Miami has quickly become one of the most dynamic culinary cities in the United States. With the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Florida, the city’s dining scene has earned a spotlight on the world stage. From extravagant French tasting menus and sleek Korean steakhouses to intimate Japanese omakase counters hidden in unexpected places, Miami offers a diverse lineup of Michelin-starred experiences. For tourists, these restaurants aren’t just about food—they are immersive cultural adventures that combine flavors, atmosphere, history, and Miami’s unique flair. Here’s an expanded guide for travelers who want to savor the city’s finest tables.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon – ★★
- Cuisine: Modern French haute cuisine.
- Price Range: $$$$ ($250–$350 per person).
- Experience: Miami’s only two-star Michelin restaurant, L’Atelier dazzles with luxurious ingredients, precise technique, and interactive counter seating. From scallops with coconut foam to Robuchon’s legendary mashed potatoes, every plate is exquisite.
- Extra Notes: The open kitchen is part of the experience, where chefs plate each course like artwork in front of you.
- Tips: Choose a counter seat for the best view of the culinary choreography. Elegant dress is expected.
Ariete – ★
- Cuisine: A creative blend of Cuban heritage and New American innovation.
- Price Range: $$$$ (~$150–$200 per person for tasting menu).
- Experience: Ariete is beloved for pushing culinary boundaries while honoring Miami’s Cuban roots. The restaurant’s dim lighting, greenery, and warm design create a romantic, elevated yet relaxed environment in Coconut Grove. Expect inventive plates like venison tartare, pressed duck, and imaginative desserts.
- Extra Notes: Chef Michael Beltrán’s menus evolve with the seasons, keeping repeat visits fresh. The cocktail program is also highly praised, with rum-based drinks inspired by Cuban traditions.
- Tips: First-timers should try the tasting menu. Don’t miss the signature tembleque dessert, a modern interpretation of a Cuban classic.
Boia De – ★
- Cuisine: Eclectic Contemporary American with Italian roots.
- Price Range: $$$ (~$80–$120 per person).
- Experience: Boia De sits hidden in a small strip mall, surprising diners with world-class dishes in an unpretentious setting. With its neon-pink exclamation point sign, the restaurant is quirky, fun, and lively. Dishes like squid ink pasta with king crab, beef tartare with tuna sauce, and creative takes on Italian classics make it unforgettable.
- Extra Notes: The staff bring as much joy as the food. With only a few tables, the vibe feels like an insider secret.
- Tips: Reservations open 30 days in advance and disappear almost immediately. Set a reminder on Resy and consider the waitlist if needed.
Cote Miami – ★
- Cuisine: Glamorous Korean steakhouse experience.
- Price Range: $$$ ($100–$150 per person, or $68 for the Butcher’s Feast).
- Experience: Cote combines fine dining with interactive fun. Smokeless grills at every table let diners enjoy perfectly cooked wagyu and prime beef, served alongside Korean side dishes. The restaurant’s neon-lit hallway and stylish Design District setting give it a nightclub-meets-steakhouse vibe.
- Extra Notes: The Butcher’s Feast is a generous introduction to Cote, while the steak omakase offers rarer cuts for serious carnivores.
- Tips: Finish your meal with their soft-serve ice cream—a playful but iconic ending to a luxurious feast.
Elcielo Miami – ★
- Cuisine: Whimsical Colombian tasting menu.
- Price Range: $$$$ ($195–$240 per person).
- Experience: Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos delivers theatrical dining that blends Colombian flavors with cutting-edge techniques. Highlights include chocolate therapy—a course where guests dip their hands into melted chocolate before licking them clean—and the edible bread tree.
- Extra Notes: The restaurant is located along the Miami River in Brickell, making it easy to pair dinner with a riverside stroll.
- Tips: Come ready for surprises. Perfect for adventurous couples and special celebrations.
Hiden – ★
- Cuisine: Ultra-exclusive Japanese omakase.
- Price Range: $$$$ ($300+ per person).
- Experience: Tucked behind a casual taco shop in Wynwood, Hiden offers a rare eight-seat omakase counter. Guests enter using a secret door code and enjoy meticulously crafted nigiri and seasonal appetizers. With fish flown in from Japan, it’s as authentic as it gets.
- Extra Notes: The intimacy of the space makes this one of the most coveted reservations in Miami.
