KLAW Miami  |  1737 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132

Known for its lavish dry-aged steaks, Norwegian king crabs, and breathtaking waterfront backdrop, Klaw Miami follows the successful model of London's Beast restaurant, with Executive Chef Phil Campbell at the helm. Steaks undergo a minimum 30-day on-site dry aging process and are grilled over local Florida hardwoods to achieve the perfect smoky flavor. The menu offers USDA Black Angus and American Wagyu from Snake River Farms, as well as A5 Kobe beef from Japan.  Also has an extensive wine list and a creative cocktail menu, but be warned - it's not for the faint hearted wallet-wise! $$$

Neighborhood | Edgewater
klawrestaurant.com |  305 239-2523

Photo credit | Klaw restaurant & rooftop bar

Uptown 66 Taqueria  |  6600 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Fl 33138

Dishing up authentic Mexican street food, Uptown 66 is an amazing little outdoor neighborhood taqueria. It's primarily a takeout place with a menu of delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, but they do have a few tall high tables where you can stand up and eat if you want! While waiting, we suggest you order the guacamole & chips... super yummy & tasty!

Neighborhood | Mimo/Upper EastSide
uptown66taqueria.com   |  305 960-7117

Photo Credit | Uptown 66 Taquila 

Cotel   |  3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

This Michelin-starred NYC import is winning Miami with its 45-day dry-aged beef, grilled Korean BBQ-style at your table. In dimly lit, date-night vibes, it serves premium steaks, strong martinis, and an extensive wine selection. The butcher's feast is the crowd-pleaser, offering various cuts, veggies, kimchi, egg souffle, stews, rice, and soft-serve for $64 per person. For a more upscale experience, there's a 10-course steak omakase at $185 per person.

Neighborhood | Miami's Design District 
cotemiami.com   |  305 434-4668

Photo Credit | Cote Miami

Red Rooster   |  920 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136

Marcus Samuelsson brings his iconic Harlem restaurant to the magic city, mixing in some Caribbean flare along the way, Red Rooster serves serious comfort food and, honestly, should be at the top of your must-try list. Try to eat in the stunning outdoor patio (built around a 30-foot-tall tamarind tree that's been a community landmark for decades) if you can, where you'll be able to enjoy live music from local musicians every night. If you're up for something a bit different, try the Fire Roasted Wagyu Oxtail. It's one to remember.

Neighborhood | Overtown/Downtown Miami
Red Rooster   |  305 640-9880

Photo Credit  | Red Rooster Miami 

Blue Collar  |  6730 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 3313

Specializing in classic American dishes with modern twists, this small restaurant is a delectable slice of home-style food paradise. The atmosphere is lively and eclectic, but the prices are not! Offering upscale dining, this place never disappoints. Must-haves include the Mac & cheese, with Cavatappi pasta and cheddar, trugole, and Parmesan cheese (feel free to add rock shrimp!), the braised brisket 'Corben,' and of course, the shrimp and grits. Order the hand-cut fries at your peril; you won't be able to stop munching on them...Local tip: Sunday brunch is fab!

Neighborhood | Upper Eastside/Miami Shores/Biscayne Park
bluecollarmiami.com | 305-756-0366

Photo Credit  | Blue Collar

Wabi-Sabi  |  851 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138

Seriously, this is one of Miami's hidden gems as far as Japanese restaurants are concerned. At first glance, it might look like a super, quick in and out option – but trust us when we say, sit down, relax and enjoy. With a menu that features traditional rolls and hand rolls, meticulous omakase platters, and refined vegetarian offerings, this place is sushi heaven. Fresh fish, great sake, and thoughtful service, all wrapped up in a unique, cozy ambiance, what more could you ask for! Explore the menu and order outside of your comfort zone; you won't be disappointed.

Neighborhood | Miami Shores /Upper EastSide
wabisabimiami.com   |  305 890-7228

Photo Credit  |. Wabi-sabi

Boia De   |   5205 NE Second Ave.Miami, FL

Local foodies simply rave about this place. Slightly off the beaten track, in little Haiti, this small ( it only seats 27) Italian culinary hidden gem is incredible!... From the cutting board-looking tables to the friendly staff to the great food, you simply can't go wrong making a reservation here. Choices, choices ...Crispy potato skins with burrata or Pappardelle with rabbit or the squash blossoms with tempura stuffed with salted cod brandade; it's a tough one! Don't let the fact that it's situated in a strip mall put you off. 

Neighborhood  | Little Haiti/Liberty city
boiaderestaurant.com     |  305-967-8866

Photo Credit | BOIA DE

Zak the Baker  |  295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127

Zak the Baker certainly grabs your attention with its iconic, rainbow patterned exterior, but don't worry, its laidback vibe and friendly staff will soon have you feeling super relaxed. Guaranteed to have you drooling as the fragrance of handmade pastries, toasts,  delicious soups, and salads hit you, you're in for a treat whatever time of day you arrive. Our must-haves? The Nova and Cream Cheese Toast, Salmon Reuben Sandwich, and Dark Chocolate Rye Cookie.

