The best restaurants in Miami to book right now

What is it? The original Sunny’s pop-up was run by the same team behind Downtown's much-missed Jaguar Sun, co-owners Carey Hynes and Will Thompson. For Sunny’s beautiful new brick-and-mortar space in Little River, they’ve brought in ex-Edge chef Aaron Brooks to run the kitchen. The theme is steakhouse classics turned sideways, as in the Caesar dominated by super-crisp fried breadcrumbs. Steak tartare is pre-slathered on sourdough above a burnt leek aioli that adds sophistication to the dish. Things veer from a traditional steakhouse with a pasta section, including an agnolotti with blue crab, corn and saffron that tastes deeply of the sea.

Why we love it: The whole thing—the ambiance, food, drinks and service—feels like a grand production, a special night out, even when you're just going for happy hour. Pitchers of cocktails, martini service and seafood platters come served in elaborate vessels that border on camp in the best way possible.

Time Out tip: Dress up, spend some cash on top-notch steaks and turn this into something special; or stay casual, order the shrimp cocktail and the hanger steak and still leave very happy.

Address: 7357 NW Miami Ct, Miami, FL 33150

Opening hours: Daily 5:30–11pm

Expect to pay: About $200 to $250 per person, including springing for a requisite martini, something from the raw bar and dessert.

What is it? A cross between an L.A. strip mall gem and a cozy Brooklyn dive, Boia De sits on the edge of Buena Vista and Little Haiti, where it serves modern, Italian-inspired dishes and low-ABV cocktails that taste not a drop less celebratory.

Why we love it: Chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer pour themselves into this place, constantly reinventing the classics and executing with gorgeous consistency. 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 is superb, offering a few skin-contact options to coax you out of your comfort zone.

Time Out tip: Reservations are tough, but if you arrive at opening, you can usually snag a couple seats at the bar. Or consider making a break for Walrus Rodeo, Boia De's more casual wood-fired sister just a few doors down.

Address: 5205 NE Second Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Daily 5:30–10:30pm

Expect to pay: $150 per person should get you about two to three plates and a glass of wine or two.

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. Go in knowing you’ll spend a small fortune—but it’ll all be worth it for shareable dishes like the flaky beef Wellington that’s baked and carved to order.

Time Out tip: Dishes like French onion dip might sound kitschy but the expert execution to classics is part of the fun of this place.

Address: 9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154

Opening hours: Sun–Wed 5:30–10pm; Thu–Sat 5:30–10:30pm

Expect to pay: $250 per person should cover about two drinks, a couple of appetizers and an entrée each. 

What is it? Tâm Tâm began as a pandemic project, then a series of special collab dinners and, finally, a brick-and-mortar restaurant serving creative and highly shareable Vietnamese dishes in a nostalgic Downtown Miami dining room.

Why we love it: Unlike other pop-ups that never progress much beyond the food, Tâm Tâm's grown-up evolution nails every aspect: vibe, service and its dishes, which you’ll find yourself craving over and over again. The diner-like restaurant is intimate, quirky and fun. (Don't forget to pitstop at the bathroom for a quick karaoke session.)

Time Out tip: Order the crazy-crispy wings in caramel fish sauce. It's a messy treat that encapsulates the chef's knack for bold flavors and authentic ingredients.

Address: 99 NW 1st St, Miami, FL 33128

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

Expect to pay: $150 per person, including tax and tip. Most dishes are around $20, with larger shareable mains hovering around the $40 mark. 

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 too forced: From grilled oysters with bone marrow and uni butter to foie gras with plantain pave and grilled kampachi with mofongo, it all kind of makes sense.

Why we love it: Few restaurants can prepare a duck in as many ways or with the same level of precision. But then again, few offer a tableside pressed duck experience like Ariete.

Time Out tip: The duck press should be ordered, marveled at and serve as a warning for those annoying ducks at the park.

Address: 3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–11pm 

Expect to pay: Around $250 per person, whether you go à la carte or pre-fix ($180 per person). The duck-for-two service is $160. Happy hour is surprisingly approachable, with plates, wine and cocktails ranging from around $10 to $18.

What is it? Chef Michael Pirolo’s South Beach trattoria with an expanded and refreshed dining room and lush 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 since the restaurant now offers delivery.

