Olee Fowler

Brunch in Miami can be whatever you want it to be: a moment to bring the family together, a gathering call for the girlies, an idyllic way to take in the waterfront or a cure for a regretful hangover. Whether your morning plans entail a hot pilates class or hitting the snooze button on your alarm one too many times, these spots for brunch in Miami hit all the right notes when you’re seeking a satisfying meal paired with breezy weekend vibes—and maybe a bit of carefree day-drinking.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Miami Updated April 2026: We’ve overhauled our Miami brunch guide yet again, swapping out half of last year’s entries for spots that feel more of the moment. New picks include a retro-inspired Cuban diner in Coconut Grove, a picture-perfect French patio in Wynwood and a decadent breakfast nook in Coral Gables that doesn’t make us miss the cocktails one bit. 

Miami's dining scene is one of the most exciting in the country right now and, arguably, the world. Over the last decade or so, the city's collective palate has matured to encompass so much more than steakhouses, Italian chains and homey Cuban spots (though we've still got plenty of those, too). One day, you can be sipping cocktails at a sleek new omakase counter; the next, tucking into a bowl of golden-hued Peruvian ceviche. It's a beautiful, flavorful and occasionally overwhelming melange of cultures colliding on our plates in Miami, and we wouldn't want it any other way. Updated April 2026: It's a wet start to April in Miami, signaling a shift toward steamier summer weather. But when the sun's out, it's still a great time to enjoy an al fresco weekend brunch or dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Miami. This spring has also sprouted playful new experiences from some of our favorite spots, including a breakfast pop-up at Gramps Getaway on Virginia Key and a vinyl lounge and cafe from the Las' Lap team in South Beach. Now get out there and soak it all up! Best restaurants in Miami at a glance: Best for a splurge-worthy steak night: Sunny’s – Glamorous vibes, raw bar indulgence and top-tier cuts in Little River (~$200–$250 pp) Best for inventive Italian: Boia De – Creative pastas and hard-to-find wines in an intimate setting (~$150 pp) Best for classic fine dining: The Surf Club Restaurant – Thomas Keller’s elegant American menu with tableside flair (~$250 pp) Best Miami i

Let’s just say, Miami's relationship with waterfront dining is… complicated. The city sits on some of the most spectacular water in the country—84 miles of Atlantic coastline and endless waterways, to be exact. And restaurants know it, which means a lot of them are coasting on the view alone. But, we all know, a pretty sunset and *vibes* will only get you so far when the food is forgettable and the bill is not. RECOMMENDED: The best waterfront bars in Miami The spots below on this list are the ones that get it right on both counts, and we believe warrant a visit even if they were landlocked. We've done the work of figuring out which is which, so you don't have to find out the hard way. Here are the best waterfront restaurants in Miami. Updated April 2026: Elia on the River is the latest addition to the list, featuring one of the best seats in downtown Miami right on the Miami River at sunset. We've also added a slew of new tips throughout the piece to ensure an even better waterfront experience.  How we curate and review at Time Out

Looking for a date spot as swoonworthy as Miami itself? We've dined from Coconut Grove and Coral Gables to Little River and Miami Beach and beyond, scouting romantic Miami restaurants that deliver knockout food, on-point service and the perfect mood—because your boo deserves the best. Snug wine bars, grand waterfront dining rooms and Michelin-rated spots all feature among our picks for the most romantic restaurants in Miami. We’ve highlighted spots you’ll need to book months in advance for that very special occasion, as well as quaint neighborhood gems for a more casual night out. The most romantic restaurants in Miami include cozy and cute $30 meals to extravagant $300 tasting menus, each bringing its own unique allure to the table.  Updated January 2026: Like so many ill-fated romances, quite a few of the spots on this guide have broken up with Miami since our last update. Sadly, we’ve had to say goodbye to La Mar, Erba, Rincon Escondido and Fiola. But plenty of worthy restaurants have popped up to replace them—for instance, chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Las’ Lap in Miami Beach—and we’re confident you’ll want to take them for a spin, too. RECOMMENDED: The best romantic hotels in Miami

