Discover Hidden Gem Restaurants in Downtown Miami
Epicured Miami
This is your sign to have brunch on Sugarcane’s gorgeous outdoor patio 🍽️ $35 bottomless drinks featuring the most delicious sangrias🍷 Besides their usual amazing menu, their Waffle Week is in full effect with 4 insane waffle creations that you can only get this week🧇🔥 • Duck and Waffle • Classic Buttermilk • The Full Elvis • Caramelized Banana • Hamachi Tacos • Torched Salmon Crispy Rice • Korean Short Ribs • Spanish Octopus
The OH
We recently had the pleasure of enjoying a fantastic Sunday brunch at El Patio in Miami, and we were thoroughly impressed! The moment we walked in, we were greeted by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The service was top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who ensured our every need was met. The Antipasto Board, which was generously portioned and packed with cured meats, cheeses, olives, fruits and much more. Each bite was a flavor explosion! And let’s not forget the Mango Margarita, which was sweet, tangy, and utterly delightful. The perfect accompaniment to my meal! Overall, our Sunday brunch at El Patio was a resounding success. With its fresh and delicious dishes, attentive service, and beautiful atmosphere, this Miami gem is a must-visit destination for any food lover. Can’t wait to return and try more of their culinary delights! Recommendation: Don’t miss the Antipasto Board - it’s a flavor sensation! And be sure to pair it with a Mango Margarita for the ultimate brunch experience.
The Hungry Post
Pasta e Basta is a cozy Italian restaurant in Midtown that you already know we love. This time we stopped by to try their new brunch menu and we’re what you need to know 👇🍝 Their menu currently offers a variety of paninis and pasta trios, perfect for sharing and for those who always want a little bit of everything 👀 We kicked off our meal with the Panino Polpette e Mozzarella, but the Trio Romano stole the show. For $69 you get this pasta tower that includes Rigatoni Carbonara, Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe and Rigatoni Amatriciana. And the best part? You can now customize your own trio for $79. For dessert we had the Nutella crepes and the tiramisu which is always🔥 PS: If you’re brave enough to dine with a toddler they’ve got a kids menu too and a whole lot of patience ❤️
Dish Miami
Miami Spice Dinner at Kissaki Yes, yes, y’all, the holy month for Miami foodies is finally here. August is when Miami Spice is in full swing, and this year many of our favorite restaurants are participating. Luckily, Kissaki is no exception. The South of Fifth Kaiseki restaurant is bringing the heat with its $45 3-course dinner menu. Starters include options like hamachi tiradito with serrano chilis and sudashi-soy or Chef’s signature 4-piece nigiri flight. For entrees, there’s miso black cod or wagyu fried rice topped with a poached egg. Then, for dessert, choose between bruleed torija, bourbon-spiked peach cobbler, or ice cream. We can’t wait. August 15.
The Restaurant Guide
BeyBey: Supper club energy with Mediterranean and Lebanese dishes meant to be shared, good music, and cocktails. Tucked in Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood, BeyBey is a restaurant and lounge designed to feel like a home. Serving contemporary cuisine from award winning Chef Geoff Lee and regional takes on classic cocktails inspired by their roots in Beirut, as well as an extensive collection of unique and rare wines, BeyBey has quickly become the talk of the town in Miami. The venue offers multiple spaces that compliment a dynamic evening’s needs, including an eclectic, art-strewn dining room, outdoor garden for meals al fresco, and chic social lounge to enjoy cocktails while vibing to an expertly curated soundtrack. With a nightly transition from Sunset Happy Hour to proper dinner service to intimate social lounge, BeyBey was created with the lifestyle of this special part of South Beach and its residents in mind.
The Hungry Post
JAGUAR SUN Downtown Jaguar Sun is probably our favorite place in Miami. Some may say it’s a cocktail bar, others, a restaurant with an awesome pasta selection. We’d like to think of it as a combination of both. And there’s something about the vibe that makes you want to chat with the person next to you. Our favorite dishes include the Hokkaido Scallop, the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with the most delish charred leek aioli, Agnolotti with blue crab, and the Spicy Rigatoni. Make sure to ask if there are any new dishes or off-menu items, sometimes they’ll have something to share with you. Leave room for a Wolf Whistle, their version of a tequila espresso martini paired with dessert.
