Olee Fowler

June 2025: Restaurants in Miami seem to be opening at a breakneck pace. The New York City takeover has (thankfully) cooled, and now we’re seeing favorites from Chicago, Philadelphia, and Buenos Aires expand here, too. There are also spin-offs from beloved local spots—like Little River’s Bar Bucce from the brother-and-sister duo behind Macchialina—and first-time ventures from chefs we’ve sorely missed, like KYU’s Raheem Sealey. In a city where something fresh and flashy is always vying for your attention, our list of the best restaurants in Miami is designed to cut through the noise with a handful of trusted picks for your next night out. A few new spots are generating serious buzz (we’re looking at you, Double Luck Chinese and TBD), but we’ve left them off the list until we’ve had a chance to dig in ourselves. You’ve got your go-to spots. You’ve probably made your way through Miami’s best restaurants, maybe twice. And when it’s time to down mimosas over chit chat, you know exactly where to brunch or sit down for a cup of joe at the best coffee shops all around town. But here's the thing about Miami—just when you think you know everything to know about this city’s food scene, more and more new restaurants keep opening up around town. Whether you’re a proud foodie, an avid early adopter, or you just want to shake up your list of favorite restaurants with something new, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best new restaurants in Miami to try right now.

Steak houses in Miami run the full spectrum. You’ve got your big-name, bottle-service places where the steak arrives in a gold briefcase, and you’ve got neighborhood grills where the meat hits the table still crackling from the fire. Some are built for birthdays, business deals or Instagram moments. Others just serve a really great ribeye with a side of fries and call it a night. Whether you're going all in or just want a solid cut without the fuss, here are the Miami steak houses that actually deliver. May 2025: This latest update brings three powerhouse additions to Miami's steak scene: Sunny's Steakhouse, which graduated from beloved pop-up to permanent courtyard gem in Little River; Maple & Ash, the Chicago import that landed downtown with its signature theatrical service; and The Joyce, a hidden 60-seat steakhouse on Española Way with serious art on the walls and a chef from three-Michelin-starred Alinea. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Miami to book right now How we curate and review at Time Out

Let's cut straight to the chase—Miami features 84 miles of Atlantic coastline and endless waterways, yet finding a restaurant that serves both knockout views and decent food? Well, let’s just say it’s as rare as a cool Miami day in August. Sadly, at many places, the waterfront premium you pay often subsidizes mediocre meals while you ride on million-dollar backdrops.  After years of sampling waterside dining across Miami-Dade, from hidden fish shacks to fancy yacht hangouts, we've compiled the spots truly worth your time and money. Our criteria? Would the food impress even if served in a strip mall? Does the view actually enhance your dining experience rather than justify the markup? We've eaten countless disappointing $30 Caesar salads beside beautiful waters so you don't have to. Below, the best waterfront restaurants in Miami. April 2025: This recent update welcomes three favorites to the waterfront dining scene: newcomer Yaya Coastal Cuisine in North Miami with its Mediterranean fare, Casa Neos, which brings chic crowds and unique flavors, and Avra Miami in Sunny Isles, where Greek classics meet Atlantic views. RECOMMENDED: The best waterfront bars in Miami How we curate and review at Time Out

Love sparks differently in Miami. We get to enjoy candlelit dinners at waterfront restaurants and steamy nights under the stars year round. But there are more romantic things to do in Miami beyond the expected dinner-and-drinks routine (though we found plenty of those, too). We searched this city's hidden corners and rooftops for dates that mix classic romance with Miami's sizzle—think natural wine tastings, figure drawing sessions celebrating the human form, and moments under the moonlight. Each spot on our list lets you lean in closer, share suggestive glances, and discover fresh spins on romance in the Magic City. RECOMMENDED: The most romantic restaurants in Miami

Looking for dinner plans that will impress? We've dined across the city to find restaurants that deliver knockout food and the perfect mood. From snug wine bars to grand waterfront dining rooms and Michelin-rated spots, the most romantic restaurants in Miami suit any occasion—whether you're grabbing a casual weeknight bite or planning something special. Our picks range from $30 neighborhood gems to $300 tasting menus, each bringing its own brand of romance to the table.  RECOMMENDED: The best date ideas in MiamiRECOMMENDED: The best romantic hotels in Miami

