Miami’s food scene is as diverse as its population. Whether it’s American, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Thai, French, Argentine, Spanish, Chinese, Peruvian or, of course, Cuban, there’s something for every food mood.
Jump to: Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Downtown Miami, Kendall, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, Midtown, South Miami, Wynwood
Brickell
American Social
From brunch to dinner, American Social has great food and drinks and even better views. Definitely sit outside if there’s availability, so you can watch the yachts passing by in the Miami River. On Saturdays and Sundays, AmSo offers brunch with bottomless mimosas for $25. It gets very crowded for weekend mornings, so I’d recommend making a reservation in advance, especially for large parties.
690 SW 1st Ct.
305.223.7004
americansocialbar.com
Baby Jane
Baby Jane is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Brickell, mostly because of my unconditional love for ramen. I typically go for the pork ramen (Tonkotsu), although the fried chicken (Shiro Shoyu) one is next up on my list. Honestly, the bowls have so much broth, noodles and toppings, that I think even the vegetarian one (Shiro Kombu) would fill me up. To drink, the spicy passionfruit margarita is my go-to. They also do sake bombs, which is a really fun way to start the night.
500 Brickell Ave. #105
786.623.3555
babyjanemiami.com
Barsecco
Located on the south end of Brickell, Barsecco looks like a lush oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle. It has a large, shaded outdoor lounge surrounded by plants and an awesome happy hour menu. They offer happy hour daily from 3 to 7 p.m., which includes craft cocktails, martinis, beer, wine and champagne for just $6. They of course do weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas for $25, or you can splurge an extra $10 and do bottomless Bloody Marys.
1421 S. Miami Ave.
305.577.9809
barsecco.com
Batch Gastropub
Batch is the best spot in Brickell for bar food and for watching any sports game. (Fair warning to my fellow Canes fans that this is a UF bar on game day). The chicken wings, buffalo chicken nachos and giant Bavarian pretzel will satisfy any comfort food craving. Or go for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays when bottomless mimosas, bellinis and sangria are $20. Disclaimer: I may or may not be writing this while drinking beer out of a stolen pint glass – sorry, Batch.
30 SW 12th St.
305.808.5555
batchgastropub.com
Cantina La Veinte
Located in the Viceroy Miami, Cantina La Veinte is an upscale Mexican restaurant. The menu is massive: From soups to salads to seafood to make your own tacos, they have something for everyone’s food mood. Their margaritas are a bit pricey ($17) but I’m not kidding when I say that they’re massive and probably the size of two margaritas. They also have brunch on Sundays that includes bottomless mimosas, margaritas, rosé AND food if you’re willing to spend $95.
495 Brickell Ave.
786.623.6135
cantinala20.com
Casa Tua Cucina
Casa Tua is set up sort of like a food court rather than a traditional, sit-down restaurant. They have 10 different stations from charcuterie boards to pasta to pizza to wine. Their cacio e pepe is phenomenal as well as their salads. They have also expanded their seating to outside (but still inside Brickell City Centre) because of Covid.
70 SW 7th St. (inside of Brickell City Centre)
305.755.0320
casatualife.com
Crazy About You
Situated right on the water, definitely grab a table outside here for spectacular views of Brickell Key and Biscayne Bay. They have great deals on the dinner menu: Any two tapas are $22 and every entree comes with an appetizer of your choice. I love the BBQ bacon cheeseburger, Mexican ox-tail tacos and vegetable spring rolls. Come for the views, stay for the frozen sangria and rosé.
1155 Brickell Bay Dr. #101
305.377.4442
crazyaboutyourestaurant.com
Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita
Owned by the same people as Crazy About You, Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita is in the heart of Mary Brickell Village. They have a lot of the same deals as Crazy About You – like any two tapas for $22 and every entree comes with an appetizer – and some of the menu items overlap, too. Their brunch menu is excellent with choices like a veggie brunch wrap and a croissant egg sandwich that comes with their addicting breakfast chips. I ordered the chicken and waffles after running the Miami Half Marathon and actually devoured the whole thing.
1000 S. Miami Ave.
305.403.3103
doloreslolita.com
Fi’lia
Located inside of the SLS Brickell, Fi’lia offers great Italian food. They have tons of pastas and pizzas to choose from, as well as meat options if you’re not in the mood for carbs, but I’m always in the mood for carbs. Like any good Italian restaurant, they have a lengthy wine list of reds, whites and rosés. There is also a Fi’lia in Miami Beach.