Secret Miami
Bring your furry fiends along to brunch this weekend! It’s not uncommon to find sweet pooches accompanying their owners for weekend brunch in GreenStreet Cafe’s expansive patio. Whether you’re at GreenStreet for an omelette or their Nutella-filled French toast, the best part about bringing your best friend along is that they’ll usually get a little treat of bacon slices or pieces of grilled chicken, as well as their own bowl of ice water.
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Miami Guide
Baia Beach Club, the tropical waterfront oasis located at the iconic Mondrian South Beach. Guests can choose from a divine selection of Summery, tequila-based cocktails such as the Among the Stars, a subtle yet fruity mixture of Don Julio Blanco, passion fruit puree, yellow peppers & hints of lime or the Day Off, a harmonious blend of Dobel Tequila, Chopin, Brugal 1888, #3 Gin, Luxardo, Apricot, Mango Puree, Lime & fresh berries.
Miami Guide
Where to Celebrate National Tequila Day in Miami? The Henry is your go-to spot for both satisfying Happy Hour and delicious brunches. The Henry in Brickell City Centre throws a happy hour fiesta with $12 bites and specialty cocktails from 3-7 PM, Monday through Friday. Their bar and patio are the perfect spots to celebrate with their SMOKED PINEAPPLE MARGARITA or the classic GREATEST NEIGHBORHOOD MARGARITA. They also have $7 beers and $10 wines for those with different tastes.
Miami Guide
Celebrate National Tequila Day in Miami Style! Escape the ordinary with a splash of Italy at Petralunga! This hidden gem overlooking the North Bay Village marina boasts a vibrant atmosphere, delectable contemporary pizzas, gourmet Mediterranean cuisine, and expertly crafted cocktails – including a collection of over 150 tequilas! Don’t miss their “Pizza & Tequila” Tuesdays (and every Tuesday!) with 50% off pizzas and tequilas from 5-6 PM. Weekly specials like “Pasta Lovers’ Mondays,” “Wine Lovers’ Thursdays,” and “Lychee Ladies Night” ensure there’s something for everyone. Experience a taste of Italy with a Miami twist!
Time Out Miami
Blue Collar Miami: this comforting neighborhood staple in MiMo is offering deals for lunch and brunch and dinner throughout Miami Spice. It's a pretty amazing deal no matter which route you take: Pick any app, entree and dessert from their regular menus. This is an ideal time to check out the restaurant's new, expanded space (across the street from the original location), and they've got a full bar now, too.
Dish Miami
Miami Barsecco Restaurant Enjoy their tantalizing margaritas—the spicy cucumber margarita will awaken your taste buds—and pair them with gourmet tacos. The eatery and lounge is home to some delicious wagyu Asian street tacos, birria taquitos, and baja chicken tacos. Stylish restaurant + lounge transforming from bright and airy to sensual and inviting by night. Open for Happy Hour, Dinner, Late-night & Brunch. Every Wednesday, all ladies receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco. 🥂 Cheers!
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Area 31: a rooftop bar and rooftop restaurant, offering fantastic views over Miami's skyscrapers and the Miami River, as well as great food created by Executive Chef Wolfgang Birk. Perched on the 16th floor of the great Kimpton EPIC Hotel in downtown Miami. Focusing mainly on innovative seafood, the rooftop is open from early morning to late evening for food an drinks, and during weekends also for a Miami rooftop brunch. Starting already at 8am, this is heaven for the early birds, where you can indulge in more classics brunch-dishes like 'Buttermilk Pancakes' and 'Main Lobster and Crab Benedict', as well as more unusual items like 'Korean BBQ Short Ribtaco' and 'Fresh Whole Fish'. To complete the menu, Mimosas, Bellinis, Aperol Spritz and Bloddy Mary's are (of course) also available. When: Saturday & Sunday, 8am - 2pm
Time Out Miami
Cocktail Celebrations at Cafe La Trova Little Havana’s award-winning cantinero cocktail haven toasts July with back-to-back parties celebrating—what else?—classic cocktails. Kick-off National Mojito Day on July 11th with $8 classic and exotic mango mojitos from 4pm to midnight. Then, drink to National Daiquiri Day on the 19th with three $8 signature daiquiris, featuring a guest bartender straight from Cuba’s famed Floridita Bar. Top off the fiestas with a night of Tequila Mijenta on the 24th, featuring 1-oz pours for $24 all night long. ¡Salud!