Time Out tip: Pirolo's sister, Jacqueline, helms the beverage program here (and advises at a few cool spots around town, too). The pasta is fantastic, but don't shy away from ordering something fun off the drinks menu, like a petite Bambini Tini or one of her excellent wine selections.

Address: 820 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 6–11pm; Fri–Sun 5–11pm

Expect to pay: $150 per person, and you'll want to budget for a bottle of wine and/or cocktails—few can curate a beverage list as well as Jacqueline.

What is it? Ogawa isn’t a Japanese restaurant exactly. It’s a chunk of Japanese soil, an embassy, a slice of culture. That’s true with the vibe, in that it can be somewhat awkward yet humbling, and of course with the food, a long evening of sushi and hot dishes that all display a downright obsession with being authentically Japanese.

Why we love it: Not everyone can get on an overnight to Tokyo. But at least there’s Ogawa, a meticulous rendition of what makes Japan so fascinating and its food such an exploration into something new.

Time Out tip: The menus are highly seasonal and thus ever-changing, but each meal begins with an array of small dishes followed by sushi, a temaki, miso soup and dessert. Expect to spend around 2.5 hours taking it all in. 

Address: 7223 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33150

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 6–9pm

Expect to pay: $395 deposit per person, not including taxes, service and any beverage consumption.

What is it? The perpetual buzz of this upscale Coral Gables chop house is thanks to culinary director Daniel Ganem’s impeccable steak program that's complemented by perfect versions of classic American sides and warm European-inspired hospitality. 

Why we love it: Deconstructed martini service served on a silver platter; gorgeous cuts of perfectly rendered steak and locally sourced seafood; a corn pudding and twice-baked potato that are among the best versions we’ve tried. Go here to feel expensive, but tastefully so. The restaurant is festive and sleek, with a massive glass wine cellar and a beautiful open kitchen that divide the space into more intimate zones.

Time Out tip: Your server may recommend the Foie Gras Crème Brulee—order it. Layered with Hudson Valley foie gras, cashews, toasted coconut and mango, the dish may mystify you. But it’s a delicious representation of this elevated yet fun tropical steakhouse, and absolutely worth trying.

Address: 1500 San Ignacio Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146

Opening hours: Mon 5–9pm; Tue–Thu noon–9:30pm; Fri noon–10:45pm; Sat 4:30–10:45pm; Sun 5pm–8:45pm

Expect to pay: $150 per person—or upwards of $500 per person, depending on how exotic your wine selections and how many dishes you’d like heaped with caviar.

What is it? The Miami outpost of this Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse from New York City is every bit worth the splurge—and splurge you will.

Why we love it: Cote brings a new level of dining experience to Miami, one that’s upscale but approachable and with a high-end menu that’s still got plenty of heart. The tables are equipped with smokeless charcoal grills, where servers cook your dry-aged beef for you. Lest you forget the caliber of the restaurant, there’s no chance you’re going home smelling like you’ve been on the ‘cue yourself. (We can’t say the same about other Korean barbecue joints we’ve frequented.)

Time Out tip: First time? The Butcher’s Feast tasting experience is a great way to sample the restaurant’s heavy hitters for an accessible $78 per person. It’ll leave plenty of room in the budget to savor one of the excellent craft cocktails, such as the COTE Fashion, made with Japanese whiskey bitters and oleo-saccharum, a richly aromatic syrup made by macerating citrus peels with sugar.

Address: 3900 NE Second Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Sun–Wed noon–3pm, 5–11pm; Thu–Sat noon–3pm, 5–midnight

Expect to pay: The well-priced Butcher's Feast allows for a budget-friendly, Michelin meal at about $130 per person, including a cocktail, tax and tip.

What is it? Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford’s edgy neighborhood restaurant doles inspired new American cuisine you’ll be craving long after your meal.

Why we love it: Besides earning a Michelin star, Stubborn Seed has the kind of understated wow factor you don’t see often in these parts of South Beach, where it’s all sparklers and velvet ropes (yes, even at restaurants). Sourcing produce grown on his own Miami farm, there’s a thoughtful subtleness to Ford’s cooking, which we find at once unconventional and familiar.

Time Out tip: The nine-course tasting menu ($175 per person, plus tax and gratuity) offers a spin through dishes that showcase what makes Ford such a talent. Or opt for the six-course menu for $125. 

Address: 101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 6–10pm; Fri, Sat 6–11pm

Expect to pay: The tasting menu here is excellent and will set you back about $250 per person with a cocktail, tax and tip.

