The restaurants have been selected for their good value or exceptional food. These listings
highlight some of the factors that may influence your choice, such as whether you can opt to eat outdoors or if the venue offers live music. Entries are alphabetical within each price category.
MIAMI
MIAMI BEACH 11th Street Diner
1065 Washington Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 534-6373
This old-time diner, which relocated to South Beach from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, has all the associated charm one would expect. The menu has all the diner classics such asmeatloaf, fried chicken, pasta and rice, and a good selection of sandwiches and burgers as well. All very reasonably priced.
MIAMI BEACH Jerry’s Famous Deli :
1450 Collins Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 532-8030
Jerry’s filled the void after the closing of the famous Wolfie’s on South Beach, much to the delight of deli-dining aficionados. The casual, comfortable, diner atmosphere is pervasive and extends to great corned beef, pastrami, and tuna sandwiches, good desserts, and high-quality deli fare.
MIAMI BEACH Pizza Rustica
863 Washington Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 674-8244
Tuscan-style pizza is anything but rustic here: spinach with blue cheese or arugula and rosemary potato, rather than plain tomato and cheese. Pizza Rustica is also known for its variations of pizza slices, which can include a thin crust filled with chocolate. There are a few other items on the menu, but the pizza is the way to go.
MIAMI BEACH San Loco Tacos
235 14 St, 33139 Tel (305) 538-3009
This inexpensive Mexican eatery is a hot spot at night with late-evening party lovers. The draw is good quality tacos, burritos, and other standard Mexican-American fare, although some feel the food’s heat index could use some escalation. Good salsa and chips is a terrific way to start.
MIAMI BEACH Tap Tap
819 5th St, 33139 Tel (305) 672-2898
Serving real Haitian food, such as grilled conch with manioc and shrimp in coconut sauce, this unusual but popular restaurant attracts a vibrant, multicultural crowd. An upstairs art gallery, music, and poetry readings keep the groove going. The charming and helpful staff will also recommend dishes.
MIAMI BEACH Balans
1022 Lincoln Rd, 33139 Tel (305) 534-9191
This English-themed restaurant-café on Lincoln Road has a pan-ethnic menu. The lobster club sandwich and bangers and mash are particularly sought-after. A breakfast special makes Balans very popular in the morning. Warm and friendly service adds to the café and social atmosphere.
MIAMI BEACH Big Pink
157 Collins Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 532-4700
This popular waterside café might seem more at home, but is still a favored residents’ eatery for its café cuisine, diversity in offerings, and scrumptious desserts. Portions are sizable, salads and sandwiches delightful, and homemade potato chips an attraction unto their own for many regulars.
MIAMI BEACH El Rancho Grande
1626 Pennsylvania Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 673-0480
Since it opened, diners have come to this Mexican eatery for its excellent moles, enchiladas in green sauce, and chile rellenos. Great margaritas and affordable prices also keep people coming back. It has a pleasant café feel, unusual for Mexican restaurants in South Florida, but a nice change of pace.
MIAMI BEACH Maiko Japanese Restaurant
1255 Washington Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 531-6369
One of Miami Beach’s first restaurants specializing in sushi, Maiko remains popular to this day. Good quality traditional sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes are presented in a lovely fashion somewhat at odds with the low-key decor. Particularly busy on weekend nights.
MIAMI BEACH News Café
800 Ocean Drive, 33139 Tel (305) 538-6397
One of the very first cafés to open when South Beach began its reinvention, News Café remains a landmark institution today. The quality American diner-type fare is unremarkable, but the scene is a popular one. The view is panoramic, and there is a good selection of international publications.
MIAMI BEACH Nexxt
700 Lincoln Rd, 33139 Tel (305) 532-6643
Very popular for people-watching and as a power lunch site for Beach politicos, Nexxt’s eclectic and massive menu is a tome to navigate. Portions are huge, salads are particularly notable as are the host of baked goods and desserts. Nexxt personifies café-life on Miami Beach.
