The best restaurants in Miami
A guide based on consistency, quality, and hospitality
Mar
18
2026
Keep this guide handy when looking to dine at the best restaurants in Miami.
Before we get started, we’re going to say it because people will come at us. This guide is OUR opinion, like all the other guides you will find on The Hungry Post. Of course, we have not been to every single restaurant in Miami. We do our best. Covering as many spots as we can, based on what we like and what we think you would like too. So if you feel deeply offended that we didn’t mention your favorite restaurant, then let’s talk about it. Let us know what we are missing out on HERE.
How do we go about picking these restaurants? It’s simple. The three things we care about when dining out and categorizing a restaurant as “the best” are consistency, quality, and hospitality. We also love creativity; it’s a bonus and something we get really excited about.
90 percent of the restaurants on this list we’ve been to multiple times. There are a few exceptions that we will point out to you. These restaurants have consistently impressed us with their flavors and quality, and we always feel cared for. That’s it.
Please enjoy what we consider to be the best restaurants in Miami.
BAR BUCCE
Neighborhood: Little River
Address: 7220 N Miami Ave
Cuisine: Italian, pizza, wine bar
Bar Bucce quickly became one of our favorite new spots in Miami in 2025 and, of course, one of the best restaurants in Little River. We’ve been craving more casual places like this, and we’re so glad the team behind Macchialina read our minds.
Bar Bucce is a lot of things. It’s a marketplace where you can pick up ready-to-heat Baked Ziti, scratch-made pasta sauces, and an incredible wine selection curated by co-owner Jacqueline Pirolo. (Take a bottle to go or pop it open there for a corkage fee.) You’ll also find rare olive oils, Italian Galeffi Effervescent Antacid, and fun snacks perfect for hosting at home.
It’s a casual counter-service restaurant where you order at the register and choose your seat. There are limited tables inside and a lively, spacious outdoor patio. If you sit at the indoor/outdoor bar, the team will take your order from there.
Chef Michael Pirolo has crafted a fun Italian menu featuring antipasti, grilled dishes, pizzas, salumi & cheese, and a little gelato for dessert. The menu changes often. Some of our favorite dishes include the house-made Porchetta di Casa—paper-thin and full of flavor and the Shrimp Pie topped with tomato, cream, rock shrimp, sweet onion, and stracciatella.
The best part? You don’t need a reservation. Bar Bucce is a fully walk-in, casual spot that exactly what the neighborhood needs.
We’ve been to Bar Bucce at least 4 times.
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LAS’ LAP
Neighborhood: South Beach
Address: The Vintro Hotel, 2216 Park Ave
Cuisine: Caribbean
Las’ Lap Miami is now open in South Beach at the Daydrift Hotel, and it was one of the best new restaurants to open in 2025. The NYC rum bar expands to Miami with Chef Kwame Onwuachi introducing a West Indian–focused concept to the South Beach scene.
The space is brighter and more open than the Lower East Side original, with indoor seating and a weekend rooftop. The name Las’ Lap references the final hours of Carnival, and the room is built for late nights and long hangs.
From the menu, our favorites include the Sticky Wings, the Oxtail Cuban, and the Rasta Pasta Bucatini, along with the Waygu Carpaccio and Charred Dorade. The food reflects Onwuachi’s Afro-Caribbean heritage and Trinidadian roots and works especially well for sharing.
No notes. They hit every single mark for us.
We’ve been to Las’ Lap twice.
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COTOA
Neighborhood: North Miami
Address: 12475 NE 6th Ct
Cuisine: Ecuadorian
If you haven’t noticed, Ecuadorian food has been making its way to Miami, and Cotoa is one you need to check out. Led by Chef Alejandra Espinoza, one of Ecuador’s most acclaimed chefs, Cotoa brings the bold, comforting flavors of her homeland to life with refined technique and a creative edge.
