The best Wynwood restaurants that’ll blow your mind
The best Wynwood restaurants have been recognized by the James Beard Foundation and have lines way, way out the door
July 2019: Wynwood is growing so quickly that we can hardly keep up with the spate of new restaurants. Most of our neighborhood favorites remain, though we did have to say goodbye to Charcoal now that Wynwood Yard is no longer. In its place, we welcomed LAID, a delicious all-day breakfast joint, and Salty Donut, because its hand-rolled, brioche glazed makes sense any time of day.
Luckily for the “starving artist,” Wynwood’s best restaurants provide a diverse range of delicious choices. It’s downright improbable to go hungry in a neighborhood responsible for some of the city’s top establishments (not to mention Miami’s best bars and the best Miami coffee shops). Wynwood restaurants—which account for a slew of the top new restaurants in Miami—have transformed the city’s dining scene. Within a several blocks radius, you’ll find bread baked on the spot, dine on house-made sausages and knock back some very intricate cocktails in the process. There is really no other neighborhood in Miami that has stuffed so much deliciousness into such a tiny space. So if it’s your appetite rather than your artistic pursuits leading you to the colorful Wynwood, head to these restaurants to quell your cravings.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Wynwood
Best Wynwood restaurants
KYU
What is it? Quite possibly the best meal you’ll have in all of Miami. Indulgent yet thoughtful, KYU’s grilled fare will have you fiercely guarding your plate against sneaky dining companions while simultaneously booking another reservation on your phone.
Why go? Because if you can convince the table to order the soft shell crab buns, duck breast burnt ends, roasted cauliflower and pork and shitake gyoza your tongue will fly out of your mouth and ascend straight up to heaven. (That’s a good thing.)
The Salty Donut
What is it? This is the nexus of Miami’s doughnut obsession, where hand-made confections are rolled fresh and baked daily. Pick from assorted flavors, vegan varieties and boozy holes, plus freshly brewed Intelligentsia coffee.
Why go? Get Salty staples like the maple bacon brioche with Miami Smokers’ bacon crackling topping or the guava-and-cheese doughnut, which is basically Miami in dessert form. The bakery is known for secret releases and special collabs, so keep an eye on their Instagram page for deets.
Kush
What is it? The home of your favorite hamburger. Sitting on the edge of Wynwood, Kush does the burger and beer combo better than anyone we can think of not only in Miami, but in the gosh darn world.
Why go? Every burger variation is worth drooling over. Plus, in the sometimes likely event that you’ll have to wait for a table at this tiny spot, there’s a quirky botanica-inspired waiting room a couple of doors down where you can enjoy a beer.
Coyo Taco
What is it? Miami’s buzziest taco shop, known for lines that snack out the door, serves casual Mexican street fare and killer micheladas.
Why go? The merciful Coyo Taco is open until 3am, which makes it an ideal spot for a booze-soaking fourth meal. But at any hour, Scott Linquist’s tacos and burritos (especially the duck carnitas) are worth waiting in line for.
LAID Fresh
What is it? A hangover human’s dream, this breakfast-focused spot serves all kinds of hearty eggy sandwiches, various iterations of hashbrowns and mimosas in decorative mugs—because, you know, the hair of the dog is a real thing.
Why go? Once you’ve found your way out of the alcohol haze, why not get some work done? LAID offers a strong Wi-Fi signal and headphone stations with ambient sounds—plus the coffee is solid.
Le Chick
What is it? A snug eatery specializing in rotisserie chicken. You can also order your chicken fried or skip chicken altogether and go for tasty ribs or a juicy burger.
Why go? Because comfort food and cocktails are a heck of a combo, and here you’ll find both done properly in an atmosphere that’ll keep you awake. The rotisserie chicken does deliver huge flavor but we also wholeheartedly endorse the Royale with Cheese, a double cheeseburger that never fails to blow us away.
Hiden
What is it? A top-secret omakase counter tucked behind the back of the unassuming Taco Stand. Only a handful of diners can sit at the counter so reservations are a must (and hard to come by). The day of, you’ll receive a code that’ll get you in the door.
