The Resy Hit List: Where In Miami You’ll Want to Eat in Sept. 2025
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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.
Consider it your essential resource for dining in Miami and South Florida: a monthly-updated guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Miami Not to Miss This Month
- Summer Dining Deals: We fear September might be Miami’s sweatiest month yet, but don’t fret. It’s also our last chance to squeeze in a meal at the spots offering the best summer dining deals before the tourists return. South Florida’s restaurant month runs through Sept. 30, bringing prix fixe menu specials for lunch, brunch, and dinner. It’s the perfect excuse to finally experience newcomers like Shiso, Rosemary’s and MIMI Chinese, or save on a meal that might ordinarily be a splurge, like at Bouchon Bistro, PAO by Paul Qui or COTE .
- Sip and Learn: Mezcal school is in session at Bistro 8. The Little Havana restaurant’s new monthly series explores the traditions and craftsmanship behind the Mexican spirit. On Sept. 17, “students” (that’s you) will learn about sustainable production of high-quality agave from Oaxaca-based mezcal brand The Lost Explorer. Most importantly, the $55 tickets include an indulgent menu of mezcal pours and food pairings. And of course check all this month’s Resy Events.
- Popping Up: We’re intrigued by two new pop-up culinary projects that feel deeply personal. At Midorie 79th, chef Jimmy Chill is hosting a story-driven pop-up dinner called No Manners! on Monday nights. Break bread over a four-act, family-style tasting menu rooted in Galilean Arab cuisine and childhood memories (there are a la carte options too, but the 12-course dinner is chef’s recommendation). Or head to il Maestro Pizzaiolo’s 10-seat hidden kitchen for a taste of master pizza-maker Vitoantonio Sardone’s soulful Italian cooking inspired by his heritage from Puglia. You’ll partake in a communal dining experience as he prepares rustic antipasti, regional pasta dishes, and his signature slow-fermented pizza in an open kitchen, while sharing a meal with a small group of guests and lingering over wine.
- Neighborhood Gems: Miami’s tourist hot spots might command out-of-towners’ attention, but locals know not to pass up on the other neighborhoods where culinary gems are hiding. Check out our latest guides to some of Miami’s most dynamic food scenes in Little River, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. We challenge you to pick at least one new neighborhood to (re)discover this month and dine around town.
New to the Hit List (Sept. 2025)
Daniel’s, Las’ Lap Miami, Mr. OmaKase, Walrus Rodeo.
1. Sunny's Steakhouse Little River
Miami has been in thrall ever since the Jaguar Sun team made a permanent home for its pandemic pop-up concept. Sunny’s is a modern take on a white-tablecloth steakhouse serving wood-fired meats and steakhouse classics alongside much of what you’d expect from the duo of Will Thompson and Carey Hynes: impeccable cocktails, raw bar bites, and yes, even handmade pastas. That includes some of your old favorites from Jaguar Sun, like corn agnolotti and spicy pork rigatoni. You can still enjoy al fresco dining under the shade of the enormous central banyan tree, but now there’s a more polished indoor dining room (thankfully, since this is Florida), decorated with golden palms for equally breezy vibes.
2. ViceVersa Downtown Miami
ViceVersa might be the best bar in Miami, but possibly also the best Italian restaurant. It’s the type of place where you can start the night with pre-dinner cocktails — or vice versa, keep the evening going with a digestif and a scoop of house-spun gelato (hence the name). But truthfully, the vibe here is so fun and the food is so stellar, you shouldn’t discount the idea of revolving your whole meal plan around it. Which is to say that along with the top-notch Italianate craft cocktails, there are airy-yet-crisp neo-Neapolitan-style pizza, and refreshing raw crudos and salads. Pro tip: Aperitivo hour (aka happy hour) runs Tuesday through Friday, headlined by a cacio e pepe fried chicken sandwich that has everyone talking.
3. Recoveco South Miami
Recoveco has quickly outgrown its modest name (meaning “nook” in Spanish) as South Florida diners have discovered the treasures created by co-chef/owners Nicolas Martinez and Teresa Gallina (the duo honed their craft in kitchens like Alter and Itamae). Their intimate, open-kitchen restaurant defies easy categorization; Martinez and Gallina venture where few Miami chefs dare — think perfectly executed grass-fed beef tongue or heritage chicken served with feet attached, dishes that are challenging and inexplicably delicious. The bold approach might not aim for mass appeal, but it delivers a dining experience that lingers in your memory.
4. Double Luck Upper Eastside
Dinner at this Chinese pop-up from the Tâm Tâm crew, has everything you need for a full night out: electric energy, explosive flavor, and a little bit of spectacle. The former New Schnitzel House space now glows with red lanterns and Cantopop playing in the buzzy dining room. Portions are generous and meant to share, with plates like crab rangoon prepared as full-on crab legs. Tableside fire shows add to the fun — specifically, when the must-order orange chicken gets set aflame by your server.
