Zuma in Miami is Rainer Becker's modern Japanese izakaya at 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, on the Miami River at the Epic Hotel, open in Brickell since 2010.
Signature dishes: Robata-grilled black cod miso, Spicy beef tenderloin, Wagyu sushi
Must order: Robata-grilled black cod miso, the dish carried across every Zuma globally.
Tip: Sit on the river terrace at sunset; the indoor robata bar is the chef-counter alternative.
Address: 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131
Mandolin Aegean Bistro in Miami's Buena Vista is the 1940s-bungalow Greek-Turkish dining room on NE 2nd Avenue, Michelin Bib Gourmand 2022 for taverna cooking.
Signature: Greek village salad, Chicken souvlaki, Whole grilled fish
Order: The Greek village salad and a whole grilled fish for two.
Tip: Sit in the garden under the bougainvillea. The takeaway shop next door sells Mandolin's house olive oil.
KYU in Wynwood is the wood-smoked Asian counter at 251 NW 25th Street, the kitchen that earned TIME's Best Restaurant in Florida in 2017 and still pulls a queue.
Signature: Korean fried chicken, Charred cauliflower, Brisket bao buns
Order: The duck-fat fried rice and the charred cauliflower with shishito-herb dressing.
Tip: Walk-ins seat fastest at the central bar facing the wood-grill; book the dining room two weeks out.
Macchialina in Miami Beach is Michael Pirolo's rustic Italian taverna at 820 Alton Road, open in South Beach since 2012 and built on house-made pasta.
Signature: Tagliatelle bolognese, Tonnarelli cacio e pepe, Burrata with confit tomatoes
Order: Tagliatelle bolognese with the slow-cooked meat ragu.
Tip: Sidewalk tables for breeze, dining room for noise; the Italian wine list runs deeper than the menu suggests.
Ghee Indian Kitchen in Miami's Design District is Niven Patel's farm-driven Indian room at 3620 NE 2nd Avenue, with produce from his Homestead farm Rancho Patel.
Signature: Goat biryani, Tandoori prawns, Saag paneer
Order: The goat biryani and the kachumber salad with the garden's late-summer tomatoes.
Tip: Sunday family-style menus run at half the a la carte price and feed two with leftovers.
Chug's Diner in Coconut Grove is Michael Beltran's Cuban-American counter at 3444 Main Highway, a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand pick for daytime Cuban classics.
Signature: Pan con bistec breakfast, Cuban sandwich, Croquetas
Order: The pan con bistec breakfast plate with eggs and crispy potatoes.
Tip: Mornings beat midday on the queue; sit at the counter for the kitchen view.
Garcia's Seafood Grille in downtown Miami is the half-century-old Miami River fish house at 398 NW North River Drive, with a takeaway market attached.
Signature: Whole fried snapper, Conch fritters, Stone crab claws in season
Order: Whole fried snapper with a side of yellow rice and beans.
Tip: Sit on the river deck and watch the working boats unload. Cash and card both work; reservations accepted.
