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

What is it? Slim's is Stephen Starr's latest restaurant, located in the former Makoto space at Bal Harbour Shops, featuring a 1930s-inspired room with checkered marble floors, leather banquettes, brass fixtures, and walls covered in art deco murals by the illustrator behind some of The New Yorker's most recognizable covers. 

Why we love it: For starters, the Christoph Niemann murals and the expansive patio with a view of Bal Harbour's singular cast of characters. The wine-by-the-glass program is broader than most steakhouses, and the dishes, while showy, are actually substantial. Every steak is decadent and well charred; the hardest part is choosing which cut to go with. The sides are also showstoppers. The stuffed hash brown could feed a small family, while the onion rings are enormous and thick-cut. For dessert, the pink champagne cake is the move, and the bananas Foster is a fun tableside production. 

Time Out tip: The $100 cheesesteak, a Starr signature, is meant to be shared. Give yourself extra time in the Bal Harbor Shops garage; construction means parking takes longer than it used to.

Address: 9700 Collins Ave, Suite 101, Bal Harbour, FL 33154

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri 11:30am–11pm; Sat 3–11pm Sun 3–10pm

What is it? A luxe, contemporary Italian restaurant in the sky—54 floors above Brickell, to be exact.

Why we love it: Seia is built for power lunches, special-occasion dinners and any moment that calls for a lavish Italian meal with spectacular views. The refined, ingredient-driven menu emphasizes seasonality and simplicity. Dishes—much like the calming, neutral-toned space—show a level of restraint that allows each component to shine. You taste the fresh Calabrian oregano brushed atop the sliced wagyu strip steak just as much as the shards of Parmesan scattered over the beef carpaccio. Seia is minimalism done right.

Time Out tip: Less a tip and more a revelation: order the linguine alle vongole. I usually avoid seafood pasta, but the small, flavor-packed Manila clams add just the right amount of salinity to the delicate white wine sauce. Our server even offered to portion it tableside, ensuring every serving was equal and no clam was left behind.

Address: 830 Brickell Plaza, Miami, FL 33131 

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–3pm, 5–10:30pm; Sat 5–11:30pm; Sun 5–10:30pm

What is it? Pauline, located inside the gorgeously renovated Shelborne By Proper, serves a coastal-inspired menu that celebrates Miami’s rich Latin, Caribbean and Mediterranean influences in a sexy, midcentury-tinged space.

Why we love it: As the renovated The Shelborne By Proper flagship restaurant, Pauline rises to the occasion, tucked past the soaring lobby in a sultry dining room where couples, creatives and jetsetters converge in a mix of tailored linens and laidback resort looks. The raw bar wows and and makes up the largest portion of the menu here—think conch ceviche, fluke crudo and chilled lobster salad, which is bright, textural and savory with ribbons of jicama, coconut and mint.

Time Out tip: Familiar ingredients belie some surprising preparations and serious culinary technique in Pauline’s tightly curated menu. When in doubt, ask your server for a bit of guidance. After all, each dish here comes with a story, and that’s definitely part of the fun. After dinner, stop in for a nightcap and chilled vinyl sounds at Little Torch, the Shelborne’s cozy cocktail lounge where drinks are mixed up tableside from a roving bar cart.

Address: 1801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 6–10pm

What is it? A Mexico City import specializing in Baja-style seafood and shareable plates, Cha Cha Cha brings a laid-back coastal Mexican sensibility to the former Beaker & Gray space.

Why we love it: The fresh seafood shines, from the standout tostada de atún with crispy fried shallots to the deeply flavorful aguachile negro. Add tequila-forward cocktails, housemade tortillas and a warm, understated dining room, and you’ve got a restaurant that works equally well for a solo meal, date night or big group dinner.

Time Out tip: Order the tostada de atún and aguachile negro, then round out the table with the carnitas, salbute de pollo and chopped salad. And yes, get the rice and beans with the carnitas.

Address: 2637 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri 5–10:30pm; Sat noon–3pm, 5–10:30pm; Sun noon–3pm 

What is it? An intimate eight-seat omakase counter in the Design District from acclaimed sushi chef Yasu Tanaka, serving a seasonal “Japan-meets-Miami” tasting menu built around pristine seafood, local produce and top-tier Japanese ingredients.

Why we love it: YASU goes beyond traditional omakase with thoughtful, creative touches that feel both distinctly Japanese and uniquely Miami. Expect impeccably sourced fish, inventive dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients like ramps and rhubarb, and a carefully paced nigiri progression that highlights Tanaka’s technical precision.

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the sake or by-the-glass wine selections—rare producers and limited-batch pours are a major part of the experience. And pay attention to the details, from the custom-seasoned rice to the subtle hospitality touches that make the evening feel seamless.

Address: 151 NE 41st, Suite 137, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 6pm, 8:30pm seatings

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? 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