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The best Downtown Miami restaurants promise delicious food, reasonable prices and cool, urban settings
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
What is it? One of the very big reasons people see Downtown as a future food destination. Here, owner David Foulquier has borrowed all the best bits of his fine dining experience while somehow maintaining an easygoing atmosphere.
Why go? Because where else will you find amazing Persian cuisine mingling with Mediterranean flavors in such a hip place? In Miami, nowhere.
What is it? A Tijuana-style restaurant that skews heavy on the seafood and artisanal Mexican wines (yes, that’s a thing). Not into vino? Small batch tequila and high-end mescals flow here, too.
Why go? You won’t find ground beef or queso at this place. Instead, the tacos are stuffed with spiced carnitas, grilled octopus, fresh fish and anything else award-winning chef Javier Plascencia deems fit.
What is it? A rugged barbecue joint with a craft beer menu to rival its many, many homemade sauces and cuts of smoked meats.
Why go? The large portions are a great value and the assortment of sides—baked beans, slaw, mac and cheese—leave no craving for southern food unsatisfied. Plus, the banana pudding and other made-from-scratch desserts are out of this world.
What is it? Flashy, fancy and delicious Japanese food. Make a reservation (it’s very necessary) and unleash your inner-celebrity—which means no shorts and flip-flops, pal.
Why go? Because it’s a treat-yo-self kind of night and that view of the Miami River (sit outside!) is so worth it. Brunch also comes highly recommended.
What is it? This intimate bar tucked away in a far corner of the X Miami lobby is home to some of the best pasta in town.
Why go? Coowners Will Thompson and chef Carey Hynes cover a lot of culinary ground in a fairly small space, which also happens to be ideal for a romantic date. Trust the duo behind this hybrid restaurant/bar to sling delicious cocktails, dressed oysters and the aforementioned pasta selection. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
What is it? This casual Peruvian restaurant is known for its juicy rotisserie birds and exhaustive selection of ceviche, chaufa and other Latin American signatures.
Why go? For a no-frills meal that’s 100 times better than any chicken combo you’ll find at similar spots. Besides the plain spit-grilled option, there’s chicken in sauce, saltado-style and in a sandwich, among other numberable ways to enjoy.
What is it? Gourmet coffee and breakfast food so good it’ll make you question every piece of French toast you’ve ever consumed. It’s tempting to label this the perfect hangover spot, but eating this food and drinking this coffee anything but alert and present is a waste.
Why go? Because the cold brew/rosemary limeade mashup is worth the hype. And you’re in the mood for fluffy French toast now aren’t you?
What is it? A fancy Mediterranean restaurant courtesy of the lauded chef Daniel Boulud. It was good enough for Manhattan’s competitive fine dining scene and it’s equally delicious in the 305.
Why go? Because Mr. Boulud could slap his last name on a port-o-potty and we’d line up to get in. Thankfully, this special occasion restaurant tastes and smells infinity times better than such a concept.
What is it? A rare healthy food concept that is less about flashy buzzwords and more about phenomenal quality. Everything is house-made, gluten-free, plant-based, organic and tastes amazing.
Why go? Because your stomach needs some positive vibes. Manna set out to provide a healthy, mindful dining alternative in Downtown and continues to be the best at that.
What is it? The closest thing to real Catalan cuisine in Miami. NIU is a hidden spot among bodegas and parking lots so—don’t worry—you’re in the right place. The narrow but cozy restaurant only has about ten tables, so reservations are encouraged.
Why go? Easy: the food. This spot plays by its own rules with shareable plates that mix tradition and an eccentric, adventurous spirit. A bottle of wine is a must. Your server will help you pick.
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