Endless beaches, cloud-touching skyscrapers and glorious weather by the bucket load, Miami is both a cultural and economic bastion of the United States, where sometimes it seems anything is possible. It’s also got a thriving dining scene to match, which has made this list of the best restaurants in Miami particularly challenging to curate.
The only major city in the US to be founded by a woman, it was Julia Tuttle, a local landowner who convinced rail tycoon Henry Flagler to extend his Florida East Coast Railway to this region of Florida, for which she earned the nickname ‘The Mother of Miami.’ Incorporated into a city in 1896 with a population of only 300, since then Miami has boomed into a true metropolis and the third richest city in the US.
The Miami we know today was molded from the great diversity of its populous, and in no place is that more visible than its food, which is heavily influenced by Latin American, Caribbean, soul and of course mainstream American dining. Today, Miami is a city where all palates are catered for, offering everything from Michelin star-winning haute cuisine to flavorsome street food that can transport you around the globe.
So here is a collection of some of the best restaurants in Maimi.
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Miami
We can’t discuss the best restaurants in Miami without mentioning L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, the only restaurant in the city to be awarded two Michelin stars. Throughout his career, the late Joel Robuchon was revered as one of the greatest chefs in history. In 2016, his restaurants held 31 Michelin stars, the most ever to be linked to a restauranteur in history.
The French for workshop, L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon brings classic French cuisine to the Sunshine State. Continuing Robuchon’s legacy, today the restaurant is led by executive chef James Friedberg who leads a team that elevates simple dishes into intricate delights.
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At a Joel Robuchon L’Atelier, the cooking takes center stage. It’s why the counter seating that directly faces the kitchen has become somewhat of a signature. The counter has 34 seats and is ideal for those looking to get a glimpse of the action. When it comes to classic fine dining in Miami, L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon takes the biscuit, they don’t hand out Michelin stars for nothing.
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The Surf Club Restaurant
From the Brain of American culinary maestro Thomas Keller — known for the Bay Area’s, The French Laundry and New York City’s Per Se (both three-star Michelin restaurants) — comes The Surf Club Restaurant. Located at, you guessed it, The Surf Club in Surfside, which is now also affiliated with Four Seasons, this Miami haunt was the first Floridian property opened by Keller.
Looking to provide continental cuisine for a contemporary audience, this restaurant blends perfectly with the bygone era vibe of The Surf Club by providing recognizable classic dishes, like lobster thermidor, beef wellington and lemon meringue tart, but of course elevating them to Keller’s stratospheric standards. It’s a formula that’s working as this establishment is part of an elite group of 13 Miami restaurants to hold a Michelin star.
If you’re looking to soak up some of that old-school glamour, think ballrooms and beaches, sophistication to the highest level, The Surf Club Restaurant will certainly fit the bill. Which is exactly why it makes the list of the best restaurants in Miami.
Mirabella at Fontainebleau Miami
Head south from Surfside and you will arrive at Mid-Beach, which is where Fontainebleau Miami and its latest restaurant Mirabella is located. Opening during the second half of 2023, Mirabella has quickly established itself as one of the hot new spots in Miami Beach. Led by acclaimed chef Michael White, Mirabella provides Miami with a much-needed coastal Italian vibe.
Interiors were handled by the award-winning David Collins Studio, floor-to-ceiling columns evoke great ocean corals and sea-battered driftwood. The food is just as exciting, featuring Mediterranean icons like veal Milanese and grilled octopus. The bar provides equally Mediterranean tipples like spritzers and Italian-inspired cocktails, the wine list is impressive, to say the least. Within touching distance of the sea, this restaurant exudes the luxury beach resort essence that’s so linked to this property.
As the latest addition to Fontainebleau Miami, Mirabella is currently helping to write the next chapter of this great hotel’s legacy. This is exactly why this fresh opening makes it onto our best restaurants in Miami list.
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Stubborn Seed
At the bottom tip of Miami Beach, you will discover Stubborn Seed, led by award-winning chef Jeremy Ford. Here culinary innovation blends with Miami’s fast-paced lifestyle to create a restaurant that’s bursting with bold flavors and seasonality. This commitment to seasonality is far more than balderdash, chef Ford actually owns his own farm where he grows ingredients he incorporates into the ever-changing menu.
