Peter’s Miami Restaurant Guide
Miami is nice, and I’ll say it twice. Miami is nice. And one of the reasons (besides the Golden Girls) is the vibrant and vast dining scene— Cuban and Spanish influences, Pan-Asian flavors, Italian and Mediterranean mixes, and Southern Comfort foods all convene here to feed hungry crowds with an insatiable hunger for bold, delicious food and experiences. As a New Yorker, Miami and South Beach are a winter go-to to escape those frigid East Coast doldrums of January and February where, with just a short plane ride, the pallid grim grey of Manhattan gives way to the sherbet-hued joy of tanned skin, lazy poolside reveries, short sleeves, and very delicious food. Because whatever your culinary fancy— this global warm-weather spot has something to whet your whistle. Here are some of my favorites. ¡Buen provecho!
1. Mandolin
BEST ‘I could swear I’m on the Mediterranean Sea’ VIBES
Step into Mandolin’s magical patio behind the walls of a 1930’s bungalow and you’ll think you can hear distant Aegean waves lapping upon the shores. Refined takes on traditional Greek and Turkish cuisine using seasonal ingredients, husband and wife founders Ahmet and Anastasia have created their own Mediterranean-inspired empire with tabletop and pantry lines, more restaurants and frankly, a universe we wouldn’t mind living in 24/7. But for now, focus on the delicious meal at hand— and be sure to order their tender Grilled Halloumi, succulent Köfte and luxuriously silky Moussaka— one bite and you’ll be transported across the ocean. Mandolin— my dears— is a must.
Photo Courtesy of Mandolin
BEST BREKKIE
Breakfast— they say— is the most important meal of the day, and Zak the Baker is making sure of it (and lunch too). The Wynwood bakery/café serves up all manner of mouth-watering fare for Miamians. Grab a stool at the counter and feast on Sam and Cheese Croissant, or their Egg Sandwich on Brioche while you watch the bakers form loaves and knead dough in the open space. Finish it off with a Lavender Latte and then be sure grab any variety of baked goods and breads to go. Everything at Zak the Baker is naturally leavened, hand made from scratch, and made with joy. Talk about the best part of waking up, amirite?
Photo Courtesy of Zak the Baker
3. Chotto Matte
Upscale casual vibrant vibes abound in this art-filled dramatic palm-tree dotted atrium steps off Lincoln Road Mall. Japanese Peruvian fusion is the name of the game with an expansive crowd-pleasing menu that includes everything from sushi, tempura and robata grilled items. Highlights include their signature Chotto Ceviche, the umami-packed Yellowtail Nikkei Sashimi— and you’ll not want to miss the Wagyu Beef Gyoza and the Black Cod Aji Miso (trust me— so good!). The boîte is also a perfect spot for a bespoke cocktail at the expansive bar that centers the space.
Photo Courtesy of Chotto Matte
4. Hometown BBQ
When you come to Hometown you better be READY, cause it’s about to get finger lickin’ good. Fall-apart spareribs glistening in sauce, tender brisket, and succulent pulled pork are the go-to’s in this casual converted warehouse space. This outpost (the original is in Brooklyn) also features innovative and equally scrumptious offerings like Char Siu Baby Back Ribs, smoked turkey BLT and um, don’t forget to finish it all off with their Banana Pudding (oh and one of their signature cocktails too!). Authentic pit-smoked meats prepared with Southern techniques and flavors? Yes, ma’am!
Photo Courtesy of Hometown BBQ
5. Boia De
This petit Italian-fare jewel box is discreetly tucked into a strip mall and trust me it ain’t your Nonna’s red sauce joint. Boia De’s innovative, refined, yet still comforting riff on classics are not to be missed. Their seasonal menu changes— often daily— but some must-haves are the Potato Skins with Stracciatella, Caviar and Hard Egg, Sunchoke Caramelle and the Bone Marrow with Pickled Shallots— these plates are perfect to share which frankly is a good thing— because you’ll want to try as many of these thoughtful, nuanced and bold dishes as possible. Also, it’s a small place, so reservations are highly recommended.
Photo Courtesy of Boia De
No visit to Miami is complete without a stop at this classic spot. Come for the crab, stay for the key lime pie. Stone Crab claws, so succulent and meaty, are the main attraction here and have been since 1913. Served chilled with their signature mustard sauce, Joe’s is a bustling joint where there’s always a crowd. They offer other classic seafood house fare like Blackened Mahi Mahi, Crab Cakes and Coconut Shrimp in case you have the appetite for more. But like I said, leave room for that Key Lime Pie, okay?
Photo Courtesy of Joe’s Stone Crab
7. Versailles
Not that one in France, but the one in the heart of Miami that serves up delicious Cuban cuisine and has been a touchstone for Cuban culture for the last 50 years. Founded by Felipe Valls, Sr. in 1971, Versailles Miami dishes out Cuban comfort classics like Fufù con Masitas, Cod Fish Fritters and their signature Chicken Versailles (half a grilled chicken marinated with Cuban Mojo and served with Moros Rice and Sweet Plantains). With daily specials, a full bakery and take-out window serving all manner of sandwiches (try the Croissant de Jamón y Queso), Cuban-Spanish sweets and some seriously deep and rich Cuban coffee, Versailles is one palace that you’ll WANT to lose your head over.
