From its white-sand beaches to its palm tree-lined boulevards to its vibrant Art Deco architecture, Miami is one good-looking town. And that aesthetic appeal clearly extends to its restaurant scene, as nine of the 305's most striking dining rooms were recently shortlisted by the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.
Now in its 17th year, the annual awards is globally acknowledged as the leading international competition dedicated to the design of food and beverage spaces, recognizing and celebrating "the world's most creative spaces and the individuals and organizations behind them—encompassing everything from ultra-luxe fine dining destinations to concept-led fast casual hangouts." Basically, it's the Oscars of restaurant design. The 2025 shortlist spans five continents (all but South America and Antarctica), with a handful of Miami spots making the cut.
RECOMMENDED: This glam Miami spot was just named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Restaurants
Among the picturesque bunch is Japón, tucked inside the luxe courtyard of The Setai Miami Beach—designed by Saladino Design Studios, the Japanese restaurant is lushly decorated with gold-leaf ceilings, intimate draped booths, paper lantern-style lighting and tile mosaics and wallpaper motifs spotlighting the crane, a symbol of good luck and longevity.
Sparrow Italia in Winwood is also on the list—crafted by Kobi Karp Architecture with interiors by ICRAVE, the sunken dining room has a sexy supper club vibe thanks to its velvet textures, Venetian plaster and vaulted ceilings, soaring with grandiose wood arches—as is Lupita, the colorful tacos-and-tequila charmer located inside Bayside Marketplace.
Chic steakhouse Sunny's, which was recently named one of the best new restaurants in America, doesn't just impress on the plate; the plush digs, designed by Amy Butchko of The Springs Collective, cleverly marries industrial Miami grit with Palm Beach Regency flair.
It's joined on the 2025 shortlist by Sereia, the modern seafood restaurant in Coconut Grove, which channels the Iberian coast via its wavy seafoam bar, its curved sand-toned furniture and natural woods throughout; as well as Oro, a glowing jewel of a space in Miami Beach featuring striking golden arches, gold chain chandeliers and towering floral arrangements.
Rounding out the Miami-based entries are Mimi Chinese, sultry with dim lighting and glossy red banquettes; Double Knot, which balances bold floral prints with minimalist light woods and a neutral palette; and Claudie, which brings the South of France to the heart of Miami with its paintings-filled walls, bronze sculptures and massive fountain.
Want to check out even more culinary beauties? You can see the full 2025 shortlist here.
