Where to eat on a rainy day in Miami
Eating out where parking is convenient, when it’s pouring
Jun
02
2022
Miami’s rainy days have arrived and we’re deep in hurricane season. We’ve got until November to worry about torrential downpours and flooding. It’s not a fun time in Miami but neither is being cooped up at home. There’s definitely a breaking moment when you need to get out.
Here’s a list to keep handy for those rainy days. We included info on these restaurants’ parking situations to avoid getting wet. Of course, wearing a rain jacket won’t hurt. But we promise that these are the spots that will make you not hate Miami as much in the Summer.
KON CHAU
Neighborhood: Westchester
Address: 8376 SW 40th St
Cuisine: Chinese
Parking Accommodation: Free parking
There’s something about the rain that makes us crave Chinese. We want to dress in sweats, or a hoodie, be in a casual setting, have awesome dim sum and pass out.
Take a little trip to Westchester for some of Miami’s best dim sum. Located in a strip mall, Kon Chau has easy access to free parking and it’s kid-friendly. We recommend going with a big group so you can try the most. Some of our favorite dishes include the parsley shrimp dumplings, steamed roasted pork bun, and beef chow foon.
CMX CINEMAS BRICKELL
Neighborhood: Brickell
Address: 701 S Miami Ave 4th Floor
Cuisine: American
Parking Accommodation: Covered garage parking
This is a good one for those that have kids. Maybe you were planning a day in the park, but with the downpour, your kids are climbing the walls and you can’t be at home anymore. Take them to CMX Cinema in Brickell City Center.
There’s a basement parking lot with an entrance on 8th street and you can avoid getting wet. Also, this is a treat for the kids but also for you. God knows you need it. They offer cocktails, wine, chicken fingers, wings, fries, cheeseburgers, popcorn (with a great butter ratio), and a lot more. So sit back in these super comfortable chairs, relax, eat, and try not to pass out.
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MATSURI
Neighborhood: Coral Gables
Address: 5759 Bird Rd
Cuisine: Japanese
Parking Accommodation: Free parking
Matsuri, located inside a casual strip mall off of Bird Road offers top-quality sushi at a reasonable price. It’s also a great spot to hit when it’s raining. We highly recommend you arrive at 5 PM or 9 PM to avoid waiting. However, if you do have to wait there is a covered area outside of the restaurant.
This unpretentious spot has an extensive menu of soups, sushi, sashimi, rolls, and Matsuri’s New World (modern dishes with Japanese ingredients). We like to order by the piece. Anything from salmon belly to amaebi nigiri. End the night with an ikura handroll with a quail egg. It’s better than dessert.
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TIME OUT MARKET
Neighborhood: Miami Beach
Address: 1601 Drexel Ave
Cuisine: Food Hall
Parking Accommodation: Covered parking garage
Time Out Market is a great spot to hit, when your family or friends are “hangry”, indecisive, and it’s raining. The parking garage is right next door so you will avoid the rain. And the best part is, that there’s something for everyone.
Check out Little Liberty for burgers by Chef Michelle Bernstein, craft sandwiches by Necessary Purveyor, and some Vietnamese pho by Pho Mo (also the creators of Phuc Yea).
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VERDE
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 1103 Biscayne Blvd
Cuisine: New American
Parking Accommodation: Valet parking and parking lot
A rainy day in Miami calls for indoor activities. The Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) exhibits contemporary pieces year-round, making it the perfect plan B when it’s raining. Even if you want to be outside and check out the view of Miami Beach or walk along the water, we’ve got you covered (pun intended)! The PAMM also has a parking lot and valet.
After you make your way through the museum, head to Verde, the PAMM’s restaurant. We recommend the Verde burger and the Mediterranean-style pizzas. If you’re looking for something unique, try the kusa or the aubergine pizzas. They are rich and flavorful, making them a must-try at Verde. However, if you like seafood, don’t miss out on their fresh and tasty pan seared branzino. You deserve a mouthwatering meal after your museum workout.
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XIXÓN
Neighborhood: Coral Way
Address: 2101 SW 22nd St
Cuisine: Spanish
Parking Accommodation: Valet parking
If you’re searching for a restaurant that will make you forget it’s even raining outside, look no further! Xixón is located in Coral Way and offers Spanish delicacies. Their valet is always available for dinner, making it easier to escape the rain.
We recommend sitting in the downstairs wine cellar; you’ll forget what’s happening outside as you enjoy your croqueticas. Other dishes we’ve enjoyed include the crema de calabaza and the chistorras al vino blanco. The cheese and ham “tablas” are great when dining with a group, and their tinto de verano will make you feel like you’re in Barcelona. Like any good Spanish restaurant, Xixón has a wide selection of seafood dishes. You will not regret ordering the pata de pulpo con espuma de patata a la gallega or the gambas al ajillo. To end the night, we recommend you order their crema catalana. This traditional Spanish dessert is similar to a crème brûlée and is much needed on a rainy day.
