The best steakhouses in Miami for hungry carnivores

Here’s a worthy entry from Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina, who’s never there but secured a team who can hold their own. It’s about a half-hour north of Downtown, but it’s hard to argue that it’s not worth the trip. The bold and glossy atmosphere makes you feel a bit like an extra in Mad Men. While Mina’s cooking techniques bring you back to the 21st century. Ease into the meal with something raw, like the majestic seafood tower or tuna tartare. Then move on to the main event: all-natural steaks poached in herb-infused butter and finished on a wood-burning oven. And the trio of french fries cooked in duck fat—which are served in lieu of a bread basket and available in unlimited quantities. Honestly, we can’t think of anything tastier.

A proper steakhouse that’s entirely outdoors? Only in 2020. The folks at Jaguar Sun gave us this socially distanced gem at the height of lockdown when the chances of ever having a perfectly grilled rib eye made by someone other than yourself or your partner were very slim. Sonny’s menu packs all the chophouse classics, from a Caesar salad with actual anchovies (because that’s how it’s done) and oysters on the half shell to 70-day aged NY strip and an assortment of house-made sauces to top it with. Sonny’s is a temporary pop-up so you know what that means: book soon or forever miss out on a meal with as many choices for martinis as there are of meats.

This rustic Argentinean hideaway in Little Haiti doesn’t serve looks, but it does dole out serious cuts of delicious meat. Quaint and rustic, the no-frills restaurant impresses diners with its quality churrasco, variety of traditional Argentine sides and a vast selection of stellar Malbecs. You won’t leave this place hungry or thirsty. 

Once in a while, a chain restaurant comes along that makes you forget there’s more than one of it. How else could a place this good be replicated elsewhere? Still, we like our Smith & Wollensky is the best. It’s got water views and an outdoor bar where you can sip your perfect dirty martini while watching the boats (and, once upon a time, cruise ships) sail by. Plus, all of the prime cuts of beef, seafood towers and everything else you know about this well-oiled machine are available in South Beach, too.

Argentina grill-master Francis Mallmann put down roots in Miami Beach with this swanky, crimson steakhouse. From the chairs and the chandeliers to the contemporary asado, everything about this place is supremely sophisticated. Mallmann is not only Argentina’s most famous chef, but he’s also appeared in numerous television shows, including Netflix’s Chef’s Table, and catered Gwyneth Paltrow’s rehearsal dinner. Though, if star power doesn’t do it for you, his Sunday asado brunch where all kinds and cuts of meats just flow, certainly will.  

This is not a pick-up joint, despite the name, but a surprisingly tasty option along the tourist-heavy Lincoln Road. Meat Market is a consistent exception to those wary of dining on Lincoln. Quality beef is flown in from New York and Australia and the side dishes—say hello to gouda-stuffed tater tots and truffle cream corn—are enough to make you fall in love.

This is just about the most iconic spot in Miami for carnivores and those who enjoy a star-studded scene. Reservations don’t mean anything here, so park yourself at the bar, snack on the free bacon and prepare to wait to be seated. Prime 112 is one of those classic Miami places you go to see and be seen. Though the fresh lobster, hashbrowns and the famous fried Oreos serve as delicious reminders that the food here is, in fact, great. 

Here’s a steakhouse without all of the pretentiousness. This place takes on the vibe of an Argentine farmhouse (a very fancy one) with its brick-decorated, wooden dining room. A fan of surf and turf? PM’s delicious seafood is influenced by the Argentine coast. The catch of the day never disappoints, plus it’s normally served tableside for a bonus dose of mealtime theatrics.

The menu says it best: Hereford specializes in 100-percent Angus beef. Though if this particular breed of cattle doesn’t do much to whet your appetite, surely you’ll find something on the restaurant’s exhaustive menu. You haven’t seen this many kinds of soups available at once since you last went to Sizzler. The same goes for steaks: t-bone, tenderloin, NY strip—Hereford’s got it. The old-school steakhouse has been around for decades (the decor is pretty much frozen in time) and still believes in things like white tablecloths and place settings with multiple silverware and glasses. It’s close to the airport but don’t let that dissuade you—travelers shouldn’t have all the fun.

One of the cornerstones of the Fontainebleau Hotel’s superb dining scene, StripSteak is as elegant as the classic hotel it calls home. The wine options abound and the seafood and pasta are both very fresh, but the meat is where it’s at. Try anything coming out of that wood-burning grill: the Australian wagyu, American rib eye and Japanese A5 Miyazaki are all smart choices. Order a side of truffle mac and cheese. If you don’t eat it, we will.

Plant-based eaters, these restaurants are for you.