15+ Best Restaurants in Miami According to the Internet

Eateries in Florida’s largest city offer a wide array of different meals, cuisines, and fusion dishes from all over the world. Because of that, we selected the restaurants based on what they are most famous for. Keep on reading, choose your favorite one, and enjoy the best of what moving to Miami can bring to your life – these eateries are most definitely one of the reasons why you should move here.

#1: Crabs at Truluck’s Restaurant Are a Must

What defines this place is fresh seafood prepared and served in a memorable interior with friendly and professional staff. Truluck’s has been pleasing its customers since 1992, and it’s proud of its policy of not making any food from endangered species from the sea. They stick to Ocean Conservancy and take good care of picking only high-quality, sustainable seafood.

At Truluck’s, you will never get any meal prepared from frozen ingredients, so it’s only possible to eat the famous Florida dish stone sea crabs while the season lasts – from October 15 through May 15.

#2: Makoto – Japanese Cuisine at Its Finest

Makoto is another gem of this city located in the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops. Japanese traditional meals are reshaped and served for every customer eager to taste something new and different. Head chef Makoto Okuwa has spent more than twenty years mixing Japanese tradition with modern kitchen.

In Makoto, you can try some of the most incredible combinations like ginger lamb chop with whipped feta-tofu or grilled skirt steak with avocado and ginger purée and a bit of wasabi on the side. If you are moving for a relationship this is where you should take your loved one to celebrate the new beginning.

#3: Joe’s Stone Crab EST 1913 Is Still Rockin’ It in 2020

Dining at one of Miami’s oldest eateries, if not the oldest, can easily be one of the reasons why you should move. Joe Weiss came to Miami Beach from New York and started cooking at Smith’s Casino. Five years later, “original Joe’s restaurant” was opened and it became the biggest buyer of Florida stone crab claws.

This place has a very long and distinguished tradition on Miami’s food scene. It’s often visited by actors, politicians, and other celebrities. It’s even said that former American president Barack Obama orders from this restaurant. And yes – Joe’s Stone Crab has been named the highest-grossing independent restaurant in the country.

Miami Has More Vintage Eateries With a Long and Successful Tradition

Speaking of tradition and long-lasting businesses, here are a few more vintage places that have been around for more than fifty years:

• Jaxson’s Ice Cream – Established in 1956, it has had a long history of making every customer happy. Hot fudge sundaes, waffles, malts, shakes are just some of the delicacies you can find here. Apart from sweets, they also serve yummy burgers, chicken, sandwiches, and wraps. Don’t miss the chance to have a tasty bite here.
• Jimmy’s East-Side Diner – Opened in the 60s, it serves all-day breakfast, burgers, and lunch in an old-school, retro vibe. Excellent reviews make this spot a must.
• Rusty Pelican – Right by the water on the Rickenbacker Marina is a very old place with contemporary cuisine that will give you an experience you won’t forget. You can get anything from brunch to dinner or just go to their bar during happy hour and enjoy the view of the skyline.
• The Forge – Opened in 1968, it’s been there ever since, even now in 2020. This steakhouse with exceptional tartare has much more in store for you – raw and chilled appetizers, salads, seafood, desserts, and a long list of wines and cocktails.

#4: Versailles Nurtures the Tradition of Cuban Cuisine

More than 90% of the area’s naturalized citizens are Latin American, and the city itself is sometimes referred to as “Little Cuba.” So it’s no wonder that many eateries serve excellent Cuban cuisine.

One of them is Versailles, which opened in 1971 and has been cherished by locals ever since. You can try authentic Cuban specialties such as rice cooked with saffron and deboned chicken or “Ajiaco” – a tropical soup made from vegetables and various kinds of meat. They’re famous for their Cuban sandwich with sweet ham, roast pork, and swiss cheese on toasted Cuban bread with mustard and pickles.

#5 Macchialina Is One of the Best Dining Options in Miami Beach, South Florida

Love Italian food? Look no further. Macchialina is a rustic restaurant with a warm and hip ambiance that feels like you’re in NYC. Cheeses are imported from Italy, pasta is homemade, and many salads and side dishes will complete the overall impression. Avoid getting relocation depression and have a glass of wine from Sicily and enjoy the Mediterranean vibe, it will help you cope with moving stress as well.

Check out One of the Best New Restaurants in This Area

If you’re moving to Florida and picked Miami Beach as your new home, take some time to visit one of these new restaurants as well in the breaks of house-hunting:

• Intimo – a mix of Peruvian and Japanese kitchen. Make a reservation and create lifelong memories.
• MILA – You’ll be mesmerized by the aesthetics of this open-sky sanctuary. It’s a 5,000 sq ft rooftop restaurant with a bar that will win over your heart.
• Gitano – Jungle roof, restaurant, and bar are waiting for you. Grab a table and have a healthy breakfast from 7 AM to 3 PM or some fish in banana leaf with spinach and tomato.

Caffe Di Mauro Has a Delicious Bar Kitchen

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time to sit and have lunch, or if you just want to grab a quick meal, go to some of the bars that serve food. Caffe Di Mauro is an Italian pizzeria with great plates of pasta, but they also have risotto, fish, and meat dishes. Add some grilled asparagus with a lamb chop and treat yourself.

#6 Vegetarian, Organic, and Raw at Plant Miami

Another option for a fresh and healthy meal is located in Wynwood, one of the best neighborhoods in Miami. Plant Miami is one of the top vegetarian spots because they use only the purest ingredients to prepare raw dishes. A colorful, healthy, and organic meal like a bowl with quinoa, tahini, eggplant, avocado in a red pepper dressing is just what you need for a fresh start of the day.

