The best restaurants in the Design District
Covering the coolest Korean steakhouse, a hidden Peruvian gem, and some of our fav hand rolls
Apr
29
2026
Keep this guide handy when you’re in the area and looking for the best restaurants in the Design District.
If Miami had a Fifth Avenue, it would be The Design District. Lot of show, farandula, and big-name shopping bags. The tourists will be doing the shopping, and the locals will be trying to avoid the tourists while searching for something good to eat.
Our guide to the best restaurants in the Design District features the coolest Korean steakhouse, Greek and Turkish flavors, a hidden Peruvian gem, and some of our fav hand rolls.
LE SPECIALITÀ
Address: 40 NE 41st St
Cuisine: Italian
Le Specialità, a Milanese institution since 1977, is now open in the Miami Design District, marking its first location outside of Italy. The concept comes from the team behind The Joyce and brings one of Milan’s classic neighborhood trattorias to Miami, featuring a fun, retro-chic space.
The menu stays true to its roots with handmade pastas, seafood and meat dishes, and its signature Milanese pizza, known for its light, crispy crust. Go for the creamy Vitello Tonnato with chilled veal, tuna velouté, and capers. From the pizza section, look for the Piccantissima with tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, pesto, peanuts, chili, and onion, and the Pesto Burrata with buffalo mozzarella, pesto, burrata, and mortadella.
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YASU OMAKASE
Address: 151 NE 41st St, Suite 137
Cuisine: Japanese, omakase, sushi
From the team behind The Joyce and Le Specialità, YASU Omakase is now open in the Design District as Chef Yasu Tanaka’s most intimate project to date. Limited to just eight seats per service, the experience centers on a seasonal 14–16 course omakase served across a 600-year-old hinoki wood counter traditionally used in Japanese temples. The meal opens with otsumami—small bites meant to ease you into the experience—before moving into a night of nigiri featuring fish flown in from Toyosu Market alongside Florida varieties, followed by miso soup, a signature hand roll, and a seasonal dessert. The sushi is built on Niigata rice, a premium Japanese short-grain rice known for its balance and texture, and the experience is paired with a curated sake program.
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TORNO SUBITO
Address: 191 NE 40th St
Cuisine: Italian, pasta
This gorgeous Italian restaurant is back, and fittingly enough, it has landed in the Design District.
Chef Massimo Bottura, the mind behind Osteria Francescana, once ranked #1 in the world in 2016 and 2018, teamed up with Bernardo Paladini to bring back Torno Subito.
This isn’t your typical Italian spot. It’s fun, colorful, nostalgic, and a little unexpected. The space alone feels like a graphic designer’s dream. Every dish feels special. Think a beef tartare where you get to play chef, an anchovy puttanesca pizza, and right before dessert, a tortellini in Parmigiano Reggiano sauce, we’re still thinking about.
If you want a modern take on Italian that still respects where it comes from, this is it. And if Massimo’s in town, don’t be surprised if he stops by your table.
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NAMI NORI
Address: Design District
Cuisine: Japanese, temaki, sushi
Nami Nori, a casual temaki bar from New York City, has arrived in the Design District, and you can thank Pharrell for this. The musician and entrepreneur joined forces with founders Taka Sakaeda, Jihan Lee, and Lisa Limb as a partner and investor to bring this open-style sushi hand roll spot to Miami. The menu features signature temaki, including crispy variations, creative takes on classic flavors, and a dedicated vegan section. With its sleek, minimalist design and creamy wood tones, the space seamlessly blends into the neighborhood.
The restaurant is pretty compact, and the best spot to sit is at the stunning marble bar. It’s a place best enjoyed with a group of 4 or fewer. You can share appetizers, but the hand rolls are meant to be a more personal experience. They offer curated sets of five hand rolls priced between $24 and $32, but if you prefer to mix and match, the à la carte option is the way to go. If you’re looking for recommendations, try the X.O. Scallop with tobiko and lemon, Coconut Shrimp with green curry and lime, Spicy Crab Dynamite, Toro + Scallion, or the vegan Maitake Truffle.
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MATSUYOI
Address: 156 NE 41st St
Cuisine: Japanese, hand rolls, sushi, chefs counter, tasting menu
Nami Nori has expanded its Miami footprint with a concept hidden right above their Design District temaki bar. The team behind the open-style hand roll spot has launched Matsuyoi, and it’s giving major speakeasy energy.
