Imagine the lively sounds of salsa spilling out from vibrant nightclubs, the soothing waves of the ocean at your feet, and the stunning colors at sunset painting the sky. Add in the gilded sand beaches, a little retail therapy, and basking in the sunlight in a poolside chaise lounge.
This is what makes for an unforgettable vacation, but oh, the Miami Beach culinary scene? It’s absolutely…EN FUEGO!
Let me tell you, as someone who was lucky enough to spend the first eighteen years of my life in Miami Beach, this city’s gastronomic offerings are mind-blowing (and somehow gets better with each passing year)! From tiny hole-in-the-wall sandwich shacks to renowned establishments that locals (and tourists) know and love, the distinctive flavors and top-quality dishes we tasted are still dancing in our minds weeks later, leaving us craving more (and excited for our inevitable next visit)!
We savored everything, from daily caught fish to steaks flambéed right before our eyes, to homemade pillowy pasta that was simply out of this world.
As many locals say in South Florida, todo estaba delicioso (everything was delicious). If you’re thinking about booking a trip to Miami Beach, prepare your tastebuds for a vacation they will never forget. Get ready to really comer bien (eat well)!
With the sunny state’s fresh produce and bounty of seafood, combined with a mix of cultural influences from around the world—especially Latin American cuisine—Miami Beach deserves the moniker “foodie paradise.” Whether you choose to dine at cozy cafés or rub elbows with celebrities at trendy eateries, there’s an incredible array of cuisines to choose from, regardless of your budget or preferred degree of formality.
Here’s a roundup of our family’s favorite restaurants in Miami Beach we discovered during our stay. While we covered a lot of ground, we recognize that we just scratched the surface of this city’s culinary treasures! Please share your favorites in the comments below—I’d love to hear about them and add them to our list for next time.
So, as they say down here, ¡Vamos a comer! (Let’s eat)!
TIPS:
- Most restaurants on Miami Beach add a 20% service fee, so be sure to check your bill to avoid double tipping!
- All of the below restaurants were able to accommodate my vegetarian, gluten-free daughter.
- Many of these spots are super popular, so book in advance!
- Want to save a few bucks? Check out happy hours with great deals on drinks and dishes!
SMITH & WOLLENSKY
Steak House, Upscale
If you’re looking for a stellar dining experience, the South Pointe Park location of Smith & Wollensky has it all! The original, iconic location opened in New York City back in 1977—45+ years later, this legendary restaurant lives up to its reputation as “America’s Steakhouse.”
Smith & Wollensky serves USDA prime steaks, award-winning wines, and a delicious variety of culinary offerings sure to please every palate. You’ll just love the elegant ambiance—whether you’re dining indoors with large bay windows or soaking up the sun on the grand outdoor deck, the waterfront and skyline views are breathtaking.
Watching the cruise ships float by on the Government Cut Channel makes for a relaxing experience. And the service? It’s impeccable! The knowledgeable waitstaff ensures everyone feels special—our waiter previously owned his own restaurant in Italy and had many entertaining stories to share.
As soon as we were seated, we were greeted with an amuse bouche of cornbread with a hint of jalapeño, along with a plate of warm, buttery bread topped with just the right touch of salt. For appetizers, we couldn’t resist trying a trio of mouthwatering dishes: a plump chilled Maine lobster tail with decadent butter sauce, lump crab cakes full of tender meat, and battered angry shrimp.
For our main course, we shared the Chilean sea bass, which came with a tasty poblano sauce, fondant potato, pickled leeks, and radish—what a treat. With such an expansive selection of steaks, filets, and Wagyu options, we were thrilled to choose what became the highlight of our dinner: the swinging tomahawk ribeye!
This impressive 44-ounce black-grade, bone-in ribeye is cooked tableside with a flourish using a torch for that perfect hand-seared finish, and the waiter carves it right in front of you. It was the perfect size to share and still leave with some leftovers (which we enjoyed for lunch the next day!). Plus, my vegetarian daughter was happy to learn that the kitchen could adapt the fish dishes to be prepared with tofu.
