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Best Restaurants in Miami for Tourists

The best restaurants in Miami for tourists of fer a diverse culinary scene.Miami is a vibrant city known for its cultural mosaic, culinary diversity, and lively atmosphere. It has become one of the top destinations for food lovers from all over the world.

Beyond the city’s beaches and nightlife, food is one of the main attractions for travelers. From Cuban cafés tucked into colorful neighborhoods to high-end seafood establishments overlooking the bay, Miami offers something for every taste and budget.

Tourists especially enjoy exploring restaurants that showcase the city’s Latin influence, innovative chefs, and scenic locations. These dining experiences often become highlights of their trip, blending local culture with global trends.

One of the most popular restaurants, CVI.CHE 105, has earned more than 8,000 reviews (average rating 4.7/5) on TripAdvisor, cementing its place as one of Miami’s most acclaimed dining spots.

In this extended guide, we’ll cover the best restaurants across cuisines, budgets, and neighborhoods, while also sharing traveler tips and reviews to help you plan an unforgettable culinary experience.

Culinary Diversity and Popular Spots: Best Restaurants in Miami

Latin Cuisine

Miami’s identity is deeply tied to Latin America, with Cuban and Peruvian flavors taking center stage.

Versailles Restaurant (Little Havana): Since 1971, this legendary restaurant has been the go-to destination for authentic Cuban food. It’s famous for Cuban sandwiches, crispy croquetas, and strong cafecitos, and is often called the “icon of Cuban cuisine.” Walking into Versailles feels like stepping into Cuban history—it’s lively, always crowded, and brimming with energy.
CVI.CHE 105 (Downtown & South Beach): Specializing in ceviche and contemporary Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant consistently impresses with modern plating and bold flavors. The lively ambiance and multiple locations make it accessible and fun for tourists.
Pollos & Jarras (Downtown): An affordable Latin restaurant owned by the same group as CVI.CHE 105, known for its roast chicken, grilled meats, and generous portions.
Marabu (Brickell): This sleek modern Cuban restaurant combines contemporary décor with traditional dishes, making it a chic place to sample Havana-inspired cuisine in the heart of Miami’s financial district.

Seafood

Thanks to its coastal location, Miami is a seafood paradise, offering both casual and high-end dining.

Joe’s Stone Crab (South Beach): Established in 1913, Joe’s is a Miami institution famous for introducing stone crab claws to local menus. Its history and reputation make it a must-visit, especially during stone crab season (October–May). While waits are long, diners rave that the food and service are worth it.
Rusty Pelican (Key Biscayne): This iconic waterfront restaurant is known for its panoramic views of the Miami skyline, fresh seafood, and romantic atmosphere—perfect for sunset dining.
Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood & Crab (Brickell): A polished fine-dining restaurant that emphasizes sustainable seafood, known for elegant service and luxurious crab dishes.

American Cuisine

Miami also excels at American comfort food and upscale dining.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar (Miami Beach): This lively restaurant is known for its Southern specialties, particularly fried chicken and waffles. It offers a casual but stylish vibe, making it a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
Prime 112 (South Beach): A celebrity-frequented steakhouse with premium cuts of beef and upscale sides. Known for its exclusivity, it’s often chosen for special occasions.
Big Pink (South Beach): A retro-style diner with a bright pink exterior that serves enormous portions of American comfort food, from burgers to milkshakes. It’s especially family-friendly.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (Downtown): A movie-themed restaurant with a casual, fun atmosphere. While part of a chain, its location at Bayside Marketplace makes it a convenient and entertaining stop for tourists.

Vegan & Vegetarian Cuisine

Plant-based dining is booming in Miami, with restaurants offering creative and satisfying dishes.

Love Life Cafe (Wynwood): Awarded Best Vegan Restaurant 2024 by Miami New Times, this cafe is beloved for its vegan burgers, colorful bowls, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great stop during a Wynwood art tour.
Full Bloom (Miami Beach): Miami’s first vegan fine-dining restaurant, known for its gourmet plant-based dishes served with ocean views.
Planta Queen (B
/): Though not fully vegan, it’s an upscale plant-forward restaurant serving creative sushi rolls and Asian-inspired dishes.

