The best restaurants in Miami you have to try right this minute

What is it? Gastón Acurio’s renowned Peruvian restaurant inside the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, where the supremely talented Diego Oka runs the show.

Why we love it: It takes serious talent to skillfully execute the complicated raw dishes La Mar puts out daily, and chef Oka’s got it in droves. His precision and technique are on display in every ceviche and tiradito adorned by foams and edible flowers. La Mar’s waterfront patio is another sight for sore eyes, offering diners a 360-degree vista of Downtown and Brickell. Swoon.

Time Out tip: If you try one thing on the menu, make sure it’s the cheese-soaked tiradito bachiche. Aged parmesan and snapper go surprisingly well together, and you likely won’t find this combo anywhere else. 

What is it? A cross between an L.A. strip-mall gem and a cozy, narrow Brooklyn dive, Boia De sits on the edge of Little Haiti, where it serves modern American dishes with a few that lean Italian.

Why we love it: Michelin-trained chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer pour themselves into this place, constantly reinventing the classics. The beef tartare, for example, is topped with a crunchy shallot-garlic concoction as well as capers, which are fried for a burst of briny flavor, and then the whole thing is smothered in a yummy tonnato sauce, a tuna-based Italian condiment that holds everything together like some kind of fancy picnic salad. The pasta is fresh and the wine list superb, offering a few skin-contact options to coax you out of your comfort zone.

What is it? Styled after the striking white-and-blue paint seen in Cycladic landscapes, Mandolin is a dreamy outdoor eatery serving traditional Greek food.

Why we love it: There’s no better date spot. The menu of shareable dishes—think mezzes, baskets of freshly baked pita bread and a fresh whole grilled fish for two—helps play up the romantic atmosphere. Mandolin’s satisfying homemade sangria really evokes the feeling of an island vacation, but don’t take too many sips: You might just confuse its whitewashed exterior for Santorini.

What is it? This modern Asian eatery has nabbed multiple award nominations and, four years in, is still one of Wynwood’s toughest reservations to snag.

Why we love it: Chef Michael Lewis elevates comfort-food classics like pork buns, Korean fried chicken and crab-fried rice into uniquely satisfying, visually arresting dishes. Try the crowd-favorite roasted cauliflower: Served over a bright-chartreuse herb vinaigrette, the enormous charred head is tender but still has plenty of bite. Make sure to save room for the spot’s signature dessert: a towering slice of coconut cake (courtesy of a recipe from Lewis’s mother), accompanied by toasted coconut shavings and a scoop of house-made coconut ice cream.

What is it? This enchanting import from Nice draws on its Mediterranean origins, serving a medley of seafood plates alongside a smattering of traditional French cuisine.

Why we love it? Try the escargot and the french fries, which are made with as much care as the entrées, such as the whole sea bream baked en papillote. In fact, the spuds cook for hours, going from boiling pot to fryer to oven. Staying in these days? LPM will pack your favorite dishes to go in a hand-painted canvas bag and send you home with a Spotify playlist of the restaurant’s soundtrack to help you replicate the dine-in experience at home.

What is it? At Ghee, critically acclaimed chef Niven Patel doles out farm-to-table Southeast Asian food good enough to get folks to the ’burbs for dinner.

Why we love it: Patel grows about a quarter of his ingredients at his Rancho Patel in Homestead. And the whole operation is a family affair: His mother and mother-in-law can be seen whipping up smoked lamb neck, crispy cauliflower and steamed green millet, and other specialties in the open kitchen. The dishes are seasonal, the curries are made fresh, and the naan is so flavorful, it should really be savored on its own.

What is it? This family-owned, Nikkei-inspired restaurant grew from a humble stall in the neighborhood’s food hall, Mia Market, to a prime location in the Design District’s Palm Court. 