1300 South Miami Ave.
205.239.1330
sbe.com
Komodo
If you’re looking for a bougie dinner, look no further than Komodo. Yes it’s expensive, but in my opinion, it’s so worth it. The food is amazing. Some of my favorite dishes are the salmon tacos, the tuna and toro roll, and the rock shrimp. Also, a salad may not be the first thing you’d think to order here, but the Komodo chicken salad is outstanding. You’ll definitely need a reservation here. If you go, be on the lookout for Justin Bieber or the Kardashians.
801 Brickell Ave.
305.534.2211
komodomiami.com
Mister 01
This isn’t your traditional pizza place; they have pies like the Marco (burrata, arugula and tomatoes) and Coffee Paolo (mozzarella, blue cheese, honey, coffee grinds and spicy salami). I know it sounds weird, but it somehow works. My favorite though is the Star Michele, which has grilled eggplant, zucchini, roasted peppers and a ricotta-filled crust. They do have a nice sit-down outdoor area, but I usually do takeout. There’s something about pizza that’s just meant to be eaten on a couch wearing sweatpants. There are three other locations in Wynwood, Coconut Grove and Miami Beach.
1000 S. Miami Ave.
786.332.6868
mister01.com
Moxie’s
Moxie’s menu has essentially everything under the sun: Burgers, ramen, pasta, tacos, seafood. Whatever you get, do yourself a favor and order a side of fries; you won’t regret it. The brunch menu is both delicious and affordable. The vegetarian huevos rancheros – made with sunny side eggs, cheese- and refried beans-filled tortillas, rice, salsa, and avocado – is just $15, plus it comes with tortilla chips on the side.
900 S. Miami Ave. #161
305.549.8997
us.moxies.com
North Italia
In the heart of Mary Brickell Village, North Italia offers a large menu of Italian staples. Appetizers include prosciutto bruschetta, crispy calamari and burrata. And their entrees and pastas include bolognese and chicken parm (I love the chicken pesto pasta). They also have seven different types of pizza. Their outdoor high tops are the perfect place to sip a refreshing Aperol Spritz in the Miami heat.
900 S. Miami Ave., #111
786.475.9100
northitalia.com
PaperFish
PaperFish just opened in Brickell in April of this year. Everything about it is authentically Japanese, from the decor to the menu. The Ishiyaki del Mar was surprisingly one of my favorite dishes; squid, octopus and shrimp bathed in Japanese butter, it’s light and delicious. The presentation was also spectacular, served inside of seashells with a candle in the middle. They also have crispy rice with either tuna or salmon on top. Though the address says South Miami Avenue, the entrance is really behind Barsecco on 14th Street.
1421 S. Miami Ave.
305.741.0936
paperfishsushi.com
Pilo’s Street Tacos
As you can probably guess from the name, tacos are king here; they have 11 different variations. On the weekends, they serve Birria tacos, which have become so famous thanks to TikTok. They offer more than just tacos, though. They also have burritos, burrito bowls and quesadillas.
28 SW 11th St.
305.800.8226
pilostacos.com
Piola
A casual Italian restaurant, Piola is great for when you’re craving an easy dinner outing with good food. I usually opt for a pizza pie here because they have so many options (18 to be exact). Their tagline is even “famosi per la pizza.” Pair any of their pizzas with an Italian wine and you’re good to go.
1250 S. Miami Ave.
305.374.0031
piolausa.com
Pubbelly Sushi
This isn’t your average sushi joint; their rolls are so innovative. If you’re only going to get one, go for the Butter Krab roll just for the sheer “wow” factor. It comes with two giant pieces of crab wrapped in soy paper. Instead of dipping it in soy sauce, like most rolls, you dip it in a cup of warm butter. Some other notable mentions are the Bigeye Tuna and the Heat rolls.
701 S. Miami Ave., #421 (Brickell City Centre)
786.899.5043
pubbellyglobal.com
Riverside
Riverside opened literally right before Covid hit, but now that they reopened, they’re busier than ever. It definitely helps that they’re completely outdoors, and weren’t affected by indoor dining restrictions. Located on the Miami River, there are six bars, eight food stands and dozens of tables in between them. If you’re sitting at a table, you can order drinks from a server and food from your phone and then go pick it up. Or you can simply walk up to the stand and order there. The food varies from pizza to tacos to sushi. The nachos from Cage by Le Chick are a must.
