Originally published in Vino and Voyage, my Substack newsletter featuring Miami dining news & events, wine & travel stories, and real talk on working in wine & media. I wanted to share a taste of that publication here on my original blog. Subscribe if you wish to read more articles like this.
Visiting for the National Championship Game? Here are some of my picks for dining in Miami.
If you’re in town for the National Championship Game, welcome to Miami.
You’re probably hungry.
This isn’t a “best of” restaurant list or a ranking — it’s simply a collection of places I genuinely enjoy and think you’ll love too, or places that I would recommend you visit for different reasons — view, vibe, experience. Consider this your cheat sheet to eating your way through the city like a local who spends a lot of time… eating her way through the city.
As soon as you pick the restaurants where you want to dine, you should make a reservation. It can be very tough to get a table at a Miami restaurant without one, especially during a busy weekend in our busy season (now). I’m warning you!
SOUTH BEACH
Macchialina – Neighborhood Italian favorite for handmade pastas and a serious wine list. This is a local gem!
Address: 820 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Joe’s Stone Crab – Miami icon for stone crab, classic seafood, and Key lime pie.
Address: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Smith & Wollensky – Waterfront steakhouse at South Pointe Park with ocean and cruise-ship views. Great for an afternoon drink at the outside bar.
Address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Estiatorio Milos – Upscale Greek seafood with a market-style fish display.
Address: 730 1st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Prime 112
A Miami steakhouse legend serving oversized cuts, decadent sides, and all the South Beach swagger.
Address: 112 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Gianni’s at The Former Versace Mansion
Opulent Mediterranean-inspired dining inside the iconic Versace Mansion, complete with courtyard tables and over-the-top Miami glamour. Cool place for Miami fashion history.
Address: 1116 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
MIAMI BEACH – SUNSET HARBOUR & MID-BEACH / FAENA DISTRICT
Lido Bayside Grill at The Standard – Chill bayside spot for Mediterranean-leaning bites and cocktails. Great water views while having a cocktail or snack.
Address: 40 Island Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
The Living Room at Faena – Glam cocktail lounge with live music and snacks in the Faena Hotel.
Address: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann (Faena) – Fire-driven Argentine-inspired steakhouse in the Faena.
Address: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Motek – Miami Beach
Beach-day-friendly spot for Mediterranean bowls, kebabs, dips, and more.
2701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL, 33140
Casa Tua
Iconic Mediterranean-Italian villa with intimate garden dining, refined dishes, and one of Miami Beach’s most romantic atmospheres.
Address: 1700 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
BRICKELL
DC Pie Co – Brick-oven pizzas, wings, and salads in a casual Brickell hangout.
Address: 1010 Brickell Ave #200, Miami, FL 33131
The River Oyster Bar – Local favorite for oysters, seafood, and cocktails just off Brickell Avenue.
Address: 33 SE 7th St Ste 100, Miami, FL 33131
Lafayette Steakhouse – Dark, lounge-y steakhouse with big reds and prime cuts.
Address: 1111 SW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33130
Delilah Miami – Supper-club style dining with live entertainment near Brickell Key.
Address: 301 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131
Motek – Brickell City Centre – Mediterranean/Israeli comfort food in the mall (great for shared plates).
Address: 701 S Miami Ave #412A, Miami, FL 33131
Osaka Nikkei
Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei cuisine with stunning tiraditos, sushi, and one of Brickell’s best dining-room vibes.
Address: 1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131
LPM Restaurant & Bar
Elegant French-Mediterranean dishes and iconic cocktails (order the Tomatini) in a chic indoor–outdoor setting.
Address: 1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131
Sexy Fish
Over-the-top Japanese seafood restaurant with lavish décor, theatrical cocktails, and a high-energy late-night vibe.
Address: 1001 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
Find more suggestions for each neighborhood and finish this story on Vino and Voyage…
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