was very impressed with the food, especially the desserts, since I have such a sweet tooth and it’s absolutely one of the best restaurants in Miami.
Interesting Facts – This restaurant is owned by Nicky Jam, 1 of my favorite reggaetón artists and because of that, this place can get very packed with long lines and you’re not able to make reservations (unless you’re famous and in that case, you’ll get your own private room).
3 – The Daily Creative Food Co.
Cuisine – Breakfast/Brunch/Sandwiches
Price Range – $$
Location – 2001 Biscayne Blvd Unit #109 in Miami
Why They’re Good – This newspaper-themed eatery has a large menu and there’s something for everyone. Breakfast is also served all day! There are many options under every food category that they offer and I especially like the salads (which are so large I need to take home the leftovers) and sandwiches.
4 – Ella’s Oyster Bar
Cuisine – Seafood-Focused Latin Food
Price Range – $$
Location – 9420 NW 41st in Doral
Why They’re Good – We’ve ordered a variety of dishes and each 1 was better than the next. Plus the way they present their food and plate it is very creative and unique. It is a fun place to eat and is easily one of the best restaurants in Miami. And of course, don’t forget the oysters!
Interesting Facts – It’s the first ever Miami-style oyster bar with a mix of New England cuisine with Miami’s own unique culture. They are also a Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Winner and Miami New Times’ Miami’s Best Raw Bar.
5 – Sovereign
Cuisine – Poké, Asian Gourmet
Price Range – $
Location(s) – Miami, Plantation, and Boca Raton
Why They’re Good – Like with all of my favorite poké restaurants in Miami (unfortunately haven’t found a favorite in Toronto yet), there’s a high level of customization of your bowl and the most important thing is their sauces. I love sauce and I like a lot of it, so it has to be really good and unique to that restaurant. I also love getting one of their smoothies to go with my bowl. It’s super satisfying on a hot day! There are also several Asian appetizers to choose from, but they also have a great range of drinks including boba.
6 – Pubbelly Sushi
Cuisine – Japanese/Asian Fusion/Sushi Bar
Price Range – $$$
Location(s) – Aventura Mall, Brickell City Centre, Downtown Dadeland, Miami Beach
Why They’re Good – Pubbelly Sushi is an eclectic gastropub with a hyper-creative fusion of Japanese and Latin-inspired dishes. The sushi is high quality, very tasty and plated very nicely. This is also a local hotspot and great for hangouts.
Interesting Facts – This place was created so that chefs can also eat high quality, but affordable dishes in a cool atmosphere. They also won the Miami New Times Readers’ Choice Award for Best Sushi and is known as 1 of the best restaurants to visit in Miami.
7 – Poke & More
Cuisine – Poké
Price Range – $
Location – 12892 Biscayne Blvd in North Miami
Why They’re Good – Like I mentioned about poké restaurants, I love that you can customize your bowl however you like. And being in Miami by the seaside, the raw fish is very fresh and the house sauce is amazing. Plus their bowls are in a clear acrylic ball which makes the packaging very cute and Instagrammable. We love visiting this poké spot when we go to North Miami after a day at the one of the best beaches in Miami.
8 – Hawaiian Poké
Cuisine – Poké
Price Range – $
Location – 1671 SW 107th Ave near Florida International University (FIU)
Why They’re Good – Another 1 of our favorite poké spots and an FIU attendees’ hotspot. There are 2 different sizes of poké to choose from, they’re customizable of course and the best part is, they also offer amazing crepes so you can have dessert after a yummy meal. They also have a 5 star review on Yelp!
9 – The Gramercy
Cuisine – American
Price Range – $$$
Location – 65 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables
Why They’re Good – The Gramercy is known for their live entertainment while you’re eating and their unique and fun interiors allow for photo opps everywhere. We had their weekend Room Service Brunch with a DJ and live performances along with a prix fixe menu and optional bottomless drinks. The food was so delicious and high quality – it was well worth the money. You can have lunches, brunches, dinner and cocktail hour here and it’s always bustling. I would absolutely say this is one of the best restaurants to visit while you’re in Miami – and it’s super fun especially with friends.