What is it? South Florida’s most famous restaurant, Joe’s (around since 1913!) is as much a Miami must-see as Ocean Drive.

Why we love it: It's no secret that Joe's serves the best stone crabs in Miami, but there's also the garlic creamed spinach, Lyonnaise potatoes, coleslaw and Joe's salad. If you don’t like seafood, try the insanely inexpensive fried chicken, or the liver and onions. Joe’s doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared for a long wait, first to register your name, then for a table.

Time Out tip: If you're wondering which size claw to go for, we asked Stephen Sawitz from the family that started it all: "Personally, I would probably myself go for Selects, just because I think that's the sweet spot in value." He also divulged the best ways to snag a coveted table, the most popular starter and more.

Address: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 5–10pm; Thu, Sun 11:30am–2:30pm, 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–2:30pm, 5–11pm

Expect to pay: $100 to $200 per person, a range that hinges on your proclivity for stone crabs—available at market price. The chicken, thankfully, is always a reliable $8.95.

What is it? James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz’s namesake 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 all these years later. It's even more impressive now following a renovation that saw it expand its footprint, widen its bar seating and grow its menu to reflect seasonal dining trends—think steamed Pemaquid mussels in a lemon-garlic cream broth and wood-roasted red snapper served with eggplant escabeche.

Time Out tip: 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 or a date-night dinner with pour upon pour of wine. (Wednesdays feature live jazz starting at 6:30pm.)

Address: 130 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–11pm; Sun 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: It's hard to say. A full dinner with drinks can run you about $175 per person, but you can also indulge in brunch for about $75 per person. Happy hour is a steal with $10 drinks and $6 snacks, which are substantial enough to call a light dinner.

What is it? Chef Kwame Onwuachi is one of America’s brightest culinary talents right now, responsible for smash hits like Tatiana in NYC and Dogon in. D.C. At Las’ Lap, he’s built yet another beautifully textured narrative through food, channeling his Trinidadian roots and Miami’s eclectic Caribbean communities in a lush and intimate canal-front space.

Why we love it: Walking into Las’ Lap feels like arriving at a vibey house party at exactly the right moment. Enter through the dimly lit lobby of South Beach’s boutique Daydrift Hotel and make your way back to the sultry sliver of a restaurant. On the patio, a thicket of mangroves is the wild backdrop to a stylish crowd. The food is an exhilarating convergence of West Indian flavors accented by Miami’s playful decadence: caviar service with warm roti, oysters with tamarind mignonette, pimento-smoked hot honey sticky wings and rasta pasta served Italian-style with jerk clams bianco.

Time Out tip: On weekends, Las’ Lap extends up to the Daydrift rooftop for dance parties that bring the island vibes and go until late. Check their Instagram for the latest events and RSVP links.

Address: 2216 Park Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Sun, Mon, Thu 5–11pm; Fri, Sat 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Around $100 per person

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.

Time Out tip: Outside is where it’s at, and we’ve personally witnessed the overhangs keep most everyone dry during downpours.

Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Daily noon–11pm

Expect to pay: The average check here is about $150 per person.

What is it? People like to visit Miami for an escape, but what do Miamians do when they need a little reprieve from the city? Instant vacation vibes come courtesy of Gramps Getaway. Perched inside the Rickenbacker Marina, this is a true dock-and-dine destination with a casual sandals vibe and an amazing view of downtown Miami across the water.

Why we love it: Chef James McNeal serves up the usual fare you'd want with your day on the water: wings, conch fritters, cheeseburgers and fish sandwiches, all elevated in the least douchey sense of the word. You'll also find more unexpected stuff, like a charred broccoli salad with pickled chili, buttermilk ranch and garlic-shallot crumble.

Time Out tip: Gramps Getaway packs DJ sets, live bands and other locals-approved activations into most weekends. Check their Insta for the latest.

Address: 3301 Rickenbacker Cswy, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–10pm; Fri, Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: Around $80 per person for bites and a few drinks.

What is it? This enchanting European import draws on the Mediterranean for inspiration, serving a medley of seafood plates alongside a smattering of Provençal dishes you might find on the French Riviera.

Why we love it: Try the escargot, the whole sea bream baked en papillote and the french fries, which are made with as much care as the entrées. The spuds cook for hours, going from boiling pot to fryer to oven. 

