Best Trendy Restaurants in Miami
37 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Boia De
A Michelin-starred, 24-seat neighborhood gem from a husband-wife chef duo, serving inventive Italian plates in a strip-mall setting with nothing over $35.
Essential Picks
#1
Boia De
9.2
Husband-wife duo Luciana Giangrandi (Scarpetta, Carbone) and Alex Meyer (Animal, Eleven Madison Park) opened this 24-seat strip-mall spot in 2019, and it's held a Michelin star ever since—making it one of Miami's most decorated restaurants relative to its size. The Italian-leaning menu pivots seasonally but leans on textural contrasts: crispy potato skins with molten stracciatella, pappardelle alla lepre with gamey depth, and a reimagined tiramisu built on shatteringly crisp Pavesini biscuits instead of soggy ladyfingers. The room is tight and reservations require 30-day-advance planning via Resy at noon sharp, which filters out casual drop-ins but can feel exclusionary. Come here when you want cooking that punches above its weight class in a space that feels like a neighborhood secret rather than a scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliolini Nero with King Crab, Pappardelle Alla Lepre, Crispy Potato Skins with Stracciatella and Caviar
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-starred, 24-seat neighborhood gem from a husband-wife chef duo, serving inventive Italian plates in a strip-mall setting with nothing over $35.
Notable Picks
Two-time Pizza World Champion Renato Viola opened this 2014 concept after earning an O-1 'extraordinary ability' visa—a rare achievement for a pizza chef—and has since grown it to 20-plus locations. The signature move is the 72-hour fermented dough that yields a delicate, crackly thin crust, best showcased in the star-shaped pies with ricotta-stuffed points. The Brickell outpost is larger and more polished than the original South Beach spot, with solid outdoor seating and a scene-y energy that skews date night over family dinner. Service can feel rushed when the room fills up, and some purists find the style too thin for their taste. Best for pizza nerds who appreciate technique and don't mind paying a premium for it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Star Luca, Coffee Paolo, Ginger Lilliam
What Makes it Special: Founded by O1 Visa-certified pizza chef Renato Viola, featuring signature star-shaped pizzas with 72-hour fermented dough and ricotta-filled crust points.
#3
Uchi Miami
8.9
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole brought his Austin-born concept to Wynwood in 2021, and the precision shows in every plate—whether you're working through the seasonal omakase or letting the kitchen guide you through their greatest hits like the Hama Chili and Walu Walu. The Wynwood space balances sophistication with warmth, steering clear of the pretension that plagues high-end sushi elsewhere. Service runs attentive with real menu knowledge, though peak-hour waits for drinks suggest the bar could use reinforcement. Portions run small for the price point, which stings less if you accept this as special-occasion territory rather than Tuesday sushi. Come for a celebratory omakase when you want fish quality that justifies the spend.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hama Chili, Wagyu Ringo, Sake Toro Crudo
What Makes it Special: James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole's nontraditional Japanese cuisine with a seasonal omakase and pristine fish in Wynwood's vibrant arts district.
#4
Doya
8.6
Chef Erhan Kostepen, who grew up above a restaurant in Izmir, runs the kitchen at this Wynwood Aegean spot built around a theater-style open hearth where lamb chops and octopus hit wood and coal fire. The short-rib baklava has become the signature—savory, sticky, and photogenic—while the meze spreads reward groups willing to order wide. The Bib Gourmand came in 2022 and held through 2024, though the designation slipped in 2025. Noise levels run high and service can lag when the room fills, so go early or prepare to shout across the table. A scene-y choice for a group dinner that prioritizes flavor and energy over intimacy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short-Rib Baklava, Doya Kebap, Grilled Octopus
What Makes it Special: A Bib Gourmand-awarded modern Aegean restaurant with a theater kitchen where you can watch chefs work over wood and coal fire.