Cotoa opened a new location in North Miami, earned a spot on the Michelin Guide, and was one of the best new restaurants of 2025. The menu offers a modern take on traditional Ecuadorian dishes. Must-order dishes include Pan de Yuca, Mahi Mahi Manicero Ceviche (inspired by the version from Jipijapa, with a coconut base, ginger, cucumber, avocado, and peanuts), Cerdito & Llapingacho, Tortellinis con Seco de Pollo, and Chocopop for dessert. If you want to explore more, ask for the Tonga de Langostinos Ecuatorianos or Cangrejada con Patacon, two of Chef Espinoza’s personal picks.
We’ve been to Cotoa twice.
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PALMA
Neighborhood: Little Havana
Address: 240 NW 8th Ave
Cuisine: Contemporary, undefined
From the minute you walk inside Palma, there’s an energy that tells you this is going to be good. Located near the Miami River on NW 8th Street, you wouldn’t expect cooking of this caliber. Chef Juan Camilo Liscano trained in Michelin-starred kitchens in the US and Europe and opened Palma in January 2024 in his hometown.
Originally, Palma was known for its ever-changing tasting menu, and now they’ve launched a short à la carte menu that delivers some of the best flavors in Miami’s dining scene. Their tagline, Intentionally Undefined, says it all. You can see it in every dish. They don’t want to be defined by a specific cuisine because their dishes are not bound or defined by geography.
If it’s your first time, start with their à la carte menu. It’s the best way to understand the creative minds behind Palma. Our favorites included any of their oyster variations. We’ve had them with yuzu kosho and aguachile verde, and also with a ginger+white soy mignonette. If they have seaweed focaccia with sourdough miso butter (one of the best focaccias in Miami), and the scallop crudo with fermented habanada and hibiscus, get them both.
Don’t miss the wagyu beef tartare with pine nut, yolk jam, and smoked chili crisp, the hamachi collar with recado rojo and satsuma mandarin, and the 45-day aged striploin with koji and porcini butter ($80 and worth it).
The popcorn ice cream with brown butter crumble and popcorn caramel is one of the best desserts we’ve had in a while, even for those who don’t usually like ice cream.
Come with friends or grab a seat at the bar with a date. Once you get it, come back for the tasting menu ($115 per person). Their menu changes often, so some of the above dishes may vary.
We’ve been to Palma four times.
BARRA CALLAO
Neighborhood: North Miami Beach
Address: 17034 W Dixie Hwy
Cuisine: Peruvian
We went to Barra Callao in Aventura not once, but twice. This tiny ceviche bar, with about 10 seats, is run by Chef Anthony Verastegui and serves “chalaco”-style ceviche inspired by the port of Callao. One of the things we love most is that their menu changes daily, depending on the fish they’re able to source.
The Vuelva la Vida seafood cocktail ceviche stood out last time we went, marinated in lime juice and homemade leche de tigre, served with sweet potato, Peruvian corn, and onions. What pushed it into our top three ceviches was the exceptional freshness of the fish and the addition of Hokkaido uni, which added creaminess and umami to an already strong dish.
We’ve been to Barra Callao twice.
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GRAMPS GETAWAY
Neighborhood: Key Biscayne
Address: 3301 Rickenbacker Cswy
Cuisine: American, seafood
Gramps Getaway is the ultimate outdoor tiki bar you’
Frozen cocktails, fresh seafood, and views of the bay and skyline are just a few of the things you can find at Gramps. Chef James McNeal, formerly of Over Under and behind one of our favorite burgers in Miami, has created a menu that includes an incredible Smoked Fish Dip with pickled peppers, Charred Broccoli salad with buttermilk ranch, a crispy Double Cheese Burger with shaved onion, and a tangy mustard sauce, and a Key Lime Pie. They’ve also teamed up with ‘The Lazy Oyster’ to serve some of the freshest oysters, lobster rolls (hot and buttered, or cold with mayo), and other sea-inspired dishes.
We know that more often than not, seafood + views can be pretty pretentious, but here, it’s casual and super laid-back in the best way. We love Gramps because it’s versatile. It works for families, dogs, friends, couples with young kids, and mingling. With great vibes, reasonable prices, and the Miami breeze, this will become one of your go-to spots for everything. They’re open Monday through Thursday from 12 PM – 11 PM-ish, and Friday through Sunday from 11 AM – 11 PM-ish.
