The Best Miami Restaurants You Have to Try at Least Once

Miami is the Magic City for good reason. Miami households spend more than $1,800 every year on food away from home.

This may sound like a lot of money. But you’ll think it’s small once you start to read about Miami restaurants and the magical experiences they offer.

What are the best Miami restaurants? Where can you find great Cuban, Japanese, and Southern food? Where should go if you want delicious drinks?

Answer these questions and you can have an incredible experience eating in Miami. Here is your quick guide on where to eat in Miami.

Rio Cristal

Rio Cristal is a Cuban restaurant in West Miami. You can find all of your favorite Cuban dishes here, including rice and beans.

But the restaurant is best known for its “Super Rio Cristal.” Chefs serve a juicy beefsteak under a mound of golden french fries.

When it comes to your table, you think you’re being served just a pile of fries. But as you work your way down, you find the steak cooked exactly as you like it. If you like more reasonable portions, you can order the “Bistec Rio Cristal,” which is the same dish with fewer fries.

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

Mandolin Aegean Bistro is a Greek-Turkish restaurant near the Morningside district. Mandolin is a great choice for someone looking for a cozy restaurant. Many Miami residents bring their partners on dates to Mandolin.

You can find plenty of delicious Mediterranean dishes on display. Kebabs, souvlaki and koftas are popular choices.

Mandolin is also well-known for its premium wine selection. You can sample from dozens of Mediterranean wines, including sparkling and white wines. You can buy a glass or a bottle, though some wines cost more than $100.

Makoto

Makoto is a Japanese restaurant. As you step into the restaurant, you can feel a sense of elegance and ease. Outdoor tables sit beneath bamboo trees, and the interior is filled with earth tones and oak panels.

Makoto flies in fish directly from Tokyo three times a week. This keeps all of its fish dishes fresh and light. You can enjoy incredible sushi, including spicy tuna rolls.

If you prefer grilled meats, you can enjoy Wagyu short rib and chicken wings. You can also eat fried rice, ramen, and chocolate cake.

When you’re ready for drinks, you can have one of a few dozen sakes. Makoto’s bartender can serve you authentic Japanese cocktails and wines by the glass as well.

Flanigan’s

Ask a local about the best food in Miami, and they will talk about Flanigan’s. Flanigan’s has more than 20 locations throughout South Florida.

The restaurant offers bar food, making it a good choice if you want a down-to-earth meal. The restaurant’s chicken wings have won awards, but you also try their egg rolls or garlic rolls. The garlic rolls are topped with butter, making them rich and delectable.

Most people order Flanigan’s baby back ribs, which come with a sweet and tangy sauce. But if you want to experiment a little, you can try a few fish dishes. The restaurant offers tilapia, fried shrimp, and mahi-mahi.

La Sandwicherie

La Sandwicherie is one of the best places in Miami to eat when you’re pursuing road trip ideas for 2022. As the name suggests, the restaurant offers a huge selection of sandwiches. You can grab your food and then return to the road in very little time.

You can find your typical choices, such as Italian sandwiches with ham and prosciutto. But La Sandwicherie isn’t known for playing it safe.

The restaurant offers a sandwich that contains papaya, avocado, and mozzarella. You can add cured smoked salmon or turkey if you want a little protein.

If you’d like a salad, you can order a French Riviera salad. It contains french pickles, boiled eggs, and black olives. You can also drink a smoothie or milkshake, though they can be pricey.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Yardbird offers Miami food with Southern influences. You can find all of the Southern staple dishes like fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. The restaurant uses local ingredients so the dishes are fresh and maintain a distinct Miami quality.

Yardbird offers a happy hour between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. You can enjoy pork cracklins and deviled eggs for just a few dollars. You can sip mules, margaritas, and mojitos.

If you’re in Miami to host a party, you should consider ordering specials from Yardbird. The restaurant offers catering packages for many special events, including the Super Bowl.

Matador Room

Matador Room is a Spanish restaurant with a bullfighting theme. The restaurant offers brunch and dinner only, and its selection of dishes is small.

Yet few restaurants offer the dishes that Matador offers. For appetizers, the chefs have manchego cheese fritters and charred octopus with fresh herbs. You can sample from glazed short rib tacos and potato purees.

The restaurant changes its cocktail selection every week or so. If you want bold and interesting cocktails, you should visit Matador on a Friday or Saturday night.