MIAMI BEACH Van Dyke Café
846 Lincoln Rd, 33139 Tel (305) 534-3600
A sister restaurant to the News Café, the Van Dyke offers similar American-café fare at good prices, if otherwise ordinary. This place is the virtual center of Lincoln Road and locals’ preferred gathering spot for people-watching and relaxed outdoor dining. Live jazz performances are held upstairs.
MIAMI BEACH Fratelli La Bufala
437 Washington Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 532-0700
This charming restaurant is nothing fancy but serves up the best pizza in town using an oven that was built in Italy and sent over. It burns chips of wood, which impart a special flavor to the food. Also serves buffalo meat caught by Seminole Indians, and cheese which is imported from the Campania region near Naples, in Italy.
MIAMI BEACH Grillfish
1444 Collins Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 538-9908
Grillfish, located on the second floor of a popular deli, is not an elaborate or expensive eatery. Rather, it offers unpretentious and perfectly prepared options from the sea with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. Freshness of ingredients is the real appeal. Try local fish for a taste of Miami.
MIAMI BEACH Joe’s Stone Crab
11 Washington Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 673-0365
This Miami institution is a must. There is lobster, shrimp, and fish, as well as the signature stone crab and surprisingly popular fried chicken. The key lime pie is also highly sought-after. Joe’s now offers affordable take-out lunches. No reservations but worth the wait, which can be ample.
MIAMI BEACH JOHNNY V’S
956 Washington Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 672-9998
This stylish restaurant in Hotel Astor (see p311) continues a long tradition of being one of the city’s “in” sites and features modern dishes such as corn-encrusted yellowtail snapper and truffle french fries. Still a trendy place to see and be seen in one of the more famous boutique hotels in town.
MIAMI BEACH Rosinella
525 Lincoln Rd, 33139 Tel (305) 672-8777
This terrific family-style Italian restaurant has a more authentic feel to its food than more Americanized Italian eateries. It could be the Italian owners and patrons, but more likely it is the delicious homemade pastas and fresh fish entrées. The penne Gorgonzola is utterly decadent.
MIAMI BEACH Afterglo
1200 Washington Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 695-1717
Following the trend of serving healthier food, this restaurant features gourmet health food served in a creative way, such as wild tuna, salmon tartare, grilled octopus, and a range of organic salads. The dining booths are very stylish, as is the rest of the decor.
MIAMI BEACH Emeril’s Miami Beach
1601 Collins Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 695-4550
Emeril of Food TV and his New Orleans restaurant fame brings his classic Creole-Cajun flare to South Beach. Signature dishes include barbecue shrimp with a petite rosemary biscuit, caramelized sweet potatoes, and green chili mole sauce. They have a fine selection of wines as well. Desserts are also excellent.
MIAMI BEACH Osteria del Teatro
1443 Washington Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 538-7850
This well-known Italian restaurant serves traditional and more modern dishes, such as crab-stuffed ravioli with lobster sauce and an excellent sea bass. Make reservations well in advance. One of the more traditional Italian as opposed to Italian-American restaurants in town.
MIAMI BEACH Pacific Time
915 Lincoln Rd, 33139 Tel (305) 534-5979
The menu changes frequently at this pleasant and popular Lincoln Road restaurant. The Pan-Asian cuisine is not to be forgotten, with great attention paid to perfectly prepared fish and vegetables. Chef Jonathan Eismann is magically adept with tuna, although talented with Asian ingredients too.
MIAMI BEACH Tuscan Steak
433 Washington Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 534-2233
One of Miami Beach’s best steak houses. A flashy crowd goes for the giant antipasto, the T-bone with garlic purée, and the pricey drinks. Not a lot of menu variations so while children are welcome, it is more of a romantic environment. Definitely a place to rub shoulders with visiting celebrities.
MIAMI BEACH YUCA
501 Lincoln Rd, 33139 Tel (305) 532-9822
YUCA, an acronym for “young upwardly-mobile Cuban American,” earns rave reviews for its Nuevo Cuban cuisine. It offers delicious traditional dishes with new twists such as sweet plantain stuffed with dried, cured beef. More costly than the traditional Cuban home cooking found throughout Miami.
