Top 12 Famous Restaurants in Miami, FL

Beautiful beaches, great nightlife, warm weather, luxury shops, unique architecture, and much more besides—- Miami is definitely worth it as a vacation spot. And if you’re planning a visit to this gorgeous Florida city any time soon, you’ll want to know all the best places to grab a great meal.

Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of some well-known, must-visit restaurants in Miami— all very popular and for very good reason. Whether it’s top-notch food, delicious drinks, impeccable service, excellent atmosphere, or all of the above, you’ll be able to find it within the options below.

And also luckily, several of these restaurants also happen to be supported by GiftYa— a virtual gift card company! With the GiftYa app, you can send a loved one money to spend at any participating location, which include restaurants, shops, spas, among many other things. The recipient can then set up that balance with an existing credit or debit cards so they don’t have to remember to bring anything extra!

1. Crazy About You

1155 Brickell Bay Dr | Miami | crazyaboutyourestaurant.com

You’re sure to be crazy about this famous Miami restaurant. The gorgeous, upscale atmosphere, gorgeous decorations, and picturesque views ensure that your dining experience will be top notch. Whether you sit on the terrace, in the lounge, or in the upscale dining room, you won’t be disappointed.

The menu also doesn’t disappoint. Guests can enjoy appetizers, entrees, and desserts— and that’s just on the dinner menu. You won’t want to miss out on brunch, lunch, or happy hour either!

Crazy About You is open from 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Mondays through Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. on Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. until midnight on Fridays, 10 a.m. until midnight on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Sundays.

“The place was really cute, the service was unreal. Everyone is super nice and super friendly, I felt like I was eating at home because of the staff, they were very very nice and polite.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Crazy About You

2. Stubborn Seed

101 Washington Ave | Miami Beach | stubbornseed.com

Stubborn Seed’s goal is to give its customers a “reward in each bite” with their unique flavors, high-quality ingredients, and perfectionist recipes. Currently owned by Chef Jeremy Ford, Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13 winner, this restaurant’s staff takes a lot of pride in their work.

There are lots of upscale dining options on the menu, but you’ll want to be sure that you check out the signature cocktails and other beverage options as well.

Hours are from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“The whole staff communicated beautifully to clear the table any time dishes were done and quickly brought out the next dishes. 10/10 recommend everything we ordered….We will definitely be coming back to try the rest! Thank you!” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Stubborn Seed

3. The Rusty Pelican — Miami

3201 Rickenbacker Causeway | Key Biscayne | therustypelican.com 

Located right on the Rickenbacker Marina, The Rusty Pelican is the perfect place to go for a true taste of Miami and a “modernized tropical escape.” They have available event space, indoor and outdoor dining, and there’s also the option for you to order takeout if you’re in a hurry.

No matter how you decide to dine, though, you’ll want to savor your meal. There’s starters, a raw bar, signature items, seafood entrees, “land” entrees, sushi, vegetarian options, sides, and that’s just for dinner! There’s also lunch, brunch, bar, happy hour, and takeout/delivery menus.

This restaurant is open from noon until 10 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, from noon until 11 p.m. on Fridays, from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sundays.

“Rusty pelican is the spot. Brought my dad for Father's Day and it was awesome. Great food, great service, amazing views. Definitely sit outside if the weather is nice. Jariel was our server and he was amazing!” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Rusty Pelican  — Miami

4. KYU

251 NW 25th St | Miami | kyurestaurants.com 

KYU was influenced by its well traveled team and Japanese cooking, specifically the wood-fired grilling discipline known as yakiniku, to offer a rich interpretation of Asian cuisine. This award-winning restaurant is not just located in Miami, either— you’ll find locations in New York and Mexico City as well as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and London in the near future!

On the menu you’ll find expertly grilled umami dishes, smoke-roasted short ribs, fish and vegetable entrees, hamachi Crudo, pork belly baos, and Thai fried rice. If you’re looking for the perfect drink to pair with your meal, KYU also offers hand-crafted cocktails— and don’t forget to save room for dessert!

Hours at KYU are from noon until 11 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.

“Super fun spot. The bartenders are phenomenal. I showed up a tad bit before the kitchen closed down for the evening, and the bartenders rushed my order through. I really appreciated it.” - Yelp Review

5. Amara at Paraiso

3101 NE 7th Ave | Miami | amaraatparaiso.com

With locally sourced ingredients, a gorgeous environment, and an upbeat energy, Amara at Paraiso is sure to grant you a good time in addition to a great meal. The beach setting right on Biscayne Bay is a perfect blend with the coastal ingredients that they use to make their dishes.

The menu at this restaurant is divided into small, medium, and main dishes, as well as a selection of sides. There’s also a raw bar, some dinner specials, and the signature Amara Seafood Platter.

Amara at Paraiso is open from noon until 11 p.m. on weekdays, from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sundays.

“We have tried their ceviche, drinks, wine, salads, soft shell crab, kid's meals, and swordfish. We have never been disappointed! A new favorite is the arroz verde that comes out fresh and sizzling.” - Yelp Review

6. Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge

412 NW N River Dr | Miami | seaspice.com

Both Miami residents and tourists come to Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge in droves, and for good reason. This restaurant is located on the bank of the Miami River, within close quarters of downtown and the financial district, in case you want to do some sightseeing after a delicious meal.

