From opulent fine dining establishments to cherished local spots offering incredible value, Apogee Indigo’s list of the top Miami restaurants features the best the city has to offer. We relentlessly scour the streets, eateries, and pop-ups to unearth hidden gems and celebrated icons alike, prioritizing fun, flavor,, and freshness at every price point. Whether you’re in the mood for a luxurious Michelin-starred experience or a budget-friendly bite that packs a punch, this list of the best Miami restaurants will guide you to Miami’s most mouth-watering destinations. We update our selections regularly to ensure you’re always in the know about the latest and greatest in Miami’s vibrant food scene. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’s as rich and varied as Miami itself. Explore the top Miami restaurants in 2024 with our guide to the best eateries on our Miami dining guide.
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Image Courtesy: Carpaccio
Carpaccio
9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour Shops, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
Italian, specializing in dishes like crispy pizza Margherita, citrusy Riviera salad, and various types of carpaccio (beef, tuna, and salmon).
Accepts Apogee Indigo Payment
Cost: $$
Carpaccio, nestled within the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops, offers a dining experience that blends authentic Italian cuisine with Miami’s vibrant atmosphere. Known for its high-quality food and lively ambiance, Carpaccio’s sunny outdoor patio is a particular favorite. The crowd here is a mix of celebrities, socialites, and affluent locals, creating a buzzing, upscale environment. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM, it’s a perfect spot for both lunch and dinner. Public transport access is convenient, with several bus routes serving the Bal Harbour area.
Loved by power brokers, politicians, sports stars, and high-profile guests alike, Carpaccio maintains its popularity with elegant decor and a prime people-watching spot in the outdoor seating area. Consistently delivering excellent food and service for over 25 years, Carpaccio remains a favorite.
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Image Courtesy: Primo’s Italian Kitchen & Bar
Primo’s Italian Kitchen & Bar
1717 N Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132
Italian, featuring dishes such as lasagna, pepperoni pizza, spaghetti with meatballs, and various seafood options.
Accepts Apogee Indigo Payment
Cost: $$
Primo’s Italian Kitchen & Bar, situated in the lobby of the Grand Doubletree Hotel in downtown Miami, offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and consistently high-quality Italian cuisine. The menu boasts classic Italian dishes like Primo’s famous meatballs, lasagna, and a selection of pizzas and seafood. The restaurant is praised for its friendly and attentive service, generous portions, and authentic flavors. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Primo’s is versatile for any occasion. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, it’s conveniently located in downtown Miami, easily accessible by public transport.
Despite not being Michelin-starred, Primo’s Italian Kitchen & Bar offers a delightful dining experience that attracts a diverse crowd, including locals and visitors. Its location within a high-end hotel adds to its appeal, providing a comfortable and upscale environment.
Image Courtesy: 94th Aero Squadron
94th Aero Squadron
1395 NW 57th Avenue, Miami, FL 33126
American, specializing in steakhouse fare. Signature dishes include lobster tail, shrimp scampi, and various steaks.
Accepts Apogee Indigo Payment
Cost: $$$
The 94th Aero Squadron offers a unique dining experience with its aviation-themed decor and location overlooking the Miami International Airport runways. Guests enjoy views of planes taking off and landing, with the added novelty of listening to air traffic control communications via provided headphones. The cozy ambiance, filled with historical aviation memorabilia, creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Popular for its hearty steakhouse menu and extensive Sunday brunch buffet featuring bottomless champagne and mimosas, carving stations, seafood, and desserts, the 94th Aero Squadron is a favorite for special occasions and family gatherings. Open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, it is best reached by car, though public transport options are nearby.
While it doesn’t hold Michelin stars, the 94th Aero Squadron offers a distinctive experience with its unique decor, historical significance, and excellent views of airport runways, appealing to aviation enthusiasts and those looking for a memorable dining outing.
Read: Top Restaurants at the Miami International Airport
Image Courtesy: Ariete
Ariete
3540 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133
New American with Latin, particularly Cuban influences. Specialties include Canard à la Presse, Pastrami-Style Wagyu Short Rib, and unique desserts like Flan infused with candy cap mushrooms.
