Long layover in Miami and you only have time for one meal? That's okay, just make sure it's one of these restaurants.
Cuisine: American/Asian
Price: $$$
Always Order: Duck Burnt Ends & Smoked Brisket
It could very well be the best restaurant in Miami. James Beard Award nominated Chef Michael Lewis wood-fired Asian inspired menu doesn't have any flaws. Make sure you have a reservation or, if you don't, waiting at the bar might be a blessing in disguise.
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $$$
Always Order: Creamy Polenta & Short Rib Lasagna
The best pasta in Miami. It strikes the perfect balance in being elegant enough for an intimate date night, but laid back enough to devour Cacio e Pepe with your friends during $10 Pasta Thursday's.
Cuisine: Spanish
Price: $$$
Always Order: Arros des Cargols & Grilled Calamari
TGI Friday's probably ruined the words 'tapas' for everyone but NIU Kitchen is the real deal: straight-forward yet elegant Catalan cuisine with an amazing wine selection. It can only seat 26 people so hold back on the company-wide Christmas party and save it for a date night.
Cuisine: Chinese
Price: $$
Always Order: Softshell Crab Fried Rice & Roasted Duck
Palmar was named by Bon Appetit magazine one of America's 50 best new restaurants in 2018 (in ALL of the United States of America, not just in the Mall of the Americas). The combo of spicy, crunchy and vibrant Chinese food with an ice cold beer might be the best you can get in a hot Miami summer night.
Cuisine: Cafe
Price: $$
Always Order: Capuccino & Runny and Everything sandwich
Listen, Cuban coffee in Miami is as good as it gets. However, for the BEST coffee in town, you have to head over to ALL DAY. Don't stop there, food is fantastic. This wins the 'Best Brunch in Town' award.
Cuisine: American/Experimental
Price: $$$$
Always Order: Tasting Menu
The accolades for Alter and chef Brad Kilgore keep piling up: Multiple James Beard award nominations, one of the '21 best new restaurants in America' by Eater and 'Best New Chef in the country' according to Food & Wine. Alter's modern and unique menu, yet incredibely delicous, makes this place a one of a kind dining experience in Miami.
Cuisine: Modern Asian
Price: $$$$
Always Order: Kinilaw & Smoked Short Rib Asado
Chef Benjamin Murray will make all your food dreams come true. Pao delivers the best of both worlds: an amazing fine dining experience in a swanky atmosphere with the highest quality ingredients & impecable service and, at the same time, simply delicious food with generous portions that will leave you wanting to lick your plate clean (please don't do that).
Cuisine: Pizza
Price: $$$
Always Order: Well, pizza.
This New York import shows what pizza is all about: simplicity and craftsmanship. The place is very trendy, the ingredients are fresh and the quality is second to none. Good times are guaranteed.
Cuisine: Thai
Price: $$
Always Order: Shrimp Pad Thai & Massaman Curry
You would never guess that in Miami's most Cuban influenced neighbourhood, the huge line forming outside on Calle Ocho is for a Thai restaurant. Lung Yai Thais Tapas is the perfect spot for a large assortment of small plates with a lot of flavors, and a great bang for your buck.
Cuisine: American/Italian
Price: $$$
Always Order: Seared Grouper & Beef Tartare
Boia De is an intimate eatery in Buena Vista. Don't let the strip mall vibes where it's located distract you from the fact that the culinary duo of Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer running this place come from Michelin Star rated kitchens in New York City such as Eleven Madison Park and Carbone.
Cuisine: Cuban
Price: $$
Always Order: El Cubano & Croquetas
If you're in Miami, you have to eat a Cuban sandwhich. If you want to have the best one in town, this is the place. I mean, it's really that simple.
Cuisine: Bakery
Price: $$
Always Order: Guava Pastelistos & Breakfast Sandwich
Carb heaven is a real place and happens to be in Miami. Stop by on a Sunday morning and indulge in the most amazing selection on fresh baked breads and pastries. You can burn off the extra calories with a stroll around Wynwood after, so don't feel THAT guilty.
Cuisine: Seafood
Price: $$$
Always Order: Crispy Skin Snapper & Lobster Roll
Mignonette is a swanky seafood spot close to Downtown Miami. The food is high quality, straight forward and delicious. It's also very versatile: sit at the bar to find some of the best oysters in town for happy hour or bring your parents for a nice dinner to celebrate the fact that you can afford rent in Miami.
Cuisine: American/Mediterranean
Price: $$$
Always Order: Roasted Beets & Whole Fried Daily Catch
27 has a very laid back and tropical infused atmosphere. The menu is a funky fusion of Mediterranean sprinkled with Miami flavors. It's always fun and lively, convieniently attached to the excellent Broken Shaker bar. Perfect for a big group of friends looking for a smooth transition from dinner to a fun night out in South Beach.