MIAMI BEACH Barton G. The Restaurant
1427 West Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 672-8881
The lush tropical orchid garden of this popular restaurant is the perfect setting for a romantic evening meal. Serves elaborately-presented, Neo-Classic American cuisine. They also have a good selection of cocktails and wines. The food has been consistently highly-rated in local and national media, and for good reason.
MIAMI BEACH Blue Door
1685 Collins Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 674-6400
This highly sophisticated and expensive restaurant in the famed Delano Hotel (see p312) is immaculate, and deft attendants in pressed uniforms serve French cuisine with tropical influences. A gorgeous, almost surreal environment does not detract from the eclectic and Florida-influenced cuisine.
MIAMI BEACH China Grill
404 Washington Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 534-2211
Gathering flavors and techniques from around the world, this place serves world cuisine with an Asian emphasis in a futuristic setting. Try the fried spinach for an unusual taste rumored to be Oprah’s favorite. China Grill also has a sake and vodka bar. One of the best sites for seeing visiting celebrities.
MIAMI BEACH David Bouley Evolution
1669 Collins Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 604-6090
This elegant restaurant and bar in the Ritz Carlton South Beach is perfect for a romantic evening. The food is innovative, such as sweet Maryland crab cakes or oregano lamb. There’s also an excellent wine list. The place is decorated with contemporary Art Deco flair in shades of gold, teal, and black.
MIAMI BEACH Escopazzo
1311 Washington Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 674-9450
You will have to make reservations well in advance or get very lucky to be seated in this famous restaurant’s dining room, but legions of fans regularly do. Perfect service accentuates the fine Italian fare with a focus on Northern Italian. Homemade risotto is most sought-after.
MIAMI BEACH Mark’s South Beach
1120 Collins Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 604-9050
Celebrity chef Mark Militello opened and lent his moniker to this well-known high-class restaurant. The chef’s signature approach to Florida fusion cuisine is to be found throughout the menu, with changing tropical, regional, and Caribbean ingredients working in unison. Order soft shell crab or veal chops.
MIAMI BEACH Tantra
1445 Pennsylvania Ave, 33139 Tel (305) 672-4765
Tantra remains one of the most unusual restaurants in the city, featuring “aphrodisiac cuisine” in a lush environment, featuring grass beneath your feet. The cuisine is actually a Thai-Indian fusion, some good, others not so good. Definitely a hot spot and great for a romantic dinner. They also have an extensive wine list.
MIAMI BEACH The Forge
432 41st St, 33140 Tel (305) 538-8533
Celebrities, both local and visiting, abound at this Miami institution. Its glitzy decor has opulent American cuisine to match; the desserts are sublime. The Forge also boasts the most sizeable wine list in the city. Time permitting, ask for the wine cellar tour. Wednesday nights are regular popular social occasions.
DOWNTOWN People’s Bar-B-Que
360 NW 8th St, 33136 Tel (305) 373-8080
Most people only pass through or over Miami’s Overtown area (see p89), but People’s has brought all types of visitors to the heart of the city for incredible barbecue chicken and ribs, pork chops, and other soul food staples. Cops and Miami politicos are among those in the know.
DOWNTOWN S & S Restaurant
1757 NE 2 Ave, 33132 Tel (305) 373-4291
A no-frills historic diner serving a good selection of staple American dishes for breakfast and lunch (until 6pm). Specials include pot roast, meat loaf, and fried chicken. It is a great place to experience the old South Florida color and atmosphere with old-time prices. Desserts are also good.
DOWNTOWN Big Fish
55 SW Miami Ave, 33128 Tel (305) 373-1770
This is a comfortable and unassuming seafood restaurant on the shores of the Miami River. It offers a great view of the Downtown and Brickell Avenue skyline, along with some of the freshest fish in town. Try daily specials for the most innovative options, though it is difficult to go wrong here.