Interesting Facts – The name of this eatery and bar is an ode to the Big Apple with its Manhattan charm and style. Their website does mention a business casual dress code, but as long as you dress up (it is Miami after all), you should be good.
10 – Havana Harry’s
Cuisine – Cuban and American Fusion
Price Range – $$
Location – 4612 S Le Jeune Rd in Coral Gables
Why They’re Good – Really tasty and innovative – they take Cuban food to the next level. It’s just so good and very filling – they are generous on their portions! If you want really good Cuban food, this is 1 of the best restaurants to visit in Miami. It’ll have you telling yourself you need to come back.
11 – Flanigan’s Seafood Bar And Grill
Cuisine – Seafood, American
Price Range – $-$$
Location(s) – Multiple South Florida locations and still growing!
Why They’re Good – Also known as Flani’s to the locals, it is a popular neighborhood hangout and laidback family-run restaurant perfect for having fun with family or friends. Their large menu has got you wanting to try everything out – especially their unique and extravagant desserts. Not to mention, the prices are a steal and the food is on point.
Interesting Facts – They’ve been opened since 1959 and are running 365 days a year. The design of their restaurants is all about the island vibes, fishing, and adventures in Florida. Their walls are full of seascape memories by family and friends.
12 – Thai Café
Cuisine – Thai And Sushi
Price Range – $$
Location – 6845 Main St in Miami Lakes
Why They’re Good – Thai Café has been around since 1986 and let me tell you, this is the best Thai curry I’ve had in a long time (between Canada and the US specifically because nothing will beat actually having Thai food in Thailand) and it’s so good that even though you’re full, you want to keep eating. Their food is fresh, natural spices are used and there’s no MSG. Their sushi rolls are also surprisingly very unique and yummy – I almost didn’t believe my husband since I’m skeptical about getting sushi-type dishes in a non-Japanese restaurant. Even the multiple Japanese and sushi restaurants run by Chinese people in Canada doesn’t cut it for me – but it’s the best we can do for the most part since totally authentic Japanese food is available, but harder to find.
13 – Pollo Tropical
Cuisine – Caribbean
Price Range – $
Location(s) – Florida-based restaurant chain with over 100 locations
Why They’re Good – This is technically the Latin people’s fast food – but much healthier and tastier than the typical American fast food that you normally get. This is a full meal and you won’t feel guilty after eating it. They’re best known for their TropiChop bowls and you can customize your bowl. Their signature sauces, especially the pineapple rum sauce, is to die for and make sure you can get your hands on a bunch of them! A couple years before the pandemic, we were able to fill up as many sauce containers as we wanted at their sauce station, but now they’ve become a little stingy since people have taken more than their fair share, so make sure you don’t miss out on any! Every time I visit Miami, I always have to visit at least once – and for some reason, it’s usually before I board my flight home.
Interesting Facts – Pollo Tropical started in 1988 with a simple citrus-marinated grilled chicken recipe that has evolved into a local favorite (you’ll always find lines) with a sleuth of tropical flavors. Their chickens are also free of hormones and trans-fat.
14 – La Granja
Cuisine – Peruvian
Price Range – $
Location(s) – Multiple locations across Florida
Why They’re Good – It’s one of the best family Peruvian restaurants in Florida and their dishes are very flavorful and you have many options to choose from. If you want to avoid paying the high prices at popular restaurants in tourist areas, this is a local gem to visit. Their portions are also quite large and they for sure know how to do their sauces right. However, I do find their in-store menu is much larger and more comprehensive compared to their 1 online. My favorite go-to dish is the ‘lomo saltado’ or in English, Beef Sautéed served with rice and French fries.