25 SE 5th St.
786.638.3700
riverside.miami
SoCal Cantina
I truly don’t know what’s better here: The tacos or the margs. Their tacos come in order sizes of one to three, so you can get one of a few different tacos, or three of the same. With $25 bottomless mimosas, $50 bottomless margaritas, $3 breakfast tacos and $10 breakfast burritos, their weekend brunch should be on everyone’s foodie bucket list.
1000 S. Miami Ave.
305.733.5349
socal-taco.com
Tacology
At Tacology, the entire menu is on a tablet on the table and you order food and drinks through there. Everything pretty much comes out all at once, so if you want some time between your chips and guac and your tacos, wait a few minutes before ordering the entrees. They surprisingly don’t partake in Taco Tuesday, but they do have $7 margs from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays. Side note: Tacology is definitely better for dine-in than takeout. I only did takeout once, and the ingredients for the tacos all came in separate containers (unlabeled) and we basically had to make our own tacos.
701 S. Miami Ave. (Brickell City Centre)
786.347.5368
tacology.us
Coconut Grove
Farinelli 1937
An authentic Italian pizzeria, Farinelli 1937 has a long menu full of Italian comfort food. They of course offer pastas and entrees, but naturally, you have to order a pizza. The burrata pizza is excellent, with cold burrata, basil and extra virgin olive oil. The parmigiana pizza is topped with parmesan cheese and roasted eggplant. They also serve white pizza.
3197 Commodore Plaza
305.648.9023
farinelli1937.com
Glass and Vine
I associate Glass and Vine with a cool glass of white sangria on a hot morning, or a delicious dinner on their outdoor patio under twinkle lights strung throughout the palm trees. Right next to Peacock Park, it feels like you’re in more of a tropical oasis than busy McFarlane Road. Their brunch menu items include surf and turf benedict, chicken and waffles, and a seafood raw bar. For dinner, they have dishes like a refreshing watermelon salad, ceviche, and chicken and black truffle gnocchi. No matter what time of day you go, it’s truly a great dining experience.
2820 McFarlane Rd.
305.200.5268
glassandvine.com
Greenstreet Cafe
Greenstreet is easily one of the best breakfast spots in all of Greater Miami. Dinner here is good, too, but it’s their breakfast that really draws a crowd. There’s always a wait so arrive early. Fortunately, they serve breakfast until 2:45 p.m. At Greenstreet, it’s about quality AND quantity. The ham and cheese omelette is my go-to, which comes with a side of breakfast potatoes. I would come here for those potatoes alone. It also comes with a side of toast, which you can sub for a bagel if you’re that hungry.
3468 Main Hwy.
305.444.0244
greenstreetcafe.net
Lulu in the Grove
Right across the street from Greenstreet is Lulu in the Grove, which also draws a large breakfast crowd. There must be something in the water on that corner. I don’t know how you come up with eight waffle variations, but Lulu has managed. Go for the traditional chicken and waffle, or the untraditional s’mores waffle.
3105 Commodore Plaza
305.447.5858
luluinthegrove.com
Monty’s
Monty’s has a special place in my heart – mostly because it takes me back to Friday afternoons in college drinking half-priced PK3s with half of the UM student body. From 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, painkillers, mojitos, frozen drinks and select wines are $6; well drinks are $5; beer is $3-$5; and oysters, shrimp and stone crab are just $1. Though they’re not on the happy hour menu, I highly recommend the brick of fries and the nachos. Their dinner menu is good, too, if you can make it past 7 p.m. They also have a location in South Beach, but the one in the Grove is superior.
2550 S. Bayshore Dr.
305.856.3992
montysrawbar.com
PLANTA Queen
PLANTA Queen – and its sister restaurant PLANTA in South Beach – are 100 percent plant-based. Now I’m not vegan, but the food is amazing. The menu is Asian-inspired and is great for getting a bunch of dishes for the whole table to share. If I didn’t love chicken fingers so much, this place could probably convince me to go vegan.
3015 Grand Ave., #201 (CocoWalk)
786.600.2835
plantarestaurants.com
Coral Gables
Bachour
Owned by renowned pastry chef Antonio Bachour, this is a brunch hotspot in the Gables. Whether you’re dining in or just getting a box of pastries to go, the croissants, muffins and desserts are nothing short of a work of art. They serve brunch until 5 p.m. on weekends and the Bachour breakfast sandwich will fill you up until dinnertime. They also have a great lunch menu and their Greek salad is one of the best I’ve had.
