Miami is known for so much more than just its beaches. If you’re visiting the city, your stop will likely include fine dining. Don’t settle for any ordinary eatery when Miami has some of the best luxury restaurants in the country. These establishments provide a memorable experience just as noteworthy as its gourmet food that will have your mouth watering with every bite.
1. Joe’s Stone Crab
Joe’s Stone Crab has been a local favorite since its opening in 1913. At that time, it was nothing more than a small lunch counter serving fish sandwiches.
Today, its main menu item – as you can probably guess – is stone crab, and it’s acquired from local waters off the Miami coast. Even if you’re not particularly fond of crab, the menu offers a numerous selection of other regional seafood.
The seafood restaurant has also been visited by notable guests, including Madonna, Muhammad Ali, Billy Joel, and former U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
2. Azul
This restaurant is located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and is a renowned dining establishment. The place is headed by master Chef Joel Huff, and his menu includes a delightful selection of Asian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisines.
Aside from the food, patrons are also treated to magnificent views of the bay while they dine. This is made all the more spectacular with the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. This makes Azul a great dining destination for romantic travels. Also, if you choose to add a martini to your meal, its bar has over 200 selections. You also have your pick of over 700 wines!
3. Casa Tua
This main restaurant serves a fine selection of authentic Italian cuisines. Guests have several seating options and can elect to dine at the chef’s 18-seat table, in a separate room for a more private affair, or right outside in the establishment’s beautiful garden.
Its dishes are prepared with remarkable attention to detail. Most of its menu items, for example, contain olive oil, but the type of oil used is chosen specifically to match with a particular dish. In addition, one of its signature dishes, prosciutto, is only prepared from free-range pigs.
4. Nobu
Nobu is a Japanese restaurant located inside the famous Shore Club boutique hotel. The eating establishment is named after its founder, Nobu Matsuhisa. The menu consists of various sushi dishes reminiscent of the type you can find at a classic sushi bar in Tokyo. Some of his cuisines also contain influences of Argentine and Peruvian flavors. One dish in particular, the yellowtail served with jalapenos, is a longtime customer favorite.
Patrons can request for patio seating or inside the restaurant’s private Teppan Room. Nobu is located right next to the hotel’s lounge, which happens to be one of the city’s top social scenes.
5. Prime 112
Prime 112 is located in what was previously a townhouse. In fact, it still has that residential vibe, making it a nice setting for private and family dinners. The establishment is known for its extensive selection of grilled items, including steaks and a plethora of homemade sauces to go with it. Seafood lovers will also delight at the number of items, including caviar and raw oysters from both the West and East Coast.
Prime 112 is a fairly new establishment, having opened its doors in 2004. It is, however, located within the Browns Hotel, built in 1915 and the oldest inn in Miami Beach.
6. Hakkasan
Hakkasan is the place to dine for authentic Cantonese cuisine. The dishes are customized to include ingredients acquired locally. It’s also known for its signature cocktails and dim sum lunch served on the weekends.
There is just as much to boast about in the restaurant’s interior. Its design includes teak walls with various shades of blue to evoke images of the sea and sand. In 2010, Hakkasan was rated in Zagat’s survey as “Best Newcomer” among a list of new eating establishments in South Florida. It was also a recipient of the Four Diamond Award.
As you can see, Miami is home to some of the best restaurants. Of course, behind every great restaurant is a great team of chefs. The city is also home to many renowned private chefs. Whether you’re dining out or hiring a personal cook, the city is full of opportunities for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Nancy
December 2, 2016 at 11:58 pmThese all look good but Prime 112 would be the first one I’d like to try. When you mentioned a plethora of homemade sauces that got my attention. I remember a European river cruise we took once and each night there was a different sauce and it made our trip. Also love the brick decor, makes the restaurant look so rich!
Nancy recently posted…Sicily in 4 days (part 2)
Carmen Edelson
December 15, 2016 at 9:50 amA good steak with the right sauce makes all the difference in the world.
Nat Deduck
December 3, 2016 at 12:16 amWhat a great list of restaurants! It would be hard to pick one! Thanks for this great article!