Interesting Facts – La Granja was established in 1993 and their first restaurant was actually in Aruba before they were introduced to South Florida. They are also recognized as The Best Peruvian Restaurant Of The Year, The Best Family Style Peruvian Restaurant and Best Peruvian Cuisine Of Fort Lauderdale by the Restaurant Review Magazine.
15 – The Big Cheese Miami
Cuisine – Italian
Price Range – $$
Location – 8080 SW 67th Ave in Miami
Why They’re Good – The Big Cheese is a Miami favorite and is known for large family style portions, but luckily you have the option of choosing half an order or a full order since they do come quite big. They use high quality ingredients that even the most expensive Italian restaurants use and they get their hands on the best and most expensive cheese in the country. Their pasta is cooked fresh every day and not to mention the prices are very reasonable. You can choose from pizza, wings, wraps, subs, and more. Also, they give you a basket of their famous garlic bread upon arrival!
Interesting Facts – The Rock has visited The Big Cheese and you can see many different celebrity photos on the wall of their visit here – so it’s definitely one of the best restaurants in Miami. They’re also voted as The Best Inexpensive Italian Restaurant In Miami by a New Times Readers’ Poll.
16 – Versailles Restaurant
Cuisine – Cuban
Price Range – $
Location – 3555 Southwest 8th St in Miami
Why They’re Good – They’re known as the World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant and also has a mouth-watering bakery where they’re recognized for their pastelitos (check out the guava and cream cheese pastries) and cafecitos. Their cuisine and culture transports you to a place in Cuba, frozen in time. If you want authentic and traditional Cuban food, this is where you need to go.
Interesting Facts – For many years, this restaurant was a place of gathering for anti-Castro protestors, Cuban exiles, and the press trying to cover this movement so there is also a lot of political significance here. Versailles also won a James Beard Foundation Award as an American Classic.
17 – 1-800 Lucky
Cuisine – Asian
Price Range – $$
Location – 143 NW 23rd St in Wynwood, Miami
Why They’re Good – 1-800 Lucky has 7 vendors that offer a variety of different Asian cuisines in 1 place – so you get to try a little of each, or a big satisfying meal of your favorite choice. It’s a very hip and lively part of Wynwood (so don’t forget to check out Wynwood Walls nearby for the best graffiti art) and has 2 bars, live music, and even a karaoke lounge. Although the prices are a little bit higher, their quality and taste is top notch and you’ll certainly have fun in this 10,000 square foot Asian food hall.
18 – Mana Poké
Cuisine – Asian Fusion
Price Range – $$
Location(s) – Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, and Fort Lauderdale
Why They’re Good – You’re kind of seeing a pattern here? I love having poké and this hands-down is 1 of the best poké restaurants in Miami. The quality is very high here, portions are a little bit smaller than the other poké spots I mentioned above, but it’s so worth it and I’m guilty of ordering more than 1. Their savory sauces along with their very fresh ingredients make for such a healthy and satisfying meal.
Interesting Facts – The chef at Mana Poké is a winner of Miami New Times Readers’ Choice Best Chef and Best Restaurant.
19 – Joe’s Stone Crabs
Cuisine – Seafood
Price Range – $$$
Location – 11 Washington Ave in Miami Beach
Why They’re Good – Although prices for stone crabs has gone up recently, you should try these at least once in your life. Joe’s Stone Crabs uses crabs local to South Florida. Stone crabs are extremely fresh and has a pristine taste, and they’re of a pretty good size. I can gladly eat these without using any dipping sauce and you know I love my sauces. They also offer a good selection of appetizers and mains that go great with the stone crabs since some people will want something a little more filling as well.
Interesting Facts – I initially saw this restaurant on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives way before my first visit to Miami in 2011 and I knew I had to go. The unique thing about stone crabs is that their claws grow back within a year, but they need to be at about the 3 years’ size to pass the legal limit to harvest them. It’s the kind of food that keeps on giving. Joe’s Stone Crabs is the biggest buyer of Florida stone crabs claws and it plays a huge role in influencing wholesale prices. They also won an America’s Classic Award by the James Beard Foundation.
