Miami is famous for being one of the greatest cities in the United States for partying and a killer nightlife. Until recently, the Miami restaurants left a lot to be desired, but the last decade has seen a drastic improvement in the city’s culinary scene. If you’re looking for the best fine dining in Miami, here are 7 restaurants you have to visit:
7 Top Restaurants You Can’t Miss
Palme D’Or – For those who love French cuisine, this is the place in Miami to go. Located in the Biltmore Hotel, this restaurant offers a customized menu with 20 tasting dishes for each guest to try. The wine list is among the best in Miami, and you’ll love the classy décor with its modern flourishes. For a romantic night out, you’ll love the flavors and aromas of France.
Location: 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Specialty: Chef Tasting Menu
Source: Forbes Travel Guide
Azul – For those who want the best wines and cocktails Miami has to offer, the Azul restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is where you want to eat. The menu offers a blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, using both Oriental and European flavors to make your meals come to life. But it’s the wine and cocktail list—over 700 wines from around the world and 200 different martinis alone—that makes this a truly unique experience.
Location: 500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami, FL 33131
Specialty: Wine List, Martini List
Zuma – This restaurant may have originated in London, but it is now one of the defining elements of luxury in Miami. Reservations at this Japanese informal-dining restaurant are incredibly hard to get, thanks to both its amazing location along the riverfront and the world-class food: modern variations on classic Japanese cuisine. It’s a place to find an amazing brunch buffet, with access to some of the most desirable items on the menu. Call months ahead of time, else there’s no way you’re getting a table!
Location: 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131
Specialty: Brunch Buffet
Joe’s Stone Crab – If you’re a lover of East Coast seafood, you’ll find yourself right at home in Joe’s Stone Crab. For over 100 years (since 1913), this restaurant has served stone crab (local) and regional seafood in simple dishes that will make your heart sing. The atmosphere of the venue is laid back and comfortable, and there’s a “no reservation” policy that means you’ll end up waiting for a table at the always-busy eatery—but it’s so worth it to get a taste of Florida’s greatest seafood.
Location: 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, 33139
Specialty: Local Stone Crab
Nobu Miami – The name “Nobu” is immediately recognizable as one of the finest Japanese restaurants in the world, created by legendary chef Matsuhisa. Nobu serves Japanese cuisine blended with the tastes of South America (Argentina and Peru) for a truly unique dining experience. The food is excellent, and the restaurant is one of the trendiest places in the city.
Location: 1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, 33139
Specialty: Japanese-Peruvian/Argentine cuisine
Source: Nobu Restaurants
Il Gabbiano – If you’re a die-hard Italian food lover, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the food at Il Gabbiano. The restaurant serves New York-style Italian fare made from the freshest ingredients, and anyone who knows their way around Italian food will find the pasta (made at your table) absolutely to die for. Plus, the restaurant offers spectacular views of the islands around Miami, not to mention the city skyline. For a truly unforgettable Italian meal, Il Gabbiano’s is the place to go.
Location: 335 South Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33131
Specialty: Pasta prepared at the table
Prime 112 – For grill-lovers, there’s nowhere quite like Prime 112 for a good old-fashioned prime rib or New York steak. While the seafood offerings are extensive and excellent, the steak list is where the restaurant shines. In addition to the best cuts of beef on the market, you have a long list of specialty homemade sauces to choose from. The wine collection is also excellent, providing you with every vintage you could want to pair with your surf or turf. There’s even a broad selection of caviar for those with truly expensive tastes.
Location: 112 Ocean Dr. Miami Beach, FL 33139
Specialty: Steak, served with your choice of sauce
Source: Myles Restaurant Group
Miami offers such a wide variety of activities and entertainment: from amazing clubs to world class museums to awesome outdoor recreation. Thanks to the restaurants mentioned above, you can add fine dining to the list of things to do when in Miami!
About Guest Author: Hannah Hutchinson is an aspiring interior designer finishing her masters degree at Central St. Martins College of Arts, currently leading the blog of One River Point. In her free time she tries to fight her wanderlust, with absolutely no success: traveling around the world, getting to know new cultures is her favourite pastime activity.