Accepts Apogee Indigo Payment
Cost: $$$
Ariete, located in the charming Coconut Grove neighborhood, offers New American cuisine infused with Cuban flavors. Under the direction of Executive Chef Michael Beltran, Ariete has earned a Michelin star, making it one of Miami’s top dining destinations. The restaurant is praised for its sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Highlights include the seven-course tasting menu and the spectacular Canard à la Presse, a tableside presentation that is both a culinary delight and an entertaining show.
User reviews frequently commend the restaurant for its exceptional service and creative dishes. Popular menu items include the “Florida Orange” (a unique combination of duck and chicken foie mousse shaped like an orange) and the Pastrami-Style Wagyu Short Rib. The well-curated wine list and distinctive cocktails further enhance the dining experience. Ariete is open for dinner and serves brunch, providing versatile options for various dining occasions.
Ariete’s Michelin star and dynamic menu place it among Miami’s elite dining experiences. The restaurant attracts a sophisticated crowd and offers a blend of luxurious and cozy dining environments.
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The Surf Club Restaurant
9011 Collins Avenue, Surfside, FL 33154
Continental, featuring classic dishes such as Beef Wellington, Maine Lobster Thermidor, and Avocado Louie.
Cost: $$$$
The Surf Club Restaurant, located at the iconic Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Miami, is a sophisticated dining establishment helmed by acclaimed chef Thomas Keller. It offers a refined menu that pays homage to the restaurant’s historical grandeur, blending traditional Continental cuisine with contemporary flair. Signature dishes include Prime Beef Short Rib Wellington, Lobster Thermidor, and the tableside Caesar Salad, all prepared with meticulous attention to detail.
Renowned for its impeccable service and elegant ambiance, The Surf Club Restaurant provides an exceptional dining experience reminiscent of Miami’s golden age. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, it offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Open for dinner from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and until 10:30 PM from Thursday to Saturday, The Surf Club Restaurant is a top choice for fine dining enthusiasts.
As a Michelin-starred restaurant, The Surf Club stands out for its high-quality cooking and outstanding hospitality. Chef Keller’s establishment is celebrated for its historical significance and its modern, luxurious dining environment.
Image Courtesy: Emilio’s Trattoria
Emilio’s Trattoria
1088 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
Italian, offering a variety of classic dishes including pasta, salads, and seafood. Known for its Chopped Salad and Lasagna.
Accepts Apogee Indigo Payment
Cost: $$
Emilio’s Trattoria, a beloved Italian spot in Bay Harbor Islands. Renowned for its dishes like Chopped Salad, Lasagna, and Bruschetta, Emilio’s offers a cozy and casual ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant remains a local favorite for its authentic Italian cuisine and welcoming environment.
While not a high-end dining destination, Emilio’s Trattoria provides a delightful Italian dining experience. The restaurant is a go-to spot for family gatherings and casual dinners, often visited by locals and celebrities alike for its consistent food quality and pleasant setting.
Image Courtesy: Chug’s Diner
Chug’s Diner
3444 Main Highway, Suite 21, Miami, FL 33133
Cuban-American, featuring dishes such as pancakes, pastelitos, lechon hash, and Camarones Enchilados.
Accepts Apogee Indigo Payment
Cost: $$
Chug’s Diner, a popular eatery in Coconut Grove, is the brainchild of Chef Michael Beltrán. This diner blends Cuban and American diner culture, offering comfort foods like Lechon Hash, Camarones Enchilados, and various pastelitos. The live atmosphere and diverse menu make it a favorite among locals and tourists. Notable for breakfast and brunch, Chug’s serves up items like cast iron pancakes and Harina con Huevo.
Reviews frequently highlight the diner’s cozy ambiance and high-quality food. Chug’s has earned a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide, indicating it offers good quality and value cooking. Operating from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM Thursday to Saturday, 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays, and 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM Monday to Wednesday, Chug’s provides a charming setting with critically acclaimed dishes.
