South Florida is one of the most exciting places to eat in the US, and not just because of its diverse population or proximity to the ocean. The food scene here blends cultures, ingredients, and techniques in ways that feel uniquely local. From cozy neighborhood spots to restaurants that redefine familiar favorites, there’s no shortage of great places to eat.
But with so many options, where do you start? As a leader in Miami Culinary Tours, we love sharing our favorite restaurants so others can enjoy the same experiences we have — and that’s exactly what we do below! Our picks reflect the range and richness of the South Florida culinary scene, from wood-fired steaks to modern Japanese and Mediterranean comfort food.
Scroll down to find some of our current favorite spots. If you have any questions about our tours in Miami, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
7357 NW Miami Ct, Miami, FL 33150
Located in Miami’s Little River neighborhood, Sunny’s Steakhouse offers a laid-back but deeply satisfying take on the classic steakhouse. The permanent home for this pandemic pop-up concept has indoor and outdoor eating spaces. If you prefer dining al fresco, you can do so under the shade of the huge central banyan tree. But if the Miami heat is too much, you can opt for a seat indoors, in the more refined dining room decorated with gorgeous golden palms.
The dry-aged and wagyu ribeyes are the stars of the show, charred and rich with flavor, but there’s so much more besides. There’s a raw bar, succulent salads, a tempting range of meat and charcuterie options, handmade pasta dishes, and so much more.
Sunny’s is from the team behind Jaguar Sun, a downtown favorite, and they bring the same attention to detail here. It's the kind of spot you wish more cities had: casual, serious about food, and hard not to love. This is without doubt one of the top restaurants in Miami.
398 NE 5th St, Miami, FL 33132
Another gem from the team behind Jaguar Sun, along with award-winning bartender Valentino Longo, ViceVersa is an Italian aperitivo and cocktail bar in the heart of Downtown Miami. Located in the lobby of the Elser Hotel, the space is cool and cosy with a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for everything from date nights to group dinners.
The menu is filled with delicious dishes, including treats from the raw bar, appetizers, and salads. But the stars of the show here are the neo-Neapolitan pizzas. These mini masterpieces feature a dough made from local flours that has been cold-fermented for 24 to 48 hours, topped with daily stretched mozzarella. The cocktails are excellent too, with drinks broken down into three groups: signature cocktails, negroni family, and martinis.
ViceVersa stands out in a neighborhood full of trendy openings because it delivers on two fronts. If you’re wondering where to eat in South Florida, it’s one of the best Italian restaurants in our city — but it’s also one of the best bars, too.
Are you in town with your partner for a romantic getaway? Find more vacation inspiration with our picks for the best things to do in Miami for couples.
2550 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Philadelphia's favorite Double Knot has found a second home in Wynwood. The brainchild of Chef Michael Schulson, this buzzing izakaya serves sushi, sashimi, and perfectly grilled items in a gorgeous midcentury space. Their location is also adjacent to the Wynwood Walls, so you will have a great view of the famous graffiti art if you choose to dine here.
You can also opt for a chef’s tasting menu, which is complemented by house-made miso caramel ice cream for dessert. There’s also a subtle nod to Double Knot’s Philly roots on the menu with their cheesesteak bao buns served with a piquant red pepper relish. They are incredible and a must-order!
Everything is beautifully presented without feeling fussy. If you're a fan of Japanese food done right, and you're open to a modern take that still respects tradition, you’ll love this place. It’s one of the must-try restaurants in South Florida for anyone who wants something more than just another sushi place.
Looking to discover Wynwood and its vibrant food scene on a deeper level? Our Wynwood Food and Street Art Tour is a guided experience through Miami’s trendiest and fastest-growing artistic neighborhood.
2069 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Who doesn’t love Mexican food? Well, if you’re looking for a first-rate dining experience, Bistro 8 on Little Havana’s famed Calle Ocho makes it their aim to elevate Mexican cuisine and comfort food with a modern, sophisticated twist.
Despite only opening in January 2025, Chef Pancho Ibáñez, once Chef de Cuisine at Mexico City restaurant Pujol, has foodies flocking to this part of town to try his mouthwatering creations. Looking for some menu standouts? We loved the cangrejo (king crab with brioche and ikura), chuletas de cordero (lamb chops with mashed potatoes), and roasted chicken with escabeche.
Bistro 8 also looks fantastic. The interior design was carried out by Minoru Oyamatsu of Oyamatsu Design Studio Inc. from Tokyo, creating a light, airy, and unpretentious space that’s a welcome addition to the South Florida food scene.
Do you want to immerse yourself in the joys of Little Havana? Our Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour is a celebration of our city’s famous Cuban community and the #1 food tour experience in Miami!
6000 SW 74th St Ste 1, South Miami, FL 33143
Located in South Miami, Recoveco is a restaurant that isn’t easy to categorize — but given the exceptional quality of the dishes they serve, we’re fine with that! Their rotating menu crosses cultural borders, giving co-chefs Nicolas Martinez and Teresa Gallina the freedom to explore ingredients that few other restaurants would dare to.
This means the menu isn’t influenced by a national cuisine, but rather the best taste and availability of particular products. The result is intentionally dynamic and unique. But because of this evolving quality, you never quite know what you might find!
The greatest compliment you can pay Recoveco is that they serve dishes that are as delicious as they are eclectic. It easily earns its spot among the best restaurants in South Florida and adds something special to the wider culinary landscape.
As we near the end of this guide, let us point you in the direction of another. If seafood is your thing, check out our blog Where Can You Get Super Fresh Seafood in Miami? We take a look at fresh seafood markets and seafood restaurants, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
South Florida’s dining options are endless, and what counts as the “best” really depends on your mood, your tastes, and your curiosity. But these five restaurants are among our favorites for good reason: they’re consistent, creative, and truly reflect what makes the South Florida food scene so exciting. Which one will you visit first?
Are you ready to take your foodie adventures to the next level? On our Miami food and cultural tours, we showcase even more of Magic City’s best bites while immersing you in its most vibrant and captivating neighbourhoods. Browse our range of outings and see which one calls your name.
Do you have any pre-booking questions for the Miami Culinary Tours team? Please don’t hesitate to contact us for the answers you need.
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