20 – Phuc Yea
Cuisine – Vietnamese
Price Range – $$-$$$
Location – 7100 Biscayne Blvd in Miami
Why They’re Good – Not your traditional Vietnamese food, but it is also infused with Cajun cuisine. With blending the 2 chef’s culinary and ethnic background into their food, this restaurant and their dishes are truly unique and you can’t find this type of cuisine anywhere else. They have a good amount of dishes to choose from, with names that may sound familiar, but they do have a twist to them!
Interesting Facts – Clever name for a restaurant in Miami, but ‘phuc’ in Vietnamese actually means prosperity and blessings.
21 – Suviche
Cuisine – Peruvian, Japanese
Price Range – $-$$
Location(s) – Wynwood, Doral Cityplace, Brickell, South Beach, and Marlins Park
Why They’re Good – Suviche combines Peruvian and Japanese cuisine together with their mix of traditions and ingredients. They show that these 2 cultures can blend perfectly and create a culinary masterpiece. I’ve had some of the best sushi rolls here and there’s so many options to choose from it makes it hard, the atmosphere is fun, and the interiors are distinctive. This is 1 of the best restaurants in Miami that you need to visit and you won’t break the bank!
22 – 107 Taste
Cuisine – Ramen, Pan Asian
Price Range – $
Location – Brickell, Miami Lakes, Plantation, and FIU
Why They’re Good – The menu at 107 Taste has a large mix of different Asian dishes. What we normally get there is ramen and desserts and we keep going back, so yes it’s pretty good. I’d love to try more dishes out since they all look so delicious and this is probably 1 of the best restaurants in Miami to go to if you want Asian food, but are unsure of which dish you want.
Interesting Facts – The owner is Chinese with a family history of cooking, so you can say it runs in her blood. She actually studied at FIU and opened the first 107 Taste across the street.
23 – Wabi Sabi
Cuisine – Japanese
Price Range – $
Location – 851 NE 97th St in Miami
Why They’re Good – Not only is in the interior of this restaurant super cute, you can also purchase Japanese merchandise here. With 6 signature bowls and sushi options and rolls that are focused on quality and execution, they are meticulous with their array of ingredients incorporated into every plate which makes each bite ever more so delicious.
24 – I Heart Fries
Cuisine – Latin, American
Price Range – $
Location – 1675 W 49th St at Westland Mall, Hialeah
Why They’re Good – Firstly, the prices are amazing and you won’t feel bad spending on multiple dishes here if you want to. The French fries are perfectly made here and on top of that, you get famous Latin dishes from different countries incorporated with the crispy deliciousness.
25 – Sanguich De Miami
Cuisine – Cuban
Price Range – $
Location – 2057 SW 8th St in Miami
Why They’re Good – The menu is simple, but the Cuban sandwiches here are perfection! They’ve literally mastered the art of sandwiches and there’s 6 types of sandwiches to choose from currently. It’s the best I’ve had so far and you know it’s good when they have a very small menu that’s enough to sustain their business! I highly recommend visiting this restaurant and considerate as 1 of the best restaurants to visit in Miami if you want a good sandwich.
27 – Latin American Grill
Cuisine – Cuban
Price Range – $
Location – Miami Lakes and Pembroke Pines
Why They’re Good – If you want to avoid tourist prices, there are many local Cuban restaurants to visit. But 1 of the best Cuban restaurants in Miami is Latin American Grill with their extensive menu and amazing prices. From soup and breakfast to sandwiches and dessert, you’ll get authentic Cuban food and other Latin dishes here. I also really like the Elena Ruz sandwich with their sweet bread, turkey, cream cheese, and strawberry jelly! With an inventive menu, you can try something traditional or something new as well.
28 – Publix Sandwiches
Cuisine – American
Price Range – $
Location(s) – There are hundreds of Publix supermarkets in Florida and a few surrounding States.
