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There are many reasons why Miami, Florida has become a hotspot to visit. The climate – with its seemingly perennial sunshine and blue skies, along with temperatures that rarely dip below 60 degrees – is ideal for travelers seeking subtropical surroundings. These surroundings are beautiful, characterized by lush green foliage and flowers that bloom year-round. Miami area beaches are a draw in and of themselves: sugar white sand leads to the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

But the other side of Miami, the thriving and energetic restaurant and bar scene, is equally alluring. You will find cuisine from places around the world here, from the popular Cuban to the less recognized Asian.

If the wealth of choices seems overwhelming, rest assured that this guide to the best food and drink places in Miami will help you identify the best restaurants and bars.

SAVOR HAND-ROLLED DUMPLINGS AND OTHER ASIAN-INSPIRED DISHES

Visitors tend to overlook the outlying neighborhoods in favor of the pulsating downtown core, but this is a mistake when it comes to great Asian food. Tucked away in Coral Gables is Zitz Sum, where travelers can enjoy Asian-influenced fare like hand-rolled dumplings, wonton in brodo with chicken and foie gras, charred cabbage with habanero butter and scallion pancakes. Chef Pablo Zitzmann’s take on Asian cuisine is distinctly modern and undeniably delicious.

SEE AND BE SEEN AT A TRENDY SPOT SERVING ECLECTIC COCKTAILS, SEAFOOD, AND PASTA

Chef Carey Hynes and bar director Will Thompson have ensured that the dishes and cocktails at Jaguar Sun pair perfectly together. It has paid off in the form of a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. In addition to this honor, the downtown restaurant and cocktail bar is currently a hotspot among Miami’s many options. This fact alone speaks to Jaguar Sun’s quality and appeal. Cocktails you can order here include classic creations like the Very Strong Baby and the Madam Butterly, tropical drinks like the Living Dead and Young Astronaut and aperitifs like Easy Tiger and Jewel Game. Patrons can satisfy their hunger with everything from raw seafood to handmade pasta.

SHARE AUTHENTIC SPANISH TAPAS AT A SPOT FAVORED BY LOCALS

NIU Kitchen is so popular that the restaurant quickly outgrew its original location. When patrons taste the authentic Spanish cuisine, the reasons for this rapid growth become obvious. The ous – a mouthwatering combination of truffled potato foam, poached eggs, black truffle, and jamon ibérico – is one standout dish. Diners can share a seasonal lineup of tapas that includes asparagus cojonudos and escalivada. These Spanish delights are complemented by a wine selection thoughtfully curated by wine director Karina Iglesias.

EXPERIENCE A SOUTH FLORIDA CULINARY RITE OF PASSAGE

While the food does not fall into the “exotic” or “international” category, Joe’s Stone Crab is a must-do nevertheless. It is perhaps the most famous restaurant in South Florida, one that is widely considered to serve the best stone crabs in Miami. Travelers who do not eat seafood still have plenty of options, from tender filet mignon to Lyonnaise potatoes. There is just one caveat. Making reservations well in advance is imperative, as getting into the restaurant without one entails a long wait.

GET AN AUTHENTIC TASTE OF CUBA IN A VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE

Give your travelers the best of both worlds at Café La Trova, a Cuban restaurant where modern culinary creations are served in a nostalgic setting. James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, her chef/restaurateur husband David Martinez and internationally acclaimed cantinero Julio Cabrera joined forces to bring Café La Trova to life. Their expertise is evident in the delicious food. The menu includes skirt steak ropa vieja, serrano ham croquetas and Cuban sandwich empanadas that taste like they came straight from the kitchen of a Cuban home.

ENJOY JAMBALAYA AND GUMBO AT A SOUTH BEACH BISTRO

Miami might not come to mind when you think of Cajun food, but Joliet proves that you can indeed find it here. The South Beach bistro was inspired by the flavors of New Orleans, with a menu that features classics like jambalaya and gumbo. Dishes like blackened red snapper and leeks vinaigrette round out the menu for patrons who are not fans of Cajun cuisine. Diners can even order a juicy French onion burger! Cocktail connoisseurs can choose from drinks like the matcha basil highball, rhubarb colada, tropical gimlet, Pimm’s cup and brandy crusta.

TRY CARIBBEAN SPECIALTIES THAT PAY TRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL HAITIAN COMMUNITY

Red Rooster Overtown honors the local Haitian community in several ways. First, there is the food, which stars Caribbean specialties like jerk spiced chicken with a rum glaze, Guyanese oxtail pepper pot, and pork churrasco. If any of your travelers have a craving for American Southern food instead, they can choose from traditional dishes like red shrimp and grits and fried yardbird and biscuits. The second way that Red Rooster Overtown pays tribute to Haiti is the second floor, which was transformed from a lounge into a cultural space. Patrons can walk upstairs to experience Haitian performances and exhibitions. These events are put together by co-owner Derek Fleming, who treats the endeavor with the utmost respect. He references Overtown’s history for the programs.

INDULGE IN CUBAN FARE AT MIAMI’S VERY OWN VERSAILLES

No, a second Versailles palace does not stand in Miami. This Versailles is a famous Cuban restaurant housed in a flashy, enormous space. Visitors will find every Cuban dish they can think of here, from sandwiches to entrees. The dessert menu is sizable, as well, and includes Cuban-style flan alongside a selection of cakes, pudding, and other sweet treats. With a venue and a menu that are both generous in size, Versailles is a great fit for large group meals.

DINE ON JAPANESE GOURMET CUISINE IN A SUMPTUOUS SETTING

Treating your travelers to a dinner at Japanese gourmet restaurant Makoto is a great way to make them feel like true VIPs. Here, they will savor exquisite high-quality Japanese fare that includes crab salad, a sashimi platter, spicy tuna crispy rice, and sushi. Plush chairs and couches beckon patrons to relax and luxuriate in their top-tier meal. The sensory-rich experience is one they will not soon forget.

TOAST TO THE EXTENSIVE WINE LIST AT A WINE SHOP AND BISTRO

Vinya Wine & Market proves that not every experience of drinking wine has to be fancy. This wine shop and bistro has a seemingly endless wine list that will please any palate and suit every budget from generous to limited. Shopping for a bottle to take home is easy here, courtesy of tasting notes displayed alongside each bottle.

As you can see, the Miami food and drink scene offers flavors from around the world. Whether your travelers are adventurers or traditional when it comes to their taste in cuisine, they can find something that suits them.   

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Jeff Richards
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