Walking into COTE feels like stepping onto the set of a very expensive sci-fi movie. The neon-lit entrance, dramatic lighting, and glass-walled dry-aging room give off serious "dining in the future" vibes. But this isn't just style over substance. This Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse in the Design District has figured out how to make Korean barbecue feel like a special occasion. The genius here is simple: they took everything great about Korean barbecue and fixed everything annoying about it. You still get the fun of tableside grilling, but trained servers handle the cooking so you don't have to stress about ruining expensive meat or leaving smelling like a campfire. Every table features a built-in smokeless grill, and watching the staff work is like watching a performance art piece. Your move is the Butcher's Feast ($78 per person). You'll get four cuts of USDA Prime and American Wagyu beef, plus all the Korean sides, that incredible egg soufflé that bubbles away in a stone pot, two stews, and soft serve with soy sauce caramel for dessert. It's honestly one of the best dining deals in Miami when you consider you're eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant. The 45-day dry-aged ribeye has that funky, complex flavor that meat nerds lose their minds over. If you're feeling flush, spring for some Japanese A5, but honestly, the American cuts here are so good you won't feel like you're missing out. The wine program is serious with 1,200+ labels that have earned James Beard nomina

Walking into Maple & Ash at Miami Worldcenter feels like stepping into a party where excess isn't just welcomed, it's the whole point. This massive restaurant marks the third outpost of America's top-grossing steak house, and it fits right into Miami's "more is more" mentality. The multi-room space hits you with sensory overload: velvet curtains, textured wallpaper, and an over-the-top upside palm centerpiece dripping with crystals. The dining area doubles as a wine library you can actually walk through, while tables topped with tall candelabras set the scene. The menu delivers steak house hits with theatrical flourishes. The fire-roasted seafood tower is a must-order—a collection of hearth-roasted crab, oysters, lobster, prawns, scallops, and clams swimming in garlic bu699 NE 1st Avetter and chili oil. Just when you think you've finished, servers appear with pasta to soak up the remaining sauce, cleverly turning one dish into two. If you've got cash to burn, the Japanese Wagyu offers melt-in-your-mouth decadence, while the tomahawk serves as a more "reasonable" splurge. The cocktails match the kitchen's boldness. Try the IDGAF Old Fashioned with actual gold flakes. Wine fans will appreciate the massive 2,500-bottle list. For dessert, the key lime pie hits the table that’s almost as wide as the table itself, because subtlety isn't on the menu here. The vibe: A theatrical playground where luxury and irreverence meet. The food: Wood-fired steak house classics cranked up to elev

Finding The Joyce feels like being let in on a secret. You could easily walk past the tiny entrance off Española Way without noticing it, which is exactly the point. Once you give your name, a manager walks you through dark green walls into what feels like someone's very fancy, very cool living room—if that someone happened to collect Basquiats and Picassos. This 60-seat spot is the kind of place that starts quiet with couples on dates and ends packed with people watching the game. Art collector Andre Sakhai and chef James Taylor, who has cooked at three-Michelin-starred Alinea, have created something that feels exclusive without being stuffy. The menu looks like standard steak house stuff until you actually taste it. The hamachi crudo with hatch chile and lime pops off the plate—bright and clean with just enough heat. Those caviar latkes are rich without being over-the-top, and somehow they've made chopped iceberg lettuce exciting by adding honeyed bacon that actually complements the meal instead of overwhelming it. If you're going to splurge, do it on the A5 filet mignon. Yes, it's expensive, but it's also incredibly rich and worth every penny. The "New York" strip (which is actually from Australia) is excellent too and won't completely destroy your wallet. The cocktails get weird in the best way. Try the Liquid A5 made with A5-washed whiskey, or the "Drunken French Cook" with blue cheese rum—it sounds insane but somehow works. The wine list features over 100 bottles select