#5
Kyu
8.6
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Brunch Bliss Spots
Trendy Table Hotspots
The 2016-founded wood-fired institution that put Wynwood dining on the national map—TIME's 'Best Restaurant in Florida,' James Beard semifinalist, World's 50 Best Discovery inclusion—reopened in February 2024 after storm-related renovations with the core menu intact. The 12-14 hour smoked short rib and roasted cauliflower with goat cheese remain the anchors, though the post-renovation space runs louder and more packed than the original, with some reports of rushed service during peak hours. Chef Michael Lewis's Japanese yakiniku-meets-American-barbecue technique still delivers when it's dialed in, and the coconut cake remains mandatory. Come for the dishes that built the reputation, not for intimate conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Cauliflower with Goat Cheese & Shishito Vinaigrette, Wood-Smoked Beef Short Rib, Korean Fried Chicken with Chili Butter
What Makes it Special: A James Beard semifinalist that pioneered Miami's wood-fired Asian BBQ scene, smoking meats for 12-14 hours over binchotan charcoal with Japanese yakiniku technique.
#6
Uchi Miami
8.6
James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole brings non-traditional Japanese cuisine that has converted skeptical New York sushi purists. The kitchen balances technical precision with creative risk-taking, delivering dishes like Hama Chili and Wagyu Ringo that justify the Wynwood prices. Happy hour offers a strategic entry point for experiencing the brand that put Austin on the national sushi map.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hama Chili, Wagyu Ringo, Suika
What Makes it Special: James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole's non-traditional Japanese cuisine blends Latin and Japanese flavors with theatrical presentation.
#7
Alma Rosa
8.4
A sultry Brickell lounge where Mexican meets Mediterranean, Alma Rosa has carved out a following since opening for its tableside guacamole with crispy ribeye and the crowd-pleasing ossobuco ravioli. The space leans into moody lighting and plush textures that feel distinctly nightclub-adjacent—fitting, since there's an actual club attached for post-dinner revelry. Service gets high marks for attentiveness, though a few diners note it can feel performance-driven. Pricing runs steep for the neighborhood, and surprise fees have caught some guests off guard. Best for date nights where atmosphere matters as much as the plate, or happy hour when the drink specials soften the bill.
Must-Try Dishes:
Guacamole con Ribeye Frito, Costra de Picanha, Pulpo Crujiente
What Makes it Special: Contemporary Mexican cuisine with Mediterranean influences in a sultry lounge atmosphere, featuring tableside preparations and an on-site nightclub.
#8
Casa Zeru
8.4
The Miami outpost of a Mexico City favorite that's been perfecting Basque cuisine since 2009, now occupying the ground floor of Hotel AKA Brickell with 200 seats and a striking palm-accented design. Chef Israel Aretxiga brings 15 years of traditional Spanish technique to the Josper grill, where the socarrat rice dishes deliver that prized caramelized crust worth ordering every visit. The Manchego fondant dessert has developed its own following among regulars. Service runs attentive but can lag during peak hours when the live music kicks in—some find the entertainment distracting rather than atmospheric. Come for a splurge-worthy date night when you want Basque precision without flying to San Sebastián.
Must-Try Dishes:
Socarrat de Mariscos, Fried Artichokes with Idiazabal Cheese, Alaskan King Crab with Miso Glaze
What Makes it Special: San Sebastian-inspired Basque cuisine cooked over a wood-burning Josper grill, with signature socarrat rice dishes featuring the prized crispy bottom crust.
#9
Fradiavolo
8.4
Italy's Top 25-ranked pizzeria chain planted its first U.S. flag in Wynwood in late 2024, importing dough made with mineral-rich Italian water and offering four crust styles including a striking charcoal-infused black option. The blistered, airy crusts earn their reputation—particularly on the La Diva with prosciutto, burrata, and fig jam—though the operation's newness means the kitchen is still finding its footing with consistency during peak hours. Vintage Italian furniture, stacked records, and decorative bikes create a casual-cool space that matches the playful 'Eat Pizza. Make Love' tagline without trying too hard. Come here when you want legitimately excellent Neapolitan pizza without the pretense of a tasting-menu experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
La Diva (Prosciutto, Burrata & Fig Jam), Margherita with Fiordilatte, Mortazza Tua (Pistachio Mortadella & Burrata)
What Makes it Special: Italy's Top 25 ranked pizzeria brought its first US location to Wynwood, with dough made and shipped fresh from Italy using mineral-rich water and four crust options including signature charcoal-infused black dough.
