United States
Miami's Culinary Landscape
Miami, known for its vibrant cultural scene, is also a hub for culinary excellence. The city offers a diverse array of restaurants, each bringing its own unique flavor and dining experience.
Boia De: Modern Italian Cuisine
Located on the edge of Buena Vista and Little Haiti, Boia De is a gem that blends the charm of an L.A. strip mall with the coziness of a Brooklyn dive. Chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer reinvent Italian classics, such as beef tartare topped with a crunchy shallot-garlic concoction and capers, all smothered in a delicious tonnato sauce. The pasta is fresh, and the wine list is superb, offering several skin-contact options.
Itamae AO: Nikkei Omakase
Itamae AO, run by chef and owner Nando Chang, is a Nikkei-style omakase counter in Midtown Miami. This intimate setting with only 10 seats offers an eight-course omakase menu that melds Japanese techniques with Peruvian influences. The menu features dry-aged fish, sashimi, nigiri, and Peruvian bites like anticuchos and aguadito.
Recoveco: Seasonal Cuisine
Recoveco, meaning 'nook' or 'cranny' in Spanish, is a hidden gem in South Miami. Co-chef/owners Nicolas Martinez and Teresa Gallina, who honed their skills in top Miami kitchens, offer a menu that is not bound by cultural borders. The dishes and ingredients rotate with the seasons, ensuring exceptional execution of each plate, whether it's fish, chicken, or other seasonal delights.
Michael's Genuine Food & Drink: Seasonal American Cuisine
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in the Miami Design District is a trailblazer of seasonal cuisine. Chef Michael Schwartz’s flagship restaurant offers an American-style menu with something for everyone, from raw bar plates to wood oven-fired dishes. The restaurant features an open-kitchen dining room, a cozy outdoor courtyard, and a popular bar for happy hour.
Wynwood Kitchen and Bar: New American Small Plates
Located in the heart of Wynwood, Wynwood Kitchen and Bar is a trendy nightlife venue and outstanding restaurant. The menu includes bright and colorful soups, salads, tapas-like hot and cold plates, and grilled skewers, all made with the freshest ingredients. Signature dishes include the WKB Hamburguestia, a chorizo and chicken slider with pickled jalapeños and chilli glaze.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar: Southern Comfort Food
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in Miami Beach is a rustic-chic eatery offering home-style Southern cuisine with a modern twist. The brunch menu features delights like fried green tomato BLTs and hickory smoked chocolate coffee cake. The supper menu includes short ribs braised in cabernet and smoked roasted bone marrow, all set in a homely comforting atmosphere.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro: Greek and Turkish Delights
Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Miami Design District transports diners to the Aegean coast with its blue doors, whitewashed decor, and shaded outdoor tables. Known for its fresh ingredients and relaxed atmosphere, Mandolin is famous for its manti dumplings and mezzes. It is one of the hardest reservations in town but well worth the effort.
Zak the Baker: Artisan Bread and Kosher Delights
Zak the Baker in Wynwood is a pioneer in Miami’s artisan bread revolution. This kosher bakery and café offers naturally leavened bread, handmade pastries, and full-service cafe options like exceptional sandwiches, soups, and salads. The colorful façade and artsy location make it a standout in the Wynwood arts district.
Exploring More of Miami's Culinary Gems
Other notable mentions include Silverlake Bistro, known for its American comfort food with French roots; Vero Italian Restaurant, offering a culinary journey through Italy; and Hakkasan, a classy showcase for contemporary Chinese cuisine. Each of these restaurants contributes to the rich culinary tapestry of Miami, making it a city that has something to offer every palate.