2020 Salzedo St.
305.203.0552
antoniobachour.com
Bagel Emporium
There’s no better place to cure a hangover than Bagel Emporium. The amount of food they give you is almost overwhelming, but perfect for soaking up any remaining alcohol in your system. All of their egg dishes come with home fries AND a bagel with cream cheese – as if a bagel with cream cheese isn’t a whole breakfast in and of itself. They also put a bowl of giant pickles on the table. It’s the closest you’ll get to a New York deli in Miami.
1238 S. Dixie Hwy.
305.666.9519
bagelshopmiami.com
Bulla Gastrobar
Sure, there are a lot of Spanish restaurants in Miami, but Bulla is arguably the best. Some of my fav items are the menu are the croquetas, tortilla Española, tuna tartare, huevos Bulla, and patatas bravas. Basically, you can’t go wrong with anything. Most items are tapa-style though, so you really can sample a lot of different dishes. As for drinks, I alternate between the Moscow Mule and the sangria de cerveza. For dessert, the churros, which come with dulce de leche and melted dark chocolate for dipping, are an absolute must.
2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
786.810.6215
bullagastrobar.com
Caffe Abbracci
Caffe Abbracci is a Coral Gables staple. It’s been around forever and it’s always busy, no matter the day or the time. I love the fettuccine bolognese. For dessert, the profiteroles (paired with an espresso, of course) are a must.
318 Aragon Ave.
305.441.0700
caffeabbracci.com
Canton Chinese
One of the things I miss most about New York is good, authentic Chinese food. And while that void has never truly been filled in my seven years of Miami, Canton is probably the best bet. They offer all the classics like lo mein, fried rice and wonton soup, as well as some specialties like honey chicken, Shanghai salmon and orange beef.
2614 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
305.448.3736
cantonrestaurants.com
Copper 29
Let’s be honest, Coral Gables doesn’t have a ton of options when it comes to nightlife. But Copper 29 is the real deal. On just about any night of the week, the place is packed, music is blasting and drinks are pouring (and once they close at 2 a.m., head to Brickell or Wynwood where everything is open until 5 a.m.). Their brunch has the best bottomless drink options I’ve ever seen. On Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. for just $25, you can rotate between mimosas, Bloody Marys, mojitos, pinot grigio and merlot.
206 Miracle Mile
786.580.4689
copper29bar.com
Doc B’s
Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, you can’t go wrong with any meal at Doc B’s. They’re famous for the Angry Meatball appetizer, a $19, one pound meatball with spicy tomato sauce, ricotta cheese and garlic bread. Their brunch dishes are so innovative: Think brunch pizza, scrambled egg quesadilla and a quinoa breakfast bowl.
301 Miracle Mile
786.864.1220
docbsrestaurant.com
Fiola
Fiola is an upscale Italian restaurant that opened a few years ago. Come here if you’re celebrating an occasion, trying to impress a date or just looking to be bougie with friends. Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s signature dish is the lobster ravioli for a cool $58. While the food here is expensive, it really is amazing. Definitely worth the dent in the bank account (once in a while).
1500 San Ignacio Ave.
305.912.2639
fiolamiami.com
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Like most steakhouses, Fleming’s is pretty high end. On Tomahawk Tuesdays, they have a deal for a three-course meal for two people (with their 35 oz. tomahawk steak to share) for $135. If you’re not trying to break the bank, come for happy hour when drinks and bites are slightly less expensive.
2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. #100
305.569.7995
flemingssteakhouse.com
Fontana
On the ground floor of the Biltmore, any meal at Fontana is memorable. Though they have indoor seating, the outdoor courtyard is stunning. While also open for lunch and dinner, they are renowned for their Sunday brunch. At $120 per person, it includes a caviar bar, carving station, sushi and sashimi rolls, omelet station, and so much more.
1200 Anastasia Ave. (Biltmore Hotel)
305.913.3189
biltmorehotel.com/dining/fontana
Havana Harry’s
At Havana Harry’s, the food is cheap and the portions are generous. Their Cuban sandwich is $8 and could easily feed two people. They also serve Cuban classics like arroz con pollo, vaca frita and a medianoche sandwich.
4612 N. Le Jeune Rd.
305.661.2622
havanaharrys.com
Hillstone
Hillstone is probably the most popular restaurant in the Gables. You’ll need a reservation no matter what day of the week you’re going. And for good reason. The food, the drinks and the service are all impeccable. Some of their standouts are the spinach and artichoke dip and The Hawaiian – a ribeye steak with pineapple soy-ginger marinade and a loaded baked potato on the side. They also have a sushi bar, so throw in a couple rolls to the order.
