How to score a table at Miami's busiest restaurants
The tips & tricks for how to get into some of our favorite spots
Sep
01
2021
PHOTO CREDIT CHASE DANIELS
BY NATALIE ORTIZ
Dear Hungries, we know that scoring a table at some of Miami’s busiest restaurants, is like a game of chance. Either the odds are in your favor or they are not. But that shouldn’t stop you because doesn’t every game have cheat codes? Obvio.
If you are looking for a way into Carbone, please know that we don’t have the answer to that in this guide. But, we did check out their reservation system and it seems that the best times to score a table are at 5 PM or after 9 PM.
To give you the best chance scenario at beating the system we have put together some insider tips to catch a table at these jam-packed spots.
We want you to keep in mind that although we may be giving you some tips and tricks there are some other things to consider. For one, remember Miami traffic still exists. We don’t want you crashing trying to get to these spots on the earlier side. Number two, these are not tables meant to take Abuelo, Tia, Tia’s sister y Los Primos all together; we like to say 2 or even 4 is the magic number for these reservations. And lastly, don’t forget weekdays are always easier than weekends.
Now without further ado Hungries here is a guide to give you the best chance of being spontaneous and looking like a pro when eating out at some of the best and busiest restaurants in Miami.
1. UCHI
Cuisine: Japanese
Address: 252 NW 25th St
Neighborhood: Wynwood
Book your table: HERE
Hours: Monday to Sunday 5 PM – 11 PM
Tips & Tricks
For those of you who can indulge on a night out in the middle of the week, Uchi will more than likely have your back when it comes to scoring a bar seating for those impromptu meals. We heard through the grapevine that Tuesday and Wednesday are a little bit easier to score a seat at this coveted spot.
Make sure to arrive right at 5 pm you are more than likely to snag a seat at the bar. And what’s better than dinner and a show with the wonderful Uchi crew.
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2. LUNG YAI
Cuisine: Thai
Address: 1731 SW 8th St
Neighborhood: Little Havana
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM; Friday to Saturday 12 PM – 11 PM & Sunday 4 PM – 10 PM
Tips & Tricks
If you’ve been a Miami local for some time now, then you know of this hidden piece of deliciousness on 8th Street. Known for its incredible Thai food and one-time ordering rule, many keep this spot in their back pocket.
Lung Yai does not take reservations, so it is crucial that you get there with time. Parking is not as simple as pulling into a parking lot. You’ll have to do some searching for street parking as it is 8th Street; again arrive with time. We say if you want to secure a table try arriving 30 minutes before opening at 5 pm. There will be a line normally (don’t get anxious just yet), so early weekdays are your best bet.
Since there is a one-time ordering rule, service does move quickly. So, even if you have to wait in line it won’t be too long. This is a small restaurant, so we recommend keeping your party size between 2 and 4. And if you can’t make it to this spot in person Lung Yai does offer delivery and takeout, so no matter what you will get to experience some of Miami’s best Thai flavors.
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3. MATSURI
Cuisine: Sushi
Address: 5759 Bird Rd
Neighborhood: South Miami
Book your table: call +1 (305) 663-1615
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:30 AM – 2:3o PM, 5:30 PM – 10 PM & Saturday to Sunday 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Tips & Tricks
Tucked away in the Red Bird Shopping Center is another local favorite that keeps the regulars constantly coming back. With fresh ingredients and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder why there is a constant revolving door of people waiting to get seated.
The best way to reduce that wait time is to pull up around 5:20 pm-5:30 pm. Arriving right at the opening will guarantee your chance to snag a table. If you can’t make it at that time don’t worry the wait will be worth it not only for your stomach but your wallet too.
If you are looking to order takeout from Matsuri, the same rules will apply, give them a call around 5:30 to get your to-go order ready. And if you looking to order for a larger party then call a day in advance that way there is no extra wait time to enjoy your delicious meal. Check out our large party sushi recommendations HERE.
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4. KYU
Cuisine: Asian
Address: 251 NW 25th S
Neighborhood: Wynwood
Book your table: HERE
Hours: Monday to Saturday 12 PM – 11:15 PM & Sunday 11 AM – 10:30 PM
Tips & Tricks
Fellow Hungries whenever you have your friends and family in town, what better place to take them to than an OG spot like this one.
And you must be thinking, “if it is so well established then how will you get in?” Well, here is how; arrive early! You are probably shaking your head, saying well isn’t that typical of any place. And of course, the answer is “yes” but it’s true.
Arriving early will give you an opportunity to score a table wherever you want, whether that be inside or outside. Now don’t think that arriving on time will cover your behind. Lunch is your best bet without a reservation. We arrived at noon and there were still tables available at around 1 PM during the weekday.
If you are looking to book for dinner here make sure you plan a day or two in advance. Another pro tip for you all, when checking out the menu you might notice a little hourglass figure. To make sure all the food you receive is in its prime freshness, certain dishes will only be available for dinner. So, plan accordingly and if you only come for lunch, try to come back for dinner.
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5. MANDOLIN AEGEAN BISTRO
Cuisine: Greek
Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave
Neighborhood: Design District
Book your table: HERE
Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 PM – 11 PM
Tips & Tricks
We know that after a good shopping spree in Miami’s Design District, that the next stop is usually some good food. And this Miami favorite has room for you, just make sure you plan in advance. If you are trying to hit this gem during lunch, we recommend arriving before 4 PM on a weekday.
However, after 5 do yourself a favor and get that reservation. We want to make sure you have a table with your name on it when you book.
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6. BOIA DE
Cuisine: Modern Italian
Address: 5205 NE 2nd Ave
Neighborhood: Little Haiti
Book your table: HERE
Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Saturday 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM & Sunday 11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Tips & Tricks
For you anxious nancy’s that like to eye the resy reservation system 30 days out, these insider tips are for you. We know that it can be a little defeating seeing a hot spot is booked out almost a month in advance. But, that doesn’t mean you should accept defeat. If you are trying to plan in advance for a dinner here, put yourself on the notify list through the Resy app. The notify tool will let you know when a table is up for grabs, giving you a chance to score a table from the cancellation list.
There is also a walk-in counter, specifically held for those who keep their fingers crossed when walking up with no reservations. Just don’t forget it is first-come, first-serve. And if the walk-in counter is full, do expect a wait. So if you really want to snag that walk-in seat then come in at 5:30 PM. This spot is tiny (in the best way possible) so maybe just bring a date or a friend for better luck.
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7. JAGUAR SUN
Cuisine: American
Address: 230 NE 4th St
Neighborhood: Downtown
Book your table: HERE
Hours: Sunday to Monday, Wednesday to Thursday 5 PM – 1 AM & Friday to Saturday 5 PM – 2 AM
Tips & Tricks
Back again and better than ever, Jaguar Sun is up and running again in the X-Miami building. And if you haven’t had a chance to taste all the amazing creations coming out of their kitchen and bar then let us give you a quick tip.
If you are coming in last minute and aren’t sure if you will score a table then try to come between 5 PM -6 PM. Our favorite seat is at the bar and you can order from their full menu.
Downtown Miami parking is not as simple as one would think, street parking can come with a lot of constant circling for a prime spot (make sure to keep that in mind). So, for those of you who don’t have the patience to search, there is a parking garage across MDC that will always have parking.
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