The age-old question of what to have for dinner can be tough. Even at Miami Culinary Tours, we’re sometimes stumped about what to eat and where, and we’re the leaders for Miami food and culture tours! But with so many tempting options, it’s always easy to make a delicious decision sooner or later.
Miami is a constant revolving door when it comes to restaurants, but you can always count on there being several spots that are staples and noteworthy at any given moment. And many of the coolest places are in some of the most unexpected neighborhoods.
Below, we have picked out some of the best current restaurants in Miami in locations that you might not expect. Scroll down to get started on our recommendations, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
You know that really great food truck tucked into the Design District, called La Pollita, that was a popular stop on our Miami Design District Walking Food Tour? Well, those great minds didn’t go too far. Just down the street in the Buena Vista area, you’ll find Boia De.
This is one of those places that locals whisper about like it’s a secret too good to share. But the truth is out — this tiny, modern Italian-inspired spot is one of Miami’s most celebrated restaurants, and it’s absolutely worth the hype.
Run by chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer, Boia De is where refined technique meets playful, unpretentious cooking. The space is cozy and cool, with pink neon signage, exposed shelves, and a warm neighborhood vibe. But the real star here is the food — bold, inventive, and bursting with flavor.
What you order is a matter of taste, but you’re spoiled for choice! Their beef tartare is a firm favorite, served with tonnato sauce, garlic-shallot crumble, and crispy capers that give it an umami kick. Pasta is a must, particularly the pappardelle with rabbit, rosemary, and tomato, or the tagliolini verdi with crispy artichoke, king crab, and oyster aioli.
The wine list leans natural, funky, and fun, and the staff is always ready to guide you toward something memorable. Boia De isn’t flashy, but it delivers an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the last bite.
151 NE 41st St Suite 135, Miami, FL 33137
Le Jardinier is a polished, plant-forward restaurant that brings a touch of French elegance to the heart of the Design District. Designed by the team behind L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, this lush, light-filled space feels like a breath of fresh air — modern yet tranquil, refined but never stuffy.
At its core, Le Jardinier (which means “the gardener” in French) celebrates the bounty of vegetables, fruits, and herbs with Michelin-level finesse. But don’t mistake it for a vegetarian restaurant — this is simply ingredient-driven cuisine at its most artful.
Chef Alain Verzeroli’s menu is all about balance. And while the carefully crafted offerings are always changing, at the time of writing, we’re fans of the Faroe Island salmon served with spring herb coulis, lemon condiment, and trout roe, as well as the Farro risotto with watercress, fried shallot, and seasonal mushrooms.
This is where you go when you aim to impress or simply want to savor Miami’s more refined culinary side.
If you’re putting delectable food at the heart of your trip to Magic City, we think you’ll also love our blog Where Can You Get Super Fresh Seafood in Miami?
1200 NW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33142
When you’re craving the kind of meal that requires napkins, smoky fingers, and a satisfied sigh, head to Hometown BBQ in Allapattah. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, this Miami outpost has become a meat-lover’s mecca, delivering honest-to-goodness barbecue with a bold, global edge.
The space itself has that industrial-cool vibe — big open kitchen, picnic tables, low lighting, and the mouthwatering smell of smoked meat hanging in the air. It’s casual, lively, and exactly the kind of place where great food comes first.
While the Texas-style brisket is smoky, juicy perfection, you’ll also find unexpected hits like the Oaxacan chicken, frito pie, and pastrami bacon. Everything is house-smoked and served until sold out, so come early if there’s something you’ve got your eye on.
Sides are no afterthought, either — the smoked pit beans, queso mac and cheese, and potato salad hold their own against the main event. And the rotating beer taps and whiskey selection don’t hurt either.
If you're joining one of our Little Havana Food and Cultural Tours, consider extending your day and making a detour to Allapattah for a barbecue feast you won’t soon forget.
We hope you’ve been inspired by our picks for the three best neighborhood restaurants in Miami. Which one will you visit first? Remember, Miami Culinary Tours is your gateway to exploring Magic City’s most vibrant and colorful neighborhoods, from their diverse cuisine to their fascinating culture.
Browse our range of Miami food and culture tours to discover more about our outings. And if you have any pre-booking questions for us, please just get in touch! We’re here to help however we can.
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