Miami has been known for decades as the home for the best Cuban food in the U.S. In recent years, however, the food scene has evolved, and the city has gained much-needed respect as a destination for foodies. You can find some of the best cuisine, including Jamaican, Peruvian, Haitian, seafood and global-fusion restaurants. Miami's dining scene now has the chops to rival other major food cities.
With James Beard award-winning chefs including Michael Schwartz from the über-trendy Michael's Genuine of Miami's Design District leading the way of restaurant expansions—he recently opened his second outpost of Harry's Pizzeria in Coconut Grove, to Stephen Starr's fourth South Florida restaurant, Le Zoo at Bal Harbour Shops, and Jamie DeRosa's latest South Beach hot spot, Izzy’s Fish & Oysters on South Beach, Miami’s food scene is on fire.
In late 2015, Miami welcomed its first culinary incubator, The Wynwood Yard, in the city's Wynwood Art District. Spearheaded by culinary entrepreneurs, The Wynwood Yard plays host to a roundup of food trucks, a creative hub and culinary program under the mentorship of top chefs, experimenting with ingredients and flavors in an outdoor test kitchen. A perfect place for foodies!
From Miami Beach and Downtown Miami to Wynwood Miami and the Design District, let your taste buds do the traveling and add these foodie-approved restaurants to your next itinerary.
For 101 years, no visit to Miami has been complete without a stop at Joe's Stone Crab. Joe's is world-famous for marking the start of stone crab season each year. Thousands of diners descend from October to May to wait patiently for their turn at a bite at the claws or one of the many seafood items on the menu.
Billed as the most famous Cuban restaurant in the world, Versailles on the famed Calle Ocho, is mecca for travelers and locals looking for authentic Cuban cuisine. From the Cuban sandwich to imperial rice, this retro diner doesn't disappoint. Open late, foodies can eat-in, order to-go or visit the bakery for guava pastries.
Helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef and owner Michael Schwartz, Michael's is the perfect place to experience Sunday brunch. At this neighborhood bistro in the trendy Design District, the menu changes weekly and features a fine selection of farm-to-table dishes of eggs, sweets, savory, meats and snacks.
Feast on the refined flavors served up by Hakkasan, one of the Top 50 restaurants in the world. This Michelin-rated Cantonese spot offers Asian fusion fare with a modern flair, from the fourth-floor rooftop of the ultra-luxurious Fontainebleau Hotel. Find a mouthwatering selection of Dim Sum every night on the menu.
Located in the James Royal Palm Hotel’s Shorecrest Building, Byblos Miami's Executive Chef Stuart Cameron has created dishes that take you on an Eastern Mediterranean journey. The menu offers mezze selections of shakshouka, steak tartare and other shareable plates in a casual, family-style vibe.
When Chef Gaston Acurio was looking to expand his Peruvian empire, he brought his highly-acclaimed fine dining restaurant concept to the Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key. La Mar is perfect for first-timers who want to try out Peruvian food. Sample the refreshing ceviches or grilled anticuchos as you enjoy the views of Biscayne Bay.
A meat-lovers delight, Prime 112 is a contemporary steakhouse at the historic Brown's Hotel on South Beach. The entrees are delicately prepared using top-of-the-line ingredients. Popular dishes on the menu include the 48 ounce porterhouse steak for two and the truffle mac and cheese.
Indulge in authentic French classic dishes at Le Zoo after a day of shopping at the Bal Harbour Shops. Opened to rave reviews, Le Zoo is reminiscent of a Parisian café, expect generous portions of classic bistro fare like steak frites, onion soup and trout amandine. Open for lunch and dinner, it also offers weekend brunch.
Take a trip to the Caribbean and celebrate Haitian culture at Tap Tap. Part restaurant, part art gallery, this no-fuss eatery dishes out traditional Haitian dishes like charcoal-grilled goat, conch in creole-style sauce and malanga fritters with watercress sauce, which were featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."
Since 2010, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar has been a haven for art lovers as well as epicureans. Its Latin-inspired cuisine is as coveted as the décor. Admire the murals by street artist Shepard Fairey or the stunning Wynwood Walls in the outside patio. Dish on a variety of small plates including deviled eggs and dates wrapped in bacon.