During Miami’s annual summer restaurant months (August 1 through September 30), we look forward to two things: an absence of tourists and an abundance of discounted meals from some of our favorite spots around town—plus an excuse to check out all the places we’ve been meaning to try. Back for its 24th year, Miami Spice returns with more than 300 restaurants offering three-course lunch, brunch and dinner menus across Miami-Dade County. Meals are priced at $35 for lunch and brunch and $45–$60 for dinner. It's quite a lineup, featuring buzzy newcomers and a few under-the-radar gems. Overwhelmed yet? We’ve combed through all the latest offerings and, considering the impressive showing of Michelin-starred spots and James Beard-awarded names, you’d be wise to earmark some favorites and start booking pronto. Wondering where to book your Miami Spice reservations before they sell out? From smoky robata skewers to sticky date cake, here are 10 Miami Spice menus worth booking now, listed alphabetically. RECOMMENDED: Miami Spice 2025 Guide

Steakhouses 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 steakhouses 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

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

Elia on the River has one of the better seats in downtown Miami, right on the Miami River at River Landing, with yachts drifting past and the kind of sunset that makes everything taste better than it is. And that's sort of the thing with Elia—the setting is doing a lot of heavy lifting. The food is coastal Italian, competently done. Standard options you will see most places, like burrata, charred octopus, lobster pasta, and handmade rigatoni, all fill the menu. Nothing will disappoint you, but at the same time, nothing will stop conversation at the table. The menu reads ambitiously but lands closer to reliable, which is fine if you came for the view and the vibe. Worth knowing before you go: Elia sits inside River Landing, a downtown shopping complex, and finding it on a first visit takes a minute. Stick to the waterfront entrance and look for the outdoor terrace. You might need to navigate an elevator or two if you park in the complex’s parking lot.  This is a good spot for a long catch-up dinner with a friend, a low-stakes date, or any occasion where the backdrop matters as much as the plate. There's live music most nights, free garage parking for two hours, and you can pull up by boat if that's your preference. The vibe: Miami River waterfront that earns its Instagram reputation.  The food: Southern Italian classics.  The drink: Lean into the wine list and watch the boats go by. Time Out tip: Grab an outdoor table and go at sunset, it’s the best time to visit.

A lot has changed since Kiki on the River opened, and somehow, also nothing has. The Miami River setting is still one of the city's better waterfront spots, Greek flags now line the docking area, the music is loud and omnipresent, the lighting is dark, and on a recent visit, a woman at a nearby table on the patio smoked cigarettes for most of the meal. It felt like Miami circa 2004, which you'll either find charming or exhausting depending on your tolerance for that kind of thing. The food holds up better than the vibe might suggest. The pikilia platter of hummus, tzatziki, taramosalata, and htipiti is a solid start, the grilled octopus is reliable, and the Greek salad is exactly what it should be. The real surprise is the salt-crusted lavraki, which arrives tableside with fire and a proper carving and turns out to be some of the better fish in Miami right now. Worth ordering. The cocktail list is long and leans into the scene. The Kiki Martini with Greek pepper-infused vodka and lemon olive oil is worth trying at least once. The vibe: Greek taverna energy cranked up to a Miami 11.  The food: Mezze that covers the bases and a whole fish that actually delivers.  The drink: Order the Kiki Martini and see where the night goes. Time Out tip: Get the salt-crusted lavraki. Everything else is a warm-up.

Il Mulino has been a staple at Acqualina since 2006, and after a full renovation this winter, the Sunny Isles dining room finally looks as good as the food has always tasted. Mint-green pendant lamps, vintage glassware, servers in white jackets with orange bow ties: it's old-school Italian-American glamour through a modern lens. The menu splits between classics that have been on for decades and a seasonal section that rotates every three months. Order from both for the full experience. Meals start with complimentary bites of cheese and bread before you've touched the menu, and appetizers come pre-split for the table, a small gesture in service that goes a long way. The ravioli ai porcini in champagne truffle cream is what this restaurant is known for, and 20 years in, one bite explains why. The linguine alle vongole has actual heat in it, which catches you off guard in the best way. The salt-crusted branzino arrives whole and gets carved tableside. Desserts also get the tableside treatment. Save room for the watermelon grappa at the end. You'll want it. The vibe: Waterfront fine dining that takes the food and atmosphere seriously, but not itself.  The food: Italian classics with real staying power, plus seasonal dishes worth trying.  The drink: Icy martinis to start. End with the watermelon grappa. Trust.  Time Out tip: Get the branzino and let them carve it. The table next to you will wish they had.

