The Resy Hit List: Where In Miami You’ll Want to Eat in Aug. 2024
There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
We’ve designed it to be your essential resource for dining in and around Miami: a monthly-updated (and now expanded!) guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Miami Not to Miss This Month
- Now Open: ViceVersa is a modern aperitivo bar with Miami flair by local bar star Valentino Longo. You’ll come here pre-dinner for Italian craft cocktails dreamt up by Longo, paired with snacks curated by the Jaguar Sun team, like crudos, oysters, housemade charcuterie, and pizza. Or vice versa, end up at this new Downtown bar to extend your evening after dinner and grab a gelato and digestif. For where to go in between, check out our guide to Downtown Miami restaurants.
- Score a Deal: Now’s the time you’ll find the best restaurant deals of the year, even at Miami’s most splurge-worthy restaurants. Experience Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt’s new five-course summer menu (technically more courses if you count culinary surprises) for only $169 per person, Fiola’s five-course pasta omakase for $95, or L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon’s summer dinner menu starting at $135 for three courses or $155 for four courses.
- On the Ascent: We love letting you know about newcomers to keep on your radar, and Recoveco is one we have our eye on. Meaning “nook” or “cranny” in Spanish, Recoveco in South Miami is a new intimate open-kitchen spot with a rotating menu of exceptionally executed dishes like grass-fed beef tongue with whipped sesame and chimichurri and crispy Pennsylvania golden chicken with mango sauce (and its feet still attached, but that’s part of the natural charm, right?). For more restaurants climbing the reservation charts on Resy, click here.
- Insider Access: If you’ve got an AMEX Platinum card in your wallet, you’re in luck. American Express and Resy are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Platinum Card with 40 nights of exclusive access to reservations at in-demand restaurants. That means this month, tables are held for cardholders on select nights at two of Miami’s hardest to book spots, Mandolin Aegean Bistro and Boia De. (And you can always check our insider tips for snagging a table at top Miami spots.)
New to the Hit List (August 2024)
Edan Bistro, Luca Osteria, Walrus Rodeo, Zak the Baker.
1. Boia De Buena Vista
Photo courtesy of Boia De
Look for the neon pink exclamation mark hovering as a marquee over an unassuming strip mall in Little Haiti, and you’ve found one of Miami’s hardest-to-book restaurants. Chef duo Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi offer a modern take on Italian plates so good that reservations sell out the day they go live. Which should come as no surprise when you consider their culinary training in kitchens ranging from Scarpetta and Carbone to Eleven Madison Park. It’s an intimate and adorable space, where you’re as likely to be seated at the counter as you are at a table. Your servers will keep it fun and friendly while you partake in some of the best pasta and Italian-ish plates in town.
Photo courtesy of Boia De
2. Macchialina Taverna Rustica Miami Beach
No matter how many new Italian restaurants come to town, for a satisfying bowl of housemade pasta, we’d choose Macchialina every time. This family-owned and -operated modern trattoria — now, as noted, freshly off a new expansion — eschews the glitz and glam of South Beach dining with a focus on Italian fare inspired by chef Mike Pirolo’s time cooking in Italy and New York. Equally impressive is the wine program, with its emphasis on natural-leaning Italian wines, curated by beverage director (and Mike’s sister) Jacqueline Pirolo. If it’s your first time, choose the chef’s tasting menu as a tour of the greatest hits.
3. Sanguich Little Havana, Little Haiti, and Coral Gables
You can’t talk about Miami cuisine without mentioning the Cuban sandwich, and for the best, you head here. This Calle Ocho walk-up counter has perfected the Cubano. The bread is housemade and brushed with lard before being pressed, the lechon (pork) is marinated in garlic and spices for 24 hours, and the sweet ham is brined for a week. There are only a few sandwiches, snacks and shakes on the menu, but that’s because it’s what they do best. Order a batido and Cuban coffee while you’re there because when in Little Havana … or, if you want to avoid the legendarily long lines, there’s also a takeout-only ventanita in Little Haiti and a new larger location with plenty of seating at The Plaza in Coral Gables.