201 Miracle Mile
305.529.0141
hillstonerestaurant.com
Ichimi
Ichimi does have some other entree options, but their ramen bowls are the star of the show. They even offer nine different types: Spicy miso ramen, curry ramen, seafood ramen. There’s something for everyone here (unless you don’t like ramen).
2330 Salzedo St.
305.960.7016
ichimiramenbar.com
Izakaya
Their bento box specials draw a large lunch crowd. For just $12 you get shrimp and vegetable tempura, a California roll, salad, miso soup, and your choice of sashimi, sautéed vegetables, chicken or fish teriyaki, or sushi. Wash it all down with some green tea.
159 Aragon Ave.
305.445.2584
izakayarestaurant.com
Kao Sushi & Grill
Kao has tons of great food items, both sushi and non-sushi. For sushi, the Kao tempura roll takes the cake every time. During happy hour, all sushi rolls are $10 and pair nicely with a two for one wasabi martini.
127 Miracle Mile
786.864.1212
kaosushigrill.com
Khaosan Road
Formerly Bangkok Bangkok II, Khaosan Road is still under the same ownership, but they rebranded themselves during Covid. Named after a famous street in Thailand, it serves Thai street food, as well as some of the fan favorites from the previous menu.
157 Giralda Ave.
305.444.2397
khaosan-road.com
La Taberna Giralda
The quality of the food at La Taberna Giralda is outstanding. A few of my favorite tapas are the Tortilla Española, Garbanzos Fritos and Patatas a la Giralda. A glass of Spanish wine is a must.
254 Giralda Ave.
786.362.5677
giralda254.com
Malakor Thai Isaan
Malakor is a Thai restaurant in the heart of downtown Coral Gables. They serve all the classics: Pad Thai, pad see eew, spring rolls, dumplings, etc. The quality of the food is great, as well as the portion sizes.
90 Miracle Mile
786.558.4862
malakorthaiisaan.com
Mamey Miami
Having opened in Summer 2020, Mamey was an overnight success. Chef Niven Patel’s “island-minded” restaurant offers a menu of innovative dishes bursting with flavor. Their happy hour menu alone is something to write home about. Get the truffle and brie grilled cheese and a jerk margarita.
1350 S. Dixie Hwy. (THēsis Hotel)
305.266.2639
mameymiami.com
Moon Thai
Right across the street from UM’s campus, Moon Thai was my go-to during college. It’s a Japanese-Thai fusion restaurant and has extensive menus for both types of food. My usual is a house salad – solely for the ginger dressing – and shrimp pad Thai, but they also have great sushi.
1118 S. Dixie Hwy.
305.668.9890
moonthai.com
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s has so many different cuts (and sizes) of steak: Filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, there’s something for all steak lovers. And their selection of happy hour bar bites, like sliders and Spinach artichoke dip, are amazing. One of the best parts about eating at Morton’s is that they’re under the arches of the Colonnades building, so all of the tables outside are shaded.
2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
305.442.1662
mortons.com
Ohho Noodles Market
The name says it all: Ohho Noodles Market is your one stop shop for all things Asian noodles. I always get ramen, but they also have pad Thai, lo mein, pad see ew, etc. They have eight different kinds of ramen: Pork, chicken, vegetable, spicy… there are no bad choices here. Also highly recommend the steamed bao pork buns.
1100 S. Dixie Hwy.
305.663.5881
ohhonoodlesmarket.com
P.Pole Pizza
P.Pole is a build-your-own-pizza experience. They have over 100 toppings and a pie with unlimited toppings is just $10. They make it on the spot and put it in a conveyor belt-like oven, cooking the pizza in mere minutes. My creation is a BBQ sauce base with with onions, spicy pepperoni and olives. After it goes through the oven I add on tomatoes, pesto and parmesan. Don’t knock it till you try it.
279 Miracle Mile
786.618.5287
ppolepizza.com
Salumeria 104
There are a ton of Italian restaurants in the Gables, but Salumeria 104 definitely stands out. Start the meal off right with a meat board and cheese pairing. For the primi course, you can’t go wrong with any of their pastas. Be sure to end your night with a cappuccino.
117 Miracle Mile
305.640.5547
salumeria104.com
Sawa
Sawa is a Mediterranean and Japanese restaurant in the Shops at Merrick Park. I always like to get items from both menus because they’re equally amazing. They have sushi rolls, kebabs, sashimi, lamb lollipops, tapas, the menu is pretty large and I’ve never eaten something there that I didn’t like.