Why we love it: Itamae 2.0 is a glittering example of innovative Peruvian cooking, where the possibilities for raw fish are seemingly endless. You’ll find a variety of cebiches and other staples of South American cuisine, though our greatest obsession are the conchitas a la parmesana (stacked with fish, charred scallops and avocado). Each order offers four deliciously messy bites that make it snow parmesan flakes as you try to stuff one in your mouth. Getting it everywhere is actually half the fun. 

What is it? Brace for full Florida quirkiness at this irreverent Downtown bar and restaurant steeped in all the things that make our great state unique and amusing.

Why we love it: Over Under is home to the best cheeseburger in Miami, plus a few more things that chef James McNeal does very well. The thoroughly Floridian menu touts local ingredients, like the gulf oysters served on the half-shell and the wahoo used in the excellent smoked fish dip. Recently, the bar introduced a selection of natural wines should you need a break from the popular boozy slushies and craft cocktails.

What is it? Chef Bas’s compact restaurant in Little Havana is a delicious ode to his native Thailand. 

Why we love it: You will most definitely have to stand in line for the curries, but trust us: Every single one of them is worth it. Part of the schtick here is that you’re only allowed to order your food once, so make sure the pad see ew with beef (a stir-fry with thick rice noodles) and the khao soi gai (a golden curry) find their way to your table. You’ll want to slurp up the latter like a soup to get every last drop.

Time Out tip: Don't let the line discourage you. Put your name down and grab a beer or glass of wine from inside to enjoy on the sidewalk while you wait.

What is it? Converted from a 1930s gas station, this is a genuine oyster bar, with the marquee to prove it.

Why we love it: Find the day’s Atlantic and Pacific bivalves listed on a retro signboard that’s perched above the counter, where you can take a load off and watch all the shucking action. The casual space has a definite diner feel, but with much better food: Overflowing with chunks of buttery claw meat, the Connecticut-style lobster roll comes complete with house-made potato chips.

What is it? At Ariete in Coconut Grove, Michael Beltran flourishes at the intersection of homestyle Cuban cooking and contemporary fine dining. He takes familiar dishes up a notch with high-low ingredient pairings that never feel like it’s trying too hard to connect: From a venison tartare and a uni disco (essentially a griddled sea urchin sandwich) to a monkfish encendido that combines shellfish with beef jus, it all kind of makes sense. 

Why we love it: Few restaurants can execute a burger, foie gras, ceviche and duck with the same precision but then few places are Ariete.
 

What is it? Stephen Starr’s fancy pants Japanese restaurant inside the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops.

Why we love it: Hello, freshness! Makoto dishes out top-quality seafood, from its sashimi platter and its sushi to its heaping crab salad. With the verdant corridors of the Bal Harbour Shops as the backdrop for its patio and a spicy tuna crispy rice that trumps all other versions of the trendy sushi starter, Makoto wins for its mix of crave-worthy dishes and relaxed, tropical atmosphere.

What is it? The take-out market next to iconic Joe’s Stone Crab in South Beach.

Why we love it: This must be the best-kept secret in South Beach (at least in terms of value). Though widely known for its insanely inexpensive fried chicken, it also serves the coveted crustacean, lobster sandwiches that’ll put the Maine ones to shame and slices of Joe’s irresistible key lime pie.

Time Out tip: Most people take their bounty to the nearby South Pointe Park to enjoy.

What is it? Its smash-hit food truck was a favorite among those whose preferred Saturday morning activity was waiting in line for food. Now El Bagel’s brick-and-mortar is the chosen bagel spot of people with incredible patience.

Why we love it: Takeout at this small MiMo shop can take up to two hours but no one craving an oversize, NYC-style hand-rolled bagel can resist. The B.E.C. with Proper Sausages bacon, egg, and cheese and the avo smash with a mound of fresh sprouts are day-one favorites you can still get at the shop. 

What is it? The Downtown restaurant with the lively bar jumps from our DRINK List to our EAT List, following a brilliant lockdown pivot that took it from watering hole to a takeout restaurant to an outdoor dining destination.