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Miami Bucket List
Smorgasburg Miami Expect a full bar, live music, and 20+ of the best food vendors in all of Miami. Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, attracting thousands of people to Brooklyn, Manhattan, Jersey City, Los Angeles, and now Miami, each weekend, to eat from dozens of local vendors. It launched May 21, 2011, as a spinoff of Brooklyn Flea (founded in 2008), and has since launched dozens of small businesses and attracted millions of visitors. The New York Times dubbed Smorgasburg “The Woodstock of Eating.” Smorgasburg expanded in June 2016 with a Sunday market for 70 vendors in downtown Los Angeles that attracts 10,000 people weekly. In 2019 a Friday market at the Oculus at the World Trade Center opened, followed in May 2021 with a weekly Saturday market in Jersey City. Smorgasburg also operates annual pop-ups in Osaka, Japan, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Smorgasburg Miami is open every Friday from 5:30-10:30pm at 1100 Lincoln Road and Saturday and Sunday from 12-8pm at 2600 NW 2nd Avenue with 60+ vendors from South Florida and beyond. The Miami New Times dubbed Smorgasburg Miami the "Nirvana for Eaters.”
Miami Guide
Unwind to Classic Cocktails and Cutting-Edge Beats at Jolene Sound Room Jolene Sound Room: Descend into the heart of Downtown’s resurgent Flagler Street and discover Jolene Sound Room, a midcentury-inspired escape. This hidden gem boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and a laid-back 1970s aesthetic. The dance floor pulsates with the best of disco, house, and techno from international DJs, while award-winning cocktails keep the energy high. THURSDAY - SUNDAY 10:00PM - 4:00AM
Time Out Miami
The best view in Miami and the city's finest representation of Peruvian Nikkei puts out a brunch that ought to be on the list of anyone who relishes a midday splurge. Aside from executive chef Diego Oka buffet, the brunch includes a full entree from the dinner menu and also a tower of desserts delivered tableside. The $135 price includes endless pours of many drink options, including the house specialty pisco sour, a fresh, foamy cocktail that'll get your Sunday started right.
Time Out Miami
The best brunch in Miami - Jaya at the Setai At Jaya, the tables spread out in a charming open-air courtyard surrounding the pool. On Sundays, there’s a jazz band on a stage right there in the middle of the water. You’ll see people in their best flowy dresses and sports jackets. The food, from executive chef Vijayudu Veena, is far from the standard fare, with everything from Indian to Indonesian, and was recently updated to include Peking duck and grilled-to-order stations. The drinks are, of course, endless: The $105 price includes bottomless champagne, white wine, rośe and a mojito bar.
Dish Miami
Saturday, July 6: Special July 4 Barbecue at RED South Beach Join us for a feast of all five senses this weekend as we indulge in a special Barbecue menu curated by Chef Peter Vauthy of RED South Beach. If you know, you know — this is the spot for all things meat, and Chef doesn’t skimp on quality or quantity. The prix fixe menu will include succulent brisket, tender ribs, bone marrow, a massive tomahawk steak, and cornbread, all culminating in a sweet finale of peach cobbler. It’s all our barbecue dreams come true and then some. The BBQ special will be happening all July 4 weekend from the 4 to the 7. Whether you’re a regular patron or a first-time visitor, this menu is not to be missed. See you there and come hungry! P.S. Reservations are highly recommended.
Miami Bucket List
Back 2 The Video Store: A 90s Speakeasy Bar - Miami Time to go back… Back 2 The Video Store for a unique drinking experience inspired by the art of renting videos during the greatest throwback era. 🍸 Choose your movie-themed cocktails of the night as you browse the video store shelves. Instead of pulling down a movie, now your selection off the wall will be how you choose your drinks. With curated cocktails inspired by award-winning films, which will be your top pick? 📼 You’ll enter this hidden Video Store Bar and transport back to a simpler time - where Friday nights at the video store was an experience! From lava lamps to pog-playing stations & very memorable TV/Film scenes turned into photo moments, there is no shortage of things to blast you back in time!
