Best Restaurants in Miami

03 Apr 2025    Attractions

Miami is one of the  best places for you to try some of the best food some of which include Cuban food and fresh seafood. Sunshine, salty air, and a perfect mango, that’s Miami food, simplified. And we are here to bring you some information on the best restaurants in Miami.
And, if you wish to explore more about this fantastic city, please go through our other article that talks about the various things to do in Miami.  
We are going to categorize the different kinds of restaurants so that you have a good idea about where to eat in Miami. Keep reading for some delicious content on these restaurants:

Cuban Delights:

1. Versailles Restaurant

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This is a Miami institution! Versailles is a classic Cuban diner, known for its lively atmosphere and traditional dishes. Here you get crispy croquetas, flavourful Ropa Vieja, and their famous Cuban coffee. It's a taste of real Miami culture, and one of the best restaurants in Miami to experience the heart of Little Havana.

It's a total Miami classic that has been around forever in Little Havana. It is practically the heart of Cuban culture. They also have a little walk-up window for Cuban coffee and snacks. It is definitely not just a restaurant; it is Miami history!

Miami Luxury Access Tips:

  • The Cuban coffee is a must try.
  • There is more than just a sandwich to try here. 
  • There is a bakery right next to it, it is AMAZING!
  • It does get pretty busy here, so you have to be a little patient, or maybe not visit at peak time. 
  • It doesn’t matter if you’re trying Cuban food for the first time, feel free to ask for recommendations. The lovely helpers there suggest only the best things. 

Address: 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Contact: (305) 444-0240
Hours: Pretty much open all day and late! Usually 8 AM to midnight or 1 AM.
What it’ll cost: Prices here are reasonable! Appetizers around $4-$10, delicious sandwiches around $9-$11, and main dishes mostly in the $12-$30 range (seafood might be a bit more). Coffee? Extremely cheap and amazing.

No wonder it is one of the top Miami restaurants.

2. La Carreta

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Another one of the top restaurants in Miami, La Carreta offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and a menu packed with delicious Cuban comfort food. From their savory sandwiches to their hearty stews, you'll find plenty to love. Plus, their flan is a must-try dessert!

Miami Luxury Access Tips:

  • Their ropa vieja (shredded beef) and lechon asado (roast pork) are a must-try!
  • Do try their croquetes. They are little fried bites of deliciousness!
  • Weekends, specifically, are often quite busy. You will have to wait for a bit.
  • If you are unsure of what to order, ask your server for recommendations. 

Address:  3632 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 (but they have multiple locations!)
Contact: (305) 444-7501 (for this specific location; other locations might have different numbers)
Hours: Generally open pretty early and close late, around 8 AM to 11 PM. Hours can vary by location.

What you might spend: 

La Carreta is pretty friendly on the wallet. Expect:
Appetizers: Around $5 - $10 for things like mariquitas (plantain chips) or a sampler.
Sandwiches: Cuban sandwiches are a good deal, usually around $10 - $12.
Main Dishes: Most entrees like ropa vieja, pollo plancha (grilled chicken), or lechon asado will likely be in the $13 - $18 range. Some seafood or steak dishes might be a bit more.
Sides: Rice, beans, plantains are usually under $5.
Coffee: Cuban coffee is super affordable, a few bucks at most.

Basically, La Carreta is one of the must-try restaurants in Miami for solid, authentic Cuban food in a welcoming atmosphere without emptying your pockets. It's a true taste of Miami's Cuban heritage.

Seafood

1. Mignonette

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This is like an oyster paradise. As many oysters you get to try here, you also get to watch chefs shuck them. But they also have a variety of little dishes like smoked up fish dip and spicy mussels. But one of the signature items is their key lime pie for dessert. This wonderful restaurant gets really lively at night time. 

Miami Luxury Access Tips:

  • As already mentioned, their oysters are a must-try! You can check their daily selection on the chalkboard - they are always fresh. 
  • Don’t skip the small plates! Their smoked fish dip and mussels are popular for a reason
  • Their Deviled Eggs are to die for. Do try!
  • It is quite a popular spot, so making a reservation is recommended
  • They have a parking spot - which is such a WIN in Miami, no?

Address: 210 NE 18th Street, Miami, FL 33132
Contact: (305) 374-4635
Hours:  Dinner daily, usually from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

What you might spend: 

The food at Mignonette is in the mid-range when it comes to price. You can expect:
Appitizers & Small Plates: Generally around $15 - $35 (oysters vary by type).
Main Courses (Seafood & Others): Entrees can range from the $20s to $50s, with some premium seafood like lobster being higher.
Sides: Around $9.
Desserts: Around $10 - $12.

It is definitely considered as one of the best restaurants in Miami and rightfully so! It is a must-visit if you are craving for fresh, delicious seafood and an unpretentious setting. It is slightly higher - cost wise - but the quality is totally worth the spend.