To get the most out of a restaurant of this caliber, the tasting menu is always a safe bet. Chef Ford knows this, which is why at Stubborn Seed, the restaurant serves only the tasting menu, while a la carte is available in the bar. This tasting menu darts across the culinary landscape with dishes like scallop aguachile, fennel & Szechuan cured Japanese yellowtail and fried chicken and caviar.
Jeremy Ford’s commitment to pushing boundaries in terms of flavor, innovation, seasonality and sustainability is clearly paying dividends with Stubborn Seed attaining a Michelin star in the inaugural 2022 Miami guide.
Los Felix
If you’re looking to break the trend and try something a little different, Los Felix is a refined eatery driven by its principles and achieving greatness by following a lesser-known path. Inspired by Indigenous Mesoamerican heritage, this restaurant pays homage to grandmothers who carried ancestral traditions forward.
On the menu, you will find fresh masa that’s ground daily, Al Pastor tacos, cured tuna, tamal and pork cheek carnitas. It’s hearty wholesome cooking, that is still presented in a modern beautiful way. The restaurant supports the concept of milpa farming, which highlights the strong connection between self and the land. On the menu the farms where they procure ingredients are all listed.
The wine is just as thoughtful, only sourcing from the Americas, buying wines from small, family-owned farms that use natural and biodynamic processes.
In the evenings expect things to get a little lively with live DJ sets on vinyl records, this restaurant’s commitment to tradition goes all the way. Daring to be different and attaining a Michelin star in the process garnered Los Felix a spot on our best restaurants in Miami list.
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Shingo
It’s always important to keep the sushi lovers on side and Shingo, from acclaimed and award-winning sushi chef Shingo Akikuni should do just that. Found inside the historic La Palma Building in Coral Gables, this 14-seat restaurant is omakase in its purest form, expect all the bells and whistles, serious presentation and flavors you thought you could only dream of.
As this is an omakase restaurant, you pay the fee, in this case $225 per person, then you buckle up and go along for the ride. Diners are served a mixture of hot and cold dishes all of which highlight seasonal fresh fish and vegetables, but those lucky enough to visit should also expect a modern twist.
Something to note, this is a serious style of dining, etiquette is important. The restaurant reminds guests to be conscious not to affect the experience of other diners by talking in hushed voices, not wearing strong perfume (as it can affect flavors) and eat the food as soon as it’s ready so it’s at its best. While this commitment to etiquette can seem daunting, its partly what makes this experience so special. So don’t worry too much and get ready for a truly unique dining experience.
Lafayette Steakhouse
On the complete opposite side of the spectrum to the refined subtle sensibilities of omakase, comes the bold and punchy Lafayette Steakhouse where the nostalgia of an all-American steak house meets the classy vice of a London speakeasy in a match made in heaven.
A good steakhouse is all about the quality of the ingredients and that’s where Lafayette Steakhouse excels. Hand-selected meats from family-run farms are incorporated into a menu that’s curated by executive chef Kylian Goussot. Cooking over a wood charcoal Josper oven to get that perfect sear, these dry-aged stakes arrive at the table bursting with flavor.
It’s not just the food that’s stealing the show, an extensive collection of fine wines, vintage spirits and artisanal cocktails means there is something to refresh everyone between bites.
You can’t call it a best restaurant in Miami list without a steakhouse and this classy haunt in Brickell ticks all the boxes.
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Sanguich De Miami
Another essential stop in Miami is Cuban cuisine, and this Little Havana gem could well be the perfect contrast to some of the more fine dining options on this list. At one point serving sandwiches out of a shipping container, and now a brick-and-mortar store, you know it’s going to be good when you see the line down the street.
But what are all these people here for? A classic Cuban sandwich. Ham, pork that’s been marinated for a week, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread. No frills, this place sticks to what it knows and does it well. Take one to go, or sit up on the counter and enjoy the moment.
Business is clearly booming as they now have three stores with plans to open a fourth. While this place hasn’t been awarded a Michelin star, it has reached Bib Gourmand status, an important award for restaurant’s serving exceptional food at a reasonable price.
This is where Miami excels, a Cuban sandwich for lunch, before two-star Michelin haute cuisine for dinner, this city has it all. Which is exactly why Sanguich De Miami deserves its place on our best restaurants in Miami list.
