Miami’s Newest Restaurant Openings, Now on Resy

Brother-and-sister chef team Valerie and Nando Chang, who wow locals (and garnered James Beard nods) for their innovative Nikkei cuisine at Itamae, go even deeper into their Peruvian roots for Maty’s. Family-inspired dishes, like pollo guisado or yuca stuffed with strip steak, olives, and raisins, plus a menu written in the Changs’ grandmother’s hand, comes from the heart.

From the pulsating LED dome ceiling and the glamorous setting throughout the former Paris theater, to the sushi platters and seafood towers, everything about Queen is a spectacle — in the best way possible. This is a night out; dress accordingly.

It might feel like you’re walking through the Copacabana in Goodfellas, but that’s by design. The reborn iconic Fort Lauderdale supperclub is filled with jewel tones, table lamps, photos of famous Italian Americans, and a stage set for live entertainment. Tableside Caesar salads, chicken parm, twice-baked potatoes gilded with truffles and cacio e pepe sauce are just the beginning. Dress up, dig in, enjoy.

You can’t help but smile when you say the name KooLuLu. Here, it’s meant to evoke happiness and conviviality, which is easy to muster with the Mediterranean-inspired spot in Surfside. Fresh pita and dips, hummus with mushroom and soft egg, and a smattering of kabobs and souvlaki — all kosher — are the way to go.

Intimate and ultra-luxe, a night in this hidden spot in the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is celebration worthy. Chef Tristan Brandt brings his Michelin-starred tasting menus stateside, including elegantly plated bites like beef tartare hidden under a blanket of caviar. Do get the wine pairing; it makes the night.

The stunning spot feels like New Orleans was plopped down in the middle of South Beach. Sit in the leafy palm-filled dining room for expertly crafted cocktails, po’ boys, barbecue shrimp, gumbo, and oysters. 

Somehow Tacombi, which started out as a Volkswagen bus on the beaches of Yucatán, then conquered New York with its beach-meets-retro setting, feels more right for Miami. This second location (the first is in the Design District) brings the stellar taco menu (al pastor, carnitas, carne asada and occasionally birria), plus pitchers of margaritas, and housemade aguas frescas.

Just steps from its sibling Boia De in Little Haiti, vibrant hues, custom wallpaper and murals, and tin ceilings create a colorful palate of this small space. The menu revolves around the wood-burning oven, which adds a kiss of smoke to lamb ragu lasagna and creative pizzas, like the OG topped with boquerones and maple brown butter.  

Tables spill out onto Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile sidewalk with cascading bougainvillea overhead. Inside, it’s light and airy, filled with potted plants and more florals. All in all, a perfect setting for traditional Greek bites like beef kefte, grilled halloumi, and baklava.

When you want great views above downtown, good drinks, and fun twists on Middle Eastern-inspired bar snacks, head to Float on the 12th floor of Yotel Miami. Start with panko-fried chicken and fries stuffed in pita, share some fish skewers with lemon-chile glaze, and pair it all with something super quaffable and a touch fruity.

As glitzy as its name suggests, Boston’s swank Contessa has flown south for warmer days and nights. The two-story space is as buzzy as the original (as well as its other sibling, Carbone), with style and vibes in spades. Of course you’ll get the tonnato crudo and the lobster carpaccio, with a spritz or Negroni to toast.

With a name like Americana Kitchen, expect there to be just enough of everything for everyone (including sushi and pizza). But dig deeper for more inspired dishes, like Cubano-inspired hash and tres leches French toast at breakfast, and citrus-marinated chicken at dinner. Don’t forget to stop the bar for a nightcap.

When the hubbub on the street gets to you, sit poolside with an overhead view of Coral Gables for a respite. Cocktails and dishes have Latin flair, from just-made guacamole and charred plantain empanadas to refreshing gin and cucumber frozen cocktails. There’s a little something for the kids, too.

From the salt stone sculptures to the bougainvillea-filled pergola — not to mention the sound of crashing waves in the background — you’d almost think you were somewhere in the Greek islands. This major player from New York is spacious, opulent, and pretty glam, with a menu full of seafood specialties that transport you to the Mediterranean with every bite.

Off the mezzanine deck at The Alexander Hotel, this hidden gem with wood-slat walls and dark trim feels like something you’d find in New York or L.A. It’s not just the vibe; it’s the menu full of seasonal ingredients from local producers — things like crudo with black garlic sauce, and smoked lion’s mane farotto with pea tendrils and cashew crumbs. Don’t miss brunch.

The pizza pop-up that went viral during the pandemic found a permanent home in the Design District, bringing all the Instagram-famous square pies with it, plus polenta-crusted chicken wings, garlic knots, chicken Parm hoagies, and a damn good tres leches cake. Yes, there is a disco ball in the bathroom, and yes, it might make you dance while washing your hands.

The signature restaurant at Coconut Grove’s iconic Mayfair Hotel is cool again. Flavors of the Sonoran desert and American Southwest have been transplanted here; and anything cooked in embers (artichoke) or slow-roasted over wood-fueled fires (squash with garbanzos) is a must. So are the mezcal and Tequila cocktails, which should be sipped in the very lush courtyard bar.

After you get your nachos, quesadillas, and tacos at Coconut Grove’s Taco Shack, head upstairs to sip rare Tequila and mezcals — individually or as a flight — plus signature cocktails. Filled with distressed leather loungers, brass, velvet, and funky found art, it’s like the sitting room in a home you’d stumble across in Oaxaca.

Everybody loves a good comeback story, and here’s one of the best: When a South Miami dive bar fixture since 1946 went out of business, Lost Boy & Co. (Lost Boy Dry Goods, Tropezón) brought it back to life. What was Fox’s Sherron Inn, the “darkest bar in Miami” is now Fox’s Lounge, complete with prime ribs, martinis, and a full restoration of the original decor.

If there’s one thing you can trust New York City’s GPG Hospitality (the group behind Lamalo and Nur) with, it’s Middle Eastern fare. Their irresistible menu of Middle Eastern tapas is one to bookmark for a vibrant downtown dining experience, and do take note: Breakfast is also served.

Because chef Michael Bolen shows off his farmers’ produce like a true Californian: Lion & The Rambler is the place to go for an excellent, ever-changing taste of what’s best this season, and you’re not going to want to skip the focaccia or the pastas at this very cool Coral Gables spot. Pro tip: Stay on the lookout for the special fixed-price menu offered once a week.

An immensely popular pop-up turned brick-and-mortar, Rosie’s excels in the brunch department. And it’s thankfully brunch all day at chef-owners Akino and Jamila West’s all-outdoor space, a “backyard” in Little River, where you’ll be able to tear into Rosie’s excellent chocolate croissant in in the shade of an old banyan tree.

Because La Strega’s Pembroke Pines sibling is just as lovely as the original. Mark this one for date nights and celebrations, and let the Italian steakhouse menu, genuinely warm service, and live music do the rest.