Neighborhood | Wynwood/Midtown
zakthebaker.com   |  786 294-0876

Photo Credit | Zak the Baker

Mandolin  Aegean Bistro   |   4312 NE 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33137

A cozy culinary home away from home! Housed inside a converted bungalow from the 1940s, Mandolin's cuisine is a blend of Greek and Turkish flavors from the Aegean coast. Run by husband-and-wife team Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis, the warm, genuine, Mediterranean hospitality is reason enough to visit, but make sure to try the freshly grilled fish, ali nazik, köfte, and manti while you're there. A bit of a low-key celebrity hotspot, so keep your eyes peeled. This one definitely requires booking ahead!

Neighborhood | Midtown/Wynwood/Design District
mandolinmiami.com. 305-749-9140

Photo Credit | Mandolin  Aegean Bistro

Ghee   |  3620 NE Second Ave.Miami, FL 33137

A trip to Ghee isn't just about having a meal; it's about a whole experience. From the Indian aromas and spices that fragrant the air to the tantalizing flavors that dance on your tastebuds, Chef Niven Patel's contemporary spins on traditional fare give new meaning to the term 'inspired.' Roomy and laidback, it's the perfect spot to relax and recharge. Made sure to add the street snack, Bhel, to your order and check out the vegetable section (most of which comes from Patel's own backyard)

Neighborhood | Midtown/Wynwood/Design District
Gheemiami.com     |   786-636-6122

Photo Credit  | Ghee

Chica Miami   |  5556 NE Fourth Ct. Miami, FL 33137

If you're looking for something a little different with a Latin twist, Chica by Chef Lorena Garcia might just be a perfect choice. Guaranteed to put some spice in your life, this vibrant, tropical beauty with its stucco walls, stacked wood shutters, and open kitchen offers dishes from across Latin America, including Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and Venezuela. With delectable signature plates like the lamb barbacoa cooked in banana and avocado leaves, the extensive menu will have your mouth watering with anticipation. As for the cocktail list, the word "wow" springs to mind! Make that a "life Swizzle" for me and a "Living my best life" for him, please!

Neighborhood | Upper Eastside/Miami Shores/Biscayne Park
chicarestaurant.com     |   786-632-7725

Photo Credit  | chica Miami 

The Surf Club Restaurant   |  9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154 

Chef Thomas Keller brings you continental cuisine at its classic best. Adding a  jet-set, 1930s swing to the Miami dining scene, this iconic restaurant located in the Four Seasons Hotel is a  pricier option than most on this list,  but it does make for the perfect spot if you're looking to celebrate in style while in town. Must trys' include the grilled elysian fields farm lamb chops, deviled eggs & beef wellington. . Be sure to pop into the cocktail bar while you're there. PS... ask them to show you how the butter plate works; it's a talking point in and of itself $$$$$

Neighborhood | Surfside/Bal Harbor/Bay Harbor Islands
surfclubrestaurant.com   |   305-768-9440,

Photo Credit  | The Surf Club Restaurant 

Joe's Stone Crab   |  11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 

Undeniably old school, Joe's is a historical hot spot that needs to be on the must-visit list of any seafood lover. After being welcomed at the bar, you'll be led into the colossal restaurant to enjoy your meal. You have to, of course, order the stone crabs, but don't forget a side of hashed brown potatoes to go with it. And if you still have room for dessert at the end? We recommend going straight for the Key Lime pie.

 Neighborhood | South Beach
joesstonecrab.com  |   305-673-0365

Photo Credit  | Joe's Stone Crab

Mignonette  |  210 NE 18th St, Miami, FL 33132, 

If you're on the search for the best oysters in town, look no further than Mignonette. With daily specials that are not to be ignored, it's the perfect spot for a weekday dinner after a day of sightseeing. Drinks and a dozen can be enjoyed at the bar, or you can grab a table and enjoy the other delicious seafood they serve here... Lobster rolls and popcorn conch are a must!

Neighborhood |  Downtown / Overtown
mignonettemiami.com   |   305-374-4635

Photo Credit |  Mignonette

Versailles  |  3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

With golden chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and surrounded by walls of mirrors, Versailles is an iconic Cuban diner that is as much a history lesson as it is a restaurant. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but we'd particularly recommend the ropa vieja, arroz con pollo. Oh, and don't you dare leave without having sampled an order of croquettes. 

Neighborhood | Little  Havana 

versaillesrestaurant.com  | 305-444-0240

Photo Credit  | Versailles 

Michael Schwartz's Amara at Paraiso  |  3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137

If you're looking for an idyllic waterfront setting by the water, Michael Schwartz's Amara at Paraiso is the place to go. Bringing together bold Latin American flavors, coastal ingredients, and South Florida's diversity of food ambiance, the vibe is about as quintessentially Miami as it gets. Some of its most popular dishes include jerk mushroom tacos, charred octopus, and grilled red snapper. With a deck overlooking Biscayne Bay, it's a perfect place to partake in some romantic happy hour sunset viewing.

Neighborhood  | Midtown/Wynwood/Design District
amaraatparaiso.com   |  305-702-5528

Photo Credit | Michael Schwartz's Amara at Paraiso