Boia De
5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Modern American with strong Italian influences. Signature dishes include Tagliolini Nero with king crab, Bufala Ricotta Gnocchi, and Chicken Liver & Foie Gras Pate.
Cost: $$
Boia De, a critically acclaimed, chef-driven restaurant in Miami’s Buena Vista neighborhood, is known for its innovative menu. Led by chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer, Boia De offers a warm and inviting ambiance despite its small size. The restaurant is recognized for its creative dishes that combine modern American cuisine with Italian flavors, earning a Michelin star for exceptional quality and culinary artistry.
Highly praised dishes include Tagliolini Nero with squid ink pasta and king crab, and Bufala Ricotta Gnocchi. The menu changes frequently to incorporate seasonal ingredients, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience. The intimate setting and attentive service further enhance the dining experience, making it one of Miami’s toughest reservations to secure. Boia De operates from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM Wednesday to Monday.
Zitz Sum
396 Alhambra Circle, Suite 155, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Asian Fusion, with influences from Japanese and Chinese cuisine, combined with Italian ingredients and techniques.
Cost: $$
Zitz Sum, in Coral Gables, is a unique Asian fusion restaurant helmed by Chef Pablo Zitzmann. Known for its creative and eclectic menu that blends Asian flavors with innovative twists, Zitz Sum has received multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand awards. Signature dishes include hand-rolled dumplings, chicken pot stickers with Oaxacan salsa macha, and okonomiyaki-style fried rice.
Celebrated for its intimate and cozy atmosphere, Zitz Sum offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Reviews rave about the unique and flavorful dishes, exceptional service, and inviting ambiance. Open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, 6 PM to 10 PM, Zitz Sum’s Bib Gourmand designation signifies excellent quality and value.
La Mar by Gastón Acurio
500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL 33131
Peruvian, with a focus on Asian-Peruvian fusion and traditional seafood dishes. Signature items include cebiches, tiraditos, and freshly grilled anticuchos.
Cost: $$$
La Mar by Gastón Acurio, located at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami, offers an exquisite dining experience featuring authentic Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant is renowned for its stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline, enjoyed from both indoor and expansive terrace seating. Executive Chef Diego Oka presents a menu that ranges from upscale novo-Andean fare to unique Asian-Peruvian fusion dishes.
The ambiance at La Mar is vibrant and cosmopolitan, providing a perfect setting for both casual and special occasions. Guests frequently praise the innovative dishes and exceptional service. Popular items include the Cebiche Sampler, Pulpo al Olivo, and Lomo Saltado. La Mar is also known for its sumptuous Sunday brunch featuring a variety of Peruvian-inspired dishes and a selection of cocktails, wines, and beers.
Cote Miami
3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Korean Steakhouse, featuring a blend of traditional Korean barbecue and American steakhouse styles. Signature dishes include the Butcher’s Feast and the 10-course steak omakase.
Cost: $$$$
Cote Miami, in the Miami Design District, extends the acclaim of Michelin-starred Cote New York. Known for its unique blend of Korean barbecue and classic American steakhouse elements, Cote Miami offers a luxurious and interactive dining experience. Smokeless charcoal grills at each table allow skilled staff to prepare premium cuts of meat, including 45-day dry-aged beef visible in the restaurant’s dry-aging room.
The upscale and energetic ambiance is complemented by modern design, blue-chip artwork, and a stylish bar offering a 1200+ label wine list and creative cocktails. Praised for impeccable service and high-quality food, the Butcher’s Feast and the 10-course steak omakase are recommended for a comprehensive introduction to the restaurant’s offerings. Cote Miami is open for lunch from 12 PM to 3 PM daily, and for dinner from 5 PM to 11 PM Sunday to Wednesday, and until midnight Thursday to Saturday.
As a Michelin-starred establishment, Cote Miami delivers an exceptional dining experience focused on high-quality ingredients and refined service, attracting a sophisticated clientele and standing out as one of Miami’s top dining destinations.