Find more info here.
4. Itamae AO Midtown
Itamae AO is the more intimate and interactive iteration of the original Itamae, which had become one of Miami’s best restaurants in its five-year run spanning from food hall stand to full-service restaurant. The new version run by chef and owner Nando Chang is a Nikkei-style omakase counter with only 10 seats, located right next to sister restaurant Maty’s (run by Nando’s sister Valerie Chang). Melding Japanese techniques with Peruvian influences, the eight-course omakase menu features plenty of seafood in the form of dry-aged fish, sashimi, and nigiri, alongside Peruvian bites like anticuchos (skewers) and aguadito (soup).
5. Dirty French Steakhouse Brickell
Dirty French is the steakhouse antithesis of the very stiff-and-standard Morton’s that used to occupy the same space. Over-the-top in the best possible way, the restaurant’s unapologetic decor makes you feel like you’re on a 1980s movie set, with the soundtrack to match. Yes, this is where you’re coming for a night out when you want to throw it back to the glam of the ‘80s in Miami. Gather the crew to indulge in a shareable menu of prime-aged steaks, French-influenced plates like chicken and crepes, and a must-order mushroom millefeuille of thin-sliced king trumpet mushrooms. The cocktails are a must too, so stop by the bar for an Instagrammable drink.
6. Maty’s Midtown
The team behind the beloved but bygone Itamae — sister Val Chang, brother Nando and father Fernando (aka the Chang Gang) — have become one the most loved and lauded culinary families in Miami. Maty’s is Val’s first solo act, an expansion of her family’s culinary traditions with deeply comforting, yet finessed Peruvian plates that are rooted in her grandmother’s recipes. You can certainly expect some of the expertly executed Nikkei-style ceviches and tiraditos that brought Itamae acclaim, but the hot plates here are where Maty’s truly shines. No matter which entree you choose, order the tortitas (corn fritters) and the choclo (Peruvian sweet corn) in huancaína sauce, which tastes like an appealingly smoky mac ‘n’ cheese.
7. Caracas Bakery Doral and MiMo
Venezuelan-French inspired baked goods might not sound like anything you’ve seen before, but trust us when we tell you this bakery is worth going out of your way for. Run by the father and son team of Manuel and Jesús Brazón, at Caracas Bakery, you’ll find expertly crafted croissants, sourdough and baguettes, alongside Venezuelan specialties like golfeados, cachitos, pan de jamón and pan de queso. Visit the MiMo location if you’re looking for a full-on cafe experience (i.e. sandwiches, toasts and actual seating) or Doral if you’re in the area, on-the-go, and speak at least enough Spanish to be able to order some of the best breads you’ve had in a long time. If you leave Caracas Bakery without trying a traditional cachito (a soft, golden ham and cheese-stuffed bread), you’ve done it wrong.
Find more info here.
8. Zak the Baker Wynwood
Zak the Baker has become synonymous with sourdough by pioneering Miami’s artisan bread revolution and giving rise to (no pun intended) new bakery businesses helmed by Zak Stern’s own protégés. At this iconic kosher bakery and café in the heart of Wynwood, the façade is splashed with blocks of bright colors, fitting of its location in the arts district. Drop in anytime for a loaf of naturally leavened bread and handmade pastries, or sit down for breakfast or lunch at the full-service cafe to order exceptional sandwiches, soups, and salads.
9. Walrus Rodeo Buena Vista
The rowdier little sister of Boia De, Walrus Rodeo might be more accessible but offers an equally fun and frankly delicious time when you can’t get a table around the corner. This quirky spot is located in the same nondescript Little Haiti strip mall with a similarly eclectic, Italian-influenced menu, but it’s truly its own concept. The focus is on wood-fired fare, thanks to the restaurant’s imported Italian pizza, oven used to cook everything from lamb ragu lasagna and charbroiled oysters to, well, pizzas. While the cuisine might not be something you can easily categorize, the Rodeo team makes food feel new and exciting, and the service is our favorite kind of skillful-yet-unpretentious.
