Where We’re Eating in Miami: 3 Favorites (and Some Honorable Mentions)
Miami’s dining scene is one of the most dynamic in the country with glamorous rooftops, cozy neighborhood gems, and oceanfront lounges all competing for your next reservation. We’ve tried a little of everything lately, and these are the three spots we keep recommending, plus some honorable mentions that you may want to consider (or not).
1. Best Overall: MILA
📍 South Beach
MILA delivers the kind of seamless experience that’s increasingly rare: elevated atmosphere, creative dishes, and a social scene that feels curated but not chaotic. It’s a rooftop spot in South Beach with gorgeous indoor-outdoor seating, ambient lighting, and a really fun MediterrAsian menu. Dishes like the oysters with Japanese mignonette and wagyu skirt steak are hits, and the cocktails are thoughtful without being overly conceptual. We loved the decadent ‘after hours’ cocktail made from redemption rye whiskey, hennessy vs, coffee, chocolate, cherry, almond, and mint. Definitely come dressed up and stay for a post-dinner drink at their lounge area. It’s a full night out in one reservation.
We’re really not kidding about dressing up though. Everyone will be there in their most fun and stylish outfits. We went for a sleek blazer and a backless silk dress and fit right in. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our fashion articles or favorite fashion finds.
2. Best Vibe: Lido Bayside Grill
📍 Belle Isle (near South Beach)
Located on the water at The Standard Hotel and Spa (a classic hot spot), Lido feels like quintessential sun-soaked Miami. It’s our favorite spot for a slow lunch, golden hour drinks, or a casual dinner where the people-watching is half the fun. The menu leans Mediterranean and health-forward (think: watermelon feta salad, grilled fish, truffle hummus), but the real draw is the setting. We’ve seen people come by boat just to grab a cocktail - it’s that kind of place. Bonus: it’s open to non-hotel guests and non-Standard members.
While you can often walk-in to get a table, we highly recommend booking in advance if you can. This maximizes your chance to get a table right on the waterfront.
3. Best Food: Makoto
📍 Bal Harbour
Tucked inside Bal Harbour Shops, Makoto is our top choice when food is the priority. Helmed by chef Makoto Okuwa, it serves refined Japanese cuisine with standout sushi, robata-grilled meats, and signature dishes like the Wagyu Beef Hot Stone. The cocktails are excellent here as well. Our favorite thing here is actually the Bento Box offered at lunch. The setting is upscale but not intimidating. It’s elegant enough for a celebratory dinner, yet relaxed enough for a Friday brunch with friends. Service is consistent, and every dish feels precise and high-quality. It's the kind of place where you never leave disappointed.
Honorable Mentions
Carpaccio
📍 Bal Harbour
This place has been around forever and for good reason. It’s simple, bustling, and reliable - a Miami classic. We love sitting outside after a little retail therapy and ordering their namesake carpaccio, a tasty veal, or the polenta bolognese (hands down our favorite appetizer). It’s not trying to be trendy and that’s exactly why we keep going back. If we had to really define the vibe, we’d describe this as old money in a restaurant. If we’re browsing Bal Harbour and we’re not at Makoto, we’re at Carpaccio instead.
Cecconi’s
📍 Mid-Beach
Inside the courtyard of Soho Beach House, Cecconi’s is a classic Italian spot. The food is solid but it takes a backseat to ambiance, but we’re okay with that. The setting is a total vibe, especially at night under the string lights. We usually go for brunch (and get the classic english breakfast) or cocktails with snacks. Just know: the food is good, not great, but the vibe makes up for it every time.
Soho Beach House Pool
📍 Mid-Beach
Not technically a restaurant, but worth mentioning. If you’re a Soho House member or hotel guest, the pool at Soho Beach House is ideal for an all-day lounge session if you get there early enough to snag a coveted day bed. The menu is casual (think: acai bowls, smashed burger, fresh coconut water), and the energy is mellow chic. Just be prepared for slow service. Luckily, you won’t be in a rush.
PANI
📍 Aventura
Colorful, quirky, and over-the-top in the best way, PANI is an aesthetic brunch spot with serious charm. It’s especially great for a girls’ lunch, a birthday treat, or a trip with your mom. Think pink lattes, layered desserts, and lots of floral wallpaper. The food is solid but not groundbreaking (we recommend the burger or a savory crepe) but we happily keep going back. The Pani experience is always undeniably cheerful.
Aba Miami
📍 Bal Harbour
Sadly closing soon, Aba is a beautifully designed Mediterranean restaurant with strong dishes like whipped feta, short rib hummus, and grilled seafood. The space is filled with greenery and feels thoughtfully designed. It’s hard to believe it didn’t stick around longer, but the Miami scene is incredibly competitive. If you can, consider going before it closes! And definitely get a cocktail if you’re interested as that’s always been a highlight for us here.
Osaka
📍 Brickell
Osaka is a polished spot with a Peruvian-Japanese fusion menu that’s decent, if not particularly adventurous. The tableside blow-torching is a bit overdone, but we love slightly smoked sashimi so we honestly don’t mind. The sushi is solid, and the cocktails are well executed. Just don’t expect to be surprised. This restaurant is solid, but a bit more style than substance.
Mimi Chinese
📍 South Beach
Mimi Chinese is a newly-opened modern Chinese spot that’s great for a low-key date night. It’s stylish and offers a few dishes that hit the spot, plus presentation that’s undeniably fun, if a bit gimmicky (like a cocktail served in a ceramic panda). That said, nothing stands out dramatically and the experience is a bit forgettable, but it’s a good option if you’re craving Chinese in a city that doesn’t have a ton of strong contenders.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're in Miami for a weekend or a longtime local looking to mix things up, most of these restaurants deliver on what we care about most: good service, strong aesthetics, and great food.
Have a favorite we haven’t covered yet? Let us know! We're always taking recs and making reservations. And yes, we’ll of course be back with updates as soon as we have new ones to report. 🤍
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