We’ve been to Gramps Getaway at least 8 times.
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SUNNY’S
Neighborhood: Little River
Address: 7357 NW Miami Ct
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Sunny’s Steakhouse, created by the talented team behind Jaguar Sun, is where we want to live. If they allowed it, we’d bring our sleeping bag and just stay there forever. It’s the best backdrop for all occasions—your neighborhood bar for a chill terrace hang, a destination for happy hour cocktails, the setting for an intimate date night, or a lively group dinner party.
The space features a charming outdoor courtyard with its iconic banyan tree. Inside, there’s a sleek stainless-steel kitchen, a dining room with old-school Palm Beach charm, an incredible indoor bar with golden lights, and an outdoor terrace bar for a more casual night out.
You can expect top-notch service and killer cocktails like the new Circus Permit, a delicious take on the spicy margarita with watermelon and elderflower. Of course, all your favorite variations of martinis are available. On the menu, you’ll find playful questions like “Feeling flirty?” or “Feeling nerdy?” Choose your path, and the amazing team will guide you from there. We’re also obsessed with their new Mezcal Service—a must for any dinner party. It comes with a flask of smooth Espadin Mezcal, homemade sangrita, and a slice of orange with tajín.
As for the food, there wasn’t a dish we didn’t love. Favorites like hiramasa, corn agnolotti with blue crab, and Wagyu carpaccio make a return. New highlights include the Octopus Ceviche with grapefruit, cucumber, and peanuts, and the Grilled Pork Sausage with comté. The hanger steak is reasonably priced and just as good as you’d expect, and the potato butter, XO sauce, and Béarnaise are perfect for dipping those crispy fries.
Oh, and if you want the burger, here’s a little pro tip: The Limited Edition Sunny’s Burger, featuring dry-aged beef with sweet onion, secret sauce, and pickles, is only available on the terrace menu. Our move is to arrive between 5:20 PM and 5:30 PM to grab a spot, since the terrace is first-come, first-served and doesn’t take reservations. Worth it, friends.
We’ve been to Sunny’s at least 40 times.
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RECOVECO
Neighborhood: South Miami
Address: 6000 SW 74th St Ste 1
Cuisine: Modern American, International
We’ll scream it from the top of our lungs: Recoveco is the best restaurant in Miami right now. Everything they touch turns to delicious gold. It’s really a spot for those who genuinely love good food and interesting flavor combinations. You may not know every ingredient listed on the menu, but you’re intrigued and curious enough to ask about it and try something different.
This newer establishment, created with love by Chefs Maria Teresa Gallina, Chef Nico Martinez, and wine expert Shannon Gable, is where we want to live. From the silverware to the lighting, the amazing wine selection, and the carefully crafted dishes, Recoveco shows us how great Miami restaurants can be.
The menu changes based on the best available ingredients and is cooked in their open kitchen, intentionally keeping things simple yet bursting with flavor. They have a way of making salads sexy. We’re currently loving the bright pink Radicchio Salad with rhubarb, manchego, and pickled almonds, as well as the staple Grassfed Beef Tongue with whipped sesame, chimichurri, paired with the crispiest carta di musica crackers. Oh, and for sure order the Fig Leaf & Starfruit with juniper berry meringue. They literally can’t do anything wrong, and we just love them and the special restaurant they have created.
We’ve been to Recoveco at least 9 times.
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VICEVERSA APERITIVO BAR
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 398 NE 5th St
Cuisine: Italian, pizza, aperitivo bar
Allora!! The team behind our favorite Miami bar, Jaguar Sun (now closed), opened a second bar in collaboration with one of the city’s most talented bartenders, Valentino Longo. Located inside The Elser Hotel in Downtown, ViceVersa is a funky Italian aperitivo bar offering classic Italian cocktails made with Italian spirits and Miami’s seasonal ingredients. Longo, known for his work at The Champagne Bar at the Four Seasons, has crafted a list of drinks divided into Negroni Family, Martinis, and Signature Cocktails.
Come here if you want to nerd out about Negronis, Americanos, and any vermouth-forward Italian cocktail. Or with that partner who loves a cozy yet lively date night.