As soon as you head upstairs, Nami Nori’s bright, beachy vibe transforms into something moody, refined, and intimate. This is a great spot for date night or a special dinner with someone you want to impress. The experience begins with a sleek cocktail that highlights Japanese spirits and ingredients. After drinks, head through the hidden sliding doors into a 10-seat chef’s counter, where you’ll be served a seasonally inspired, multi-course menu.
Expect small plates like Potato Pavé with caviar and ao nori, a Matsuyoi Caesar with bottarga and hallabong vinegar, and temaki such as Toro Caviar, Madai Shiso, and Anago Cucumber. To finish, a playful Tropical Sundae with Hokkaido milk ice cream and hojicha “pocky.”
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ATOMICA
Address: MIA Market, 140 NE 39th St #241
Cuisine: Modern Peruvian
Chef Carmen Florencia Ibarra, a former Hell’s Kitchen participant with experience at Itamae and COTE, and Chef Javier Cussato, part of the award-winning La Mar Cebicheria Peruana team under the Acurio International Restaurant Group, have joined forces to bring their dream project, Atomica, to life in 2025.
Located inside the MIA Market food hall in the Design District, this Peruvian spot delivers bold, eclectic flavors that feel elevated and impressive, especially from their tiny and modest kitchen. Highlights include the Atomicausa, made with blue crab, avocado, fermented tomato jam, garlic chips, and Aji sauce; the fried shrimp with black tempura sauce; and the Tuna & Palta, featuring thinly sliced tuna, leche de tigre, charred avocado, crispy capers, onions, olive oil, and cilantro. If you’re serious about exceptional food, this spot deserves a place on your list—thank us later. If you have to pick one ceviche, go with the Atomica Cebiche Blanco. It features a sunchoke leche de tigre, charred sweet potato, yellow corn nuts, and artichoke chips. It’s incredibly thoughtful, beautifully balanced, and packed with flavor.
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PEPPI’S PIZZA
Address: 3620 NE 2nd Ave
Cuisine: Italian, American, pizza, sandwiches
Peppi’s is a neighborhood spot in the Design District with walk-ins only and no reservations. It’s relaxed and straightforward with good food and a casual atmosphere.
There aren’t many restaurants in Miami where you can get a real Philly Cheesesteak, but that changed with Peppi’s. Order the Philly Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz.
The menu also features pizza, and the Pepperoni & Hot Honey pie is a favorite with a crispy yet airy crust and the right hint of sweetness. You’ll also find Fried Ravioli and Smoked Whole Wings available after 5 PM, fresh pastas, and stacked hoagies and sandwiches.
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CHÈVRE
Address: MIA Market, 140 NE 39th St #241
Cuisine: Modern French, sandwiches
Chèvre Miami began as a specialty market renowned for its exceptional sandwiches crafted with rare cheeses and world-class ingredients.
Now, the Chèvre team is growing. You can find them at MIA Market in the Design District, serving their signature sandwiches and desserts.
If you are in the Design District and looking for a delicious sandwich, this is the spot. The menu features combos starting at $29, including the Chèvre Sandwich Combo 1, which includes a sandwich and chips, or Combo 3, which features a sandwich, chips, a drink, and a mini chèvre cheesecake. Group combos are also available and can serve up to 10 people. Our favorite sandwiches include La Italiana, Uncle Bruce’s Pastrami Reuben, and The Spaniard.
Leave room for dessert. Their award-winning Basque cheesecake is a must, and the Golden Goat Caviar Honey Butter is another standout worth trying.
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JASS KITCHEN
Address: 190 NE 46th St
Cuisine: Turkish
Looking for a cozy spot for Mediterranean food, live music, and friendly hospitality? Stop by Jass Kitchen. This Turkish restaurant has live music every day and serves family recipes with a twist. Must orders include Beetroot Pink Dip, Hummus with seasoned ground beef, and Manti (Turkish dumplings cooked in a homemade yogurt sauce). If you have an appetite, get the Clay Lamb Shank, slowly cooked lamb shank and vegetables in a clay pot, topped with homemade brioche dough, and served with a side of jasmine rice. To end your meal, order some Turkish coffee with your Baklava.
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YOSO SUSHI
Address: 5040 NE 2nd Ave
Cuisine: Japanese, sushi
From a locally-loved food truck to their very first brick-and-mortar, Yoso Sushi in Upper Buena Vista is where you’re going next for sushi and poke bowls.