Why go? It's steep at $170 for 15 courses, but Hiden does offer an undeniably cool dining experience. You'll get unique, made-to-order sushi and cooked dishes served by true pros. Oh, and you'll get to pick your own sake vessel from an assortment of adorable vintage cups.
Beaker & Gray
What is it? A trendy place to get some amazing cocktails with some equally impressive food. Beaker & Gray works great for date night, happy hour bites or a late dinner.
Why go? In a culinary scene where concepts either go super barebones or way too overboard in aesthetic choices, Beaker & Gray’s design is balanced and its laid-back atmosphere inviting. The menu of shareable plates also straddles a smart line between flair and functionality. You can’t go wrong with an order of cheeseburger croquettes paired with one of the low abv drinks from the lunch cocktail menu.
1-800-Lucky
What is it? A funky Asian food market with seven different vendors dishing out cuisines such as crispy Peking duck, dim sum, matcha ice cream, sushi and more.
Why go? Because your friends are picky. And here, everyone will find something they can enjoy—even your one friend who just wants to skip dinner and go straight to drinks, like boxed sake and frozen Kirin beer.
Bakan
What is it? This buzzy Mexican restaurant is a cross between a boho Tulum taco spot and a flashy Mexico City restaurant—equal parts laid-back and showy, like Wynwood itself.
Why go? The tortillas are made in-house using organic blue corn and there are more than 200 different types of mezcals on the menu. The pairing possibilities are endless, and we’re here for it.
Zak the Baker
What is it? A hip kosher bakery that bakes loaves of the best bread you’ll find in Miami. The minimalist shop has a delightfully odd following of old-school Jewish deli aficionados and young Wynwood hipsters.
Why go? The challah sells out in hours, but you can always find a selection of incredibly tasty and fresh sandwiches, toasts, soups and more Jewish classics with creative twists.
Alter
What is it? A cozy, industrial spot led by the James Beard-nominated chef Brad Kilgore. Alter is one of Miami’s most hyped restaurants, beloved by critics and astute foodies.
Why go? Alter is the culinary equivalent of a fireworks display, with dazzling plates that boom loudly both on the plate and in your mouth. The tasting menu (five courses are $75, seven courses are $99) is a journey worth taking. And please do not leave without dipping a spoon into Kilgore’s luxurious soft egg—soft egg, sea scallop espuma, truffle pearls, chives and Siberian caviar.
Three
What is it? This upscale, contemporary American restaurant located inside the Wynwood Arcade tours an innovative chef-in-residence program. Currently, California’s Ari Taymor is cooking up all kinds of fresh, SoCal-inspired dishes.
Why go? Pull up a chair at the 10-seat counter and feel like you’re behind the line watching it all unfold. If it’s Wednesday, opt for a wine pairing as select glasses of whites and reds are priced at $10.
The Butcher Shop
What is it? A German-inspired beer garden serving cold pints and fluffy pierogis. For an afternoon of Oktoberfest via Miami, this is your spot.
Why go? Butcher Shop is a reliable choice for a bite and a beer—especially if it’s a gorgeous day out. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm, featuring discounted Bavarian bites and half-priced drinks, and you can grab $20 bottomless brunch cocktails every Saturday and Sunday.
Joey’s
What is it? Joey’s was one of the first restaurants to come to Wynwood and they’ve been a mainstay ever since. The Italian spot serves pizza, sandwiches, pasta and more.
Why go? Joey’s is a charming little spot smack in the center of everything. It has survived for so long because it’s darn good. Split one of the popular pizzas and then improvise from there.
Wynwood Diner
What is it? Wynwood’s take on a diner. This place has the diner staples: burgers, eggs and milkshakes. And there are also the Wynwood staples: industrial chicness, craft beer and cocktails.
Why go? Because you want a casual atmosphere and respectable portions. Wynwood Diner is a great place for a relaxing start or end to the night.
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