The menu, designed by Jaguar Sun’s chefs Carey Hynes and Justin Flit, includes raw bar offerings like the most delicious Scallops and neo-Neapolitan pizzas. We love the white sauce Clam Pizza with middleneck clams, lemons, and scallions, and the simple Margherita.
Oh, and if the seasonal Mango or Passion Fruit Gelato is available, get it. But honestly, all their homemade gelatos are incredible. Shout out to the team for adding a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt to our scoops. Vice Versa is open every day from 5 PM to Midnight. Don’t have a reservation, the bar is a great seat if you’re looking for less food and more drinks. Also, they serve one of the best burgers in Miami, but it’s only available on Mondays in limited quantities.
We’ve been to Vice Versa at least 11 times.
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OGAWA
Neighborhood: Little River
Address: 7223 NW 2nd Ave
Cuisine: Japanese, sushi, omakase
Tucked away in Little River, Alvaro Perez has opened his fourth and newest Japanese restaurant, which just earned a well-deserved Michelin Star.
Right next to a railroad crossing, you’ll arrive at an unpretentious and minimalistic house. Immediately when entering, you’ll feel as if you’ve landed in Japan.
As you turn the corner of the dining room, you will be met with the most impeccably set Omakase bar. Feel free to enjoy a pre-dinner drink in their peaceful Japanese garden in the back or take a seat and get ready for a thoughtful Omakase journey.
At Ogawa, intimacy and ‘kikubari’ (the Japanese art of caring for others) are valued at the highest level. This very personal dinner experience for 11 guests at a time focuses on seasonal and unique Japanese ingredients flown in daily. The first part consists of crudos with cooked dishes from the kitchen between each course. Next, you’ll move on to the most incredible sushi flight, followed by a miso soup, and finish off with desserts (that’s not a typo, there’s more than one).
Our favorite dishes when we went included the best Hotate Nigiri we’ve seriously ever had, balanced with a touch of Key lime and salt (we literally won’t shut up about it); the Ensui Hokkaido Uni Gunkanmaki which is preserved in salt water so you can taste the Uni right from its natural habitat; the Uni and Ikura Hand Roll; and a special shout out to the Matcha Mochi Cookie Anko with Satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potato) Ice Cream, picture your childhood Whoopie Pie but soooooo much better.
We’ve only been once, but going to Ogawa is for a special occasion and for those who love and appreciate Japanese culture. It’s pricey but worth it.
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TÂM TÂM
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 99 NW 1st St
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Tâm Tâm, a lively Vietnamese spot that went from pop-up to permanent restaurant in Downtown, is one of the best restaurants in Miami. Drawing inspiration from the concept of “quán nhậu,” which represents the joy of gathering with friends while enjoying food and drinks, Tâm Tâm has mastered the art of creating un buen ambiente that guarantees a memorable time for all types of vibes, including a fun date night. You’ll want to stay hanging for as long as your reservation allows for it (even at the bar).
Start with their Shimeji Mushroom in a savory La Vong sauce with scallions and peanuts. And make sure to save room for their Tamarind Glazed Pork Ribs: tender and juicy pork ribs with the bold flavors of tamarind. As you take your first bite, the meat effortlessly falls off the bone. It’s a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and savory. Oh and if you are into karaoke, make sure to visit the bathroom.
We’ve been to TamTam at least 7 times.
BOIA DE
Neighborhood: Little Haiti
Address: 5205 NE 2nd Ave
Cuisine: Italian-American, pasta
If you’ve driven past an unassuming strip mall near Little River and seen a glowing pink exclamation point, then you have found your destination.
Since 2019, Boia De has consistently delivered some of the best food in Miami, if not the best food, earning Chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer their Michelin star for a second year in a row. So naturally, it’s challenging to score a table at Boia De. However, if being flexible and/or spontaneous is your thing, keep this restaurant in mind.
There is a walk-in counter specifically held for those without a reservation. You can also use the “notify” feature on the Resy app to be alerted when a table is available. Or if you’re a planner and know you’ll be with your significant other for at least another month, then you can plan your dinner 30 days out. Either way, this will be one of the best meals of your Miami life, so maybe make sure your date is worth it.