Chefs Deniz Aktuğ and Khristian Lara have modernized the traditional sushi bar, creating an innovative space featuring silver high chairs, mirrored walls, and glass brick tiles in collaboration with Galleria Miami. This blend of vintage and modern 20th-century designs is giving Tokyo during the 1980s with a Miami Art Deco twist. This is a spot you’ll want to check out when you’re in the neighborhood with a close friend, for a solo bite, or a first date night.
Some of our favorite dishes are the hamachi with homemade yuzu kosho, torched salmon belly with ikura, the homemade beef dumplings, which are made daily and inspired by Chef Deniz’s Turkish roots, our new favorite Katsu Chicken Poke, and the creamiest & most balanced matcha cheesecake. Please note that the cheesecake is seasonal and changes often.
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MICHAEL’S GENUINE
Address: 130 NE 40th St
Cuisine: Contemporary American
A staple in the Design District since 2007, Michael’s Genuine was one of the first restaurants to put Miami’s culinary scene on the map, earning Chef Michael Schwartz his first James Beard Award. This spot remains timeless and never gets old, thanks to its constantly evolving menu.
The renovated outdoor terrace is larger and bustling with guests. Stop by for lunch, brunch, or dinner to enjoy lively vibes all day long. We’d choose Michael’s if you’re looking for a place to try a little bit of everything and get more than one dessert. While the menu changes often, we always go for the Homemade pasta, like the beef bolognese, parmesan, and chives. We also love the Crispy Pork Belly with kimchi, crushed peanuts, and cilantro. For dessert, the Cookies & Confections are a must-try, accompanied by a scoop or two of their housemade seasonal sorbets and ice creams.
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COTE
Address: 16 W 22nd St
Cuisine: Modern Korean Steakhouse
Coming from New York to Miami, it is no surprise that Cote delivers its exceptional service and flawless wine program here in the 305. Being awarded not only a one-star in the Michelin Guide but also the Florida Sommelier Award, it’s clear Cote is here to make waves in Miami’s Design District. When entering Cote, you will be met with seamless service from start to finish. And if you are craving exceptionally cooked meat that melts in your mouth, then look no further.
We recommend getting the Butcher’s Feast, featuring a selection of the Chef’s favorite cuts and a feast of USDA Prime & American Wagyu beef for $82 per person. Additionally, if you come with a big group, we’d also get the Korean “Bacon”, the Kimchi Wagyu “Paella”, and the Chicken Nuggets, only available off the bar menu. Vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with soy sauce caramel is included with the Butcher’s Feast.
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MANDOLIN AEGEAN BISTRO
Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek, Turkish
This Miami favorite serves Greek and Turkish dishes. If there is a place to see-and-be-seen in Miami, Mandolin’s patio is definitely it. Head here for a cute date and enjoy a little trip to the Mediterranean with an Aegean white sangria inside this picturesque white and blue house. It’s almost always fully booked, so we definitely suggest you plan.
We recommend the Mussels with white wine, garlic, lemon, and oregano; the Grilled Halloumi with heirloom cherry tomatoes and fresh oregano; and the Grilled Octopus to start.
From the sandwich section, we’d go for the Spicy Mandolin Kebab, with a grilled house blend of ground beef and lamb, onion, parsley, sumac, and spicy Greek yogurt. If you are trying to cut back on calories, then whole Mediterranean sea bass grilled with extra virgin Aegean olive oil, lemon, and oregano is the way to go. But don’t forget to order a side of house-cut fries with garlic Greek yogurt to share.
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SUSHI YASU TANAKA
Address: MIA Market, 140 NE 39th St #241
Cuisine: Japanese, sushi
At the MIA Market food hall, Chef Yasu Tanaka serves sushi with Japanese hospitality. Partnering with his lovely wife, Michelle, they bring the culture and charisma of Japan right to your feet. In paying homage to his family business, the name Masumura was only fitting to carry on the legacy right here in his new home of Miami.
Chef Yasu makes two types of sushi rice fresh every two hours and sources the best quality fish and dinnerware directly from Japan. The menu features signature nigiri, nigiri à la carte, and hand rolls. The 10-piece Nigiri Omakase will fulfill the classic vibes, but for a little extra, throw in some additional O-toro Aburi nigiri as well as their Uni and Wagyu hand roll. Because when we say these are drool-worthy add-ons, we mean it.
Stop by Sushi Yasu Tanaka for an informal nigiri experience with indoor and outdoor seating available. It’s great for dining solo or when you want sushi, but your friend wants something else.
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