Why we love it: Jaguar Sun is currently popping up in Little Haiti event space Lot 6 as Sonny’s Someday Steakhouse, offering a bonafide chophouse experience outdoors. You’ll forget all about tufted booths, white linens and air-conditioning when you tuck into fresh oysters, dry-aged steaks, hand-crafted martinis and more.

What is it? NIU Kitchen Chef Deme Lomas and wine director Karina Iglesias’s compact Catalonian café is located deep in Downtown Miami. The intimate spot expanded next door to sister restaurant, Arson, where diners can space out safely and enjoy the best of both menus.

Why we love it: There’s a seasonal lineup of bold tapas and flame-grilled mains, like the delicate branzino fillet topped with guindilla peppers and jamón ibérico. While delicious pa amb tomàquet (the traditional rustic bread with vine-ripened tomatoes, olive oil and salt), bottles of natural wines and something starring a running yolk like the ous—a creamy bowl of poached eggs, truffled potato foam, jamón ibérico and black truffle—are always a given.

What is it? This splashy Northern Chinese restaurant in the heart of Brickell draws in Miami’s most well-heeled crowds.

Why we love it: Its Peking duck two ways (once with hoisin sauce and pancakes and a second time stir-fried with lettuce wraps), pillowy bao buns stuffed with lobster and a branzino in a tongue-tingling sauce are too tasty to forget.

Time Out tip: Hutong eclipses your favorite Chinese joint in quality and price but its limited-time Red Lantern menu (available Wednesday through Sunday) gives diners the opportunity to sample its most popular dishes for under $70.

What is it? Chef Michael Pirolo’s South Beach trattoria with a newly minted garden patio.

Why we love it: It’s the familiar rustic Italian dishes that do us in here. Get handmade pasta served with lamb ragú, tossed with clams or served simply with garlic and olive oil to enjoy outdoors or at home now that the restaurant introduced delivery.

Time Out tip: For a gut-busting meal that won’t burn a hole through your pocket, stop in for red sauce Sundays. Dinner for two with meatballs, rigatoni, salads and grilled country bread is just $50. (The deal is on a short hiatus but keep an eye out fir its imminent return.)

What is it? Thomas Keller’s restaurant inside the Four Seasons Surf Club is a shining example of the quality and elegance the chef is known for.

Why we love it: From the tightly edited classic American menu to the midcentury stylings to the special moments afforded by the numerous tableside preparations available, it’s all class, baby. It’s not stuffy though, as classic rock and dim lights give the warm space a lounge feel. Go in knowing you’re going to spend a fortune but it’ll all be worth it for shareable dishes like the flaky beef wellington that’s baked and carved to order.

What is it? Sandwiched between jewelry stores in Downtown's historic Seybold Building, Motek rivals the hip cafés of Tel Aviv with its bright, inviting space and stacked menu of authentic Israeli delights.

Why we love it: From crispy falafel and juicy schnitzel to fresh salad and creamy house-made hummus, the fast-casual spot does street food with care, leaning into the spice-driven cuisine for simple, flavorful dishes you can enjoy at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our morning go-to? Motek’s shakshuka—made with just enough heat to kickstart your day.

What is it? A homey, bi-level restaurant housed inside a former Art Deco home that serves globally inspired dishes made with fresh ingredients from local farms.

Why we love it: Hipster home-cooking is the thing here—familiar recipes featuring unexpected ingredients and portioned to share. The kimchi fried rice is a must at brunch or dinner while the newly added oyster mushrooms with malawach rule the appetizer game. And you can’t leave without ordering a cocktail by the famous Bar Lab team.

Time Out tip: Overwhelmed by the list of drinks? Tell your server your choice of spirit and preferred flavor profile (sweet, spicy, refreshing, etc.,) and wait for the perfect drink to arrive at your table.

What is it? Chef Shuji Hiyakawa’s casual Upper Eastside restaurant serves up super-fresh chirashi bowls and house-made teas.