Price Ranges & Budget Options

Whether you’re backpacking or celebrating a special occasion, Miami offers restaurants for every budget:

Restaurant	Cuisine	Location	Price Range	Highlights
Versailles	Cuban (Latin)	Little Havana	$	Authentic Cuban fare, historic venue, bilingual menu, no reservations
Big Pink	American Diner	South Beach (SoFi)	$	Retro vibe, huge portions, great for families
CVI.CHE 105	Peruvian (Latin)	Downtown & SoBe	$$	Creative ceviche, modern decor, online reservations available
Yardbird	Southern US	Miami Beach	$$	Famous fried chicken, casual vibe, weekend brunch hotspot
Joe’s Stone Crab	Seafood	South Beach (SoFi)	$$$	Iconic Miami restaurant, stone crabs in season, long wait times
Rusty Pelican	Seafood/American	Key Biscayne	$$$	Waterfront views, romantic setting, sunset dining

Note: Price ranges are per person (excluding drinks). $ = under $20, $$ = $20–50, $$$ = $50+. Remember that most restaurants in Miami add an 18–20% service charge.

Where to Eat by Neighborhood

South Beach (Miami Beach)

South Beach is Miami’s most famous dining hub, known for its Art Deco charm and ocean views. Restaurants on Ocean Drive include Havana 1957 (Cuban cuisine with live music) and Mango’s Tropical Cafe (Caribbean food and nightly shows). High-end options like Prime 112 sit alongside casual, iconic diners like Big Pink. The neighborhood is lively and energetic, making it a must for first-time visitors.

Wynwood & Design District

Wynwood has transformed into a trendy cultural hotspot, with street art, galleries, and eclectic restaurants. Highlights include KYU (Asian-inspired barbecue), Bakan (modern Mexican cuisine), and vegan-friendly Love Life Cafe. The nearby Design District is home to chic eateries such as Swan (co-owned by Pharrell Williams) and Michael’s Genuine, which focus on upscale, seasonal menus.

Little Havana

A neighborhood that feels like Cuba itself, Little Havana is a cultural and culinary highlight. Versailles and La Carreta serve classic Cuban dishes, while Cafe La Trova combines elevated dining with live Cuban music and award-winning cocktails. Walking through Calle Ocho, you’ll find cigar shops, bakeries, and lively street scenes that enhance the dining experience.

Downtown & Brickell

These neighborhoods are Miami’s business and luxury districts, filled with sky-high towers and stylish dining options. Marabu offers modern Cuban dishes in an upscale environment, while Truluck’s and Komodo cater to refined palates. La Mar by Gastón Acurio, a waterfront Peruvian fine-dining restaurant, is a standout choice. For casual options, Hard Rock Cafe and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. remain tourist favorites.

Coconut Grove & Beyond

Coconut Grove is a leafy, bohemian district known for garden-style restaurants like Glass & Vine and Moreno’s. For upscale dining, Fontainebleau Hotel’s Hakkasan (Chinese fine dining) and Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann (Argentinian fire-grilled cuisine) are highlights. If you’re exploring Key Biscayne, don’t miss the scenic Rusty Pelican or Boater’s Grill, which both offer fresh seafood with waterfront views.

Tourist-Friendly Features & Tips

Languages: Menus are typically in English, with bilingual options in neighborhoods like Little Havana. Staff are accustomed to serving international visitors.
Reservations: Popular restaurants require online booking via OpenTable or Resy. Joe’s Stone Crab and Versailles operate on a first-come basis.
Transportation: Rideshare apps (Uber/Lyft), free trolleys, and taxis are convenient. Parking can be expensive, so plan ahead.
Family-Friendly Options: Big Pink, Yardbird, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. are excellent for families.
Payments: Credit cards are widely accepted; large groups often see a service charge automatically added.

What Travelers Say

Food Quality: Tourists praise the fresh seafood, Cuban coffee, and fusion menus. Many describe Joe’s Stone Crab as “expensive but unforgettable.”
Portions: Expect large servings—dishes at Big Pink or Joe’s often feed two people.
Service: Reviews highlight friendly and professional staff. Joe’s Stone Crab is known for waiters with decades of experience.
Atmosphere: From sunset views at Rusty Pelican to salsa nights at Cafe La Trova, the ambiance is part of the dining experience.
Value: While high-end restaurants can be pricey, most tourists feel the quality justifies the cost.

Final Thoughts

Miami is far more than a beach destination—it’s a culinary capital that blends flavors, cultures, and atmospheres into a unique dining experience. Whether you’re sipping cortaditos in Little Havana, indulging in stone crabs at Joe’s, or exploring Wynwood’s fusion hotspots, dining in Miami will be one of the highlights of your trip. With restaurants catering to every taste and budget, Miami offers unforgettable meals that showcase its rich cultural heritage and modern creativity.

If you’re exploring Miami Beach, don’t miss our guide to the best dining experiences in Miami Beach for tourists. For more perspectives from travelers, see TripAdvisor’s top-rated Miami restaurants.

Buen provecho!

Attractions Miami