10. Tâm Tâm Downtown Miami
Photo courtesy of Tâm Tâm
Bonded by their love of Vietnamese food and culture, the husband-and-husband team of chef Tam Pham and GM and sommelier Harrison Ramhofer set out to showcase the vibrancy of Vietnamese cuisine beyond the standard pho and bánh mì. The result is a loud and lively Viet drinking food spot inspired by the quán nhậu of Saigon — nothing like other restaurants you’ll find in Miami. At these taverns, food is mainly meant to facilitate the drinking — think a Vietnamese take on an izakaya — and here that amounts to shareable plates like crispy fish sauce chicken wings, tamarind-glazed pork ribs, and betel leaf-wrapped lamb. You’ll wash them back with warm-weather wines or frozen mai tais and spiked Viet iced coffee for a guaranteed good time … especially if you find the karaoke machine in the bathroom.
Photo courtesy of Tâm Tâm
11. Caja Caliente Coral Gables
Caja Caliente’s signature dish is its tacos, but these aren’t your standard Mexican specimens. These are Cuban-inspired tacos, influenced by chef Mika Leon’s family recipes. Since its original food truck days, Caja has evolved to offer full plates of homestyle Cuban cuisine, including some of the best lechon in town — her grandfather’s recipe. Whether you order a super-stuffed Cuban-style sandwich, small snacks like bolitas de platano (fried plantain balls filled with ground beef) that are a sweet spin on the more traditional papas relleno (made with potato), or a tamal Cubano, you’re in for a meal that represents what some of the best chefs in Miami are doing today.
Find more info here.
12. Miami Slice Downtown Miami
At Miami Slice, there are only five varieties of New York-style pizza, but that’s when you know it’s going to be good. Artisan flavors like the Pepperoni Proper with hot honey and the Salsera with red sauce, vodka sauce, and a swirl of pesto are sold by the slice or the full-size 20” pie. Getting your hands on a slice isn’t without its challenges, though. This walk-in only slice bar is only open in the evenings from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays), and whether you’re dining in or taking out, expect to wait.
Find more info here.
13. Los Félix Miami Coconut Grove
With a menu of housemade tortillas, totopos, and tamales, Los Félix honors Mesoamerican tradition by spotlighting one of the most essential ingredients in indigenous cooking: heirloom corn. In their open kitchen, maize is ground daily using their in-house molino — or corn mill grinder — and then undergoes a process called nixtamalization to turn it into fresh masa. Be sure your order here includes plenty of maiz, whether that’s chilaquiles at brunch or a lobster arepa at dinner. Los Félix also brings all the vibes, with a DJ spinning vinyl records and a natural wine selection to pair with your plates.
14. Hometown Barbecue Allapattah
One of our favorite spots in town for good ‘cue, Hometown always delivers when you’re craving a meal that ends in meat sweats. Their delicious pit-smoked selections can be ordered by the half-pound — from smoked turkey to brisket and pulled pork — along with classic sides like mac ‘n’ cheese, baked beans, and cornbread. But don’t miss some of their wood-fired fare and other creative offerings, like the charred broccoli with poblano crema, smoked wings with mole dust, and rib tips with Korean sticky sauce. While Hometown offers a casual counter-service format at lunchtime, it transforms into a full-service restaurant for dinner and you can book your table on Resy.
15. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Design District
Florida’s only reigning two-Michelin star restaurant for three years now, L’Atelier serves a modern French-inspired tasting menu, crafted with the late legendary Joël Robuchon’s culinary philosophy of elevating simple dishes with extraordinary ingredients and technique. (Fun fact: it’s also the only two-star Joël Robuchon location in the U.S.) The restaurant is designed with 34 counter seats so that every guest faces the open kitchen. Opt for the eight-course Evolution Menu, or a seasonal four-course for a more abbreviated experience. For those looking for a lighter indulgence, there are 3- and 4-course lunch menus available Friday and Saturday and à la carte offerings Sunday through Thursday.