Photo Courtesy of Versailles
Southern comfort, indeed. Famed chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster Overtown celebrates the roots and diversity of American cuisine with vibrant, bold flavors and fresh ingredients, just like his Harlem flagship does. Updated classics like ‘Chicken-Fried’ Green Tomatoes and Deviled Egg are the perfect pairing to their signature Fried Yard Bird— dark meat chicken with sour orange spicy honey. Located in the richly diverse Overtown neighborhood, Red Rooster embraces the community through its hiring and sourcing and that spirit of inclusion makes dining here all the more special.
Photo Courtesy of Red Rooster Overtown
9. Puerto Sagua
Whether it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this no-frills joint in the heart of South Beach has been slingin’ belly-filling Cuban fare since 1968. This is the place to chow down on the perfect Cuban sandwich or dig into a luscious ropa vieja. And don’t worry— you won’t run out of options— the menu is extensive, the cocktails are beautifully large and the atmosphere is bustling and friendly. Old-school diner charm, Miami style? Puerto Sagua’s your place.
Photo Courtesy of Puerto Sagua
10. Pubbelly Sushi
An OG in the Miami dining scene with now three locations and a hit among locals and tourists alike, chef José Mendìn and team crafts sushi with a distinctly Latin-inspired twist. The results are crowd-pleasing bold bites that burst with flavor. The Acebichado Lobster Roll deftly mixes shellfish with soy paper, leche de tigre, red onion and cancha corn, and don’t forget their bao buns— the Shitake features crispy shallots, tofu crema and black garlic sauce. If you’re chasing flavor, Pubbelly is your spot, hands down.
Photo Courtesy of Pubbelly Sushi
11. Benh Mi
A Miami newcomer, this sandwich spot has already made waves for their new— and incredibly cravable— takes on the classic Vietnamese sandwich— the Bánh Mi— along with salads, snacks and pastries. Offerings (all encased in fresh bread from Bettant Bakery) include the Xtra Crunchy Fried Chicken, Char Siu Mushroom, and what might be the most delicious egg sandwich ever— their Cheesy Organic Egg (add the bacon, please!). Finish things off with an Iced Ube Latte or a Yuzu Lemonade— and plan on coming back the following week for more.
Photo Courtesy of Benh Mi
12. Planta
BEST VEGAN
The latest outpost of the heralded plant-based restaurant group Planta has set roots in South Beach— and it’s a good thing. A wide ranging curation of innovative global flavors bring that flavor with casually elegant finesse— and yep, you’ll take a bite and wonder how in the world did they do that? From pizzas to dumplings to poke and ‘chicken’ sandwiches (it’s fried cauliflower and it’s delish)— served in a vibrant, fun atmosphere— you’ll find that Planta serves all the plant-based goodness you’ll want to eat for diners of all stripes.
Photo Courtesy of Planta
13. Juvia
BEST VIEW
Juvia sits— glittery and jewel-like— atop the iconic Herzog de Meuron structure that anchors one end of Lincoln Road Mall and features panoramic views of all of South Beach and Miami. The upscale boîte has a vast outdoor lounge for elegant cocktails such as the appropriately named Glamour (raspberry vodka, prosecco, grapefruit juice and lime juice) as well as a dining room where sophisticated globally-inspired offerings like King Crab Risotto and Truffle Ceviche abound. Glamour and views? This tropical penthouse delivers.
Photo Courtesy of Juvia
14. Casa Tua
BEST FOR DATE NIGHT
Tucked behind the lush foliage lies the flagship location of Casa Tua (with other locations in Aspen and Paris)— the effortlessly chic candlelit villa is South Beach’s go-to for elegant upscale Italian fare. From Seared Octopus with Chickpea Puree and Tomato Confit to any of their signature pastas (don’t miss the Bigoli Cacio e Pepe), your date night will feel like a world away from bustling Miami. If the weather permits you’ll want to dine in the verdantly ethereal Garden, where moonlight and glowing tree-lanterns will create a dreamlike evening to remember.
Photo Courtesy of Casa Tua
15. Drexel
The newest venture from the founders behind Design District hot-spot Mandolin, Drexel’s location in a historic 1920’s building just off charming Espanola Way transports you to a chicly intimate and beautifully appointed spot for Chef Nano Crespi’s rustic Italian Mediterranean fare. Featuring housemade pizza (a must-have) and pastas (yep, again a must-have), along with locally sourced seafood and handcrafted cocktails, Drexel has instant-classic status written all over it. Don’t miss the Wild Prawns with Fennel, Tomato and Avocado and the Wood Roasted Eggplant with Pesto, Mint and Lemon. Simply perfect.
Photo Courtesy of Drexel
Big Italian energy is what’s served at Casa Isola— the Italian American dishes at this Sunset Harbor spot from the Pubbelly team feature a mix of rustic classics from Veal Chop Parmigiana and Polenta Al Funghi to can’t-miss handmade pastas (Rigatoni alla Vodka, please)— everything is made from scratch and you’ll swear that someone’s Nonna is in the kitchen lovingly churning everything out. Bold, beautiful and bountiful is the name of the game. When you’re at Casa Isola, you’re famiglia, capiche?
Photo Courtesy of Casa Isola Osteria