360 San Lorenzo Ave. #1500 (Shops at Merrick Park)
305.447.6555
sawarestaurant.com
Season’s 52
Season’s 52 prides itself on offering healthy, yet delicious foods. Their flatbreads are amazing and during happy hour, flatbreads and a glass of wine are just $12. The only bad thing about Season’s 52 is they list the calories on every item.
321 Miracle Mile
305.442.8552
seasons52.com
Sports Grill
If you need a good game day hangout, look no further than Sports Grill. Their chicken wings are an absolute must, especially the special grilled wings. They’re dipped in their Sports Grill sauce, charbroiled and lightly washed with a secret sauce. This year, they released “The 35” burger, which can be ordered as a single, double or as sliders, in honor of their 35th anniversary. They call this their South Miami location, but it’s technically in Coral Gables.
1559 Sunset Dr.
305.668.0396
sunsetgrill.com
Talavera Cocina Mexicana
Talavera is the only upscale Mexican restaurant in the Gables. Their list of margaritas is seemingly endless and the grilled jalapeño one is chef’s kiss. On the appetizer side, the queso fundido clasico is phenomenal. One of their specialties is iguana soup. It does not taste just like chicken, but it does taste like pork.
2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
305.444.2955
talaveracocinamexicana.com
Tap 42
Their weekend bottomless brunch is more of a dance party than a sit-down meal once enough bottles of champagne has been popped. They have a breakfast shot that literally tastes like pancakes and syrup; the best part is that you chase it with bacon. And while the lunch and dinner service is a little more tame, the food is just as good. The California chopped chicken bowl is hands-down my favorite dish.
301 Giralda Ave.
786.391.1566
tap42.com
Tapeo Miami
I will say that the service is kind of slow here, but other than that I have no complaints. The menu is broken into three categories: The Soil (vegetarian), The Ranch (meat) and The Deep (seafood). And while patatas bravas are a very common dish at any Spanish restaurant, theirs stands out among the rest. They also have a few options for croquetas, including the croquetas de vaca frita.
112 Giralda Ave.
786.452.9902
tapeomiami.com
Terre del Sapore
Terre del Sapore has the best pizza in Coral Gables. It’s not the cheapest pizza place: All pies are $16 – $18, except for a classic margarita, which is $12. But for their lunch special you can get a pie, a house salad and beer or wine for $17.
246 Giralda Ave.
786.870.5955
terredelsapore.com
The Local Craft Food and Drink
Open since 2011 on Giralda Plaza, The Local Craft Food and Drink serves mostly Southern food like hushpuppies, chicken and biscuits and fried chicken. Their breakfast menu is somewhat limited, but it has the staples like pancakes, French toast, and chicken and waffles.
150 Giralda Ave.
305.648.5687
thelocal150.com
Threefold Cafe
Threefold Cafe will forever be one of my favorite breakfast spots in all of Miami. The food and the coffee are equally amazing. Their smashed avocado toast is a fan favorite. An avocado is topped with feta cheese and lime juice and served on top of toast and a bed of mushrooms. Adding a poached egg is definitely worth the $2.
141 Giralda Ave.
305.704.8007
threefoldcafe.com
Titanic Restaurant and Brewery
Right next to the University of Miami, Titanic is a casual spot with comfort food and craft beer. To allow for outdoor dining during the pandemic, Titanic borrowed some space from UM to set up a ton of picnic tables and benches, creating a really nice space to sip a beer after work or on the weekends.
5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
305.667.2537
titanicbrewery.com
Tur Kitchen
Tur Kitchen is an upscale Mediterranean restaurant and the food is absolutely incredible. They offer four different types of pides, a Turkish flatbread. As for the entrees, the Branzino, lamb and wagyu ribeye are all mouthwatering. The service here is also top notch.
259 Giralda Ave.
786.483.8014
turkitchen.com
Versailles
Technically Versailles is across the border of Coral Gables, but it’s close enough. If you’re visiting Miami and want an authentic Cuban restaurant, go to Versailles. The menu is in Spanish, but they have an English version for us gringos. If nothing else, get the croquetas. My go-to is the ropa vieja, partly because it’s my favorite Cuban dish and partly because they come with sweet plantains. Also, they make the best mojitos in town.
3555 SW 8th St.
305.444.0240
versaillesrestaurant.com
Villagio
Villagio offers just about every Italian dish under the sun: Pasta, pizza, meat entrees, etc. Their risotto is so good and creamy. They have a ton of indoor seating, but sitting outside in the courtyard of the Shops at Merrick Park is so pleasant.