Yes, you will find a tiramisu on the menu; however, this isn’t a traditional Italian
Of course, all the pastas are made from scratch, but here you aren’t getting typical Italian food. At Boia, they are pushing the boundaries of what you would expect. There is a depth in flavor.
Order the Crispy Polenta with marinated eggplant and ricotta salata, or Luci’s Chopped Salad to start (one of our favorite salads in Miami). If they’re in season, get the Baby Artichokes with brown butter hollandaise and pine nuts. Work yourself down to the pasta section and try out the Bufala Ricotta Gnocchi Pomodoro and the Tagliolini Nero (served cold) with king crab, vin juane, truffle, and herbs. End the meal with a Crispy Tiramisu or Carrot Cake. You really can’t go wrong here with whatever you order.
We’ve been to Boia De at least 27 times.
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MIAMI SLICE
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 1335 NE Miami Ct
Cuisine: American, pizza
Miami Slice has revolutionized slice shops in Miami. New Yorkers who have moved here can sleep at night knowing that this pizza spot is up to their standards.
Miami Slice, located Downtown near the Arsht Center, is one of the best, if not the best, pizzas you will have in Miami. Truly ahead of its time.
When you think of a slice shop, you may think of a brightly lit, greasy, dirty NYC slice shop. Miami Slice is nothing like that. It’s a fancy joint (but no need to dress up) with warm lighting and a cute open kitchen where you can see the powerful ovens and all the action. Come as you are, to this elevated experience. The best seat is at the marbled bar, where you can see all the pizzas being finished and topped off with fresh-grated Parmesan.
We recommend arriving at 4:45 to be the first one at the bar. Keep your party small; this will make the wait time shorter. They also have takeout available. You can order by the slice or a whole pie.
Ask for the “kicks,” which are “IYKYK” type of add-ons like stracciatella and other good stuff to pimp your slice. Our recommendations include La Salsera with a kick of stracciatella and the Leeks on Bacon. But they’re honestly all good, and you’ve never had a Margherita this good.
We’ve been to Miami Slice at least 17 times.
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MACCHIALINA
Neighborhood: South Beach
Address: 810 Alton Road
Cuisine: Italian, pasta
Macchialina is that rustic Italian restaurant in Miami Beach we have loved since 2012. They’ve always stayed true to who they are and have consistently prepared some of the most flavorful Italian dishes in Miami. They just completed a renovation, expanding their indoor dining area.
Stop by, of course, for all our favorite red sauce pasta like the Cavatelli Macchialina and the Spaghetti Pomodoro. We also can’t get enough of their specials, which change often. Oh, and if you love a little vino with dinner, they’ve always had an excellent wine program.
For dessert, don’t skip the most refreshing Tiramisu you’ve had. It’s made with dulce de leche and an espresso granita, giving it an additional texture that is not usual when eating tiramisu. Make sure you dive in deep with your spoon.
We’ve been to Maachialina at least 12 times.
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NAOE
Neighborhood: Brickell
Address: 661 Brickell Key Dr
Cuisine: Japanese, sushi, omakase
NAOE is a hidden gem in Brickell Key, and we can honestly say, it’s the best restaurant in Brickell. It’s one of our top places to go to for a truly special occasion.
This cozy Japanese eatery has been around for 14 years and won several well-deserved accolades, including a recurring spot on Forbes’ list of five-star restaurants. Every night at 5 PM and 9 PM, up to eight guests (4 per seating) can enjoy Chef Kevin Cory’s daily Chef’s Choice menu for $280 per person plus a 20% service charge and sales tax. This is truly a life-changing experience and a rare find in Miami.
Japanese cuisine has been a part of Chef Kevin Cory’s life since he was 19. It’s in his roots with his family’s sake brewery, Nakamura Brewery in Ishikawa, which has been around since the 1800s. In addition to producing their own sake, Chef Cory’s family also makes their own soy sauce, which you will enjoy throughout your meal.
This is a two-to-three-hour omakase
We’ve been to Naoe once.