#10
Yoso Sushi
8.4
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Trendy Table Hotspots
Chefs Deniz Aktug and Khristian Lara—both Zuma Miami alumni—traded their Design District food truck for a baby-blue six-seat counter in Upper Buena Vista, and the transition hasn't dulled the focus on sustainable, affordable fish that made them a local cult favorite. The omakase runs through delicately scored nigiri finished with housemade yuzu kosho, and the combination platters for two deliver serious value at $60. The intimate counter creates genuine chef interaction, though six seats means waits during peak hours are essentially guaranteed. Monday's live DJ brings unexpected energy to what's otherwise a chill neighborhood operation. This is where you come when you want fish quality punching above its price point without the scene or the pretense.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Chef Selection, Salmon Tataki, Yellowtail Crispy Rice
What Makes it Special: Former food truck turned intimate six-seat counter serving sustainable, affordable sushi with outstanding fish quality in Upper Buena Vista.
#11
Felice Brickell
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Jacopo Giustiniani opened the first Felice on the Upper East Side in 2007 after realizing Manhattan needed a relaxed wine bar with proper Italian roots—this Brickell flagship carries that same 'extension of your living room' philosophy backed by the SA Hospitality Group that runs Sant Ambroeus. The fettuccine alla Bolognese and mezze maniche cacio e pepe use imported Italian tomatoes and the family's organic Tuscan wines from Fattoria Sardi near Lucca. Manager Flavio and executive chef Luigi Bailon have built a loyal following, with reviewers consistently praising the attentive, professional service. The outdoor seating works for date nights, though the Brickell location is still building its reputation compared to the NYC originals. A genuine Italian import, not a Miami approximation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fettuccine alla Bolognese, Mezze Maniche Cacio e Pepe, Veal Meatballs
What Makes it Special: NYC's beloved Tuscan trattoria brings countryside Italy energy to Brickell with proper Italian tomatoes and a family-first approach.
#12
Kaori
8.3
Opened in 2022 and Michelin-recognized, Kaori marries serious Pan-Asian cooking with a genuine Hi-Fi listening bar concept—130,000 vinyl records, Danley Sound Labs speakers, and rotating DJs Thursday through Saturday. Executive Chef Seth Fatah's menu runs from wagyu-foie gras gyoza to dry-aged duck, and the kitchen executes with more precision than the nightlife-forward vibe might suggest. The 6,000-square-foot two-story space lets you choose between refined upstairs dining or a more casual first-floor bar experience. Prices run high and portions can feel precious, which draws occasional grumbles. Best for dates or groups who want excellent food without sacrificing atmosphere, and who appreciate that the music isn't just background noise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu and Foie Gras Gyoza, Shiro Ponzu Crudo, Miyazaki A5 Beef
What Makes it Special: A restaurant meets Hi-Fi listening bar where Michelin-recognized modern Asian cuisine pairs with curated vinyl and live DJs for a sensory experience.
8.3
Gigi and Farid Lutfi, who met studying hospitality in Lausanne before the Lebanese economic collapse, opened LIRA to channel the Beirut of their parents' generation—the one nicknamed Paris of the Middle East. The eggplant fatteh and grilled whole branzino anchor a menu of generational recipes, and the outdoor patio ranks among Wynwood's best, decorated with commissioned Lebanese pop art and recycled glass from the port blast. Portions can run small for the price, and they'll charge you for tap water, which lands as tone-deaf in a casual neighborhood spot. Solid for a date night when you want Lebanese mezze done right in a beautiful space, but check your expectations against your bill.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggplant Fatteh, Grilled Whole Branzino, Makanek
What Makes it Special: Generational Lebanese recipes from Beirut served in a warm Wynwood setting with authentic Lebanese wine and arak pairings.