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BOMBAY DARBAR
Neighborhood: Coconut Grove
Address: 2901 Florida Ave
Cuisine: Indian
Parking Accommodation: Various parking garages near by
If you’re a Miami local, you know you can’t go wrong with Bombay Darbar. Not even rain can stop us from getting our Bombay Darbar favorites. Especially, since they have a handful of parking garages nearby.
Bombay Darbar serves an incredible lamb vindaloo and chicken tikka masala. We also love their chilli chicken and tandoori chicken. Considered one of the best Indian restaurants in Miami, Bombay Darbar provides an outstanding dinner regardless of the weather.
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MIA MARKET
Neighborhood: Design District
Address: 140 NE 39th St STE 241
Cuisine: Food Hall
Parking Accommodation: Covered garage parking
Pull up to the covered Palm Court parking garage located on 39th street for easy access to MIA Market. Parking is only $3 for up to 4 hours which is unheard of in Miami. Find the elevator and go all the way up to the second floor (hit 2U in the elevator). When crossing from the elevator to the entrance of the market you might get a little drizzle but we promise it won’t be too bad and it will be worth it.
If you’re craving sushi we recommend stopping by Yasu Tanaka. Chef Yasu is serving some of the freshest nigiri and handrolls in town.
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CASA TUA CUCINA
Neighborhood: Brickell
Address: 70 SW 7th St
Cuisine: Italian
Parking Accommodation: Covered garage parking
Yes, we know that Brickell City Center is an outdoor mall however, it is covered and has an underground parking garage. And for the cherry on top of your rainy day, Casa Tua Cucina is right next to the escalators when entering the parking on 8th street.
This Italian food hall has ample indoor seating and an extensive menu with a selection of crudos, salads, pasta and pizza. Maybe you are on a date and did not check the weather before you left. He or she will forgive you when sharing some salumi, cheese and a cacio e pepe tagliatelle.
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THE CITADEL
Neighborhood: Little River
Address: 8300 NE 2nd Ave
Cuisine: Food Hall
Parking Accommodation: Ample free parking
Okay, so, The Citadel parking situation for a rainy day requires a hefty umbrella and/or a raincoat. Located directly behind the Citadel, it’s not covered but it’s free and there are plenty of spots. It’s a quick sprint to the entrance.
Once inside, all will be well because the dining options have something for everyone. Our favorites at the moment include The Shores (focusing on fried seafood, oysters and anything that comes with a side of cocktail sauce) and United States Burger Service (simple burger blends with great dipping sauces for those fries). There’s also Neapolitan-style pizza at Ash’s Pizza Parlor, Laotion food at Lil’ Laos and more.
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ESTIATORIO ORNOS
Neighborhood: Aventura
Address: 19565 Biscayne Blvd Ste 946
Cuisine: Greek
Parking Accommodation: Covered garage parking / free parking
Estiatorio Ornos by Chef Michael Mina is located inside of Aventura Mall which is kind of perfect if you are looking for a fine dining break when shopping. Free parking spots are abundantly available.
This Greek restaurant is perfect for the fam. Bring them all and share some tzatzki, halloumi, phyllo-crusted dover sole and more.
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MAMEY
Neighborhood: Coral Gables
Address: 11350 S Dixie Hwy.
Cuisine: Island-minded
Parking Accommodation: Valet parking
In a world where parking anxiety is real, sometimes it’s worth the price so you valet. And that’s exactly what you will be doing when arriving at Mamey on a rainy day.
Chef Niven Patel’s love for vegetables is clear on Mamey’s menu, sourcing local produce from his ranch in Homestead. Our favorite dishes include the heart of palm salad, Ghee roasted plantains, lemongrass glazed grouper, coconut shrimp, summer rolls and the red curry mussels.
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EDGE STEAK & BAR
Neighborhood: Brickell
Address: Four Seasons Hotel, 1435 Brickell Ave
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Parking Accommodation: Valet parking
Looking for where to take a client out for lunch on a rainy day in Brickell? We’ve got you. Stop by Edge Steak & Bar inside of the Four Seasons where Chef Aaron Brooks is putting his Aussie spin on a modern steakhouse concept.
Their lunch break menu includes two courses for $21 offered daily, featuring a weekly-changing menu. The best part of it all is that when you valet, you can expense it because hello, it’s a work lunch.
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FINKA TABLE & TAP
Neighborhood: Kendall
Address: 14690 SW 26th St
Cuisine: Cuban, Peruvian & Korean fusion
Parking Accommodation: Ample free parking
The parking at Finka isn’t covered, but it’s free and there’s plenty, especially if you’re dining with a big group. Yes, you’ll need that umbrella but once you’re in, we promise a delicious meal with matching cocktails to go along.
Chef Eileen Andrade grew up learning how to cook classic Cuban food. At Finka she adds Peruvian and Korean flavors to her unique dishes. Come hungry. You’re feasting on arroz con pollo fritters, tostones topped with vaca frita, sweet Sriracha pork ribs and more.
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