Time Out tip: The fresh tomato and bread service will catch you off guard if it’s your first time dining at LPM, but don’t be afraid to grab a knife and slice right in.

Address: 1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131

Opening hours: Mon–Fri noo–11pm; Sat, Sun 6–11pm

Expect to pay: Dinner will run you about $150 to $200 per person.

What is it? A modern and moody aperitivo bar in the lobby of The Elser Hotel that emphasizes Italian spirits, with an expertly curated menu of Italian-inspired cocktails and fortified wines. ViceVersa’s food is right up there with the drinks—not a surprise, considering bartender-owner Valentino Longo’s partnered with Carey Hynes and Will Thompson (of Sunny’s fame) to head up the kitchen and service.

Why we love it: A negroni sbagliato the size of your head; the most delicate slices of scallop in a pool of bright and earthy tomato water; martini service four ways; and the Neapolitan-style pizza, which is among the best we’ve had in Miami. The food menu strikes the ideal combination of elevated, Italian-inspired bar snacks and inventive, craveable pies. Our favorites are the Roasted Leek with corn bechamel and caciocavallo and the Italian Job with vodka sauce, sausage and `nduja.

Time Out tip: Longo recently unveiled a fascinating new cocktail menu inspired by Italian Futurism, with each section inspired by a desired mood, from arousal to relaxation.

Address: 398 NE 5th St, Miami, FL 33132

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: $50 to $100 per person, depending on whether you’re here for drinks and a snack or a full meal.

What is it? This regional Mexican restaurant in Coconut Grove takes its tortillas and just about everything else it does very seriously, which is likely why it's retained its Michelin star three years running. Upstairs, the same team runs sister restaurant Krüs Kitchen, a light-filled loft serving globally inspired dishes, seasonal crudo and housemade bread.

Why we love it: For starters, the tortillas here are made from imported Mexican corn ground by a volcano rock in a molino. Then there's the esquites made with wild-caught crab in a lobster bisque and the tamal stuffed with confit duck and pepper criolla. Oh, and both restaurants were recently awarded the prestigious Michelin Green Star for their commitment to sustainability.

Time Out tip: Order the braised pork cheek carnitas, so tender and full of flavor it just might make the entire meal worth it.

Address: 3413 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133

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

Expect to pay: Most dishes average about $30, and you'll need a few to fill up, so expect to pay about $175 per person. 

What is it? After a brief stint inside Downtown’s B100m food hall—and a swift recommendation from the Michelin Guide—chef Alejandra Espinoza transplanted her Ecuadorian concept Cotoa to a bright and cheerful corner space in North Miami. The 24-seat restaurant is filled with relaxed guests who seem like they’ve been coming here forever. Dishes are lean, flavorful and beautifully composed, representing Ecuador's cultural heritage through a modern yet unfussy lens.

Why we love it: Cotoa’s playful menu is full of complex flavors and fresh takes on familiar-to-Miami ingredients. Put in an order of the Pan de Yuca right away—pillowy cheese bread rolls with the perfect amount of bite, served with mamey chutney and inspired by the start of every meal in Ecuador. Round things out with an aromatic ceviche and a main. We went with El Pincho, a smoky chimichurri hanger steak, accompanied by crunchy papa chaucha (gold potatoes) and Jerusalem artichoke chips. 

Time Out tip: Cotoa is great for a laidback lunch date. It’s the same menu you’ll find at dinner, with plenty of items that won’t leave you feeling overly full. 

Address: 12475 NE 6th Ct, North Miami, FL 33161

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 5:30–9:30pm; Fri–Sun 12:30–3:30pm, 5:30–9:30pm

Expect to pay: $50 to $75 per person

What is it? Notable chef Raheem Sealey (of KYU and Drinking Pig fame) makes a triumphant return to Wynwood with Shiso, a chic Asian smokehouse fusing Japanese and Caribbean flavors, elevated by wood-fired barbecue techniques.

Why we love it: Shiso knows how to make a statement. The sprawling indoor-outdoor space draws culinary inspiration from around the globe. Chef Sealey balances sushi rolls and crudos with serious barbecue skills, turning out bold, beautifully plated dishes. Standouts include the Shiso Chicken Please (a Cornish hen served half-smoked, half-fried with white BBQ sauce), miso cornbread with uni and ikura, smoked brisket croquettes with sweet potato, and Chilean seabass in coconut curry. 