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Michelin-recommended pizzeria where chef Renato Viola's signature star-shaped pies with ricotta-filled points deliver both visual appeal and 72-hour fermented dough quality. The thin, crisp crust and imported Italian ingredients consistently earn praise, with the Coffee Paolo offering an unexpected standout. Service runs notably attentive for a casual pizza spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Star Luca, The Fabio, Coffee Paolo
What Makes it Special: Award-winning chef Renato Viola creates signature star-shaped pizzas with ricotta-filled points, using 72-hour fermented dough and imported Italian ingredients.
8.3
This Tokyo-meets-Lima izakaya opened in 2021 and quickly earned three consecutive Miami New Times 'Best Sushi' awards under Chef Michael Asalie, who won the South Beach Seafood Festival's sushi battle in 2022. The Paper Tuna and torched salmon nigiri draw the crowds, but the Nikkei-leaning menu—think crispy rice with truffle and acevichado rolls—is where the kitchen really distinguishes itself from Brickell's sushi pack. Dinner service gets loud and energetic, which is either the point or a drawback depending on what you're after. Service can feel transactional during peak hours, and some reviewers find the portions modest for the price point. Best suited for date nights where you want quality fish without the omakase commitment or the scene-y peacocking of flashier neighbors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paper Tuna, 48-Hour Marinated Black Cod, Salmon Aburi Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Tokyo-inspired izakaya blending Nikkei flavors with inventive nigiri like torched wagyu and truffle-kissed salmon in a sleek Brickell setting.
#16
Drinking Pig BBQ
8.2
A Caribbean-inflected smokehouse from a former KYU executive chef who layers St. Croix-rooted spices — fresh thyme, sofrito, island-heat rubs — over traditional low-and-slow technique. The brisket carries a signature bark that separates it from Miami's otherwise thin BBQ bench, and the housemade sauces run a deliberate range from tangy mustard to smoky-sweet. Opened as a permanent Coconut Grove courtyard operation in late 2025 after five years as a viral pop-up, it runs until sold out — plan accordingly.
Must-Try Dishes:
16-Hour Smoked Prime Brisket, Smoked Chicken Wings with House-Made Mustard BBQ Sauce, Oak Smoked Spare Ribs
What Makes it Special: Former KYU executive chef Raheem Sealey fuses low-and-slow Southern smoking with Caribbean spices, fresh thyme, and sofrito — a flavor profile born from his St. Croix roots that no other Miami smokehouse replicates.
#17
Novikov Miami
8.2
Russian restaurateur Arkady Novikov—with nearly 300 restaurants worldwide—opened this Downtown Miami outpost in 2018 as his first U.S. venture, bringing the London original's celebrity-magnet formula to Biscayne Bay. The live seafood display where guests hand-pick their ingredients is theatrical in the best way, and the Peking Duck holds its own against any in Miami. The outdoor terrace overlooking the bay with occasional live jazz creates a polished, grown-up atmosphere that feels distinctly international. Service is consistently praised as attentive and knowledgeable, though the $17 valet and overall pricing push this firmly into special-occasion territory. Best for business dinners or dates with people who appreciate that the dim sum cart exists for a reason.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking Duck, Duck and Foie Gras Dim Sum, Miso Black Cod
What Makes it Special: The first U.S. outpost of the world-renowned London import, featuring a live seafood display where guests hand-pick their ingredients for custom preparation.
