Miami has always been known for its flash. But now more than ever, diners are seeking
restaurants that deliver real value—where the experience feels worth the spend. Thanks to a wave of notable openings and OGs that have stood the test of time, the city’s culinary landscape is more vibrant and dynamic than ever.
Below, we spotlight 25 restaurants that seamlessly blend exceptional food, inventive cocktails, thoughtful wine programs, impeccable service, feel-good ambiance, and stunning design. While opinions may differ on what truly defines the “best of the best,” these dinner destinations capture the chic, in-demand dining scene we love at Hotels Above Par.
Ariete (Coconut Grove)
Ariete in Coconut Grove fuses Cuban-American flavors with French technique, in a dark, cozy space perfect for cocktails and quiet weekday dinners. The tasting menu is pricey but worth it, especially for the pressed duck (an add on), maybe my favorite duck dish ever.
Boia De (Upper Buena Vista)
Boia De is an unassuming strip-mall gem with a funky yet laid-back vibe and a sharp wine list. The changing seasonal menu always delivers, but the pastas and baked clams are standouts. It’s cool, unpretentious, and perfect for a date night or dinner with your foodie friend.
COTE (Design District)
COTE, the Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse in NYC and Miami, delivers perfection with dry-aged cuts grilled tableside over smokeless charcoal and endless delectable sides. Dark, elegant, and soulful, it’s upscale without losing its charm, and the Apple-tinis are divine.
Cotoa (North Miami)
Cotoa is Miami’s best Ecuadorian spot, where Chef Alejandra Espinoza reimagines traditional dishes into playful, unexpected creations. The colorful, bright dining room and natural wines make it as warm and inviting as it is delicious—well worth the trip to North Miami.
Daniel’s Miami (Coral Gables)
Daniel’s is a sleek steakhouse where attentive service and an open kitchen set the stage for steaks that melt on the tongue, lobster mac worth fighting over, and the occasional surprise like Foie Gras Crème Brûlée. Perfect for both big celebrations and upscale casual nights.
Edan Bistro (North Miami)
Edan’s croquetas might be the best in Miami, and Chef Aitor Garate Berasaluze brings Basque precision and heart to every plate, from ribeye to just-sweet-enough cheesecake. Cozy and unpretentious, this North Miami bistro is absolutely worth the trip.
Ghee (Kendall)
Ghee brings Indian cuisine to life with locally sourced ingredients and inventive twists, like tuna-avocado bhel puri or short rib dosas. Chef Niven Patel’s Homestead farm keeps every bite fresh, while the industrial-chic space with Indian touches makes it unmistakably Miami.
Hiyakawa (Midtown)
Hiyakawa pairs stunning design with standout Japanese cuisine. The wooden-arch ceiling is unforgettable, and dishes like the rotating sugata-mori appetizer let you enjoy sashimi off the fish, then fry the remainder at the table. Relaxed, intimate, and perfect for a date or special occasion, Hiyakawa is as memorable for the space as it is for the food.
Le Specialità (Design District)
Le Specialità quietly opened this summer in Miami, with reservations through Dorsia still required. Chic, sunlit interiors and meticulously crafted Milanese dishes, especially the meatballs, make every visit feel sophisticated, with martinis and wines served in impossibly thin-stemmed glasses.
LPM (Brickell)
LPM instantly transports you to France, with buttery escargot, standout cocktails like the ‘Pablo’ gin, and a bright, sunlit space with high ceilings. Excellent service, food, and drinks come together seamlessly, with a special nod to John Smith, the bar wizard.
Macchialina (Miami Beach)
Macchialina is Italian done brilliantly, thanks to chef Michael Pirolo’s rustic pastas and soulful flavors. The generous priced and portioned tasting menu is always a win, and their polenta is the best I’ve ever had. The new space of 'Fluke' , a cocktail and crudo bar at the front of the property adds a modern edge with top-notch martinis, and a great burger.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro (Design District)
Mandolin’s shaded patio in Miami’s Design District feels like a quiet Greek courtyard. Mezze like roasted peppers and beets set the stage, while hearty moussaka and delicate manti dumplings steal the show, creating a truly transportive experience.