For sides, the crispy truffle french fries and creamed spinach were clear winners. To end our meal on a high note, we indulged in a generous slice of decadent cheesecake—we nearly fought over the last forkful. The raspberry sorbet topped with mint was also packed with flavor.
The centerpiece marble-topped bar in the middle of the restaurant offers a tempting “liquid assets menu”—with a long-list of signature martinis, Manhattans, specialty cocktails, liquors, wines, and beers. We raised our glasses to our vacation with an aptly named spicy cucumber margarita, a sophisticated rum-based old Cuban, and some delightful elevated mocktail offerings.
TIP: If you want to create a magical memory, make sure to toast to your vacation on Smith & Wollensky’s outdoor terrace at sunset—it is, in my opinion, the most beautiful happy hour spot in all of Miami Beach!
RAO’S
Italian, Upscale
We’re so excited to share that our long-awaited visit to Rao’s has finally happened! Located in the stunning St. Moritz Tower at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, this branch of the classic New York City eatery (and addictive grocery pasta sauce brand) has a wonderful, welcoming vibe. Unlike the cozy 10-table spot in NYC, this location is much more spacious and increases your odds of getting a coveted reservation.
Rao’s, founded by Vincent Rao and Anne Pellegrino, has been a beloved family-run establishment since 1896, captivating generations of food lovers to savor their delicious, time-honored southern Neapolitan Italian recipes. I recommend coming very hungry and ready to relish every bite of this one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Every meal here feels special. The service was top notch—servers in crisp, white jackets weaving between tables to ensure every guest’s requests were met. With rich red hues and dark wood paneling, accented by elegant tufted green banquettes and soaring ceilings, the ambiance of old-world charm oozes through the dining room. Before and after dinner, we had fun in the cozy lobby scanning the impressive collection of celebrity photos (Rao’s visitors from over the years) featured on the wall.
Now let’s talk about the delicious food! The array of appetizer options were tantalizing. We couldn’t resist trying two house specialties: the “must-order” seafood salad with large chunks of calamari, lobster, shrimp and more, and their homestyle massive meatballs resting atop the world-famous marinara sauce. We also shared a scallop special, with each piece perfectly cooked and delicately seared in a beurre blanc sauce.
My daughter praised Rao’s gluten-free rigatoni, tossed in a zesty basil pesto sauce, flavored with pine nuts and lemon. She loved it so much that she begged to return for that dish every night. She insisted the gluten-free pasta rivaled traditional varieties, with the pesto among the best we’ve had outside of Italy.
The undisputed star of the night was the tender and tremendous veal chop parmesan—smothered in cheese and enveloped in marinara. Our resident linguini carbonara connoisseur lauded the dish’s perfect blend of salty, creamy goodness, combined with pancetta, black pepper, cream, egg, and of course, pecorino cheese, and we all gave top reviews to the homemade penne pasta with luscious vodka sauce.
Save room for dessert! We swooned over the ulta-smooth peanut butter tart, with a light, airy, mousse-like texture, graham cracker crust, and decadent chocolate ganache. And the generous slice of classic NY-style cheesecake comes with a selection of juicy berries.
Rao’s well-curated drink menu boasts beers, fine wines, all types of liquors, and high-end cocktails. The velvety smooth Nitro Espresso Martini—a blend of Truman vodka, caffe borghetti, agave, espresso, and nutmeg—is a show in itself as it is poured from a decanter held high in the air, with the nitrogen enhancing the texture, taste, and presentation (a truly immersive experience!). Another table favorite was the Sexy Tsunami, a jazzy concoction of Ketel One citroen, Selvarey coconut rum, strawberry, coconut, and lemon.
TIP: Next visit we plan to order their famous dish, Uncle Vincent’s Lemon Chicken. Rao’s is very accommodating to those who are gluten-free and vegetarian, as well as those who are interested in tasty mocktails. The servings were huge and we took plenty of doggie bags back to our hotel. Book in advance. This place is hot!