#18
PASTA
8.1
A husband-and-wife chef team from Lima work the open kitchen steps from your seat, and the technique shows—the Agnolotti Di Funghi seals mushroom broth inside each dumpling so it bursts on the bite, a method the chef learned in New York and brought to Miami at prices that undercut every serious pasta competitor in Wynwood with most dishes under $25. The gorgonzola-mascarpone cheesecake and Peruvian lúcuma desserts signal a kitchen thinking beyond the expected Italian playbook.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pici Cacio E Pepe, Pappardelle with 15-Hour Braised Beef Cheek Ragú, Agnolotti Di Funghi
What Makes it Special: A husband-and-wife chef team from Lima, Peru cook right in front of you at a quartz-top open kitchen—the Agnolotti Di Funghi uses a technique where the sauce is sealed inside the pasta, and most dishes are under $25, making this the most affordable serious pasta in Wynwood.
8
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
The Venice dynasty behind Harry's Bar brings 90+ years of Italian hospitality heritage to Miami's waterfront, serving the original Bellini and carpaccio in a Florentine-designed space with Murano chandeliers and bay views. The imported pasta and classic preparations justify special occasion splurges, though service inconsistencies and aggressive pricing draw criticism from those expecting Harry's Bar-level refinement.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carpaccio Alla Cipriani, Baked Green Tagliolini with Praga Ham, Homemade Potato Gnocchi al Pomodoro
What Makes it Special: Venice's legendary Harry's Bar dynasty brought to Miami's waterfront, serving the original Bellini and carpaccio in a nautical-chic Florentine-designed space.
8
Philadelphia's beloved izakaya translates well to Wynwood, with binchotan-grilled robatayaki and black cod fried rice emerging as early favorites since the March 2025 opening. The signature cheesesteak bao reads better on paper than on the plate, lacking the punch the Philly homage deserves. Strong execution on Japanese classics makes this a reliable Wynwood Walls dinner option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tamago Soufflé, Black Cod Fried Rice, A5 Wagyu with Rice Cracker
What Makes it Special: Philly celebrity chef Michael Schulson brings his beloved izakaya to Wynwood with binchotan charcoal robatayaki and inventive bao that rival the sushi.
#21
Jon & Vinny's
8
LA transplant brings California-Italian comfort food to an art museum setting, with standout spicy fusilli and ricotta toast that justify the hype. The Rubell Museum location delivers a visually striking dining room with kelly green booths and pizza-box decor. Best for groups sharing family-style plates before or after exploring the galleries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bronx Bomber Pizza, Spicy Fusilli, Marinara Meatballs with Focaccia
What Makes it Special: LA's beloved California-Italian restaurant brings its famous red sauce dishes and playful dining experience to Miami's art scene at the Rubell Museum.
8
A 20-year Miami institution that was doing late-night ramen before it was trendy, open until 5AM every night with an izakaya-style menu spanning crispy rice rolls, A5 wagyu ramen, and deep-fried cheesecake. The value proposition is strong—quality ingredients at prices that don't punish you for ordering a second round—and servers like Luis and Noel get called out by name. Peak hours can slow the kitchen considerably, and some find the ramen merely solid rather than destination-worthy. Works best as a reliable Brickell standby or post-bar spot rather than a special-occasion pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice Roll, Red Dragon Roll, A5 Wagyu Ramen
What Makes it Special: One of Brickell's only quality sushi spots open until 5AM, offering A5 wagyu ramen and creative rolls at accessible prices.
#23
Sparrow Italia
8
The production value here outpaces every Italian restaurant in this ZIP code—a sunken dining room with chandeliers, wood arches, plush booths, and a nightly live band on a real stage, backed by a London Mayfair original that's drawn Alicia Keys and Serena Williams. The Bone Marrow Cappelletti with Barolo reduction and the Truffle Cacio e Pepe tossed tableside in a pecorino wheel are well-executed enough to hold up their end, but at $200+ per person with a no-kids-after-7pm policy and enforced dress code, you're buying the spectacle as much as the plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone Marrow Cappelletti, Mikey's Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka, Crispy Arancini
What Makes it Special: An 8,700 sqft Italian steakhouse with a sunken dining room, chandeliers, nightly live band on a real stage, and a bar-only pizza-by-the-slice menu—the only spot in Wynwood combining luxury Italian dining with a genuine nightlife-caliber entertainment production.