Naoe (Brickell Key)
Since 2009, Naoe has offered one of Miami’s most singular dining experiences. The five-seat omakase highlights rare, traditional Japanese ingredients, with Chef Kevin Cory’s precise nigiri and Wendy’s stories about sake and ceramics creating an intimate, deeply personal journey far from Miami’s trendier omakases.
Ogawa (Little River)
Ogawa truly offers one of Miami’s most refined and perfected omakase experiences. Each course is presented with precision, highlighting seasonal fish and ingredients flown directly from Japan. At the intimate 10-seat counter, the focus is squarely on craftsmanship, from delicate nigiri to warm dishes prepared with traditional Edomae techniques.
Osaka (Brickell)
Osaka Brickell blends Japanese and Peruvian flavors in a cozy, elevated space. The Tuna Foie is decadent, the sea bass exceptional, and the Penishirin cocktail (a twist on the Penicillin) is a must for whiskey lovers.
Pastor at Pascal (Coral Gables)
Pastor at Pascal balances French staples like duck confit with standout Spanish dishes such as Galician octopus, all executed with care. The modern, inviting dining room lets the food shine, making it a hit with both longtime fans and newcomers.
Paya (Miami Beach)
Paya serves vibrant, island-inspired dishes in a laid-back setting, blending Southeast Asian, Spanish, and Caribbean flavors. Standouts like conch fritters and pork belly with yucca mofongo make it a must-visit escape from the typical Miami Beach scene.
Recoveco (South Miami)
Recoveco turns minimalism into mastery, with standout dishes like the Pennsylvania Golden Chicken and fresh crudos. The light, airy space with pale woods and stone adds modern warmth, making the trip to South Miami worth it.
Sunny’s Steakhouse (Little River)
Sunny’s Steakhouse is my favorite in Miami, with standout dishes like Blue Crab and Corn Agnolotti and hanger steak with potato butter. Martini lovers will swoon over the house-stuffed Blue Cheese Olives, and the Green Ghoul cocktail is a tequila revelation, Chef Aaron Brooks and his team deliver flawless execution every time.
Surf Club + Lido (Surfside)
Thomas Keller’s Surf Club Restaurant serves mid-century glamour with American classics like Beef Wellington, while Lido delivers Italian coastal flair with house-made pastas and rare wines. Post-dinner, the Champagne Bar offers the perfect nightcap for locals and celebrities alike.
Tâm Tâm (Downtown)
Tam Tam feels like crashing your coolest friend’s dinner party, with vibey electronic funk and color-changing lights. Chef Tam Pham’s bold Vietnamese flavors, from bone marrow to crispy frog legs, shine, making a return visit inevitable.
The Joyce (South Beach)
The Joyce feels like a secret you want to be let in on. Tucked at the end of Española Way, the dark green, art-filled space balances exclusivity with warmth, where Chef James Taylor serves steakhouse classics like A5 filet mignon and creamed kale that exceed expectations.
ViceVersa (Downtown)
ViceVersa serves Miami’s best burger, bold Neapolitan-style pizzas, and the festive Martini Doppio in a buzzing downtown spot inside the Elser Hotel. Dim lighting, good music, and energy make it a low-key yet lively escape, arrive early for a quiet moment or stay late to mingle with locals and insiders.
Walrus Rodeo (Upper Buena Vista)
Walrus Rodeo, the playful younger sibling of Boia De, serves a wood-fired, genre-defying menu, from Rodeo Za pizza to mustard green lasagna with lamb ragù. With irreverent décor, sharp service, and a smart wine list, it’s perfect for date nights or casual hangs
Zitz Sum (Coral Gables)
Zitz Sum may have a small menu, but every bite bursts with flavor, from Hokkaido scallop crudos to chicken wontons and tear-apart bing bread. The ever-changing tasting menu and cozy, dark setting make it perfect for date night or inventive dining anytime