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

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

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

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

Independent Bookstore Day lands on April 25, and Miami's book-loving scene has never had more choices. The last couple of years brought a bookstore boom to the Magic City with new shops, new neighborhoods, new concepts, and the options now run the gamut from a bilingual boutique inside Aventura Mall to a one-woman mobile operation that'll come to you. Here's where to spend your book budget, your Saturday, and a few good hours. Chapter and Coast Miami's only mobile bookstore launched in February, and it's already become one of the most exciting things happening in local book culture. The brainchild of a female founder, Chapter and Coast is exactly what it sounds like: a bookshop on wheels that pops up at bars, wine spots, and local events rather than waiting for you to come to it. She's done nights at Magie Wine Bar and weekends at Rocketeer Beer, and for Independent Bookstore Day itself, she's back at Rocketeer on April 25 from noon to 6pm. Follow @chapterandcoastmobilebooks on Instagram to catch the next location before she rolls away. Indie Bookstore Day event: Saturday, April 25, noon–6pm at Rocketeer Beer & Liquid Provisions (12960 SW 89th Ave, Miami, FL 33176) Photograph: Courtesy Chapter & Coast Books & Books If you've lived in Miami for more than five minutes, you are probably already familiar with Books & Books. Mitchell Kaplan's homegrown book institution has been anchoring the city's literary life since 1982, and the flagship Coral Gables location on Aragon Avenue

Miami’s hottest new matcha café started with…a loaf of bread in a family group chat. That first sourdough loaf grew into trays of gooey cinnamon rolls, then a mobile trailer parked at the University of Miami, and a TikTok-ready menu of matcha lattes layered with strawberry jam, whipped honey, and banana bread syrup. All of it happened in less than a year.  Now Honey Veil, run by sisters Cecilia “Ceci” Alcobe, 22, and Regina Alcobe, 19, both University of Miami students, has gone from farmers market hobby to full-fledged brand with a South Miami storefront opening this fall. Photograph: Courtesy Honey VeilRegina and Cecilia, a.k.a the Honey Veil sisters From tennis rackets to cinnamon rolls The Alcobes didn’t grow up plotting café empires. They grew up on tennis courts, training five to six hours a day and traveling for tournaments. When their mom, also named Cecilia, started baking sourdough at home, friends begged for loaves. In October 2024, the sisters figured they’d give a farmers' market a try. By February 2025, the family had pooled savings into a trailer and parked it anywhere a friend would let them. Once the truck was rolling, the sisters got serious about social media, inviting local food influencers to try their drinks and pastries. The buzz grew quickly, and videos of their matcha and baked goods began going viral. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Honey Veil (@honeyveilco) Matcha makeover Ceci admits she used to hate matcha. “I though

August and September mean it’s time for Miami Spice, that two-month stretch when more than 300 restaurants across Miami offer prix fixe, three-course meals for a fraction of the usual cost. Lunch and brunch menus are $35, while dinner runs $45 or $60. RECOMMENDED: All the Miami Spice menus and deals we’re most excited about in 2025 Among the participating restaurants are some of the city’s most acclaimed, including several with MICHELIN stars and Bib Gourmand honorees. Whether you're after A5 wagyu or roasted eggplant, these are the MICHELIN-recognized Spice menus worth booking. Photograph: Courtesy Cote MiamiButcher's Feat at Cote Miami Cote Miami * One MICHELIN Star What is it? A Korean steakhouse with a high-gloss, nightclub-like edge, where beef is dry-aged in-house and service is as polished as the marble bar. Why go: Cote’s lunch menu ($35) is one of the best deals in town, with the bibimbap, steak tartare, and fried chicken among the options. Diners can tack on upgrades like wagyu paella or A5 tallow fries for a splurge without going full à la carte. When? Lunch Monday through Friday Address: 3900 NE Second Ave, Miami, FL 33137 Photograph: Courtesy Le Jardinier/Dakota Robert Ross Le Jardinier Miami * One MICHELIN Star What is it? A refined French spot with a vegetable-forward menu and a serene location tucked among luxury boutiques in the Miami Design District. Why go: Le Jardinier’s Spice offerings stay true to its ethos: light, seasonal, and gorgeously executed