#24
ZZ's Club
8
Major Food Group brought their signature excess to the Design District in 2021 with this Japanese-leaning members club, featuring a 16-seat omakase counter, wagyu selection that rivals anywhere in the country, and fish sourced directly from Tokyo. The wagyu katsu sando and yellowtail crispy rice deliver on the hype, but recent reviews suggest service consistency has slipped and prices feel extractive even by MFG standards. Lunch is the move here—no membership required, same kitchen, and you skip the scenesters. The private club mystique works for some, though the actual dining experience doesn't always justify the premium over other Design District options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Katsu Sando with Truffles, Yellowtail Crispy Rice, Lobster Dumplings
What Makes it Special: Major Food Group brings their signature excess to Japanese cuisine, with America's largest wagyu selection, Tokyo-sourced fish, and a members-club mystique accessible at lunch.
Worthy Picks
#25
Claudie
7.9
A French-Mediterranean restaurant that leans hard into the transportive dinner—roving musicians circling tables nightly, a fountain-anchored terrace framed by bronze sculptures, and a Michelin-trained kitchen (Le Louis XV, Joël Robuchon) turning out clean, oak-grilled Provençal plates like branzino with tomato viejo and a lobster spaghetti that's become the table's reliable anchor. Service swings between attentive and stretched thin on peak nights, and the à la carte pricing runs steep for what lands on the plate, but when the musicians hit your table and the terrace awning opens at sunset, the full production earns its keep.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Spaghetti, Truffle Toupie Macaroni, Grilled Loup de Mer
What Makes it Special: Michelin-pedigreed chef (Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse, Joël Robuchon) channels Roger Vergé's 'cuisine du soleil' over an oak wood open grill, with nightly roving musicians serenading tables on a fountain-anchored terrace.
#26
Gekko
7.9
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
David Grutman and Bad Bunny's Japanese steakhouse trades heavily on celebrity cachet and dimly-lit opulence—gold dragons, hot-stone wagyu, and a crowd dressed for the 'gram. The A5 beef cooked tableside and the lobster dumplings genuinely deliver, but service reviews are sharply divided: some servers earn praise by name, while others rush tables or disappear entirely. At these prices, inconsistency stings, and the host stand has developed a reputation for rigidity that borders on unwelcoming. Best approached as a birthday spectacle or nightlife-adjacent flex rather than a pure food pilgrimage.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Crispy Rice, Lobster Dumplings, A5 Hot Stone Wagyu
What Makes it Special: A Japanese steakhouse-meets-nightclub from David Grutman and Bad Bunny, where you cook A5 wagyu on hot stones with Japanese whisky while gold-plated dragons watch.
#27
MAMO Miami
7.9
This SoHo transplant brings generous truffle portions and refined Italian technique to Brickell's dining scene, with standout dishes like the cacio e pepe fried artichokes and truffle ravioli. The marble-accented dining room offers a chic setting where you can actually hold a conversation, though expect upscale pricing including marked-up bottled water.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carciofi Alla Giudia (Cacio e Pepe Fried Artichokes), Truffle Ravioli, Capelli D'Angelo with Shrimp and Pistachio
What Makes it Special: SoHo import blending Italian tradition with French Riviera influences, known for generous truffle portions and a chic marble-accented dining room.
7.9
The NYC temaki specialists landed in Miami with Pharrell's backing in 2023, bringing their open-style hand rolls designed to be eaten immediately while the nori stays crisp—a smart technical move that distinguishes them from standard sushi bars. The space channels coastal Japanese minimalism with sandy browns and cream tones, and the furikake fries have become an Instagram fixture. Reviews flag underseasoning on some rolls and portions that leave heavier eaters wanting more, plus service can feel rushed during turnover-focused dinner shifts. Best as a light lunch or pre-shopping bite rather than a destination dinner, especially at these prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
X.O. Scallop Hand Roll, Spicy Crab Dynamite Roll, Tuna Poke Hand Roll
What Makes it Special: NYC's beloved temaki temple arrives in Miami with Pharrell's backing, serving open-style hand rolls designed to be eaten immediately while the nori stays crisp.