Why They’re Good – Not technically a restaurant in Miami, and kind of a ‘locals only/insider knowledge’, but Publix is really well-known for their sub sandwiches. They always have lines, and it does take quite a while to wait but it’s worth it. They have custom made subs and wraps in the deli area and there’s always a deal of the day. They also use high quality meats and there’s plenty of sauces to choose from too. We actually love getting a sub and bringing it to the beach sometimes.
29 – MIA Market
Cuisine – Mixed
Price Range – $$
Location – 140 NE 39th St, Unit 241 in Design District, Miami (You’ll enter an open area with a giant circle structure and there will be escalators to go upstairs to the Market – there are no signs so it is a little hard to find)
Why They’re Good – MIA Market is a gourmet food hall that is chef-driven so the food is really high quality and creative. This food hall allows people who love food and want to experience unique flavors. There are a variety of vendors with different cuisines to choose from. We actually went there and tried a few food dishes from multiple vendors. Sushi Yasu Tanaka is pricey but the fish is such high quality and it’s 1 of the best I’ve ever had.
Bonus – A Few Delicious Dessert Places In Miami
1 – Night Owl Cookies
Cuisine – Dessert
Price Range – $-$$
Location(s) – FIU, Wynwood, Miami Design District, North Miami Beach, and Pembroke Pines
Why They’re Good – I have a huge sweet tooth and one of my favorites are cookies. Night Owl Cookies are very decadent, delectable, and creative. Particularly with the different mixes of toppings and extras put into each cookie. For example, the Ave Maria is a guava cookie with white chocolate chips, topped with Maria cookie crumbles, guava chunks and cream cheese frosting. For sure 1 of the best cookie shops I’ve ever been to.
2 – Cindy Lou’s Cookies
Cuisine – Dessert
Price Range – $-$$
Location – 7320 NE 2nd Ave in Miami
Why They’re Good – As soon as you enter the shop, you can smell all the fresh cookies being baked. These cookies are ginormous! They are of the perfect texture and depending on which cookie you get, the ingredients go so well together that it can melt in your mouth, like the Quesito cookie’s center. Not only do they have amazing specialty cookie choices, Cindy Lou’s also has other pastries and loafs in the store.
Interesting Facts – Cindy has an extensive resumé in the culinary world – from co-creating desserts for the Emmy Awards in LA to becoming the executive pastry chef at the Fountainbleau Resort, she does not let us down with these delicious cookies!
3 – Insomnia Cookies
Cuisine – Desserts
Price Range – $
Location(s) – South Miami and Miami Beach and also multiple locations in the US
Why They’re Good – Like the name states, Insomnia Cookies is opened late until 3 AM. And you may ask, who would want cookies that late at night/early in the morning? Although I haven’t done it, sometimes I do get that craving and it’s wonderful to have the option of a late night, delicious snack. I first tried Insomnia Cookies in Miami Beach so it’s very convenient for tourists. Plus when the cookies are fresh, they melt in your mouth perfectly. Out of all the cookie places I’ve listed, I enjoyed their Classic with M&M’s the most when comparing chocolate chip cookies specifically. The cookie choices here aren’t as creative or unique as the other specialty cookie stores, but they do taste very good and the texture is great. Trust me, I’m picky on cookies.
Interesting Facts – The parent company is actually Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.
4 – Lulu’s Nitrogen Ice Cream
Cuisine – Dessert
Price Range – $$
Location – 2001 Biscayne Blvd in Miami
Why They’re Good – I will admit that nitrogen ice cream can be overrated, but the seasonal ice cream they have is so good! I once had the seasonal goat cheese guava ice cream and I was thoroughly impressed with how creamy and how good it tasted. Seasonal flavors change every week and is based on what is fresh locally. For this alone, it is worth trying out, especially on a hot day.
Interesting Facts – Not only do they support local businesses by purchasing local ingredients, they also train their employees/family on personal finance and social entrepreneurship to help them pursue their own dreams, and I love a company that care about their employees and gives back!