The Miami Reservations You’ll Want to Access in Fall 2022

By Cait Teegarden October 20, 2022

It’s that time of the year when weather up north starts to turn less hospitable, and the allure of sun prompts travelers to start building their winter itineraries. So whether you’re headed to Miami, or there year-round, you know: This is the moment when things get … busy.

At the same time, Miami’s dining scene has exploded in the last couple of years. Local restaurateurs have gotten long-due recognition, and veteran operators from elsewhere have landed to seek out a piece of the vibrant energy that powers the city. That’s made it easy for us to put together a list of standouts for you to explore, and as an American Express premium cardmember, you can now enjoy exclusive access to all these coveted spots as part of Global Dining Access by Resy.

Our debut roundup for Miami celebrates precisely the mix the city is enjoying right now: Northeast success stories that expanded south (Contessa, Cote, HaSalon); local stars and pop-ups that were too good not to stick around (Boia De, Rosie’s); and a lively entry form one of the city’s culinary pioneers that blends Cuban culture, cocktails, and cuisine (Café La Trova).

There are so many favorites to discover; let’s start with the list below.

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Boia De

Buena Vista

Nested under a neon-pink exclamation point in a Buena Vista shopping center, sits Boie Da. Here, chef couple Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer excite guests with a tight menu of contemporary Italian-inspired favorites.

The Vibe

Low-key, but with an air of excitement that swells as soon as you enter — which will feel like an achievement given the crush of interest after its Michelin star.

Can’t Miss

The concise menu has plenty of highlights. In addition to gussied-up potato skins, you’ll want to add some pastas into the mix, like the king crab tagliolini.

By the Way

Boia Da has an intimate space that makes it just right for small gatherings — parties of 6 and under.

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Contessa Miami

Design District

A glamorous new addition to the Miami scene, the team behind Carbone brings Northern Italian resort culture to the Design District. After making its debut in Boston last year, Contessa is maintaining its excellent aesthetic in its new, expansive home. Marble floors and grand staircase set the tone as soon as guests walk in.

The Vibe

Swanky and transportive. Lake Como, anyone? (With slightly warmer water nearby.)

Can’t Miss

Exceptional Italian specialties are what you came for, and you won’t be disappointed. Start with the unmissable salumi selection while you consider one of the perfectly cooked pastas, the tortellini en brodo.

By the Way

Notifies are always a strong move at Major Food Group properties. And if you’re looking to try something more luxurious for Thanksgiving, tickets are now on sale for an Italian feast.

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Cote Miami

Design District

Much like its New York flagship, Cote Miami’s mission is simple: bring the excitement of Korean barbecue to life by showcasing meats typically found at American steakhouses. Done and done. Proprietor Simon Kim has brought the show to the Design District, and not a drop of dazzle got lost on the way.

The Vibe

Sleek, with a unique high-octane energy you don’t typically find at a steakhouse.

Can’t Miss

The Butcher’s Feast is your best bet if you and your tablemates are willing to trust the chef (and you should). This option will hand-deliver you four selected cuts of USDA Prime and American wagyu beef, with banchan and other Korean accompaniments.

By the Way

The ceramic charcoal used at the table ensures you get all the char-grilled flavor, without any of the smoke.

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PLANTA, South Beach

South Beach

Can plants change the world? The following that Planta has gained in recent years indicates they just might — or at least are enough to turn a David Lee’s restaurants into magnets for the vegetable-friendly. It’s no secret that Lee works wonders with produce, and the extensive menu at this South Beach location hammers this point home. There are plenty of bold flavors to seek out across the mission-driven vegan mecca, plus an ambiance that instantly raises the vibrations.

The Vibe

Lush, imaginative, and quintessentially SoFi.

Can’t Miss

With the goal of expanding plant-powered horizons, favorites like the ahi watermelon nigiri and Bang Broccoli are remarkable enough to shift perspectives.

By the Way

Many of the fruits and vegetables featured on the menu were grown on the Planta rooftop garden.

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HaSalon Miami

Miami

Another New York success story gone south, HaSalon brings the Mediterranean dinner party (emphasis on party) to Miami Beach. In this latest location, famed Israeli chef and personality Eyal Shani keeps the energy high with a menu that showcases technique and creativity.

