Miami’s Favorite Restaurants—A Neighborhood Guide

Miami has one of the country’s most varied and sophisticated food scenes. Blessed with fresh seafood, organic produce and chefs from around the world, Miami’s restaurants offer innovative approaches, international cuisines and first-rate opportunities for people watching. Below are some of my favorites, by neighborhood.

South Beach

Forte dei Marmi: Inspired by the Italian beach town for which it is named, Forte dei Marmi offers a sophisticated menu and some of the best Italian food in town. Carefully curated meals feature local, organic produce, farm-raised prime meats and wild-caught seafood. The pasta is home-made and is must-try course. One of my favorites is the truffle cacio e pepe served in a Pecorino wheel. Entrees include a Mediterranean Branzino and a very large veal chop. For dessert, our table fell in love with the tiramisu expresso. A terrific wine list is also available and the upscale atmosphere make this the perfect place for a celebration.

Hakassan: Located in the swank Fontainebleau Hotel, Hakassan offers a modern interpretation of Chinese classics, in a glamorous, lacquered dining room. The menu features local and seasonal ingredients and features items only available at the Miami location. A lychee martini is a nice way to start the meal, along with pan fried chicken dumplings with fois gras and the Peking duck. Favorites entrees include the charcoal grilled Chilean sea bass and the stir-fried beef with mushrooms. The Hakka noodles and chicken-fried rice are an idealized version of Chinese cuisine. A mango custard with coconut sorbet is a nice way to end the meal.

Stubborn Seed: Chef Jeremy Ford, season 13 winner of Bravo’s Top Chef, creates innovative and inspired takes on classic dishes at Stubborn Seed (a Grove Bay Hospitality Group restaurant). The industrial décor is the perfect background for carefully crafted and delicious meals. Starters feature aged cheddar and jalapeno biscuits and ricotta gnudi. Entrees include a Smoked 16 oz. Prime Ribeye with sunchoke, carrot, soy miso butter and 40-day aged garlic puree and a truffle chicken with pomme puree and baby turnips. You need to save room for some amazing desserts: the caramelized pear with gingerbread French toast and the tropical fruit tart are delicious.

Brickell

Hutong: A super fun and sophisticated atmosphere greets guests eager for some of the city’s tastiest Asian food. The best way to enjoy dinner is with one of the prix fixe menus. In addition to three delectable courses, you can add unlimited Prosecco or Tatinger champagne to your meal. Starters feature vegetarian spring rolls, prawn and scallop wontons and ginger lobster steamed buns. You get to choose multiple main courses, such as chili prawns, mapo tofu, crispy sea bass, signature soft-shelled crabs and pan-seared beef tenderloin. Fried rice and green beans are perfect side dishes. Looking for another terrific way to enjoy Hutong? The free-flowing weekend Dim Sum brunch includes all of Hutong’s specialties and you can also snag a Mimosa.

Casa Tua Cucina: Seeking a terrific, casual Italian meal? Some of the best Italian food can be found at Casa Tua Cucina in the Brickell City Centre mall. Join a communal table and admire the open kitchen as chefs prepare perfectly crispy pizza, ranging from a classic Margherita to one featuring shaved black truffles and goat cheese. All the pasta is made in-house and includes mushroom risotto and tagliolini with frutti di mare. Meat lovers can indulge in beef tenderloin or Australian lamb chops and if you want fish, the grilled seafood mix is an excellent choice. To end your meal, choose from a decadent chocolate cake or some terrific cannoli. The restaurant is also part of an upscale food hall, where you can purchase your favorite pasta, sauces, meats and vegetables and try your cooking skills at home.

American Social: American Social is characterized by its classic American comfort food, a wide selection of craft beers on draft, and a tasty curated list of cocktails. The waterfront location is the ideal place to watch a big game or meet for a causal meal with friends. The burgers are notoriously tasty and large (the AmSo burger contains ½ pound of meat), and the Nashville hot chicken sandwich or the Mahi tacos with spiced mayo are another perfect choice. If you want an even more substantial meal, try the steak frite (a 10 oz sirloin with garlic, parmesan fries) or the pan-seared salmon. If you seek something lighter, the cobb salad is a great option. You can choose from over 20 draft beers or indulge in a cactus pear mojito.

Sunny Isles

Bourbon Steak: If you are looking for a truly elevated dining experience and craving some serious meat and potatoes, you must pay a visit to Bourbon Steak. One of Michael Mina’s renowned restaurants, Bourbon Steak is famous for its signature butter poached steaks and duck fat fries. Steak-lovers will have a hard time choosing between the filet mignon, the porterhouse and the Japanese Wagyu—all are delicious. If you want something lighter, you can order the local snapper or Scottish salmon and a salad of simple greens. If not, try a side of truffle mac and cheese and those amazing fries. All choices can be enhanced with a selection from one of the 850 wines from Bourbon Steak’s award-winning wine cellar. And if you have room, the key lime pie is a winner. Guests who seek a more private dining experience or who have an occasion to celebrate can reserve one of two private dining rooms.

Timo: Timo has become a neighborhood favorite by offering excellent Italian and Mediterranean favorites and an exceptional wine list. Fresh, local ingredients are emphasized and the menu changes seasonally. However, you can always find certain favorites, including an outstanding black and white pizza with fresh ricotta and black truffles, crostini of frois gras with caramelized oranges and the perfectly cooked branzino with giant asparagus. Guests who don’t feel comfortable dining out, can take advantage of Timo’s private dining option. A chef and server (who have test negative for Covid) will prepare and serve a 3, 5 or 7 course menu in your home.