CORALLO
Italian, Casual
We decided to check out Corallo which boasts countless positive reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and Yelp. As soon as we sat down, we noticed that a bunch of locals were greeting the owner with warm handshakes and kisses. Corallo prides itself on “fostering connections, creating lasting memories, and weaving the fabric of togetherness”—and we really felt that vibe!
With Corallo’s subtle white and blue nautical decor and open doors and windows inviting in a nice breeze, it felt like we were dining al fresco in an Italian courtyard. Since we’d had a big lunch earlier that day, we opted for a light dinner this time. The menu offers a large selection of seafood, pasta, and meat dishes.
After reading rave reviews about their homemade fettuccine alfredo, we decided to get two orders— one traditional and one gluten-free —both of which were hits. The well-cooked churrasco steak, complemented by a rich chimichurri sauce, packed a flavorful punch, and we couldn’t get enough of the finger-licking french fries on the side.
The spaghetti carbonara was a winner too, with a savory blend of roasted guanciale, pecorino romano, egg yolk, and black pepper. We’re already looking forward to our next visit to sample more of the menu, especially the seafood and other pasta offerings.
MOTEK
Israeli (multiple locations), Casual Elegance
We absolutely loved our dinner at Motek, a family-owned, kosher-style Mediterranean restaurant with a tapas vibe. We enjoyed it so much that we ended up dining there twice during our trip. The warm ambiance and upbeat setting really makes Motek feel like a special place—after all, motek means sweetheart in Hebrew.
Influenced by the cuisines of Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Turkey, Yemen, and more, the menu is an innovative melting pot of bold flavors created with high-quality ingredients. Although Motek has several locations around Miami Beach and downtown Miami, we chose to visit the bright and cheery South of Fifth location both times. The decor is so inviting, with twinkly lights draped over tree branches and a lovely indoor-outdoor courtyard setup with lots of bright yellow accents throughout.
We shared a variety of mouthwatering plates including their fluffy laffa (oven-baked pita) paired with labneh and red pepper jam*, the irresistible crispy Japanese eggplant with tzatziki, the sweet and tangy cauliflower with spicy harissa honey glaze, the “must-order” zucchini potato cakes (latkes)*, the addictive falafel with lemon tahini*, a chunky za’atar Greek salad, and a generous chicken schnitzel platter*. Our absolute favorite dishes are starred.
Just a heads up: some Motek locations serve alcoholic drinks while others don’t, so it’s worth checking in advance if you’re planning on indulging.
BLUE LAVENDER
Healthy, Casual
With inspiring core values—”Keep it healthy, Keep it tasty, Keep it simple!”—a meal at Blue Lavender nourishes both your heart and your soul. Embrace the zen vibe of this light and airy indoor-outdoor cafe that even has a two-story tree blooming up through its airy atrium. Named after the powerful flower, Blue Lavender radiates calmness, whether stopping in quickly for a cup of tea, a smoothie, dessert, or enjoying the full-service dining experience for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
We sampled a variety of brunch and lunch dishes. The gluten-free organic cacao and banana pancakes with homemade syrup, and the organic Spanish tortilla served with mixed greens were both homeruns for my daughters.
My husband enjoyed his grilled, organic, grass-fed beef burger on a brioche bun topped with a pleasant surprise—labneh dressing and pepper sauce. I delighted in my avocado toast on grilled sourdough, complemented by smoked salmon and the unexpected addition of pistachio and pickled veggies.
Choosing from an array of inventive smoothies and cold pressed juices—featuring combinations of fresh fruits, vegetables, and creative ingredients like turmeric and sesame seeds—was a challenge we gladly took on. We ended our lunch with extra-large, fluffy cinnamon buns that were a treat.
The staff’s deep knowledge about the ingredients shines through, adding to the sense of community that keeps regulars returning to this pleasing space.
TIP: With a gourmet organic market, don’t miss the chance to take some snacks back to your hotel to power through the rest of your trip. Vegetarians and gluten-free guests will be amazed at the variety of options available to them.
BAR COLLINS
Contemporary, Casual
Nestled in the upscale Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Bar Collins welcomes you with a wide-open indoor space and breezy outdoor dining terrace, nearby the sprawling pool complex. The staff is extremely friendly, creating a laid-back feel.