The restaurant prides itself not only on their signature wood-fired casseroles and specialty crafted cocktails, but also their impeccable hospitality. Here, you will find globally inspired dishes and some of the freshest seafood in Miami.

Hours are from noon until midnight on Tuesdays through Sundays— the restaurant is closed on Mondays.

“We absolutely enjoyed our time here. The vibes were great. Food was excellent.  Price is reasonable. Everyone was courteous. Cassidy was the best server we have ever had!! Would definitely be back.” - Yelp Review

7. CVI.CHE 105 Downtown

105 NE 3rd Ave | Miami | ceviche105.com

This popular downtown Miami restaurant also has locations in South Beach, Aventura Mall, and Dadeland Mall. Their vast selection of ceviches are, of course, the star of the show, but there are also plenty of other traditional Peruvian dishes on the menu.

CVI.CHE takes providing their guests with an accessible dining experience very seriously, and they take a lot of pride in their hospitality and status as one of the best restaurants in Miami.

CVI.CHE 105 is open from noon until 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from noon until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“Wow. Amazing through and through. Everyone has been telling me that this is their favorite restaurant in Miami, and I can see why! Service was impeccable and attentive… 

Beautiful dining location and easily walkable in downtown Miami.” - Yelp Review

8. Versailles

Enjoy Coffee, Tea, and Cuban Cuisine

3555 SW 8th St | West Flagler | versaillesrestaurant.com

There are tons of Cuban restaurants in Miami, but Versailles stands out from the pack. Sure, you’ll see classic items like a Cuban Sandwich, Ropa Vieja, and Vaca Frita on the menu, but take one bite and you’ll be absolutely blown away by the iconic Cuban flavors.

Versailles strikes a nice balance between classy (because the food is just so tasty) and casual (the vibe is pretty laid back, and the restaurant is good for groups).

“Awesome old school place with very friendly and efficient staff. It was cool to see so many locals intertwined with tourists, which is usually a good sign. The pastries and empanadas from the bakery were a great little snack before lunch and the Cuban sandwich” – Yelp Review

9. The Big Cheese of Miami

Try Italian Cheese Without Ever Leaving Miami

8080 SW 67th St | Miami | bigcheesemiami.com

When you think of amazing Italian food, Miami probably isn’t the first city that springs to mind. The Big Cheese of Miami has the mouthwatering cheesy fare you know and love – lasagna, spaghetti, and of course pizza pies – made with the same ingredients fancy restaurants use, just at a lower price with bigger portions.

Visitors enjoy the vegan options and outdoor seating. Be sure to consider the Oven-Baked Garlic Rolls or the Seafood Pasta – both dishes get rave reviews.

“I love this restaurant! The garlic rolls as an appetizer is a must. Their pizzas and pasta dishes are always so fresh and delicious. Inside is very sports-decorated, they are huge UM fans and on the walls you'll see numerous pictures of celebrities with their autographs included 

Outside seating is also nice to sit in during cool weather, they have outdoor lights to make the ambiance enjoyable. Service is fast and the staff are always so welcoming. I always have a great time every time I come here!” – Yelp Review

10. La Camaronera Seafood Joint & Fish Market

Fresh and Tasty Seafood Fare

1952 W Flagler St | Little Havana | lacamaronera.com

Fresh fish? Florida lobster? Succulent shrimp? La Camaronera serves up the best seafood Miami has to offer. You won’t want to skip their most popular menu items, the fried shrimp, pan con minuta, or conch fritters.  

“Long history coming to this local hole in the wall fish / seafood restaurant. The food is so good that overcoming all other hurdles of traffic and parking & cash is worth the effort. Service has always been decent, The ambiance is melting pot of the daily worker and the boss man executive, All just trying to get something to eat while standing at the counter or sitting in the finally expanded seating area. Enjoy !!” – Yelp Review

11. Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab

Fine Dining with Gorgeous Views of Brickell Key

777 Brickell Ave | Brickell | trulucks.com

While famous, not all of the Miami restaurants on this list are fancy. This one is.

Truluck’s chefs take advantage of their waterfront position to bring fresh, original, elevated takes on seafood favorites to their diners. The chain has been around since 1992, and the Miami location has been thriving since it opened its doors in 2010. 

“It's been a while since I've been to Trulucks, but nothing has changed. The service and food are still supreme. The attentiveness of our waitress was perfect. I went with one of my good friends for happy hour and we just had drinks and oysters. The oysters were so fresh, the best oysters iv had in a longggg time. The champagne mignonette, great added touch.” – Yelp Review

12. Roasters ‘N Toasters

Authentic NY Deli Fare Right Here in Miami

9465 S Dixie Hwy | Miami | roastersntoasters.com

With 4 locations across Miami, it’s obvious that Roasters ‘N Toasters has a good thing going. The casual yet famous Miami restaurant has been serving class New York City fare like bagels, corned beef sandwiches, pastrami, reubens, and homemade matzah ball soup since 1984. Whether you’re originally from the north or have never been, you’ll love taking a bite out of the Big Apple without ever leaving Florida.

“Hit the spot! I forget how big the portions are here. I only ate half my grits and omelet, took the rest home! Delicious, fresh ingredients, and filling. My nephew had the French toast and he loved it! It's made with challah bread which is even better! Friendly service!” – Yelp Review