#29
Ojo de Agua
7.9
A health-forward Mexican brunch destination wrapped in boho-chic greenery, Ojo de Agua draws the Brickell wellness crowd with extensive vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options alongside fresh-pressed juices. The chilaquiles and guava pancakes are the draws, and portions run enormous—plan to share or take a box home. The plant-filled outdoor patio feels like an escape from the glass towers nearby, though the aesthetic appeal outpaces the culinary ambition; reviewers note dishes can be solid without being special. Bathroom cleanliness has drawn complaints. Works for a leisurely weekend brunch with friends who prioritize dietary flexibility and Instagram-worthy surroundings over adventurous cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles Verdes, Guava Pancakes, Acai Bowl
What Makes it Special: Health-conscious Mexican brunch destination with organic ingredients, fresh juices, and extensive vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options in a boho-chic setting.
#30
Rosemary's Miami
7.9
The NYC West Village transplant brought its farm-to-table identity to a 7,000 sqft Wynwood property where a working herb garden grows ingredients used in dishes marked with a rosemary sprig icon on the menu—Executive Chef Craig Giunta (ex-Mother Wolf, Macchialina) built Miami-exclusives like the Florida Rock Shrimp Linguini with bomba chili that you can't get at the original location. The bougainvillea-lined garden patio under twinkling lights is one of the strongest outdoor dining settings in the area, though the $35 corkage and $5-per-slice cake fee remind you this is a polished operation that prices every detail accordingly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle Verde, Meatballs, Crispy Artichokes
What Makes it Special: A NYC West Village transplant with an on-site herb garden cultivated by Little River Cooperative—dishes tagged with a rosemary sprig icon on the menu use ingredients grown steps from your table, and Executive Chef Craig Giunta (ex-Mother Wolf, Macchialina) crafted Miami-exclusive dishes like the Florida Rock Shrimp Linguini you can't get at the NYC location.
#31
Salty Flame
7.9
VE Hospitality Group—15 years in Brickell—opened this Asian-fusion steakhouse in 2024 with a hook: you sear your own wagyu on a blazing hot stone tableside, which is genuinely fun once and gimmicky twice. The lomo saltado bowl and Korean fried chicken show the Indonesian-influenced range, and servers like Nia and Joaquin draw consistent praise for guiding first-timers through the experience. Reviews diverge sharply on whether the food matches the sleek, DJ-backed ambiance—some call it superb, others use words like 'mediocre' and 'plain.' The $28 three-course lunch special represents the best value play; dinner pricing runs steep for what can feel like style over substance. Too new to have a track record, so approach as an experience rather than a sure thing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gold Label Wagyu Hot Stone, Lomo Saltado Bowl, Korean Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: Asian-fusion steakhouse where you sear your own wagyu on a blazing hot stone tableside, blending interactive dining with Indonesian-influenced flavors.
#32
Tacology
7.9
Established in 2016 as a mercado-style taqueria on the fourth floor of Brickell City Centre, Tacology sources its corn directly from Mexico to make 26 different tacos in-house. The birria and lobster tacos earn repeat visitors, though the iPad ordering system and auto-gratuity feel transactional rather than hospitable. It's loud, it's busy, and dishes arrive whenever they're ready—not necessarily together. Works well for a post-shopping pit stop with friends who don't need hand-holding, but don't expect a relaxed meal. The Taco Tuesday half-off deal makes it genuinely worthwhile on the right night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco de Birria, Lobster Taco, Queso Fundido con Huitlacoche
What Makes it Special: Mercado-style taqueria with 26 different tacos made from scratch using corn sourced directly from Mexico, all ordered via tablet at your table.