#7 Try Japanese Barbecue at KYU

Another splendid Wynwood venue is KYU. While you’re in the Art District, make sure to pay a visit to this spot and have an amazing experience. Their diverse menu will leave you speechless by just looking at the options. Wood-fired meat, veggies, smoked ribs, crispy and crunchy tuna, pork, and so much more. They have a professional yet relaxed service and a commitment to green practices. For every wood they burn, they plant five.

#8: Enjoy Sophisticated Cuisine at Prime 112 Steakhouse

This Miami beach spot is the first modern steakhouse in America that made a revolutionary twist. Prime 112 has a classic menu that includes quality dry-aged beef, lobsters, and Kobe Beef Sliders. They buy the most excellent ingredients for their upscale clientele. If you are moving during the holiday season this is where you should celebrate, however, it’s mostly booked, so try to make a reservation as early as you can.

#9: Crunchy Tacos at Taquiza Will Win Your Heart

Daily fresh non-GMO and gluten-free blue corn tortillas are made at Taquiza, a traditional Mexican taquería. They have three locations in Little Cuba, so choose the one closest to you and try some braised beef tongue with Victoria beer, bay leaf, and charred onion or grilled, spice-rubbed shrimp on red cabbage slaw. We’re sure you’ll love it.

#10: Miamians Love All Day

Besides winning the best coffeeshop award, All Day is also an excellent place for breakfast, and lunch is served on weekdays from 11 AM to 5 PM. Pastry, eggs prepared in every way imaginable, bagels or french toast, and some good coffee make a perfect start to a busy day. Every first Sunday of the month at 2 PM, you can relax there with some live acoustic jazz.

#11: Safron Grill Is Great for a Tasty and Wallet-Friendly Bite

The leading shish kebab and gyro meat are right here! Safron Mediterranean Grill serves lamb, chicken, and falafel platter, but you can come just for the evening tea or some baklava – a sweet pastry made from dough, nuts, and honey or sugar syrup. You can get a full delicious meal at a low cost, ideal if you’re trying to reduce costs when moving.

Here’s a List of More Affordable Places to Eat

When you were deciding where to move, you picked the right place, because there are plenty of joints where you can grab a cheap and tasty meal:

• Cafe Papillon – European cafe with pizza, steaks, french toasts, empanadas, burritos, soft or hard tacos
• El Rey De Las Fritas and El Mago de las Fritas – places where you can grab some Cuban burgers with potato sticks.

#12: More Fine Dining at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann

Argentinian live-fire restaurant from the grillmaster Francis Mallmann is something you must try after you move to the Magic City. Traditional recipes are transformed into savory dishes. Los Fuegos opens at 7 AM, so you can grab an early breakfast or go for a late dinner till 11 PM.

Past customers rated this place as exceptional, especially the octopus, scallops, and crispy rice with cauliflower purée. The award-winning chef will surely make you a meal that you won’t forget. Pack up the finest clothes, and make reservation, but keep in mind, that the cost of living in Miami can be quite high if you plan on dining at these fine restaurants.

#13: There’s a Reason Why Locals Adore Zak the Baker

There’s no story about this city’s food scene without mentioning Zak the Baker. Handmade pastry, baked fresh every morning, is the reason why everyone loves Zak. They also deliver their baked goods to the finest hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Their chocolate caramel pie and apple pie are something special. You can share it with someone or have it all for yourself. We recommend the latter.

#14: Don’t Forget to Eat Healthy at Amsterdam Falafelshop

One of the highly-rated food joints is also Amsterdam Falafelshop. Based on Tripadvisor and Google reviews, this place is flawless. It’s delicious and has healthy fast food with portions that you can control since you can make your own dish. There are lots of topping and sauce options for a great vegetarian meal, the fries are double-fried, and you select the dipping sauces – Curried Ketchup, Fritesaus, or Peanut Sauce. It’s also the right spot for a family meal or a late-night snack. Eat healthy with your loved ones at one of the best cities to raise a family in Florida.

#15: Hakkasan Is One of the Best Chinese Spots

Local and seasonal ingredients are blended perfectly at Hakkasan. Chinese cuisine is served with a modern interpretation, and the interior is full of dramatic design. Miami New Times pronounced it the most exquisite Chinese restaurant, and it won the Best Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator. You’ll get the chance to try Mongolian style beef with crispy enoki mushroom or steamed traditional Chilean sea bass with mushroom and accompanied by some of their delicious cocktails.

You Can Get a Special Menu If You Organize a Private Event

Pro-tip for people moving in together – you can get a special menu if you organize private events like a date or anniversary celebration. For these occasions, Hakkasan makes an exception and devises a unique menu for you. You get to choose between two dining areas that can seat up to sixty guests. It’s great for business meetings or small private parties. You can order a range of different meals to share with your entourage.

Let the Best Restaurants in Miami Be Your Guide to the Magic City

Now that you know a few things about Miami’s prime eateries, it’s time to think about your upcoming relocation. If you’re moving to another state alone, check out roommate websites, or find the most suitable place to live depending on your needs, budget, and how safe a neighborhood is. Perhaps you can relocate to the suburbs and move into a smaller home first and then dig into the city’s job market. Last but not least, figure out a way to relocate your household to the Sunshine State.

If you decided to go for the most convenient option and hire professional moving services to help you avoid common moving mistakes, do a little homework well ahead of your moving day and pinpoint the most reliable Miami movers before you create a household inventory list.