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PORTOSOLE
Neighborhood: Coral Gables
Address: 2530 Ponce de Leon
Cuisine: Italian, pasta
Portosole is one of the best restaurants in Coral Gables. Half the guests are Italian, which is always a good sign. Here you will feel important & well taken care of in a brightly lit, white tablecloth setting (yes, it’s a Coral Gables thing). We love it for a bright lunch with los suegros. It’s also great for clients, date night, or a cute day dress situation with your amigas.
Make sure you order one of the best Melanzane alla Parmigiana we’ve had in Miami, Ravioli di Ossobuco allo Zafferano for those who love saffron, and the classic and traditionally executed Tonnarelli al Cacio e Pepe.
Get the Sgroppino Veneziano, a dessert cocktail made with Prosecco, vanilla ice cream, and vodka. Finished off with lemon zest and ground coffee. Trust us.
We’ve been to Portosole at least 7 times.
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THE SURF CLUB RESTAURANT
Neighborhood: Surfside
Address: 9011 Collins Ave
Cuisine: Modern American
When there is a big name and a Michelin star attached to a restaurant, expectations are always going to be high, and The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller will not disappoint.
Chef Keller is famously known for The French Laundry in Yountville, California, and Per Se in New York City. Chances are that if and when you decide to stop by The Surf Club Restaurant, Chef Keller won’t be there. But it doesn’t matter. Excellence exists here. And now we want to celebrate any major life achievements at the Surf Club Restaurant.
We could talk forever about how beautiful and regal the Surf Club Restaurant is, but this guide isn’t really about that. It’s a plus, though. But what we want to talk about is the food.
The à la carte menu interprets classic Continental cuisine, delivering a sense of nostalgia through every dish. Start your meal with a beautifully executed cocktail at the bar before heading to your table. We loved the refreshing Basil Smash with gin.
From the appetizers, we recommend the best crispy Jumbo Lump Crab Cake of your life and the Hass Avocado & Garden Vegetable Louie. Moving on to the main event, let us introduce you to the best Fettuccine we’ve ever had. It wasn’t overpowering. It was light and creamy. Normally, we’re meh about truffles, but in this dish, they made sense. And I can’t believe we’re saying this, but we would order it again. This is a splurge experience, and if you’re going to spend $55 for pasta in Miami. This is where you should do it.
If it’s your first time at The Surf Club Restaurant, order the Prime Beef Short Rib Wellington. The dish comes with a Périgourdine sauce and serves two. This is an intricate dish, so if you’re going to try it somewhere, try it at The Surf Club Restaurant. Worth the splurge.
When booking, choose your room wisely: the Club Room for classic and pristine, the Banyan Room for a bright, al fresco-feeling experience (with AC), or the Lounge for a more vibey night with live music. Great for an elevated date when you want to impress without saying too much.
We can’t wait to go back for the monthly fried chicken and to order the rest of the menu.
We’ve been to The Surf Club Restaurant twice.
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WALRUS RODEO
Neighborhood: Little River
Address: 5143 NE 2nd Avenue
Cuisine: Italian, wood-fired kitchen
Walrus Rodeo, Boia De’s sister restaurant located in the same Little Haiti shopping center.
There are three things you need to remember about Walrus Rodeo: porchetta, pizza, and green mustard lasagna. This is one of the best restaurants in Miami for wine and Italian-esque dishes. It’s def not traditional Italian, but there is a modern Italian take throughout the dishes.
The menu theme is “charred”. They’re all about those wood-fired oven flavors. From the pizza selection (a.k.a Za’s), don’t skip the Rodeo Za with anchovies, spicy tomatoes, and maple-brown butter. We need you to order the Kale Salad with chickpeas, walnut vinaigrette, and pecorino picante (just trust us and then tell us what you think).
Finally, if you go to Walrus Rodeo and don’t order their signature Mustard Green Lasagna with lamb ragu, grana padano, and stracchino, then did you even go to Walrus Rodeo? This is truly the most unique lasagna we’ve ever had in Miami.
We’ve been to Walrus Rodeo at least 10 times.
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