#33
Italica Midtown
7.8
Founded in Buenos Aires in 2019 by Pablo Sartori of the Negroni restaurant group, this corner spritz bar and trattoria brings Argentine-Italian sensibilities to Midtown with a flaming pizza presentation that's become its calling card. The risotto e seppie with saffron aioli shows more ambition than your average neighborhood Italian, and the Saturday brunch buffet at $29 with optional bottomless Aperol Spritz is genuinely good value. Service can be slow when the patio fills up, and the air conditioning struggles on hot days. It's a solid casual option for happy hour spritzes or a laid-back weekend meal, just don't expect fine-dining polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Risotto e Seppie, Angus Italian Style Meatballs, Truffle Gnocchi
What Makes it Special: A corner trattoria and spritz bar offering modern Italian-Mediterranean plates with a signature flaming pizza and Buenos Aires roots.
An LA transplant operating inside a contemporary art museum, serving nostalgia-driven Italian-American food designed to be eaten with your hands and shared across the table. The thin-crust pizzas deliver—crispy edges, good flop, reliable toppings—while the gem lettuce salad with Calabrian chili dressing quietly outperforms the pastas. The playful indoor-outdoor space with oversized green booths and crayon-on-the-menu energy makes it a natural post-gallery landing pad for groups and families who want flavor without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Fusilli, LA Woman Pizza, Gem Lettuce Salad
What Makes it Special: LA's cult-favorite Italian-American restaurant operating a limited-run residency inside the Rubell Museum, merging contemporary art with nostalgia-driven red sauce cooking from South Florida-raised chefs.
#35
La Màrtola
7.8
Hospitality impresario Paolo Domeneghetti and Martino de Rosa of La Filiale fame—the Neapolitan pizzeria featured on Chef's Table—opened this European Riviera concept in February 2024 with Stefano Ferrara wood-fired ovens and gelato from Italian master Simone Bonini. The garden setting evokes coastal Saint-Tropez, and the Neapolitan pizzas with 36-hour dough deliver what you'd expect from the La Filiale pedigree. Reviews flag inconsistency as the kitchen finds its footing, with some dishes landing underseasoned and service pacing uneven during busy nights. Early days still, but the bones are strong—give it another year to see if execution catches up to the ambition and Instagram-ready courtyard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrata with Pistachios, Tagliolini al Limone, Neapolitan Margherita Pizza
What Makes it Special: European Riviera dining comes to Miami with wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, coastal Mediterranean dishes, and world-class gelato from Italian master Simone Bonini.
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Otto & Pepe
7.8
Michelin-pedigreed chef Viviana Varese designed a tight pasta menu that critics have praised without qualification—the orecchiette with eggplant and aged ricotta and the fried egg with black truffle both deliver on technique in ways that justify the 22-seat pasta bar's front-row format. The natural wine enoteca with an on-site sommelier who matches bottles to your taste on the fly adds genuine value, though $$$ pricing against portions that multiple reviewers call small means you're paying for craft over volume.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orecchiette alla Norma, Paccheri con Branzino, Uovo Fritto con Patate e Tartufo Nero
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-pedigreed chef (Viviana Varese) designed the menu for a 22-seat pasta bar where you watch every dish made from scratch—paired with a natural wine enoteca curated by an on-site sommelier who'll match bottles to your preferences on the spot.
7.7
Canada's 18-location steakhouse concept making its first U.S. play, splitting the difference between a traditional beef program and a seafood-forward menu that gives the miso-glazed sea bass equal billing with USDA Prime cuts. Happy hour pricing and half-price wine Tuesdays give it all-day utility that most steakhouses in the Grove don't match. Still in its first year inside CocoWalk's high-traffic footprint, building a local identity with solid early execution but limited track record to judge long-term consistency.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso-Glazed Sea Bass, Prime Tomahawk (32 oz), Smoked Prime Rib Eye
What Makes it Special: Canada's celebrated steakhouse brand making its U.S. debut, with Executive Chef Stephen Clark running a kitchen that treats seafood with equal seriousness to USDA Prime beef — a modern steakhouse that breaks the dark-wood-and-cigar mold.