The best new restaurants in Miami you need to try right now

What is it? Karyu, the U.S. outpost of Tokyo’s Michelin one-star Oniku Karyu, is a 10-seat counter in the Miami Design District hidden behind a nondescript entrance across from the ICA Museum. 

Why we love it: The vibe is sophisticated but relaxed for an omakase, with chefs interacting with guests and a soft, ambient soundtrack that keeps conversations private (it is omakase, after all). The wagyu is sourced from Ueda Chikusan, a family-run ranch raising prized Tajimaguro cattle, and the menu shifts with Japan’s seasons. Expect a curated sake and wine program that lets the beef shine.

Time Out tip: Pace yourself, and don’t be afraid to request an extra-small portion of beef curry, the last savory dish, which is portioned according to each order—a simple way to give guests some agency over a rich omakase experience (priced at $350 per person).

Address: 40 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Wed–Sun, 6pm and 9pm seatings

What is it? Massimo Bottura’s playful Italian restaurant, which originally opened atop Julia & Henry, now resides inside The Moore. It's cozier, more compact and matched with a well-heeled crowd. 

Why we love it: The menu is intentional and the plating is precious, with cheeky standouts like Ciao Modena! (balsamic-glazed wagyu short rib), Cacio e Pepe in Miami with Florida citrus, and the Rockster Roll with warm lobster. Ingredients recur throughout—curbing food waste is a priority. Behind the bar, Valentino Longo delivers with polished cocktails like a limoncello drop and a Torno martini with a subtle apple finish.

Time Out tip: The pasta tasting menu is an excellent option for first-timers tempted by too many great choices (I know I was). Dishes are portioned perfectly and move from starter to main, ticking off all the hits—including Massimo Bottura’s signature handmade tortellini in creamy Parmigiano Reggiano sauce.

Address: 191 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Mon–Wed noon–3pm, 6–10pm; Thu, Fri noon–3pm, 6–11pm; Sun noon–3pm

What is it? BeyBey is a Sunset Harbour restaurant that’s had a serious glow-up. After a rocky 2024 debut, it’s now under the culinary direction of acclaimed chef Roberto Solis (of Huniik in Mérida). The vibe is electric, with a cool, mixed-age crowd and a compact, art-filled dining room. 

Why we love it: The Lebanese-meets-Mexican menu is one of the most exciting in Miami right now—think less fusion, more intentional blending. Standouts include za’atar short rib with tortillas, confetti rice and kibbe steak tartare, a reinvented kebab packed with bold flavor. 

Time Out tip: The “loosies” on the dessert menu really took me back to my nights at smoke-filled Bardot. Incredulous, I ordered one and received a single slim cigarette and a lighter to partake. Whether you’re a smoker, a casual puffer or simply in it for the irreverence of it all, it’s an amusing touch.

Address: 1330 18th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Tue 11am–midnight; Wed, Thursday 11am–1am; Fri, Sat 11am–2am; Sun 11am–4pm

What is it? Fooq's 2.0 (the original downtown spot opened in 2025 and closed in 2021) is a massive Little River compound, comprising an indoor-outdoor restaurant and upstairs lounge, the Lion’s Den. The vibe is glamorous yet warm, with bold, midcentury-meets-disco interiors and a lively mix of parties, families and date nights.

Why we love it: The memorable menu blends American, Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, featuring hits like the whipped feta with za’atar bread, koobideh and chicken with a side of tahdig rice. You'll have no problem skipping booze here—the nonalcoholic drinks are notably complex and refreshing.

Time Out tip: Returning guests receive a direct booking link from the SevenRooms platform, giving you access to better reservations. Do take advantage.

Address: 150 NW 73rd St, Miami, FL 33150

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 5:30–10pm; Thu–Sat 5:30–11pm

What is it? David Chang's ode to fried chicken is a kitschy fast-casual restaurant on Miracle Mile. The Coral Gables spot follows a dozen or so outposts in stadiums and arenas across the country, which popularized the secret off-menu sando originally served at Momofuku Noodle Bar in NYC.

Why we love it: A simple menu centered on fried chicken and various sauces and sides that you can order deconstructed (think tenders with sauce) or assembled with sides-as-toppings, such as the Miso Ranch & Slaw sandwich—hands down the best thing on the menu, and a steal at $12. Tenders with a choice of sauce (Fuku mayo, sweet & spicy, honey mustard and miso scallion ranch) and party fries (waffle fries loaded with said sauces and scallions) are easy to share, while sides are portioned and priced ($5) for one.

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the chicken garlic rice—which packs in flavor from the broth and texture with ginger and scallions—or a visit to the bathroom. The hallway lined with past issues of Lucky Peach leads to two unisex restrooms bathed in fluorescent lights and decked with fun neon signage and logos. Selfies are encouraged, obviously.

Address: 135 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Opening hours: Sun–Wed 11am–9pm; Thu–Sat 11am–11pm

What is it? Il Mulino—a staple at Acqualina since 2006—recently reopened after a massive renovation, and the Sunny Isles dining room finally looks as good as the food tastes. 

Why we love it: The vibe is waterfront fine dining that takes the experience seriously, but not itself. While the menu balances long-running classics with a rotating seasonal section—order from both. Start with an icy martini and end with the watermelon grappa.

Time Out tip: Get the branzino and let them carve it. The table next to you will wish they had.

Address: Acqualina Resort & Residences, 17875 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles, FL 33160

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–3:30pm, 4–11pm

What is it?: Eight Bar is the kind of spot Miami Worldcenter was always meant to have: polished but laid-back, and flexible enough for dinner or drinks that turn into one. 

Why we love it: The menu reads like a grown-up Cheesecake Factory, with standouts like toro tuna nigiri with caviar, bite-sized tuna crispy rice and a butter crab roll topped with real crab. Bubbling shrimp—sweet and finished with fresh mint—are a must, especially with a crisp little gem salad. Drinks shine, too, like a dill-forward martini with smoky onion notes.

Time Out tip: With its proximity to Kaseya Center, it’s an easy pre-game or pre-show pick, especially during the nightly happy hour (4–6pm). 

Address: 699 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33132

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 4–10pm; Fri, Sat 4–11pm