Time Out tip: Choose your vibe: Outside offers DJ beats and draft cocktails, while the indoor space leans into old-school hip-hop and more complex craft drinks.

Address: 239 NW 28th St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Sun, Tue–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: While mostly on the higher end, the shareable menu appeals to a wide range of price points. Expect cold dishes for $20 to $30, hot dishes for $18 to $42 and large-format mains upwards of $70.

What is it? A pizza restaurant, wine and cocktail bar, gourmet market and cafe in Little Rive serving Italian small plates, excellent pies and charcuterie in a casual yet festive space. From the brother-and-sister duo behind Miami Beach’s beloved Macchialina and partner Jen Chaefsky, Bucce’s got a pedigree that keeps the bar full and the patio buzzing with neighborhood creatives, young parents and their hip-looking children.

Why we love it: With its airy design, pizza emphasis and counter-ordering system, Bar Bucce lends itself to larger group gatherings. Friends can easily manage their own tabs and come and go from their tables as they please. Order the Margherita topped with stracciatella and the savory-sweet Shrimp Pie. The pistachio crumble in the Bucce Sundae is addictive. For drinks, Jacqueline Pirolo has curated a solid list of wines by the glass and bottle.

Time Out tip: On Super Bowl Sunday (February 8), Bar Bucce hosts a watch party on the patio complete with wings and chicken parm heros on special, plus a 200-inch projector screen to watch the game.

Address: 7220 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33150

Opening hours: Sun, Wed noon–10pm; Thu–Sat noon–10:30pm

Expect to pay: Wines by the glass start around $15; the 16-inch pizzas hover around $24 to $35. Slices go for $8 during lunch. You'll likely pay anywhere from $50 to upwards of $100 per person, depending on the occasion. 

What is it? Miami’s supper club landscape is saturated. Why sit still and talk when you can shimmy in your seat and wave your napkin in the air between courses? But there’s always room for one more—especially when it’s the French Riviera-inspired hotspot everyone is talking about.

Why we love it: Inconspicuous at the base of a high-rise on Brickell Avenue, the perpetually packed restaurant offers one of Miami’s most glamorous nights out—think cabaret-style performers roaming the dining room, artfully plated French-Mediterranean dishes and a festive atmosphere that makes even a simple dinner feel like a celebration. As our writer Falyn Wood put it, “You’ll find these basic elements at clubstaurants all over Miami, but Claudie seems to have captured tha je ne sais quoi that makes her better than all the rest.”

Time Out tip: Claudie is one of Brickell’s hottest tickets right now, so book a reservation in advance or be prepared to wait. If you can manage to snag a seat at the bar, the people-watching is fabulous.

Address: 1101 Brickell Ave S-113, Miami, FL 33131

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 6pm–1am; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am

Expect to pay: About $100 to $150 per person, depending on if this is a full dinner or more of a drinks-and-a-snack affair 

What is it? Luca is Giorgio Rapicavoli’s delicious salute to his home country, serving up modern interpretations of Italian classics.

Why we love it: We know this is a restaurant list, but we’re going to lead with cocktails. Luca’s impressive list of Italian standards and reinvented classics deserves serious praise. We can never decide between the banana espresso martini or the Portofino, which is his take on a dirty with a delicate drizzle of super high-quality olive oil. Naturally, we get them both. The same goes for the pasta—from the tangy al limone and the cheesy cacio e pepe to the rich short rib bolognese, you’ll want to order several when you dine here.

Time Out tip: Order the patate fritte from the antipasti menu. These delicate, crispy-skinned potato pearls explode in your mouth when combined with black truffle, creamy Parmigiano fonduta, and egg yolk. It's seriously unmissable.

Address: 116 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

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

Expect to pay: The average check here is $150 per person.

What is it? A surf-and-turf showstopper spans three levels of Edgewater's beautiful and historic Women's Club building.

Why we love it: The food is quite good at Klaw, yes. But walking up to the portico, it feels special, like heading into a rumrunner supper club with fellow flappers. This theme continues with dapper servers offering up decadent trays of marbled meats and massive king crab claws, well into the dessert course. Plus, up on the sixth floor, the sunset views over Biscayne Bay and the downtown skyline are pretty hard to beat.

Time Out tip: Order the crab, of course. For a less conventional protein, try steaks from Florida Cracker Cattle, with meat that’s high in Omega-3 fatty acids since the cattle graze on grass instead of corn.