Why we love it: The authentic Japanese shop’s subtle but important details: Hand-folded origami cranes hang on the wall (Shuji and his friends folded some themselves). The effortless style goes wonderfully with the restaurant’s pared-down menu of simple, satisfying sushi bowls, sashimi and maki. The dishes—big on flavor and low on ego—don’t skimp on portions. Patrons choose from hearty combinations of fresh tuna, salmon, crab, rice, seaweed and more that will leave you feeling full but not sluggish.

What is it? Dubbed the “Casa de Masa,” this beachfront Mexican spot is known for its signature blue masa tortillas and pared-down, street-style tacos.

Why we love it: Taquiza keeps it simple, with a high-quality base that doesn't need much to help it shine. In fact, it might shock some people that the tacos here are really only stuffed with meat—think al pastor and carne asada—and topped with a sprinkling of fresh onions and cilantro. The main attraction, though, are the totopos, a style of corn tortilla chips that originates in Mexico’s Oaxaca region. Crispy yet chewy, salty and fresh from the fryer, they pair perfectly with a side of guac and a refreshing michelada.

Time Out tip: Taquiza nearly doubled its outdoor seating recently in case you’d rather enjoy that beer cocktail in the sunshine.

What is it? James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz’s premier restaurant in the Design District is one of those iconic Miami institutions that you’re supposed to like, and you invariably will.

Why we love it: Even putting buzz, accolades, celebrity sightings and longevity aside, the Design District staple still wows us 12 years later. The food and atmosphere walk the line between casual and showy, making it the perfect standby for a quick happy-hour cocktail, a business lunch of grilled escarole and a short-rib–and-fontina panini, or a date- night dinner of oysters, wood-oven snapper and pour upon pour of that ambrosial French wine that Schwartz keeps in stock.

What is it? A modern take on a Cuban cafeteria, this Little Havana counter sells pressed sandwiches, croquetas and a handful of hearty, quick bites.

Why we love it: Sanguich infuses the proud Cubano with house-made ingredients, such as cured ham, brined pork, fresh pickles and artisanal mustard. (Hell, even the doughy bread is made to Sanguich’s strict specifications.) Obviously, the best Cubano in Miami resides here. Plus, its Cuban version of nachos—with fried plantain strips and garlic aioli sauce—is utterly out of this world.

What is it? The hip Sunset Harbour outpost of one of Brooklyn’s most famous pizza joints, Lucali.

Why we love it: When it comes to pizza and bagels, Miamians defer to New Yorkers. Lucali opened here nearly seven years ago, and there hasn’t been a slow night since. The thin, wood-fired pies are the best-seller, closely followed by the lauded kale Caesar salad and the made-to-order Black Angus meatballs.

What is it? Zak Stern’s eponymous bakery and certified-Kosher sandwich shop in Wynwood is ground zero for all things sourdough.

Why we love it: Stern’s bread is a well-known team player in sandwiches and toasts at countless other restaurants. But his own intricate breakfast sammies are in a class of their own, with ingredients like alfalfa sprouts and heirloom tomatoes. We’re also big fans of the spectacular bagel platters, classic deli-style food and the rotating vegan soup. Beyond doling out naturally leavened bread and handmade pastries, ZTB launched a popular falafel pop-up featuring sandwiches and crispy french fries. Delivery and takeout are available as is dine-in service at its newly built patio.

What is it? A steakhouse for nonbelievers, Bourbon keeps things casual with a sleek wraparound bar and a lounge where snug booths and high-top tables are available sans reservations.

Why we love it: The menu sticks to tried-and-true standards: a crisp wedge salad, a tuna tartare that’s finished tableside, and myriad cuts of prime Angus beef and wagyu. Don’t overlook the burger, which pairs perfectly with the free (and unlimited!) duck-fat fries, served in lieu of the usual bread basket.

What is it? The sprawling New York import with an expansive dining room, behemoth smoker and dinosaur-sized racks of ribs.