For lunch, we started with the most amazing, cloud-like whipped feta, topped with olives, roasted peppers, za’atar, lemon, and olive oil—we could eat this every single day. We also enjoyed a generously-portioned Cobb salad, a refreshing tropical mango and coconut salad, and a tasty turkey club on focaccia paired with crisp truffle fries. Oh, and the pizza with fennel, sausage, and olives was a table favorite, too (plus, they offer gluten-free crust).
The full-service bar serves up anything you could dream up, from refreshing cocktails, to beer on tap, and more. We indulged in some fresh juices and delightful cocktails. To top it all off, don’t miss a stunner of a dessert, the warm chocolate flourless cake with whiskey ice cream, salted caramel drizzle, and crunchy caramel popcorn! Trust me this cake is big enough to share (or not!).
LA LOCANDA
Italian, Casual
Craving fresh-from-the-oven pizza and homemade pastas? La Locanda is the perfect spot! Tucked away on a bustling street in the South of Fifth neighborhood, this Italian trattoria offers both sidewalk dining and a cozy indoor space with white tablecloths, a full-service bar, TVs on the walls, a family feel, and an amicable staff.
We kicked off our meal by splitting an order of arancini filled with gooey cheese and seasoned ground beef, as well as a creamy burrata salad with arugula, prosciutto, and tomatoes. The highlight for me was a crispy margherita pizza that came out piping hot from the nearby brick oven. I managed to eat all but one piece!
My older daughter was raving about the gnocchi topped with homemade tomato sauce and stracciatella cheese; you could really tell that the pasta was handmade. My younger daughter was impressed that La Locanda offers two different types of gluten-free pasta and was super happy with her choice—gluten-free penne pasta alla vodka.
The chicken parmesan my husband ordered was seriously massive, pounded very thin, overflowing with melted cheese and served with delicious pasta. We topped off our meal with some scoops of chunky pistachio ice cream, but the real hit was the light and fluffy tiramisu with a special cocoa topping—what a perfect way to end the night!
PURA VIDA
All Day Cafe (multiple locations), Casual
With an abundance of outdoor tables topped with cheerful light blue canopies, Pura Vida’s all-day cafe became a regular haunt for us (and from the looks of the constant energy, for lots of locals and tourists alike) for nutritious brunch and lunch options. Whether you yearn for coffee, smoothies, baked goods, fruit, salads, soups, snacks, açai bowls, or full meals from breakfast through dinner, this massive menu offers plenty of opportunities for customization—you will not be disappointed.
I love Pura Vida’s mission statement, “Welcome to another day in paradise where health is happiness.”
After savoring a few meals here, our favorites emerged: the perfect egg sandwich (pasture-raised soft-boiled egg, mozzarella, tomato, and smashed avocado all on your choice of bagel), the croissant (scrambled eggs, mozzarella, mixed greens, tomato, and zesty spicy aioli), the veggie omelette (fluffy and full of vegetables), and the well-seasoned avocado smash toast with over-easy eggs. We also took a peek at the kids’ meal boxes—a great value that includes cold-pressed juice and a mandarin orange alongside healthy, yet child-friendly dishes like quesadillas and egg burritos.
TIP: Don’t miss out on Pura Vida’s fresh superfood smoothies and barista specials that sounded fabulous. Pura Vida has loads of tasty vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, and the staff is remarkably sensitive to allergies.
CALL ME GABY
Italian, Casual Elegance
Step into the oasis of Call Me Gaby that balances a swanky vibe with a cozy feel. Whether brunching in the glorious garden or dining in the sexy interior two-story dining room, accented with edgy art such as a street-art style Mona Lisa, a cacophony of colors in every which direction, and a beautiful bar, Call Me Gaby invites you to sit back and take in the upbeat romantic vibe while sampling top notch Italian-American dishes.
Owned and operated by women, this restaurant’s feminine inspiration comes from the idea that Gaby represents all beautiful, strong, stylish, and talented women. French owner Cathy (aka Coco) dreamed of a relaxing neighborhood restaurant with quality food at reasonable prices and a sophisticated wine selection.
