The Miami Reservations You’ll Want to Access in Fall 2023

For the past 15 years, industry magnates Keith McNally and Stephen Starr have transported New York diners to the brasserie-lined streets of Paris at the acclaimed Pastis flagship in Manhattan. Now, much to the excitement of the Miami scene, this same “je ne sais quoi” hospitality witchcraft can be enjoyed in the newest Wynwood location, with no accoutrement spared.

The Vibe

White subway tiles, signature red banquettes, gold-framed mirrors displaying the daily specials? It’s all there. Plus, the Wynwood location expands upon the indoor brasserie real estate with a lush outdoor courtyard, including a dazzling pergola to fend off the blazing summer sunbeams.

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The beloved fan favorites are out in full force — from the infamous cheeseburger à l’Américaine to the steak frites. Oh, and don’t let preconceived conventions stand in your way; the onion soup begs to be ordered, regardless of the temperature.

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If a margarita sounds nice right about now, Pastis puts a distinctly Floridian spin on their offering with orange marmalade and fresh OJ.

Channeling an alternate universe in which the hottest nightlife scenes exist beneath the ocean’s surface, Sexy Fish offers a magnificent presentation of Japanese-inspired cuisine amid theatrical deep-sea décor. This over-the-top Brickell venue leads with seductiveness, especially when it comes to the fresh fish preparation deployed across chef-director Björn Weissgerber’s expansive menu.

The Vibe

Fantastical underwater opulence in all its shimmering glory. The rich hues of the wraparound booths complement the array of colors in the stunning fish tank — complete with live coral — that anchors the dining room. Plus, when the sun goes down, the space transforms into a thumping, luxurious nightlife scene.

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The tiered omakase menu is a structured way to enjoy a mix of signature dishes and inventive newcomers. Choose from the Classic Hiro, Seasonal Sekushi, or the adventurous (and aptly named) Ludicrous premium menu.

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You may be wondering who is responsible for the maximalist interior that’s keeping your senses on high alert; look to the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. The group has done a fair share of world-building across the globe, including Miami’s own Soho Beach House and Mr. C’s hotel.

Editor’s note: As of Jan. 21, 2025, MaryGold’s has rebranded into a new concept, Wyn Wyn.

Although the neighborhood has changed substantially in the past eight years since Brad Gilgore made his fine-dining debut in Wynwood, his latest concept fits right into the current scene. As chef-partner at MaryGold’s Florida Brasserie, Kilgore channels the creativity flowing through the Arts District — with equally innovative cocktails served up by the team behind Broken Shaker.

The Vibe

Soothing neutral tones, refined touches of greenery, enveloping booths, and every table has a view of the buzzing kitchen.

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Start with some savory shares, like the layered brioche or the jerk oxtail beignets. Some of the most thrilling items are found tableside, such as the martini service and the dramatically flambéed Baked Florida dessert.

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The restaurant gets its name from the vibrant and resilient flower that finds a way to bloom in inhospitable conditions.

Dedicated to the paternal grandmother who raised siblings-turned-owners Valerie and Nando Chang, Maty’s is a quintessential love story to the immigrant experience. After wowing Miami with Peruvian Nikkei cooking at Itamae, the immediate success of Val Chang’s solo endeavor is unsurprising. Here, family lore is passed down through the bright, comforting dishes that defined her earliest memories in Peru.

The Vibe

An indoor-outdoor oasis punctuated with familial details.

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Awaken your palate with one of the brightly flavored cebiches and then scheme which larger format offering to choose — the whole dorade and the Australian lamb shank are smart picks.

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Maty kept diligent records of her immigration journey, starting in the 1940s (you’ll notice the photographic archives on the walls as well). She and her husband also wrote each other love letters daily. Val Chang intends to weave some of these heartfelt sentiments throughout the menu.

After stepping into the light-washed dining room at, Krüs, you may feel that indescribable feeling to draw closer, to reach in — and that’s all by design. Chef and owner Sebastian Vargas envisions the contemporary Coconut Grove enclave as a community and he fosters this spirit of connection through relationships with local purveyors and consciously curated ingredients. The result? A thoughtful and ever-shifting seasonal lineup of dishes built for sharing.

The Vibe

It’s like they arranged a private table at your favorite bottle shop. Don’t hesitate to grab a few essentials on the way out.

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This is the perfect place to try a little bit of everything — from the grilled whole scallions with trout roe to the smoked coconut rice with wild-caught crab to the pillows of agnolotti floating in a porcini broth.

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After the meal, head downstairs to Los Félix to see what vinyl the DJ is spinning that day. Should a second wind start to threaten, there are plenty of tacos to choose among.

Nestled into Miami Beach’s pedestrian-only Española Way is a lively escape to Andalusian Spain. Billed as a gin and tapas bar, Tropezón is inspired by Spanish village saloons, and feels like a most-welcome leisurely time warp. Sip a few refreshing infused cocktails and keep the small plates coming.

The Vibe

When there are legs of jamón hanging from the ceiling, you know you’re in the right place. Coupled with the old movie posters and the signature geometric tiles of Andalusia, you’ll want to stick around for a while.

Can’t Miss

Pair your first sips with some of that Ibérico ham. Soon it will be time to fire off some tapas, fritura mixta, pan con tomate, patatas bravas, and the gambas (shrimp) al ajillo, to name a few.

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The references to “sacred geometry” pertain to the spiritual meaning ascribed to the shapes and patterns found in the tiling. For centuries, many have held the belief that certain geometric designs hold higher meaning within the universe.

Discreetly settled within the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, you’ll find a radiant gem of a tasting menu. The Tambourine Room should be top of the list for any big night or celebratory milestone. Drawing from a wealth of international experience and deep reverence for classic French haute cuisine, Brandt guides guests through the flavors of France and Asia with exquisitely plated South Floridian bites.

The Vibe

An intimate (18-seat) and highly refined tasting menu experience. Choose between the succinct three-course option or the six-course tour — we’re always in favor of drawing out a little decadence.

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The menu is curated in your favor, but if you opt for the six-course option you’ll be treated to more ingenious preparations such as the king salmon with sorrel mushrooms and juniper and the veal with potato and truffle. Signature add-ons from the accoladed chef include a beef tartare gently tucked under a bed of caviar. Also vying for your attention: the signature pasta with truffle and Parmesan.

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If ever there was a time to spring for the wine pairing, it’s here.

We’re always first in line to rally around a restaurant comeback story. After ending a decades-long run in 2016, loyal regulars of Fox’s Lounge were thrilled to celebrate its resurgence last year. Revived by the Lost Boy & Co hospitality team, the new iteration delivers on the promise of the no-frills nostalgia that made it destination-worthy. Yes, the martinis are still bone-dry.

The Vibe

An intentionally low-lit South Miami institution with wood paneling that’s begging to have your initials etched in for posterity, as well as a jukebox that plays 45s.

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Tuck into a bread bowl filled with seafood chowder or pay homage to the legends of Fox’s past with the cheeseburger deluxe.

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An accolade surely coveted by dive bars everywhere, Fox’s Lounge held the title of “Darkest Bar in Miami” for 69 years.