The Resy Hit List: Where In Miami You’ll Want to Eat Right Now
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
- Sparklers and Sparkling Wine: Ready for the holiday weekend? Book your fireworks seating on the Fourth of July at Baia Beach Club for unobstructed waterfront views of the local fireworks show and complimentary Moët. And kick off the weekend of festivities with a wine tasting at Krüs Kitchen the night before.
- Sashimi Dreams: Kissaki Miami’s new happy hour is your in to experiencing this South Beach sushi hot spot. The famed NYC import is known for its tableside omakase and sashimi and nigiri flights, with fresh fish flown in from Japan within 24 hours. Now Wednesday through Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m., bar and patio guests can order $10 drinks like house sake and saketinis alongside discounted dishes including $5 nigiri or sashimi, $9 maki rolls, and other Japanese plates. Need more inspo? Check out our selections of top places to drink here.
- Summer Bounty: Le Jardinier’s produce-centric menu has again evolved to highlight the summer’s harvest, from golden beets to fava beans and heirloom tomatoes. (The restaurant’s name is French for gardener, after all.) Sample a seasonal expression with their three-course Taste of Summer Lunch ($39) or Celebration of Summer Dinner ($68) menus. And if you’re looking for more to do, our Resy Events page has plenty of options.
- Macchialina’s Makeover: After 12 years in its cozy space, Miami’s favorite family-run Italian restaurant, Macchialina, has capped off a huge expansion that’s added 5,600 square feet of space, including a new dining room that feels like a modern Italian farmhouse, a 12-seat bar, pergola-covered patio, and a larger kitchen. If you’re a regular, look out for the wine room with a “family table” for loyal guests coming later this summer. Find more details here.
New to the Hit List (July 2024)
Caracas Bakery, Dirty French Steakhouse, Itamae AO, Sanguich.
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. La Fresa Francesa Hialeah
A surprising standout in the heart of Hialeah, La Fresa Francesa serves well-regarded French cuisine in, ironically, an almost-exclusively Spanish-speaking part of town where Cuban restaurants are a dime a dozen. The Parisian-style bistro blends French classics with the influence of Miami’s regional flavors – so you’ll find not only excellent traditional escargots and onion soup but also seared foie gras with a sweet pastelito de guava. This is where you head when when you’re seeking to fulfill all your French cravings in the most unexpected setting. Eclectic French decor fills in the charm factor even more.
9. NIU Kitchen Downtown Miami
“Niu” means “nest” in Catalan – which explains why NIU Kitchen is the kind of intimate spot where you can come as you are for a low-key night of wine and shared plates with friends. (It’s also a popular hangout for chefs and staff in the hospitality biz.) The Spanish tapas menu is inspired by the memories of chef Deme Lomas, a Barcelona native, who remixes traditional Catalonian flavors into something, well, new. Down the block at sister wine bar NIU Wine, peruse the shelves of their natural wine shop to find your favorite bottle and open it up on the spot to share right then and there, or take it home with you.
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. Eating House Coral Gables
For over a decade, chef Giorgio Rapicavoli’s restaurant has been a local favorite for creative Miami-inspired dishes (with a former reputation for serving stoner food). Today, the “grown-up” version in its new Restaurant Row location occupies more elevated culinary territory. The new Eating House still honors its history of satisfying the munchies through its annual 4/20 dinner, and especially shines with a rotating tasting menu made up of dishes that are an homage to other Miami restaurant classics (like wagyu beef tartare topped with frita sauce and crispy potato sticks inspired by El Mago de las Fritas). But weekend brunch is truly where it’s at, with staples like the cult-favorite Cap’n Crunch pancakes and indulgent dishes like the carbonara Benedict.
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. Flanigan’s Multiple Locations
Ask any local for their favorite place to eat, and odds are a solid handful will say Flanigan’s. This fishing-themed seafood grill and sports bar has been a South Florida staple since 1959, and honestly the sports grub is even better than the seafood. (Don’t miss their famous BBQ ribs, wings, burgers, or the massive pile of nachos.) The seafood is great, too: try the smoked fish dip and anything fried in their signature seafood batter, like the fried shrimp or fried mahi sandwich. Note: You’ll want to take the bottle of barbecue sauce home with you.
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