DOWNTOWN Porcao
801 Brickell Bay Drive, 33131 Tel (305) 373-2777
Welcome to the world of Brazilian rodizio – a meat feast as demonstrated by the cheery pig on the logo of this churrascaria. A carnivore’s paradise, the temptation to overdose on amazing Latin barbecue is countered by almost 40 different salad options on offer.
DOWNTOWN Azul
500 Brickell Key Drive, 33131 Tel (305) 913-8254
This award-winning restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental Miami hotel serves Florida fusion cuisine in a Japanese-style interior with an open kitchen and breathtaking views of the water and city. Asian and regional ingredients and preparations pair surprisingly well.
LITTLE HAVANA Hy Vong
3458 SW 8th St, 33135 Tel (305) 446-3674
This mainstay in Little Havana is an oddity with its total emphasis on Vietnamese cuisine, which also happens to be extremely good. Long lines often form to sample specialties such as grilled lamb in curry sauce and more exotic dishes. Samplers and newcomers to the cuisine are welcome.
LITTLE HAVANA Versailles
3555 SW 8th St, 33135 Tel (305) 444-0240
Little Havana’s most famous restaurant is as vast as its menu and portions. You’ll find every Cuban specialty imaginable, though some dishes are a bit stodgy. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming to non-Cubans too, so feel free to ask about different dishes or pairings.
CORAL GABLES Miss Saigon Bistro
148 Giralda Ave, 33134 Tel (305) 446-8006
This family-run Vietnamese restaurant is perfect for newcomers to the cuisine as the staff encourage sampling and help navigate the menu. Noodle dishes are good, but fish and seafood paired with the flavors of lemongrass, ginger, and chili are irresistible to most taste buds. Family-friendly.
CORAL GABLES Bugatti
2504 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 33134 Tel (305) 441-2545
Many locals believe Bugatti to be the best Italian restaurant in the city. A personable and helpful staff is one reason. But most believe it is because of delicious dishes such as lobster ravioli and various risotto preparations. Daily specials usually tend to be quite remarkable.
CORAL GABLES Ortanique on the Mile
278 Miracle Mile, 33134 Tel (305) 446-7710
New Caribbean cuisine is the draw to this friendly Gables restaurant. Traditional tastes are altered just a bit to reach a broad audience. Jerk dishes are spicy and delicious and the menu abounds with fresh fruits, vegetables, and exotic spices that tease the olfactory senses.
CORAL GABLES Red Fish Grill
9610 Old Cutler Rd, 33156 Tel (305) 668-8788
Although the menu at this one-time snack bar at Matheson Hammock Park (see p92) abounds with fresh selections from the sea, it is the setting that makes this a popular restaurant for those in the know. One of the most scenic places for dining in the entire city with spectacular waterscapes.
CORAL GABLES Caffé Abbracci
318 Aragon Ave, 33134 Tel (305) 441-0700
This café serves tempting northern Italian dishes. Innovative pastas, grilled goose liver, and fried calamari are house specialties. This is one of the better options in a city that, surprisingly, has few restaurants that feature this type of cuisine. Recently a bar has also been added. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
CORAL GABLES Christy’s
3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 33134 Tel (305) 446-1400
A very popular steak house featuring succulent beef and seafood in a club-like setting. A tasty Caesar salad accompanies each entrée. Christy’s has been popular for power lunches for decades. It is popularwith Italian business suit types. Immaculate and consistently top-notch service.
CORAL GABLES La Palme d’Or
1200 Anastasia Ave, 33134 Tel (305) 913-3201
This classy French restaurant in the historic Biltmore Hotel (see p313) has received rave reviews for its cuisine. They pair traditional French with tropical ingredients for dishes such as braised Dover sole with celery served with carrot beurre blanc, flavored with ginger and cumin, and mousseline potatoes.
CORAL GABLES Norman’s
21 Almeria Ave, 33134 Tel (305) 446-6767
Chef Norman Van Aken is famous for his New World cuisine, and the often-changing menu here shows his skill to the maximum. Even those familiar with the chef’s work will find something innovative here, as Van Aken is constantly learning and applying new techniques. Favorites include pork Havana, conch chowder, yucca, and stuffed shrimps.