Nat Deduck recently posted…Hong Kong Itinerary to Local Experiences & Top Attractions
Carmen Edelson
December 15, 2016 at 9:46 amThanks Nat! Miami has quite the selection of restaurants to choice from, which makes it very difficult for us to choice one when we go to dine.
Punita Malhotra
December 3, 2016 at 1:13 amWonderful selection you have here. I specially like Casa Tua..that bookshelf on the back and the cozy ambience is just so promising.
Carmen Edelson
December 15, 2016 at 9:44 amCasa Tua is a must try. I need to spent lots of time at Casa Tua, because it’s truly an experience. I had the black squid ink fish and crab meat ravioli in a blush lobster sauce. It was awesome!!!
Vicki Louise
December 3, 2016 at 6:38 amWow and that stone crab looks delicious! These places look and sound awesome and Hakkasan would be my first pick! That black painted latices look so authentic!
Vicki Louise recently posted…Etosha National Park, Namibia – A Photo Tour
Carmen Edelson
December 15, 2016 at 9:39 amHakkasan is the best Chinese in town! It’s location inside the Fontainebleau hotel gives it just the right ambience.
Indrani
December 3, 2016 at 12:58 pmThat stone crab got all my attention. 🙂
But if I am to choose one among all it would be the Italian restaurant.
Indrani recently posted…Faces of India – 294
Carmen Edelson
December 15, 2016 at 9:32 amI can’t say no to Stone Crab, but they are best to eat during season. Italian I can eat everyday if I had my choice.
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
December 3, 2016 at 5:13 pmHakkasan would be my top pick! I love authentic Chinese cuisine. It’s always great to check out a new restaurant, too. If it becomes a hit, you’ll have visited before it was drawing the crowds.
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie recently posted…What You Need to Know for a Successful Christmas in New York City
Carmen Edelson
December 15, 2016 at 9:31 amWe have been to all of the restaurants, and it was nice to go before some were discovered.
Ticker Eats The World
December 3, 2016 at 10:27 pmAh! Travel and food… you’ve hit the nail on the head for me with this one. Although I haven’t been to Miami (okay, i did as a small kid), Hakkasan and Nobu are two places I have heard a lot about. I believe Hakkasan also has a branch in India but I am yet to go there too. Wonderful seeing some of the best restaurants there are.
Ticker Eats The World recently posted…Food | The Matterhorn and Whymper Stube
Carmen Edelson
December 15, 2016 at 9:30 amWhen you do come to Miami, you won’t be disappointed with the choices of restaurants here. You can find any type of food to eat.
Bob
December 4, 2016 at 12:23 amGreat list. I would love to visit all of them but especially Prime 112. I have heard of Nobu but a killer steak takes my vote every time.
Bob recently posted…You Don’t Have To Be a King To Party Like One
Carmen Edelson
December 15, 2016 at 9:28 amThey are all great restaurants to dine. My top two favorites are Nobu and Prime 112.
Gokul Raj
December 4, 2016 at 2:47 amIt is hard to choose one from the list. Still I will go with Prime 112. That place seems to have a nice ambiance.
Gokul Raj recently posted…Is India the ‘Worst’ Country to Live in ?
Carmen Edelson
December 15, 2016 at 9:27 amSome of the best steaks I’ve had have been at Prime 112. It’s very chic and a great place to go for a romantic dinner.
Meg Jerrard
December 4, 2016 at 6:38 amSuch a fantastic round up – Miami has some fabulous restaurants to offer. Our favorite it Joe’s Stone Crab. You can’t beat local Florida seafood!
Meg Jerrard recently posted…How to Choose Your Next Winter Sun Trip
Carmen Edelson
December 15, 2016 at 9:26 amI love Stone Crab’s as well. Joe is the best place to go during season for a plate of Stone Crabs.
Himanshu
December 4, 2016 at 8:21 amI am all for Azul. It seems it gives a great view of the city. How is the vegetarian scene in Miami.
Carmen Edelson
December 15, 2016 at 9:24 amMust restaurants in Miami have plenty of vegetarian choices to choose from.