5. Petralunga North Bay Village
We’re not sure what we love more about this neighborhood gem — the scenic waterfront views that haven’t been spoiled by tourists yet, or the subtle Ninja Turtles theme that playfully peeks out from its decor. Hidden away off a side street in North Bay Village, but right on the marina’s edge, Petralunga serves authentic Italian dishes: Roman-style thin-crust pizzas, handmade pastas, and tableside tiramisu for dessert. It’s the kind of spot you’ll want to keep to yourself, but probably won’t be able to. (And in case you were curious, that recurring motif of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — all named for Italian Renaissance men — represents the Italian owners.)
6. Red Rooster Overtown Overtown
On the site of a beautifully restored pool hall that played host to Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke, this Miami rendition of chef Marcus Samuelsson’s NYC original pays tribute to historic Overtown’s legacy with vibrant art, lots of live music, and a menu that celebrates the diverse culinary traditions of the neighborhood. On the plate, it’s comfort food with a soulful twist: deviled eggs with chicharrón, smoked jerk short rib, and perfectly crisp fried chicken. Whether you’re seated in the dynamic dining room or out on the patio, Red Rooster serves up hospitality, heritage, and serious flavor in every bite.
7. Marc’s Artisanal Pizzeria Normandy Isle
Normandy Isle isn’t where you’d typically find the most talked-about restaurant in town — but that may be changing, thanks to Marc’s. This newcomer is already earning a spot in the conversation for Miami’s best pie, thanks to its obsessively perfected dough and locally sourced toppings. The menu keeps things simple: a few classic pies and a few inventive ones, all made with meticulous care and quality ingredients. This walk-in only spot is casual but still thoughtfully designed, with warm lighting, nostalgic terrazzo tabletops, and just enough seating to feel like a neighborhood secret. Whether you’re a purist or a toppings maximalist, Marc’s is well worth the detour. Just brace yourself for the line out the door.
Find more info here.
8. Dirty French Steakhouse Brickell
Dirty French Steakhouse isn’t shy, and that’s exactly the point. This glammed-up, maximalist spot channels the flash and flair of 1980s Miami with tuxedoed waiters, plush velvet booths, and a soundtrack that keeps the vibe dialed all the way up. It’s the kind of place where you go all in: prime-aged steaks, duck à l’orange, and a must-order mushroom millefeuille. Even the cocktails are a spectacle, perfect for kicking off the night at the buzzy bar. Come hungry, come dressed, and come ready to party — Dirty French is a dinner and a show all in one.
9. Daniel's, A Florida Steakhouse Fort Lauderdale
You head to Daniel’s when you want to be treated like a king, and feast like one. Run by a father-and-daughter team that knows hospitality as well as it knows food, this Florida-inspired steakhouse decked out in bold bovine artwork does beef exceptionally well — but also everything else. Chef Danny Ganem’s menu spans from premium steaks and local seafood to housemade pastas and other dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from the Florida Keys up to the Panhandle. The team at Daniel’s partners with farmers, fishermen and food purveyors from across the state — many of whom are recognized right on the menu. For a more casual dinner, we love that Daniel’s bar in Miami and the next-door D’s Sports Bar in Fort Lauderdale serve high-end comfort food takes, like wagyu smash burgers and organic chicken tenders with caviar.
10. Macchialina Taverna Rustica Miami Beach
The Macchialina crew has been on a roll, opening buzzy new spots like Bar Bucce in Little River and Fluke, their martini and crudo bar, but the original is still our favorite spot in town for a satisfying bowl of housemade pasta. At this most unpretentious of South Beach trattorias, chef Mike Pirolo channels his time cooking in Italy and New York into rustic, comforting dishes, while his sister Jacqueline curates a standout list of natural-leaning Italian wines. The vibe? Think modern Italian farmhouse, with a pergola-covered patio, a cozy 12-seat bar, and a dining room that feels like a neighborhood fixture. Pro tip: Grab some pre- or post-dinner drinks at Fluke next door.
11. Walrus Rodeo Buena Vista
Just a few doors down from its Michelin-starred sibling, Walrus Rodeo shouldn’t be underestimated. Boia De’s rowdy little sister restaurant has carved its own spot in Miami’s dining scene. Known for wood-fired fare, Walrus Rodeo is bold and offbeat, with pops of color, retro details, and a lively open kitchen anchored by an imported pizza oven from Naples, Italy. The menu revolves around that roaring oven, turning out pies and vegetable-forward dishes with a smoky edge. Think charred cabbage with burnt garlic gastrique, mustard green lasagna, and standout pizzas that are both playful and expertly prepared.
12. Las' Lap Miami Miami Beach
Though technically a second outpost of a rum bar from New York, this late-night spot in a small South Beach boutique hotel feels tailor-made for Miami. Named for the high-energy final hour before the end of Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago, Las’ Lap celebrates Caribbean rum culture — from its lively music and dynamic energy to a super-extensive rum selection. The difference in Miami is an acclaimed star chef: Las’ Lap’s owners partnered with James Beard Award winner Kwame Onwuachi to lead the culinary program, and he’s crafted a menu that draws on not only his own Afro-Caribbean roots but also Miami’s Latin and Haitian influences. The result is boldly flavorful plates like wagyu griot and truffled oxtail Cubanos that celebrate the whole region.