We began our experience with soft, fresh burrata, paired with prosciutto and arugula, which transforms into an impromptu sandwich when wedged between two pieces of the house focaccia, with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for taste. The watermelon salad mixed with goat cheese, mint, lemon zest, pistachio crumble, and olive oil DOP was also quite refreshing.
Highlights for us included the selection of airy and artfully crafted gourmet miniature pinsas, a type of hand-pressed pizza dough baked in a Roman style. These pinsas showcase uncommon toppings like one featuring foie gras, fig jam, edible flowers, gorgonzola cream, and raisins confit, and another one topped with a creative combination of sliced smoked salmon, avocado, cream cheese, lemon juice, and dill.
A table favorite was the strozzapreti alla Nerano pasta, dressed in pecorino romano cheese, black pepper, and shaved fried zucchini—adding the perfect crunch to elevate each bite. The side of crispy potatoes and seasoned vegetables complements the meal beautifully. Complete your culinary journey by choosing from a wide range of desserts—such as fried zeppoli, sweet pizzas, homemade tiramisu, and vanilla panna cotta. Delish!
NEXT TIME
Next time we head to Florida, we’re really hoping to dine at the following restaurants:
- For Asian cuisine, we can’t wait to check out the legendary institution, Nobu. We also have our eyes on Katsuya, an outpost of the tried-and-true Los Angeles-based spot in the SLS Hotel, and both Japón (Japanese) and Jaya (South Asian) at The Setai Hotel. The last two restaurants offer immersive nighttime entertainment mid-meal with aerialists and entertainers in the Setai Hotel’s courtyard.
- When it comes to Italian cuisine, Carbone Miami is on our list! Just like the one in NYC, it serves up high-quality, beloved, Italian-American classics. And we can’t forget about Gianni’s Restaurant, an upscale Italian eatery located in Versace’s stunning Ocean Drive mansion, where you can dine next to an opulent pool and take advantage of a well-priced three-course lunch menu.
- For Latin American flavors, we’re excited about dining at Cartagena in the SLS Hotel, which boasts a Colombian menu that looks fabulous.
- And of course, a highlight for many visitors to Miami Beach is dining at Joe’s Stone Crab, the most famous restaurant in Miami Beach, known worldwide for its prized Florida snow crabs and irresistible key lime pie. Like many Miami Beach locals, I have dined here in the past and look forward to visiting next time.
WHERE TO STAY IN MIAMI BEACH
Miami Beach is a tourist destination, so there are lots of choices of where to stay. Our unquestionable family favorite is the luxurious Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Its perfect location, on buzzing Collins Avenue, means you’re just steps away from Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive.
We slipped into vacation mode as we soaked in the gorgeous views of the beach from our room, lounged by the tremendous pool, felt the all-hours ocean breeze, and enjoyed a cocktail at the poolside bar and café. We loved our laid-back al fresco lunch at Bar Collins and our fabulous dinner at Rao’s.
Other hotel options to consider for your stay include the chic and opulent Faena (with a gorgeous cabaret theater, frescoed walls, and even a golden woolly-mammoth-in-residence), the super-chic and tranquil Setai, the modern-styled The Edition which boasts a surprise bowling alley and ice skating rink, and of course, the globally-famous, Vegas-styled Fontainebleau resort with its rich history and a wide range of top-rated restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues.
DISCLAIMER
The author was provided with some discounted and/or complimentary meals so that she could try the restaurants and review them for your information. All opinions are her own. Most images courtesy of Lisa Grabelle unless otherwise noted.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This guest post was written by Lisa Grabelle. Lisa, a freelance travel writer, has been traveling all her life…44 countries and loving it! Originally from the sunny skies of Miami, Lisa, a former big firm lawyer, lives near Philadelphia. Travel is her passion. As soon as one vacation ends, Lisa busily plans her next adventure for her non-stop family of adventurers. Lisa’s motto is “don’t just visit the destination…live it!” You can follow Lisa on Instagram.
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