Miami’s dining scene has never been hotter—literally and figuratively. 2025 finds the Magic City flush with Michelin stars, inventive neighborhood hide-outs, and time-honored icons that still pack the house. Use this guide as a cheat-sheet to the very best, grouped by vibe so you can plot the perfect eating agenda.
1. Fine-Dining Heavyweights (Michelin-Starred)
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Why Go | Quick Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon | Design District | Florida’s only two-star spot delivers a sushi-bar-style counter, immaculate French technique, and a $195 seasonal “Discovery” menu. guide.michelin.comlatelier-miami.commiamilivingmagazine.com | Book the 6 p.m. seating for lingering sunset views of the open kitchen. |
| The Surf Club Restaurant | Surfside | Thomas Keller’s polished riff on 1950s supper-club classics (think lobster thermidor and Dover sole) wrapped in Art-Deco glam. guide.michelin.commiamilivingmagazine.com | Jackets suggested; valet fills fast on weekends. |
| COTE Miami | Design District | A Korean steakhouse where dry-aged wagyu meets tableside charcoal grills—and a world-class wine cellar. cotekoreansteakhouse.comblog.resy.com | Request the “Prime and Wagyu Omakase” for the full show. |
| Stubborn Seed | South of Fifth | Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford’s daring, modern-American tasting menus feature chili-glazed pork belly and miso-caramel ice cream. stubbornseed.com | Counter seats put you inches from the pastry station action. |
| Ariete | Coconut Grove | Chef Michael Beltrán fuses Cuban roots with French technique (duck press service!) in a cozy, exposed-brick space. arietecoconutgrove.commiamilivingmagazine.com | Sunday “Lechón” brunch sells out—reserve early. |
| Itamae AO | Midtown | Miami’s hottest new star: a 14-seat Nikkei counter where chef Nando Chang pairs pristine Florida fish with Peruvian flavors. axios.comblog.resy.com | Pre-pay tasting via Tock; BYOB corkage is waived on Tuesdays. |
2. Neighborhood Gems & Bib-Gourmand Darlings
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|
| Boia De | Little Haiti/Buena Vista | A neon-exclamation-point doorway hides a 27-seat room turning out Michelin-starred pastas (make the beef tartare your starter). guide.michelin.comblog.resy.com |
| Mandolin Aegean Bistro | Design District | Bougainvillea-draped courtyard serving immaculate Greek/Turkish mezze and charcoal-grilled lavraki. mandolinrestaurant.commiami.eater.com |
| Macchialina | South Beach | Rustic Italian plates, a killer lambrusco list, and 2025’s Michelin Sommelier-of-the-Year award. guide.michelin.comguide.michelin.com |
3. Iconic Miami Institutions
| Restaurant | Est. | Claim to Fame |
|---|---|---|
| Joe’s Stone Crab | 1913 | Seasonal stone crabs with mustard sauce, tuxedo-clad servers, and a wait list that’s a rite of passage. joesstonecrab.comsouthernliving.com |
| Versailles | 1971 | The Cuban community’s town hall—order a medianoche and a cafecito, then soak in decades of political history. newyorker.com |
How to Eat Like a Pro
Reserve ASAP: Michelin darlings open bookings 30 days out at 10 a.m. EST—set an alarm.
Mind the seasons: Joe’s closes Aug–mid-Oct; Itamae AO’s omakase menu changes monthly.
Budget smartly: Fine-dining tasting menus run $165–$310 pp; Bib Gourmands hover $40–$60 pp for two courses and a glass of wine.
Explore neighborhoods: Hit Design District for luxe lunches, Little Haiti for edgy midnight eats, and Coconut Grove for leafy brunch vibes.
Stay flexible: Miami traffic is merciless—pad 30 minutes, or ride-share and let valet worries melt away.
From two-star French precision to boisterous stone-crab shacks, Miami serves a dish for every palate—and a story for every table. Dig in, and welcome to one of America’s most electrifying food capitals.