13. Over Under Downtown Miami
Is it a bar? Is it a restaurant? It’s all of the above. Over Under has carved out a loyal following by perfecting the essentials – great drinks, a killer smash burger, and a casual, come-as-you-are vibe that feels refreshing in Miami these days. Comfort-style bar food is crafted with local Florida ingredients. That means hickory-smoked local mahi-mahi fish dip, Treasure Coast oysters, and crispy Florida alligator bites. Don’t miss the Miami-famous cheeseburger (the menu calls it “world-famous” — and fine, we’ll give it to them), and check their social media for updates on happenings from karaoke nights and DJs spinning to guest chef collaborations and pop-ups.
Find more info here.
14. Shiso Wynwood
Raheem Sealey has created an entirely new culinary language by weaving together his St. Croix heritage, Japanese techniques mastered during stints at Pao and Zuma, and the wood-fired flavors that made his previous BBQ venture an instant hit among Miami’s food obsessives. The menu delivers massive, shareable smoked meat plates, inventive sides, and sushi dishes that strike a perfect balance between Asian precision and Caribbean soul. And while it’s new to the Wynwood dining scene, between the vibrant graffiti-strewn walls and exposed concrete beams, Shiso feels like it belonged in Wynwood all along. The energetic second-story space has an open-kitchen dining room, an indoor bar serving craft cocktails, another patio bar and outdoor lounge with a separate drink menu, and a 15-seat chef’s counter for guests who want to watch culinary magic happen.
15. Sazón Cubano Miami Beach
On the quieter end of Miami Beach, Sazón Cubano is as much a neighborhood gathering place as it is a go-to for visiting beach-goers. With a breezy thatched-roof patio that’s steps from the sand, and live music often drifting through the air, the atmosphere leans effortlessly festive. Locals swing by the ventanita for cafecito or batidos (smoothies) to go, while those lingering dive into generous plates of ropa vieja, crispy tostones, or the crowd-favorite paella. Pair it with a chilled sangria and friendly service, and you’ve got a spot that feels like a celebration of Cuban culture — with vacation vibes baked right in.
16. Mr. OmaKase Miami
When you want to enjoy well-crafted nigiri and creative bites without the marathon length or sky-high price tag of traditional omakase counters, we’ve found the spot. Mr. OmaKase keeps things simple and focused, offering one of the better deals for quality omakase in Miami. The small space seats just a handful of diners around a sleek counter, so you’re close to the action as the chef prepares each bite. The fish is always fresh, the dress code is casual, and the presentation unfussy but spot-on. Best of all, the format is flexible enough to let you choose how special you want your night to be, starting at under $100 for 10 courses and going up to $149 for 18 courses with more premium offerings.
17. To Be Determined Coral Gables
To Be Determined is a rotating menu concept with about a dozen two-person tables that fill up quickly. Translation: Insist that your significant other makes a reservation (for several weekends from now) to take you here for date night. The small menu at this dimly lit spot changes frequently based on what’s fresh and seasonal, which means you’ll need to keep coming back. And while it’s usually hard to guarantee quality without staple menu items, To Be Determined has proven so far that you can expect a meal full of wow-worthy flavors even with the constant changes, capped off by an excellent flan. Too late to snag a reservation, or rolling solo? Grab yourself a seat at the bar.
18. Boia De Buena Vista
That neon pink exclamation mark, hovering as a marquee over an unassuming strip mall in Little Haiti, remains iconic — the beacon to draw you into one of Miami’s most important restaurants. Chef duo Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi continue their modern take on Italian plates so good that reservations vanish immediately. (We have tips to help.) 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.
19. Ophelia Coconut Grove
The moment you try Ophelia, you’ll know you’re coming back next weekend for more of its sublime baked goods. Run out of a converted RV by former Stubborn Seed pastry chef Ana De Sa Martins and her partner Juan Vieira, this wildly popular bakery is turning out some of the most impressive pastries and breakfast sammies in town. Choose from expertly crafted sundries, both sweet and savory — coffee-glazed cinnamon rolls, nostalgic banana bread, and pillowy housemade English muffins stacked with soft scrambled eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon. Permanently parked in a lot off US1, their (stationary) mobile bakery setup has quickly become a full-on obsession, with lines to prove it.
Find more info here.
20. Tâm Tâm Downtown Miami
The accolades have come fast and furious for the husband-and-husband team of chef Tam Pham and GM/sommelier Harrison Ramhofer, and their tribute to Vietnamese drinking culture. The duo wanted to show a different side of Vietnam’s cuisine from pho or bánh mì, and they achieved it by channeling Saigon’s quán nhậu (drinking taverns), where the food exists to make your drinking experience more enjoyable. Not a surprise, perhaps, that Miami would warm to an homage to a well established drinking culture, but the food here makes you take notice: bold-flavored standouts like crispy fish sauce chicken wings, tamarind-glazed pork ribs, and betel leaf-wrapped lamb. Pair it with warm-weather wines, frozen margs or spiked Vietnamese iced coffee for a guaranteed good time. And yes, the karaoke machine in the bathroom is still there.