358 San Lorenzo Ave. (Shops at Merrick Park)
305.447.8144
villagiorestaurants.com
Yard House
While Yard House is primarily American food, they also have some Asian, Mexican and Italian offerings like poke nachos, tacos and pizza. The menu is huge and the beer listings alone is an entire page. Whether you’re trying to be healthy with a soup or salad or just really need a BBQ bacon cheeseburger, there’s something for everyone.
320 San Lorenzo Ave. (Shops at Merrick Park)
305.447.9273
yardhouse.com
Zucca
Located in the iconic Hotel Saint Michel building, Zucca is a classy Italian restaurant with a menu that focuses on the northern region of Italy. One of their signature dishes is the fried zucchini, stuffed with either mozzarella or goat cheese and sprinkled with truffle honey. “Zucca” is actually Italian for pumpkin, and they have a homemade ravioli stuffed with pumpkin and sautéed with a light butter sauce and sage.
162 Alcazar Ave.
786.580.3731
zuccamiami.com
Downtown Miami
Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar
Crema is slowly but surely taking over Miami. They opened their flagship on South Beach and now they’re also in Coral Gables, Downtown Miami, Brickell and Davie, and are planning to open in Doral and inside the Faena Miami Beach hotel. The quality of their coffee is amazing and their food is equally as good: The open faced breakfast sandwich is one of the more popular menu items. And though their motto is “Breakfast All Day,” they also have sandwiches, salads and pasta.
249 E. Flagler St.
786.391.2607
cremagourmet.com
The Daily Creative Food Co.
The Daily Creative Food Co. is open for lunch and dinner also, but I strictly come here for breakfast. The breakfast burrito – made with scrambled eggs, chorizo, pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions and fresh cilantro – could cure any hangover.
2001 Biscayne Blvd. #109
305.573.4535
thedailyfood.co
Kendall
Tacos and Tattoos
No, you cannot actually get a tattoo here. But you can get incredible tacos. For all of their tacos, you pick how you want it made: House, pastoreado, 305, street, baja nota, bien loco or buffalo. Next to each taco they put three recommended styles. They also include what each style entails: House comes with pico de gallo, pickled cabbage, cotija cheese and crema; pastoreado comes with fresh cilantro, cajun pineapples, sautéed onions and garlic aioli, etc. And the nachos are perfect for sharing.
11790 SW 104th St.
305.200.3441
tacosandtattoos.com
Key Biscayne
The Rusty Pelican
Right after the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne, The Rusty Pelican has one of the best views of the Miami skyline. A very popular brunch spot, they have four different types of bottomless mimosas: Orange juice, lavender activated charcoal lemonade, fresh cucumber and mint, and pineapple jalapeño. Request a table outside for optimal views.
3201 Rickenbacker Causeway
305.361.3818
therustypelican.com
Salt
Located on the University of Miami’s marine science campus in Key Biscayne, Salt (also known as The Wetlab) is just about as waterfront as it gets. Grab a beer and take it down to the beach or sit at a table and order some bar bites. It’s closed on the weekends, but it’s the perfect spot to grab a post-work sunset drink.
4600 Rickenbacker Cswy.
786.660.6749
miamisalt.com
Miami Beach
Big Pink
Right across the street from Story nightclub, the Big Pink is a super popular breakfast spot with the vibe of an old fashioned diner. Definitely expect to wait for a table. The first time I came here I ordered the breakfast quesadilla because I was recovering from getting my wisdom teeth removed and it was one of the only things I’d actually be able to eat, but it was so good that it has become my usual order.
157 Collins Ave.
305.531.0888
mylesrestaurantgroup.com/big-pink
Nikki Beach
A restaurant and beach club, Nikki Beach has both tables and day beds. The drink menu consists of refreshing cocktails like a jalapeño cucumber margarita, mojitos and Aperol Spritz. For the food, they have salads, pizza, sandwiches, pasta and lots of sushi rolls. For me, nothing’s better than a Caesar salad with a side of sweet potato fries when having lunch on the beach.
1 Ocean Dr.
305.538.1111
miami-beach.nikkibeach.com
Orange Blossom
They have indoor seating for those who really need the A/C, but the outdoor patio/garden in the back is so cute. The cocktail menu has an entire section dedicated to martinis, and the lychee martini is as good as it is strong. The dinner menu is extensive and includes pasta, salads, sandwiches, seafood and signature dishes. The BBQ steak sandwich – made with steak, caramelized onions, baby arugula and Swiss cheese wrapped in naan – is outstanding.