Why we love it: You can count on the Allapattah restaurant to serve all the ‘cue classics, like brisket and coleslaw, as well as some more unusual dishes, like pastrami bacon and a veggie yuca bowl. As for drinks, Hometown offers small-batch wines and hand-crafted cocktails to help wash down all those smoked meats.

What is it? This third-wave coffee shop in the Park West neighborhood is a pioneer in the artisanal brew scene.

Why we love it: Beyond celebrating the humble cup of joe and its powers of resuscitation, ALL DAY is proving that café grub can be absolutely delish. We love the lattes, but we keep coming back for the assorted Cuban snacks and breakfast staples (served till 5pm), such as the Runny & Everything egg sandwich or the avocado toast topped with pickled onions.

What is it? Versailles in Little Havana bills itself as Miami’s most famous Cuban restaurant—and they’re not lying.

Why we love it: This place is slammed at all hours of the day (now outdoors under a widespread tent). If you’re visiting, tick off every Cuban thing from your Miami bucket list—coffee, sandwich and pastelito. If you live here, you’re probably well acquainted with the ventanita dispensing thimbles of addictive cafecito. 

If Azúcar was just your average ol’ scoop shop, it would still be hard to pass up thanks to its prime Calle Ocho location, but this place serves varieties that could come only from a Miami mind (which, in this case, is founder Suzy Battle). The flavors are ridiculously tasty and desserts double as an education in famous Cuban-American dishes. Azúcar’s super-popular Abuela Maria scoop features ribbons of sweet guava paste, chunks of cream cheese and crumbled Maria cookies—a classic Cuban combination.

Bachour could probably charge admission just for folks to come in and stare at its artful pastries through the sleek display cases. Thankfully, it doesn’t. Also, unlike a museum, guests are encouraged to taste the works of art—which are as satisfying to eat as they are to look at. Don’t leave without sampling the red velvet croissant or the hypnotizing tulip confection (you can practically see your reflection in the red glaze). Other tempting options include the veggie burger topped with perfectly symmetrical slices of avocado and a tartine piled high with bright, fresh ingredients.

You don’t even have to step inside Coyo Taco to see that it’s special: A quick glance at the outdoor picnic benches, crammed with people tearing into tacos, burritos and other Mexican plates, makes that obvious. They’re all either smiling or chewing. The attention to authentic, fresh Mexican flavors and ingredients—including the hand-pressed corn tortillas. It also helps that Coyo Taco is just plain cool, with an aesthetic and a secret back-room speakeasy as hip as the neighborhood it calls home.

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli puts a fun twist on upscale dining at Eating House, the low-key gem that sits at the edge of Coral Gables. He sources locally and plates artfully, presenting whimsical dishes with substance. Plates veer from the ordinary, like the meaty cauliflower steak or seemingly straightforward mushrooms, which give forth an explosion of earthy flavors.

The Wynwood spot has been quietly (until we started shout-singing its praises) serving the best vegan food in town at prices that are decidedly un-vegan. Cofounder Veronica Menin is one of the OGs of Miami’s plant-based scene: She has owned a healthy dessert company, established the vegan dinner series Conscious Bite Out and holds multiple degrees in nutrition. Love Life Cafe, though, is her magnum opus. Need proof? Order the veggie burger, cooked to perfection by Menin’s chef and partner, Diego Tosoni.

Cesar Zapata’s great Viet-Cajun experiment began as a pop-up in 2011. The response? More, please. And so Phuc Yea was born in Miami’s MiMo District, an area that has thankfully ballooned with culinary talent over recent years. Phuc Yea is no small part of that balloon. The restaurant enjoys a prime location on Biscayne Boulevard and a large, shaded courtyard awash in crimson accents and eye-catching lanterns. If the outside of Phuc Yea sings old-school glamour, the inside screams a more modern Miami attitude—with dashes of industrial chic and Asian flare with a tiki-bar aftertaste.