Côte Miami, Boia De, Caja Caliente, and More: Miami Dining’s Best in 2021

This has to be one of the best additions to Miami’s dining scene this year. The Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse out of New York City landed in the always-stylish Design District and brought with it its own sultry vibe. The dining room is dark and sexy, with hunger-inducing aromas of grilled meats. Plus, with more than 1,000 wine bottles to choose from, you’ll definitely find the perfect sip for your meal. Pro tip: order the prix fixe Butcher’s Feast for the table and see where the night takes you.

Himmarshee’s classic pizzeria has been serving up wood-fired cheesy pies and Italian specialties for years, but it recently launched its own take on a weekend brunch. While you may not usually think Italian fare when you think of brunch, this is going to change all that. Blending Italian flavors with brunch favorites, you can look forward to lemon ricotta pancakes, burrata toast and yes, there’s even a brunch pizza.

Stepping inside will transport you into an ultra-cool underground dinner club that serving up modern Chinese cuisine. Think Cantonese-style dishes with a modern twist like plump bao buns, black truffle sticky rice, delicate dumplings, and entrees like the Peking duck and tea-smoked beef tenderloin. If you’re dining with a group of friends, check out the fun large-format cocktails that can be prepared tableside or presented in a glimmering disco ball. Cheers to that!

There’s something about a restaurant that’s mysteriously hiding in plain sight. Located in an unassuming strip mall with no real signage, this is where you’ll indulge in a memorable meal. Italian-inspired plates include housemade pastas expertly blended with everything from king crab to rabbit. But you’ll also find unique items like the crispy potato skins that are anything but basic.

You’ll feel completely immersed in Miami’s Latin culture at this cafeteria, where reasonably enough you may hear more Spanish than English. The staff is always accommodating and eager to help, so take your time perusing the choices on display before queuing up to place your order. Don’t forget to head over to the juice line for a selection of tropical fruit concoctions that give this juice palace its name.

No reservations needed.

While the pandemic caused NIU Kitchen to merge and move in with its neighboring sister restaurant Arson, it recently returned to the former space with new and classic recipes, and plenty of wine, of course. The space is petite, but what it lacks in square footage it makes up in bold, vibrant Catalan flavors.

Floating above bustling Lincoln Road, this rooftop sanctuary of Mediterranean and Asian flavors recently launched its sophisticated brunch menu. Start off the meal by choosing your unlimited Champagne and rosé package, and then sit back to enjoy Miami’s perfect winter weather. The selection of shareable dishes (which can be reordered upon request) includes maki, nigiri, robata lamb kofte, and the indulgent egg in a jar.

Call 786-706-0744 for reservations.

Away from the Wynwood wall madness stands a forest green building bursting with contradictions. The vibe here isn’t what you’d expect from a menu touting modern Chinese fare. Latin tunes envelop the tropical space and make you sway in your seat as you wait for your shareable plates to land on the table. The selective menu includes everything you’re craving from wontons, dumplings, bao buns, and potstickers to lo mein, fried rice, and Szechuan beef.

Call (305) 573-5682 for more info.

Whether you visit chef Mike Leon’s brick-and-mortar Gables restaurant or her permanent food truck in the district, you’ll either find her or her mom or both tirelessly cooking up batches of empanadas, croquetas, or tamales, and family-recipe standouts like the always-juicy lechon.

Call 786-431-1947 for reservations in Coral Gables location. At the Design District location, reservations are not necessary.

This Mediterranean café was a welcome addition to the Brickell scene this year. The service is on point and the dishes deliver those fresh Aegean flavors and spices we all crave. The mixed dips are a wonderful starter, so that you don’t have to choose just one to slather onto the warm pita. For larger plates, choose from a selection of seafood and grilled meats like the branzino or lamb chops.

Call 305-967-8301 for reservations.

We were happy to see this family-owned restaurant graduate from a local food hall vendor into its own nearby space late last year. Since then, the Changs have continued to gives us exceptional Nikkei-inspired dishes with their tiraditos, ceviches, and makis.