Stone crab, Cuban sandwiches and mojitos: The 18 best places to eat and drink in Miami
Editor's Note
Miami is without a doubt one of the nation's most exciting cities. Located at the very southern tip of the continental United States, the city occupies a unique space as a crossroads between the U.S. and the Caribbean and Latin America.
The city has a distinct and enduring Cuban influence, thanks to the proximity of the two places (just about 90 miles of ocean separates the two) and a large population of Cuban immigrants who fled the regime of Fidel Castro decades ago.
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In addition to the large Cuban population, Miami attracts plenty of other people from all across Latin America, including the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina, to name a few. And the city has a sizable Jewish population, along with many transplants from colder climes within the U.S.
The result of this incredible mixing of cultures has made Miami one of the de facto capitals of Latin America in the minds of many, and created a city that has a culture and way of life all its own. With this, and its oceanfront location and reliably good weather, comes a vibrant and thriving dining and drinking scene that's practically unmatched in North America.
We've touched on some of the top restaurants and bars you should visit on your first -- or second or third -- trip to Miami, but we thought it appropriate to devote more time to exploring this city's top restaurants, cafes and drinking establishments that you should keep in mind for any future trips to South Florida.
Related: Best credit cards for dining
The best restaurants in Miami
We've already talked about some of the can't-miss restaurants in our beginner's guide to Miami, but the city is home to so many top-notch dining establishments that we thought we needed to dive a little deeper.
What do you do when you want a taste of New York City by the beach? You go to Lucali, one of (if not the) best spots in town to grab a slice -- or a whole pie. You may have to wait for over an hour for a table, but when you want good pizza, practically no wait is too long. If your group is craving more than just pizza, try the calzones, ravioli and the baked artichokes.
Versailles Restaurant is a Miami institution in the Little Havana neighborhood. You can't skip Cuban food in this town, and Versailles is one of the best places to experience authentic, no-frills and affordable Cuban cuisine. Try the ropa vieja, croquettes and, of course, a Cuban sandwich and you won't leave disappointed.
Being a seaside city, you could expect to encounter some very delicious seafood during your trip, and La Camaronera Fish Market is exactly the place to go to experience some of the best fish you've ever had. Most of the menu items are fried -- making it the perfect place to soak up all those mojitos you just had on the beach. The pan con minuta -- a fried snapper sandwich -- is a must-have. In Little Havana, you'll probably wait a long time to get seated, but once you take your first bite you won't remember the agonizing hour you just spent looking at -- and jealously smelling -- other diners' food.
If you feel most at home at a Jewish bakery, look no further than Zak the Baker. In the trendy Wynwood district, this spot serves classic Jewish baked goods like babka and challah and sandwiches like a salmon Reuben and tuna melt made with perfectly crusty bread.
Everyone loves a good brunch, and Yardbird Southern Table and Bar is the place to get one in Miami. The menu focuses on fried chicken, which is a very good thing. Sit down for a while, order too many southern-inspired dishes and enjoy a long brunch before venturing back out into the city -- you won't regret it.
If you've had your fill of heavy, meat-centric dishes (there are plenty to try in Miami), Planta is a perfect spot to gather with your friends and have an entirely vegan meal. The space itself is beautiful, too, so you don't have to feel like you're missing out on a big Miami dinner.
Joe's Stone Crab has been a hit since it opened in 1913. This South Beach institution is famous for its stone crab (obviously) that are especially delicious during their peak season from October to May. Note that you can't make a reservation, so you may be waiting a while for a table. And, don't forget a slice of the Key lime pie.
On Calle Ocho in Little Havana, Sanguich de Miami treats diners to traditional Cuban sandwiches with a twist. You can't go wrong with a classic Cubano, though, made with pork, spiced ham, Swiss cheese and mustard on perfectly toasted bread. If you're extra hungry, try a batido, a rich milkshake that comes in a variety of flavors.
Wynwood, a trendy Miami neighborhood, is home to Kyu, a sustainability-minded restaurant with Asian-inspired dishes cooked on a wood-fired grill. Try the crispy pork belly buns, whole roasted cauliflower with goat cheese, shishito-herb vinaigrette, myoga and shiso and baby bok choy with toasted garlic, chili and lemon.
Greek is big in Miami, and the Design District's Mandolin Aegean Bistro is one of the city's best. I've visited many times, and can recommend sitting outside and ordering the grilled octopus to share with your group. Then, enjoy lamb, chicken and beef kebabs and wash it down with a glass of Mediterranean wine.
Miami is a city in which to see and be seen, and the best place to do that is at one of the city's electric Japanese restaurants. Makoto, located in the Shops at Bal Harbour, stands out. Expect a full menu of raw fish dishes, but Makoto offers more to diners, too, with its charcoal robata churning out Japanese barbecue-style dishes to hungry diners.
Related: A full review of The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
The best bars in Miami
Just like on the restaurant side, Miami has a wide range of drinking establishments for every type of vibe you could want on a given night -- or day. From rooftop hangouts to laidback beachside watering holes, you won't lack for places to get a cold drink.
Esotico is a tiki bar located just north of Downtown. Covered in tropical flora, this watering hole is famous for rum-based Polynesian cocktails that will instantly transport you to the South Pacific.
For a laidback place to start off any evening out, head to the Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel in Miami Beach. There's a little inside space, but you'll want to sit outside in the lush courtyard with a pool around which guests can sit.
A true dive bar in Miami Beach, Mac's Club Deuce is a guaranteed good time. Temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this cash-only establishment features staples of American dive bars like a jukebox, pool tables and a dimly lit space. It's a perfect spot to take a night off from the nightclubs and bars that make up modern Miami's going-out scene.
Cafe la Trova is a restaurant, but it's arguably more known for being a great place to dance the night away with one of the bar's famous daiquiris in hand. There's a back bar for dancing, but the main dining area also acts as a dancing spot as the night goes on. Besides the Daiquiri Clásico, this place mixes a ton of great cocktails, ensuring that you'll have a blast all night long. Cafe la Trova is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
Located in Wynwood, Gramps is the not-quite-dive bar that attracts hipsters and anyone else looking for a good time. Enjoy a cold beer on the patio while listening to top DJs and live music acts. And once you're feeling your drinks, feel free to order a pizza from the surprisingly great menu. Gramps is temporarily closed for service on the premises but is offering curbside pick-up.
If your idea of being outside is sitting on a lush with a glass of wine in hand, don't miss Lagniappe. Gather a group of your friends and enjoy all this energetic wine bar has to offer. You'll enjoy live music many nights a week in a setting that's made for Instagram whether you get a coveted outdoor table or are hanging out inside.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnNPgaqH71Z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Miami's a beach town, so there aren't a ton of rooftop bars like you'd find in a city like New York or Chicago. However, SUGAR, located in downtown's Brickell district is the place to go if you want to catch views of both the Biscayne Bay and the expanse of Miami and its beaches from high above. This is definitely a place to see and be seen, but if you go early and don't have to wait, it's a great spot kick back, relax and enjoy the views -- and a cocktail or two -- before heading out for a memorable Miami night.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.