COCONUT GROVE Señor Frog’s
3480 Main Hwy, 33133 Tel (305) 448-0999
Expect traditional food at this Mexican eatery. Only fresh produce is used and sauces are prepared daily. Try the sizzling fajitas, stuffed enchiladas, or one of the unusual savory chocolate mole dishes – not what you might expect. A bit of a college crowd scene on the weekends.
COCONUT GROVE Anohka
3195 Commodore Plaza, 33133 Tel (786) 552-1030
An excellent Indian restaurant whose specialties include well-prepared tandoori dishes (baked in clay pots and sporting a beautiful rosy hue), spicy vindaloo, and much more. As newcomers to the cuisine, feel free to ask about ingredients and preparations, and the staff will graciously answer them all.
COCONUT GROVE Le Bouchon du Grove
3420 Main Hwy, 33133 Tel (305) 448-6060
This small French eatery on the Grove’s main drag has the best onion soup in the city as well as specialties such as a vegetable soup, a delicious purée with pumpkin, and many others, all abounding with freshness. Some locals feel it offers authentic tastes of France.
COCONUT GROVE Baleen
4 Grove Isle Drive, 33133 Tel (305) 858-8300
The views from the restaurant in the Grove Isle Club are fabulous, and the restaurant consistent if pricey. The crab cakes are particularly good but many diners feel the desserts are the best in town. Watch for daily specials and new additions to the menu for some eclectic offerings.
COCONUT GROVE Gnu
2669 S Bayshore Drive, 33133 Tel (305) 858-9600 Map 6 F4
Setting a new trend in Floribbean cuisine, this unashamedly upscale restaurant also boasts impeccable service and elegant decor. One of the more romantic dining destinations in the city, it is more amenable to couples than to family meals, though all are certainly welcome.
FARTHER AFIELD Gourmet Diner
13951 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, 33162 Tel (305) 947-2255
This upscale diner has a limited regular menu, but offers a dozen or more specials every day, ranging from fish and seafood to meat and pasta. Daily vegetable soufflés are divine, as are the desserts. Surprisingly casual and unpretentious environment despite the gourmet aspects.
FARTHER AFIELD Mario the Baker
13695 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami, 33161 Tel (305) 891-7641
This little family-run pizzeria has been legendary in North Miami for decades due to its cheap Italian-American eats, delicious pizzas, and the best garlic rolls in the city. Completely casual, it is usually busy serving the local high school kids in the daytime and early in the evenings.
FARTHER AFIELD Shorty’s BBQ
9200 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, 33156 Tel (305) 670-7732
Many feel this long-time institution has the best barbecue in town, with particularly succulent ribs. Also good are the beef and pork specialties, sandwiches, and desserts. Fun, friendly, and family-oriented. Bring the kids and be prepared to be messy but ultimately satisfied. They also have a children’s menu.
FARTHER AFIELD Charcuterie
3612 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Design District, 33137 Tel (305) 576-7877
This little taste of France with Florida accents is nestled in the Miami Design District, perfect for a quick, very civilized lunch. French touches abound in a salad Niçoise and pâté, but fresh Florida seafood is also featured. Make sure to check the great daily specials on the blackboard.
FARTHER AFIELD La Terrazza
18090 Collins Ave, Suite 3, Sunny Isles Beach, 33160 Tel (305) 792-2355
Located in the RK Plaza, this excellent Italian restaurant offers fine dining and impeccable service, with tablecloths, cloth napkins, and an excellent wine list. Try the fettucini alfredo or the chicken parmigiana. The delicious fresh pasta is complemented by the wonderful seafood.
FARTHER AFIELD Chef Allen’s
19088 NE 29 Ave, Aventura, 33180 Tel (305) 935-2900
Sleek and chic, this Miami landmark is known for its high quality, daring New Florida cuisine. The activity in the kitchen, framed by a large picture window, is fascinating. Even that won’t distract you from the culinary styles of Allen Susser, one of the leading chefs in the region. You must try the pistachio encrusted grouper and veal chops
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