This Key Biscayne landmark has been serving up panoramic Miami skyline views since 1972, and if you ask locals, it remains one of the city's most beloved sunset dining experiences. Weathering both a devastating 1984 fire and a $7 million renovation in 2011, the Rusty Pelican has evolved from casual waterfront spot to polished special-occasion restaurant without losing its charm. The restaurant welcomes guests with floor-to-ceiling windows and an updated modern interior that (smartly so) keeps the focus on those million-dollar Biscayne Bay views. In terms of food, the seafood-forward menu balances crowd-pleasers with more unique offerings. The show-stopping Pink Brick presentation features filet mignon scorched tableside on a bright pink salt block with black truffle butter and chimichurri—pure theatrics that actually is delicious as it is fun to eat. The Rusty Pelican Board for Two presents a meal worthy of the view: crispy whole local snapper, lobster and shrimp risotto, New York Strip Reserve, and smoked sweet plantain mash. For serious indulgence, don't miss the Caviar & Truffle Baked Potato, a spud loaded with truffle mash, two types of caviar, and vodka crème fraîche. The drinks lean into tropical flavors without veering into tourist-trap territory. The Maracuya with Absolut vodka, passion fruit, purple basil and tarragon offers an updated take on vacation vibes, while classics like the Old Cuban (a take on a mojito with aged rum and prosecco) are perfect to sip while ta

This North Miami waterfront gem opened in 2024, and if you ask local seafood aficionados, it's quickly becoming essential dining. Started by hospitality veteran Angel Febres with executive chef Todd Zimmer at the helm, Yaya welcomes guests with floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral-toned decor. The dining room stays consistently busy, with many locals creating an energetic yet sophisticated vibe. The Mediterranean-coastal menu hits several high notes. The chargrilled oysters with scampi butter are an immediate winner, while the flaming saganaki offers tableside drama that actually delivers on flavor. For mains, the Spanish dorade with fennel and watercress showcases the kitchen's strongest skill—knowing when to let excellent ingredients speak for themselves. The swordfish Milanesa topped with a sunny-side egg adds a clever richness to the dish.  The cocktail program punches well above its weight, with drinks that sound bizarre on paper but are tasty in execution. The Medi Martini with olive oil-washed vodka and bell pepper juice has no business being as good as it is, while the Green Goddess offers a garden vibe that pairs perfectly with seafood. The vibe: A sleek, light-filled dining room with water views that somehow makes you forget you're in Miami while reminding you why people move here in the first place. The food: Upscale Mediterranean coastal cuisine that's at its best when simplicity guides the kitchen. The drink: Creative cocktails that prioritize balance over Instag

This Edgewater waterfront gem from James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz debuted in 2018, and occupies a prime stretch of Biscayne Bay with a design that frames the water through floor-to-ceiling windows and a breezy, palm-fringed terrace. The restaurant feels both polished and relaxed—concrete floors, wood-beam ceilings, and tropical greenery create a space that's distinctly Miami without becoming a cliche. Schwartz's Latin American-inspired coastal menu draws heavily from open-fire cooking under the guidance of Executive Chef Gastón Yelicich. Start with the yuca cheese puffs (add truffle if you're feeling indulgent) or the standout tuna crudo with creamy avocado, lime and cilantro. The Paraiso Seafood Tower impresses with its bounty of Maine lobster, oysters, hamachi tiradito, and ceviche. For mains, the half chicken a la brasa with crispy smashed potatoes and aji verde shows what wood-fired cooking can achieve, while the fresh catch with garlic mashed yuca and chimichurri is perfect  The cocktail program boasts plenty of tropical flavors like the Calm Before the Coconut, served in an actual coconut, combines Brugal 1888 rum, cachaça, and pineapple in a photogenic yet genuinely balanced drink. The wine list explores South American producers, with particular strength in Argentinian and Chilean selections that pair well with the menu's flame-cooked proteins. The vibe: A breezy indoor-outdoor space where Miami's natural beauty takes center stage. The food: Latin Amer