The Vibe

A front row seat to dramatic, passionate, open-fire cooking.

Can’t Miss

Theatrics play a pivotal role here. Look towards dishes like the “Terrifying Hammer” in which herbs and flowers are physically smashed atop beef carpaccio, or the 12-and-a-half foot single pici noodle with green garlic.

By the Way

If you’re looking for casual conversation, the earlier seating is your best bet — the late seating is when HaSalon shifts gears into party mode.

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Jaguar Sun

Downtown Miami

Although “cocktail bar + pasta restaurant” sounds like it falls in the too-good-to-be true camp, the team at Jaguar Sun has made it a very happy reality. Located in the X Miami building, Owners Chef Carey Hynes and Will Thompson pair tropical, tiki-inspired cocktails with globally influenced Italian fare. The stunning bar is the focal point and guests can enjoy the full menu from this perch.

The Vibe

The lights kept low, the expectations set to high.

Can’t Miss

You’ll first want to give a thorough pass on the cocktail menu, where aperitifs like the Easy Tiger or the Jewel Game set you nicely for some of the featured pastas. Enjoy the blue crab agnolotti or mussels strozzapreti while pondering the after-dinner drinks.

By the Way

The name, “Jaguar Sun” is pulled from the title of an Italo Calvino book of short stories that follows Italian vacationers in Mexico.

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NIU Kitchen

Downtown Miami

For those looking to shake loose from routine, NIU Kitchen remains one of the most unique restaurants in town. Owner Karina Iglesias helms the buzzing tapas bar that presents guests with a frenzy of unique and tasty bites that pay homage to Catalan ingredients. From the glossy floors to the vibey hip-hop to the shared plates that wow at each drop, the NIU experience will bump anyone out of their rut.

The Vibe

Charming, inspired, with a bottle of natural wine on every table. (That’s no coincidence; see below.)

Can’t Miss

The menu overtly encourages adventure — suggesting a closed eye and point, approach. Hopefully you’ll land on the crunchy bread with grated tomato or the poached eggs with jamon ibérico.

By the Way

Considered the birthplace of Miami’s natural wine scene, NIU has birthed a sibling: NIU Wine is an intimate, low-key companion found right next door, with more casual dining options.

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Vinya Table

Coral Gables

Combine Latin roots, a pension for European travel and the lush bounty of Florida produce, and you’re in for a flavorful, perfectly paired meal. Vinya Table welcomes all into its expansive Coral Gables space that also doubles as an impressive wine market. Whether grabbing an early dinner or settling in for a late-night bite, there’s an expert-selected wine to round out the meal.

The Vibe

Sleek, plant-studded, and with staff that knows their way around a wine list. (Plus the option to shop for favorites on the way out).

Can’t Miss

Grab a couple companions and dig into shareable plates like the scallop and wagyu tartare or the morcilla spring rolls. A special occasion may call for Vinya’s caviar and Champagne experience.

By the Way

If you have time to browse the wine shop before your meal, buy a bottle that looks good and have it poured at your table — with minimal corkage fees.

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Rosie’s

Little River

The ultimate pop-up to permanent brick-and-mortar success story, Rosie’s offers all-day brunch with a Southern sensibility. The Little River outdoor-only experience affectionately referred to as “The Backyard” emerged from chef-owners Akino and Jamila West’s Copper Door B&B to become a takeaway concept, and now one of the hottest seats in town.

The Vibe

Soul food al fresco, under the shade of a massive banyan tree.

Can’t Miss

There’s no shortage of Southern flavor on this menu; you can roll up your sleeves and dig into specialties like house-smoked salmon dip and pastrami hash.

By the Way

The future home for Rosie’s will be a historic townhouse that’s currently under renovation.

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Café La Trova

Downtown

The retro Cuban atmosphere comes roaring to life at La Trova. Here, cocktail mastery and culinary prowess deliver and unmatched experience. Pioneer, Julio Cabrera, oversees his team of cantineros (bartenders) while local legend Michelle Bernstein oversees the Cuban cuisine served.

The Vibe

A fully immersive Miami-Cuban spectacle where dinner is quickly followed by a spin on the dance floor.

Can’t Miss

Your first few bites should include a selection of croquetas (any of varieties in rotation). For larger format aspirations, the crispy whole boneless snapper is a menu standout.