The Hungry Post
FLOUR & WEIRDOUGHS Keep this handy when you’re looking for the best breakfast spot in Miami. It’s also a great place to work from. There’s indoor seating and it’s pretty quiet during weekdays, after the morning rush. So, if you live in Brickell, you work from home and need a break from your apartment. Cross the bridge, you’ll be in bakery heaven in 10 to 15 minutes. Flour and Weirdoughs is a rustic bakery that mills its flour in-house. All their sourdough breads are organic and filled with nutrients. If you’re looking for a ready-to-go breakfast item, we’d go for their eggs deep danish with eggs, bacon, and cheese; a simple basic AF croissant (yes, that’s the name), ham and cheese croissant, or their famous It’s brisket b*tch croissant named after Britney Spears that comes with provolone, grain mustard, cured brisket (they cure it in-house for 11 days). And let’s just say, this is our favorite croissant in Miami.
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MIAMI EATS GUIDE
Coffee Break Enjoy! is the perfect place to stop by after a beach day for some good desserts and coffee 🧁 ☕️ Cool off this summer and enjoy a delicious brunch at Coffee Break! See you there!
The Hungry Post
The island of Key Biscayne is lucky to have what we think is the best bakery in Miami. Technically it’s not a restaurant, but it’s home to our favorite croissants and sourdough bread. Luckily for you, Flour and Weirdoughs is the spot to come before the beach with your friends or family on the weekends too. It’s also a great place to work from. There’s indoor seating and it’s pretty quiet during weekdays, after the morning rush. So, if you live in Brickell, you work from home and need a break from your apartment. Cross the bridge, you’ll be in bakery heaven in 10 to 15 minutes. Flour and Weirdoughs is a rustic bakery that mills its flour in-house. All their sourdough breads are organic and filled with nutrients. If you’re looking for a ready-to-go breakfast item, we’d go for their eggs deep Danish with eggs, bacon, and cheese; a simple basic AF croissant (yes, that’s the name), ham and cheese croissant, or their famous It’s brisket b*tch croissant named after Britney Spears that comes with provolone, grain mustard, cured brisket (they cure it in-house for 11 days). You’ll never miss Paris again… Ok, you will but not for the croissants.
Dish Miami
Celebrate this 4th of July at @red_southbeach 🥩 Join them on the patio as chef Peter fires up the grill with a special BBQ menu and RED classic dishes. Pair your dinner with one of their hand-crafted cocktails. Doors open at 4PM - come celebrate!
Secret Miami
Soak up the sun on a breezy rooftop of the Sugar, Brickell! Nestled on the 40th floor of EAST Miami — making it the city’s highest rooftop bar — Sugar offers 360-views of Brickell paired with tasty cocktails and a swank crowd. Beware though — it’s quite popular so booking a table ahead of time, especially if you’ll be wanting something to eat, is highly recommended!
Time Out Miami
You can't buy happiness, but you can buy donuts 🍩 The best donuts in Miami include simple classics, over-the-top creations and even decadent savory treats. 1. The Salty Donut These donut wizards churn out fluffy, sweet creations that are stuffed, injected and topped with wonderfulness ranging from creamy guava to crispy bacon. The nationwide expansion from its original Wynwood location means the long lines have largely been eliminated (good news for those who need a sweet fix and quick). What to choose? The guava and cheese is uniquely Miami, ideally washed down with a Cinnamon Cereal Milk Latte. (The Salty has a stellar coffee program, too.) 2. Max’d Out Donuts Pastry chef Max Santiago, self-proclaimed “Miami Donut King,” helped found The Salty before leaving in 2017 to start his Fort Lauderdale-based Batch the Cookie Company. In 2022, he started making some of Miami’s best donuts from a strip mall spot in North Miami Beach. The 52 flavors at Max'd Out range from the classics to the wildly creative. Take the OG Original Glazed, a 24-hour raised brioche dough bathed in buttermilk-vanilla-bean glaze. We're partial to the Cafe Con Leche: another brioche variation topped with cinnamon-espresso dust, coffee glaze and a cream cheese spiral. 14871 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach 3. Mojo Donuts & Fried Chicken Guy Fieri gave it two flaming thumbs up on his ode to calories, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and for good reason. Everything your inner child ever wanted to stuff on (and in) a donut gets stuffed on and in donuts here, from Fruity Pebbles to flan. Plus, fried chicken! Come hungry, leave semi-conscious.
Discover the Hidden Gems of Downtown Miami's Restaurant Scene
When it comes to dining experiences in Downtown Miami, there is no shortage of diverse and unique culinary options that cater to every type of foodie. The bustling streets of this vibrant neighborhood are home to some of the most exquisite local restaurants, featuring both classic and contemporary flavors. Whether you're a local or just visiting, knowing where the locals eat can transform your dining experience. Let's delve into the local secrets that make Downtown Miami's restaurant scene truly special.
