Best Places to Eat in Miami Beach
Miami Beach is a place more or less devoted to tourism. This barrier island, located just off the city of Miami itself, has tons of restaurants specializing in just about every different kind of cuisine you could imagine.
As you would expect from this coastal location, there’s plenty of excellent seafood on offer. And in a city with such a strong influence from Latin America, you can also expect some incredible Cuban, Mexican, and other Latin-influenced restaurants, too. But Miami, and Miami Beach, are cosmopolitan places where you can find just about anything you like to eat, so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and explore.
Of course, you’ll have a much easier time enjoying all the excellent food here if you’re not carrying heavy bags with you. Drop off your luggage at a Miami Beach luggage storage, and you’ll soon see just how much delicious food is available in this picturesque spot.
Casa Isola
This is a seafood restaurant with show-stopping views over the bay. It’s a family-run business, so you know that the food here is going to be good. The Casa Isola menu changes on a daily basis, depending on what’s fresh that day, but you can always expect dishes like crab lasagna, seared scallops, and whole grilled fish. Make sure to leave room for dessert, too – the tiramisu here is outstanding.
Stubborn Seed
This is a relatively new restaurant, but it’s already making waves in the Miami Beach dining scene. The menu is ever-changing, so you never quite know what you’re going to get, but past dishes have included things like roasted lamb with date puree and smoked beef short rib.
No matter what’s on the menu when you visit Stubborn Seed, you can be sure that it’ll be fresh, seasonal, and absolutely delicious. In fact, this restaurant has been recognized with a Michelin star for its skillfully crafted dishes, making it one of the best restaurants in Miami Beach if you want a fancy meal out. Operated by Jeremy Ford, the winner of season 13 of bravo’s Top Chef TV show, you know you’re in for a real treat. And the craft cocktails here are almost as good as the artfully created dishes.
Pubbelly Sushi
Pubbelly Sushi is one of the best sushi places in all of Miami, never mind Miami Beach. It’s a little on the pricey side, but it’s worth it for the excellent sushi on offer. The tuna tartare is particularly good, as are the salmon avocado rolls. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the foie gras nigiri – it might sound strange, but it really works.
If you want something a little more filling than sushi, there are also some great donburi bowls to choose from. The kimchee fried rice is also particularly delicious.
The Surf Club Restaurant
This is one of the most iconic restaurants in Miami Beach, and it’s been around since the 1930s. It’s been frequented by everyone from celebrities to politicians over the years, and it still retains its Old Hollywood glamour.
The menu at Surf Club is classic American, with steak and seafood dishes predominating. The crab cakes are particularly good, as is the filet mignon. And if you have a sweet tooth, make sure to try the lemon meringue pie – it’s out of this world.
Byblos Miami
Byblos Miami is a great place for Middle Eastern food, and it’s one of the most popular restaurants in Miami Beach. The hummus is some of the best you’ll ever taste, and the lamb shank is also very good. The decor is inspired by a traditional Arabic home, which makes for a really atmospheric dining experience.
And if you want to try something a little different, the Persian rice pudding is definitely worth ordering. It’s not like anything you’ve ever tasted before, but you’ll most likely want to order a second.
Amalia
This dining option at the Lennox Hotel is another excellent seafood restaurant, and it’s one of the best places to eat in Miami Beach if you’re looking for fresh, simple dishes. The shrimp ceviche is the perfect starter, and the whole fried fish or the smoked salmon are some of the tastiest main dishes around. And if you’ve ever wanted to try octopus carpaccio, this is the place to do it!
For dessert, the chocolate mousse is very good, but if you want something truly special, try the dulce de leche cheesecake. It’s rich and creamy, and utterly addictive.
Taquiza
Taquiza is a great spot for Mexican food, so if you’re craving tacos, head here immediately! The carnitas are a safe (and tasty) bet, as are the fish tacos. For something you don’t find on many Mexican menus, try the duck confit taco – it’s unlike anything you’ve ever had before, but it’s unforgettable.
If you need to indulge your sweet tooth, Taquiza has you covered on that too. Although there are some other sinful options on the dessert menu, we recommend you go with the churros. Classic and simple – you can’t go wrong.
RED South Beach
This is a great place for steak, and the meals here are truly special. The steaks at RED are all dry-aged and grilled to perfection, and they come with a variety of delicious sauces and sides. The filet mignon is a popular choice, but the ribeye is also excellent.
The setting here is definitely swanky, and if you’re not in the mood for steak, you can opt for a pasta or seafood dish instead. But, they were voted as the “Best Surf and Turf in America,” so it would be a shame not to try one of their cuts.
Osteria Morini
Osteria Morini is a wonderfully authentic Italian restaurant in Miami Beach. If you want classic favorites done well, this is the place for you. The pasta dishes are all excellent, but the lasagna is out of this world. It’s made with fresh pasta sheets and a hearty meat sauce, and it’s absolutely delicious.
The desserts here are also very good, so make sure to save room for something sweet. The tiramisu and panna cotta are both solid choices.
Conclusion
As packed as this list is with delicious eats, it’s really only scraping the surface of everything there is to tempt your tastebuds in Miami Beach. Whether you like to eat classic Italian, Cuban, Asian, or American food, you’ll find it all here. And eating your way through Miami Beach is one of the best ways you could possibly think of to enjoy what makes this beach town so enjoyable. Just try to get a table with a view!