2. Joe’s Stone Crab

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This is a legendary seafood restaurant, a true institution that's been serving up its iconic stone crab claws since 1913. It has a historic atmosphere – it is a classic, old-school charm, with a lively dining room and a palpable sense of history.
While stone crab is the star, they also offer a variety of other seafood dishes, making it one of the best places to eat in Miami. 

Miami Luxury Access Tips:

  • Stone crabs are a must-try. Ask them about the different sizes.
  • Do not skip the mustard sauce, it’s the taste enhancer, if you will.
  • If someone in your group isn’t a fan of crabs, their fried chicken is surprisingly good.
  • Their hash browns are kind of a big deal, try them out!
  • This is a first-come, first-serve restaurant, you do not need prior reservations. 
  • Lunch is often less crowded than dinner. 
  • Save some room for their Key lime pie, it’s delicious!

Address: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Contact: (305) 673-0365
Hours: They're all about stone crab season, so they're usually open from around mid-October to mid-May. Hours can change, but usually dinner starts around 5 PM, and they might have lunch some days too. Their takeout place is open more often.

What you can expect to pay:

Well, Joe’s crab isn’t the cheapest place, but the food is worth it. Here is an estimate for you:

  • Stone Crabs: This is a huge deal, the prices often change depending on how big the claws are in the market. The range could be from $60 to over$140 for an order.
  • Appetizers, Sides, Other mains: Anywhere from $15 - $70+
  • Dessert: The key lime pie will be around $10-$14

This is considered as one of the top restaurants in Miami. If you are a fan of the crab season, you must definitely visit this restaurant.
 

Contemporary 

1. Palma

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Tucked away in Little Havana, Palma is making waves among the best restaurants in Miami, offering a unique and intimate dining experience. Forget the typical Miami style, this narrow, candlelit space, clad in concrete, focuses solely on the culinary artistry of Chef Juan Camilo Liscano. 
With a lean team of less than five, including the chef himself, the service is remarkably efficient, as they seamlessly transition from cooking to plating to clearing. The star of the show is the ever-evolving tasting menu.
Guests are treated to inventive flavor combinations, like grilled baby corn with burnt eggplant aioli and aged sirloin, or delicate flounder in a mussel sabayon.

2. Boia De

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They've got amazing food, and to make it even better, they have a really cool wine list. It's not just your regular wine; they pick wines from all over the world that go perfectly with the food. Basically, they really care about making your meal special, and that's why everyone says it's one of the best restaurants in Miami.

Japanese 

1. Ogawa

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Ogawa, in Little River, is a super cool sushi place. Chef Masayuki Komatsu makes this amazing 'chef's choice' meal, and it's not like any sushi you've had before.
You start with these tiny, incredible appetizers – picture little eels with a special egg, or squid in a tasty sauce. Then, they bring out tempura, like crispy veggies and shrimp, with a really rich sauce.
Basically, it's really good, high-quality sushi, but with some really interesting and delicious twists. So next time if you are wondering, ‘where to eat in Miami’? Do consider Ogawa.

2. Hiden

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Hiden is like a secret sushi club in Miami. It's hidden behind a taco place, which is pretty cool.
They only do this 'chef's choice' thing, so you don't pick the food – they do. And honestly, it's amazing. They get really fresh fish, flown in from Japan.
It's a tiny place, so it feels really special. You're right there watching the chefs make everything.
Basically, it's a super fancy, really delicious sushi dinner. It's not your everyday meal, but if you want something really special, it's worth it, and also on its way to making it into the best restaurants in Miami list. 

These are just a few of the top restaurants in Miami. While there is a plenty other great place to eat in this wonderful city. 

Other Desserts and Brunch Miami Restaurants

After all that food, you will need something sweet! Here are some of the best restaurants in Miami to help you satisfy your sweet-tooth. Keep reading for more:

Sweet Treats and Desserts 

Azucar Ice Cream Company

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Located in Little Havana, Azucar offers unique and flavourful ice cream creations inspired by Cuban flavors. You can get it all mamey, guava, and dulce de leche. It's a fun and delicious way to cool down in the Miami heat.

Fireman Derek's Bake Shop

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If you're a pie lover, you are in for a fun treat at Fireman Derek's. They're famous for their key lime pie, but also offer a variety of other delicious pies and baked goods. Their colorful and fun atmosphere makes it a great spot for a sweet treat. 

Brunch Spots For a Miami Morning 

GreenStreet Café

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Located in Coconut Grove, GreenStreet Cafe offers a beautiful outdoor setting and a delicious brunch menu. It's a great place to people-watch while enjoying classic brunch dishes with a Miami twist.

The Biltmore Hotel Sunday Brunch

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For a truly luxurious brunch experience, head to the Biltmore Hotel. Their Sunday brunch is legendary, with a vast buffet featuring everything from seafood to carving stations. It's a splurge, but worth it for a special occasion.

Miami’s culinary scenes are constantly evolving, so there is always something new to discover. We hope this guide gave you some fun insights on some of the best restaurants in Miami.