Miami is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and for a first-time visitor, it can be challenging to know where to start. Here are five restaurants, each from different neighborhoods, to explore the diverse culinary offerings of Miami.
Nikki Beach Miami – South Beach
For brunch and cocktails, Nikki Beach Miami in South Beach is the perfect spot. The restaurant’s garden setting has a St. Tropez vibe, and the weekend buffet brunch is an experience not to be missed. With a global menu featuring crab cakes, Cuban sandwiches, and lobster ravioli, there’s something for everyone. For drinks, try their pretty frosé or any of their delicious cocktails.
Mayfair Grill – Coconut Grove
Mayfair Grill, located at the Mayfair House Hotel and Garden in Coconut Grove, is a fusion of Floridian and Southwest flavors served in an indoor/outdoor garden setting. The breakfast menu features unique items like huevos divorciados on a blue corn tortilla and avocado toast with roasted corn and cotija cheese. For dinner, try their seafood and steak dishes, like the wagyu picanha steak grilled to perfection. You can also head up to Sipsip, the rooftop bar at the Mayfair Hotel, for an extensive rum-infused cocktail menu.
Forte dei Marmi Restaurant – South Beach
For Italian cuisine, head to Forte dei Marmi Restaurant in South Beach. The seasonal menu is inspired by Italy’s coastal regions, and the Cacio e Pepe with truffles is a must-try dish. The restaurant also serves grilled octopus with cannellini beans and roasted tomatoes, and the catch of the day is a seafood lover’s dream. For dessert, try the classic Pistachio Gelato.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro – Design District
Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Design District offers Greek and Turkish dishes in a charming 1940s bungalow. The menu includes shareable portions of lamb kebabs and eggplant moussaka, and there’s an impressive portfolio of international and domestic wines. If you can’t decide, try the manti dumplings made with minced beef, garlic yogurt, and Aleppo pepper. The backyard patio provides a Mykonos vibe.
Kaori Miami – Brickell
For a modern Asian experience, Kaori Miami in Brickell is the place to be. The seafood dishes, like the oysters with shiso mignonette, the chutoro tartare with wasabi aioli, and the bluefin tuna sashimi, are well thought out and gorgeously presented. The steamed bao buns stuffed with grilled pork belly, kimchi, and salsa verde are also highly recommended. The cozy bar downstairs and dining room upstairs offer the perfect ambiance to enjoy the delicious food and watch the sunset over the city.
Miami has a diverse food scene that can cater to any palate. These five restaurants provide a small taste of what Miami has to offer, and with a city that’s constantly evolving, there’s always something new to try.