Local Restaurants You Can't Miss
One of the best ways to experience authentic Downtown Miami is by visiting Verde at Pérez Art Museum Miami. This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay, paired with a menu that boasts fresh, seasonal ingredients. Locals rave about their delectable brunch, which features dishes such as avocado toast and chorizo Hash. Make sure to check their daily specials for a taste of something new and exciting.
Satisfy your craving for contemporary American cuisine at Juvia, a rooftop dining hotspot that is known not only for its innovative menu but also for its panoramic views of the Miami skyline. Visiting during dinner often includes sampling their signature cocktails alongside their first-class seafood. Locals recommend the ceviche and the tuna tataki as must-try dishes.
Diverse Dining Experiences
For those in search of Mediterranean delights, Boulud Sud Miami provides an exquisite blend of Southern French, Spanish, and Italian flavors. This chic spot has made a name for itself with dishes that are both aromatic and flavorful. The lamb tagine and octopus a la plancha are particular favorites among regulars. It's an ideal destination for both a romantic dinner or a sophisticated brunch.
If you’re seeking a more casual vibe, visit Pollos & Jarras. This Peruvian restaurant brings the flavors of Lima to Miami with their famous rotisserie chicken and juicy anticuchos. Their atmosphere is lively and welcoming, perfect for a hearty lunch or a casual dinner with friends. The locals’ insider tip? Make sure to try the chicha morada, a refreshing non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn.
Must-Try Brunch Spots
Brunch in Downtown Miami is nothing short of an institution. Check out All Day Miami, a coffee bar and breakfast spot revered for its perfectly brewed coffee and inventive menu. Early risers and brunch aficionados alike will appreciate dishes like their fluffy pancakes and the savory breakfast sandwich. The minimalist yet cozy ambiance makes it a favorite among local foodies.
Another top brunch destination is Lucky Cat Bakery. Boasting a quaint atmosphere and delectable pastries, this local bakery is the go-to spot for a leisurely weekend brunch. Their smoked salmon bagel and freshly baked croissants are staples, and don’t miss their unique selection of craft teas to pair with your meal.
Standout Dinner Hotspots
For an upscale dining experience perfect for special occasions, look no further than Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. This sophisticated locale is known for its impeccable service and prime cuts of steak, paired beautifully with an extensive wine list. Regular diners suggest starting with the burrata appetizer and following up with a perfectly seared filet mignon.
Mediterranean-inspired Zuma Miami in the heart of Downtown is another top choice for dinner. It offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese izakaya dining. The sashimi platter and black cod marinated in miso are particularly popular among the discerning foodie crowd. Make sure to make reservations in advance, as this hotspot often fills up quickly.
Top Cocktail Bars in Downtown Miami
No dining experience in Downtown Miami is complete without exploring its vibrant cocktail culture. Visit Ball & Chain, a historic bar that has been serving up Cuban-inspired cocktails since the 1930s. The live music and lively dance floor make it a perfect spot for an evening out. Try their signature mojitos and let the rhythmic beats transport you to Havana.
For a more intimate setting, check out Lost Boy. This cozy bar offers an array of whimsical, crafted cocktails in a charming, laid-back environment. Each drink is prepared with an artisan touch, making it a hit among locals in search of a quieter, yet equally delightful, night out. Their bartender’s choice cocktails always offer a delightful surprise, tailored to your taste preferences.
Locals’ Tips and Insights
Downtown Miami isn't just about the food; it’s an experience that encompasses atmosphere, community, and local charm. Many locals use platforms like Kikihub to share real opinions and secrets about the best places to eat and hidden gems that tourists often miss. The anonymous chats on Kikihub offer invaluable insights straight from the people who know the area best.
One insider tip is to explore beyond the well-trodden paths of Downtown Miami. Side streets and smaller thoroughfares often host gem-like eateries that are cherished by the locals. Always be on the lookout for food trucks and pop-up events, especially on weekends, as they often feature trending new chefs and unique culinary creations that you won’t find anywhere else.
In essence, the restaurant scene in Downtown Miami is as dynamic and multifaceted as the city itself. From upscale dining experiences to bustling brunch spots and charming cocktail bars, there’s something for every palate. With these local secrets and insights, you're sure to make the most of your culinary adventure in this vibrant neighborhood.