16. Luca Osteria Coral Gables
While Giorgio Rapicavoli might be known for his outlandish flavor combinations at Eating House, the chef honors his Italian heritage with his take on the classics at Luca Osteria. Sure, you’ll find us obsessing over the creativity of an antipasti dish like ‘nduja-style tomato spread, but Rapicavoli’s skill shines through in the simplicity of his housemade pastas. From pasta al limone to cacio e pepe, each plate is focused on only a few ingredients (bring some friends to share them with so you can try several!). To balance out that simplicity, know you can’t leave without ordering the crispy fried potato balls (patate fritte) smothered in silky Parmigiano fonduta. It’s full of rich black truffle flavor that’s as indulgent as it gets and a must-order every time.
17. Mandolin Aegean Bistro Miami Design District
Mandolin’s signature blue doors, whitewashed decor, and shaded outdoor tables transport diners to the Aegean coast. But it’s the combination of fresh ingredients and relaxed atmosphere that makes Mandolin a must-visit (if you can get a table). Known as the ultimate Miami outdoor dining spot thanks to its charming garden patio, Mandolin opened 15 years ago, serving some of the best Greek and Turkish plates in town. That not-so-well-kept-secret has turned it into one of the hardest reservations in town, even for locals. If you snag a Resy, order their famous manti dumplings and a handful of mezzes (you can’t go wrong with the Greek or Turkish samplers). Enjoy it with rosé, sangria, or a spritz, and you’ll know you’re doing Miami right.
18. Ghee Indian Kitchen Downtown Dadeland
The term farm-to-table might feel like a loose buzzword these days, but when it comes to Niven Patel’s restaurants, it’s at the heart of everything he does. And while Ghee might be a bit off-the-beaten-path from Miami’s more happening neighborhoods, you can’t have a conversation about Miami’s best restaurants without mentioning it. There’s a contemporary spin here on Patel’s Indian heritage, thanks to a menu that spotlights seasonal produce grown on his own Homestead farm, Rancho Patel. Amidst excellent curries, naans, and chutneys, there are creative renditions: short rib dosas, duck confit samosas, and vegetable-centric plates like charred corn and paneer. It’s the way that fragrant Indian spices meld with the freshest local produce that makes Ghee such a Miami standout.
Call 305-968-1850 for reservations.
19. Edan Bistro North Miami
Spain’s Basque country is known for being home to some of the best restaurants in the world, including the ones that the young chef behind Edan Bistro was trained at. At his first full-service restaurant, chef/owner Aitor Garate Berasaluze delivers exceptionally executed, ingredient-forward Basque dishes at surprisingly fair prices – a rarity in Miami (please don’t tell them). In fact, Edan Bistro at first appears quite unassuming, but its range spans from simple (European-style brunch plates) to finessed (an eight-course tasting experience available upon request every night). The talented chef is also trained as a sommelier and pastry chef, so trust him on his Spanish wine pairing recommendations and don’t miss out on a slice of his creamy Basque cheesecake, a contender for best in the city.
Find more info here.
20. Jaguar Sun Downtown Miami
Photo courtesy of Jaguar Sun
Inside the lobby of the Alea building in Downtown Miami, you’ll find Jaguar Sun, an intimate cocktail bar that’s become a local haunt for many in-the-know Miamians. The bartenders are fun and the drinks are eclectic (from aperitifs to tropical), but the food is no afterthought. Start off with an order of their famous Parker House rolls and anything from the raw bar – oysters or a refreshing crudo. Then, one taste of their cacio e pepe bucatini and you’ll know this place deserves as much credit for its pasta as it does for cocktails. It’s cozy, so reservations are a good idea if you want a seat in the dining area. The bar is first come, first served.
Photo courtesy of Jaguar Sun
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