March 2019: We’re sure by now you’ve heard that Downtown is booming. The once sleepy urban hub is now a thriving neighborhood for eating and drinking, which means this list grew. First, we’ve said goodbye to the fancy Il Gabbiano and added a couple of standbys and two new favorites: PEZ for Mexican and Jaguar Sun for pasta and mescal (trust us on this pairing). As for pre-loved spots fresh on the list, we have go-to chicken joint Pollos y Jarras and our trusted BBQ restaurant, Sparky’s. It’s a mix of old and new that together make up a solid list of Downtown dining options.
For quite a long time, dining in Downtown Miami restaurants was as sexy a proposition as waterskiing in the Everglades. But as the Downtown development boom has gained momentum, so too has its restaurant scene. It started slow but restaurateurs around town now rightfully recognize Downtown as the next big thing, and its food scene is right up there with the best restaurants in South Beach and other more well-known areas. In fact, you’ll find more than one restaurant on this list featured in our roundup of the best restaurants in Miami. Downtown has come a long way, for sure. Now, whether you’re celebrating a very special occasion or looking for a hidden spot to enjoy some breathtakingly good food, Downtown has an answer—a tasty, tasty answer.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Downtown Miami