- Tips: Spots are prepaid and vanish instantly—reserve as soon as booking opens.
Le Jardinier – ★
- Cuisine: Vegetable-forward French cuisine.
- Price Range: $$$ ($90–$120 per person).
- Experience: This bright, airy space is filled with plants and natural light, echoing its garden-inspired philosophy. Expect dishes like butternut squash ravioli, colorful seasonal salads, and plant-based desserts.
- Extra Notes: It shares the same building as L’Atelier, making it an easier alternative with equally refined dishes.
- Tips: Lunch offers excellent value. The sorbets and dairy-free ice creams are must-tries.
Los Félix – ★ + Green Star
- Cuisine: Contemporary Mexican with sustainable sourcing.
- Price Range: $$$ ($60–$90 per person).
- Experience: In Coconut Grove, Los Félix celebrates heirloom corn and authentic Mesoamerican traditions. Tortillas are nixtamalized in-house, and dishes like fish tacos with hazelnut mole showcase subtle, complex flavors.
- Extra Notes: The restaurant has been recognized with a Michelin Green Star for sustainability.
- Tips: Try their brunch for unique takes on Mexican classics. Don’t leave without tasting the fresh tortillas.
Ogawa – ★
- Cuisine: Refined Japanese kappo and omakase.
- Price Range: $$$$ ($250–$300 per person).
- Experience: A 10-seat counter in Little River offering seasonal Japanese delicacies and creative appetizers before sushi courses. Chef Masayuki Komatsu’s precision and artistry make each bite memorable.
- Extra Notes: The intimate setting makes every seat feel like front row.
- Tips: Book far ahead and consider sake pairings to complete the experience.
Shingo – ★
- Cuisine: Elegant Japanese omakase by Chef Shingo Akikuni.
- Price Range: $$$$ (~$285 per person).
- Experience: Set in Coral Gables, Shingo offers an intimate omakase journey with pristine seasonal nigiri and warm hospitality. The 14-seat counter feels welcoming and expertly run.
- Extra Notes: Chef Shingo previously led other Michelin-starred kitchens before opening his namesake restaurant.
- Tips: Book early—tables fill up months in advance.
Stubborn Seed – ★ + Green Star
- Cuisine: Bold New American tasting menu.
- Price Range: $$$$ (~$150–$175 tasting menu).
- Experience: Chef Jeremy Ford, a Top Chef winner, delivers daring flavors in a trendy South Beach setting. Expect dishes like truffle brioche tartare, ricotta gnudi, and desserts with playful twists.
- Extra Notes: Stubborn Seed has its own organic farm, supplying many of the ingredients.
- Tips: Perfect for foodies who like surprises. The menu changes frequently.
The Surf Club Restaurant – ★
- Cuisine: Continental classics reimagined by Thomas Keller.
- Price Range: $$$$ ($200+ per person).
- Experience: Glamorous and timeless, this Surfside restaurant revives vintage dishes like lobster Thermidor and premium crab cakes. Its supper-club style dining room radiates old-world charm.
- Extra Notes: Located inside the Four Seasons Surfside, it combines luxury with history.
- Tips: Formal attire recommended. Arrive early for cocktails in the Champagne Bar.
Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt – ★
- Cuisine: French-Asian tasting menu.
- Price Range: $$$$ ($150–$180 per person).
- Experience: A tiny 12-seat room inside the Carillon Hotel, where Chef Brandt delivers colorful and bold dishes with intense sauces and refined plating.
- Extra Notes: The intimate size creates a chef’s table atmosphere.
- Tips: Space is extremely limited—book as early as possible.
Final Tips for Tourists
- Book Early: All of Miami’s Michelin-starred restaurants fill up fast—reserve weeks in advance.
- Dress Smart: While some allow casual chic, most expect smart or elegant attire.
- Explore Neighborhoods: Each restaurant offers a glimpse into Miami’s diverse districts, from Coconut Grove’s leafy charm to the flashy Design District.
- Budget Accordingly: Plan to spend anywhere from $100 for a lighter dinner to $350+ for premium omakase.
Miami’s Michelin stars reflect the city’s diversity and creativity. Whether you want a hidden sushi counter, a Latin American tasting journey, or a French fine-dining spectacle, these restaurants promise more than a meal—they offer unforgettable experiences that blend culture, art, and flavor.