Address: 1737 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132

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

Expect to pay: When your crab is flown in from Norway and each slab of meat has an origin story, then $250 per person is sort of expected.

What is it? There’s an old saying in restaurants: good food, good service, good ambiance—pick two. In Miami, it’s often: good food, clubby scene—pick one. There are exceptions, of course, and Doya is one, a lively indoor-outdoor space where trays of excellent and shareable Aegean dishes fill the tables.

Why we love it: Those plates come from a kitchen run by chef Erhan Kostepen, formerly of Mandolin Aegean Bistro, one of Miami’s longtime favorite restaurants. At Doya, Kostepen took Mandolin’s concept of creating simply prepared mezze dishes that highlight a few well-sourced ingredients. The tomato and feta salad, for instance, is little more than just that, dressed in olive oil with oregano and capers, and just perfect because it doesn’t try to be anything more.

Time Out tip: While most of the dishes here are meant to be shared, don't sleep on the entree-sized items, like lamb chops or wood-fired kebabs, and grilled Turkish kofte meatballs. The fisherman’s seafood stew comes served for two, with mussels, shrimp and branzino in a spicy and thick tomato broth plus a couple of grilled slices of toast ready for dipping.

Address: 347 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Daily noon–midnight

Expect to pay: Your meal will run you about $100 per person.

What is it? A modern take on a Cuban cafeteria, this Little Havana counter (with locations in Coral Gables and Bayside Marketplace) 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.

Time Out tip: Folks who live north can get a quick taste of Sanguich from their Little Haiti ventanita (walk-up window). 

Address: 2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135; 111 Palermo Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134; 401 Biscayne Blvd. S116, Miami, FL 33132; 6500 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Daily 10am–6pm (Little Havana); Daily 11am–10pm (Bayside); Daily 11am–7pm (Little Haiti); Mon–Sat 7am–9pm, Sun 7am–8pm (Coral Gables)

Expect to pay: Sandwiches are $12 to $15 and hearty—you can share one or save half for dinner and enjoy two meals for less than $20. 

What is it? Carbone Vino in Coconut Grove is a more intimate, grown-up counterpart to its flashy South Beach sibling. As the name hints, this luxurious Italian joint sets itself apart with an outstanding wine collection that’s over 3,000 bottles deep. Curated by Major Food Group’s award-winning wine director, John Slover, wines by the glass rotate daily, so there’s always something new to try.

Why we love it: The menu carries over many of Carbone’s greatest hits, like the spicy rigatoni alla vodka, veal parmesan and caesar salad “alla ZZ.” The Vino-exclusive dishes, like the earthy suppa di mussels with lamb sausage, a vibrant radicchio and gorgonzola salad and the tortellini tartufo nero, aim to make regulars of mainland Miami's well-heeled locals and the snowbirds lucky enough to call Coconut Grove home part-time.

Time Out tip: Also unlike Carbone proper, you can order a meal at the bar at Carbone Vino. Sidle up to the sexy marble counter and stay awhile to take in dinner with Coconut Grove’s buzzy after-work scene.

Address: 2911 Grand Ave Suite 194, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–2pm, 4–11; Sun 11:30am–2pm, 5–10pm

Expect to pay: Your meal will run you about $150 to $200 per person.

What is it? Its smash-hit food truck was a favorite among those whose preferred Saturday morning activity was waiting in line for food. Then, El Bagel’s MiMo brick-and-mortar became the chosen breakfast pilgrimage of people with incredible patience. Now, find a second (possibly even busier) outpost in Coconut Grove.

Why we love it: Takeout at this small shop can take up to two hours but no one craving a fresh, NYC-style hand-rolled bagel can resist. 

Time Out tip: The B.E.C. with Proper Sausages bacon, egg and cheese is a day-one favorite, and about the only thing that'll successfully cure a hangover. Lines are long on the weekends so be sure to order ahead online for pick-up.

Address: 6910 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Wed–Mon 8am–2pm

Expect to pay: About $10 to $15 for a bagel and a coffee. 

What is it? At Ghee, 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.

Time Out tip: The new Wynwood location is like the cooler cousin of the Kendall original.

Address: 63 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–2:30pm, 5:30–11pm; Sun noon–2:30pm, 5:30–10pm

Expect to pay: A meal for two is about $250