2000 Collins Ave.
305.763.8983
orangeblossommiami.com
Prime Italian
In the South of Fifth part of South Beach, Prime Italian offers classics like veal and chicken parm, spaghetti and meatballs, etc. The portions are pretty large if you want to do a family-style meal. Its sister restaurants, Prime 112 and Prime Fish, are all in the same area.
101 Ocean Dr.
305.695.8484
mylesrestaurantgroup.com/prime-italian
Seawell Fish N’ Oyster
Open since 2019, Seawell serves primarily seafood. They have oysters, snow crab legs, lobster roll and swordfish, to name a few, all locally sourced. They do have a couple of options for meat lovers like a cheeseburger and chicken sandwich.
660 Washington Ave.
786.594.5820
seawellmiami.com
Midtown
Lagniappe
At Lagniappe, you pick out a bunch of meats and cheeses from the fridge in the front, and however many bottles of wine you want. After paying for it, you keep the wine and they take the meat and cheese to make an incredible charcuterie board. When you pick it up, the meats and cheeses will be sliced with plenty of accompanying bread, fig jam and olives. They do have a few entree options, but all the meat and cheese is definitely enough to fill you up. They have live music every night inside, and tons of seating in their picturesque outdoor courtyard with twinkling lights strung throughout the tree canopy.
3425 NE 2nd Ave.
305.576.0108
lagniappehouse.com
South Miami
Deli Lane Cafe & Sunset Tavern
Deli Lane has been a Sunset staple since 1988. Their menu and vibe is a mixture of Jewish deli and 1950s diner. For breakfast, they serve pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelets and eggs. For lunch and dinner, they have soups, salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, wraps and burgers. Everything is so afforadable, too.
7230 SW 59th Ave.
305.665.0606
delilane.com
La Pizza
La Pizza offers so many different kinds of pizza: Prosciutto and fig, chicken BBQ, cappricciosa (ham, mushrooms, artichokes and black olives), the options are endless. You can also choose either Brooklyn-style or Roman-style crust. My favorite is the burrata pizza, topped with arugula, cherry tomatoes, a giant ball of burrata and drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
5840 SW 71st St.
305.763.8037
lapizzafl.com
Taco Craft
With a dozen different taco options, Taco Craft has something for every kind of taco lover: Chicken al pastor, crispy pork, baja fish, shrimp, mushroom, etc. For appetizers, the famous ultimate nachos are the star of the show, made with oaxaca, manchego and cotija cheeses, pickled jalapeños, refried beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and chicken, steak or impossible meat. They’re huge, so you’ll definitely want to share to save room for tacos.
5829 SW 73rd St.
305.668.5612
tacocraft.com
Wynwood
1-800-Lucky
An Asian-inspired food hall, 1-800-Lucky has a ton of different stands depending what you’re in the mood for: Poke, Vietnamese, Japanese. I always go straight for the ramen stand; the spicy ramen bowl is my favorite. They also have bars both inside and out and a DJ. Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down dinner or a night out, it’s always a good time.
143 NW 23rd St.
305.768.9826
1800lucky.com
Coyo Taco
Coyo Taco is a casual Mexican restaurant with a tequila and mezcal lounge in the back. I usually order a quesadilla: They’re huge and delicious. As for tacos, the grouper is my favorite. Coyo has become somewhat of a local chain and they now also have locations in Coral Gables and Brickell.
2300 NW 2nd Ave.
305.573.8228
coyo-taco.com
Pastificio Propaganda
One of the newer additions to Wynwood, Pastificio Propaganda opened in the fall of 2020. An Italian restaurant, the menu consists of pastas, pizzas, salads and meat entrees. However, the best item on the menu by far is the charcuterie board. When we were dining outside, multiple passersby did a double take of the meat and cheese plate.
97 NW 25th St.
786.615.2555
pastificiopropaganda.com
Sette Osteria
An Italian restaurant in the heart of Wynwood, Sette Osteria has a great brunch and lunch/dinner menu. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, bottomless mimosas, bellinis and apple cider are just $15 per person. They offer both sweet and savory dishes like a Nutella flatbread and crab cake eggs Benedict. They also have nine different types of omelets that come with breakfast potatoes. For dinner, they serve all the fan favorites, like burrata, cacio e pepe and spaghetti carbonara.
2103 NW 2nd Ave.
305.576.8282
setteosteria.com
Coffee and Countries 