Now on Resy: Elia, Red Rooster, Sparrow Italia, and More Local Favorites

Because this is how Marcus Samuelsson does Miami. At Red Rooster, classics like hot honey fried chicken and Obama’s short ribs are mixed with local influences — think fresh ceviche, grilled fish, and Haitian griot — while the vibrant space (filled with historic Overtown memorabilia) pulses with energy. Expect live music often, cocktails that lean on refreshing, plus local brews and well-priced wines.

The only way this Italian pizza chain would bring its winning Neapolitan pies to Miami was to get the dough from Italy — literally. So yes, Fradiavolo flies in three styles (traditional, mixed grain, and charcoal) from the original restaurant in the motherland, and all are ideal for a variety of toppings, whether you opt for a classic Margherita or one of their more complex pies.

This moody den feels like the antithesis of South Beach with its lush emerald drapes, brass accents, and marble. And chef James Taylor’s supper-clubified menu has lots of fun — think latkes with caviar, chicken wings, creamed kale, hand-cut fries, a knockout fish sandwich, and ribeye grilled to perfection. A clarified lassi (gin, absinthe, lychee) is sure to set the mood.

The difference between a good neighborhood restaurant and a great one is hospitality, and George’s has it in spades. The entire staff makes an impact, and the kitchen delivers precisely what you expect, whether it’s chicken parm with a blanket of cheese, plump lobster ravioli in a decadent lobster cream sauce, or a brick of tiramisu.

Go for the ropa vieja, stay for everything else: Sazón has it all, from soft and sweet maduros to lechon asado, Cuban sandwiches, and ethereal tres leches. The whole fried snapper is not to be missed, and you’re going to want to drink a whole, chilled coconut or an excellent mojito — your call.

You might just think you’re on the Mediterranean, dining on the riverside patio of this Allapattah gem. It’s where you’ll want to be for lunch, brunch, or dinner, though the dining room with its marble floors and a jaw-dropping mural is lovely, too. Just come with friends: You’ll want to pass around charcuterie boards, hummus platters, carpaccio, and mushroom pizzas.

This airy space offers the perfect setting for enjoying fresh, simple, and clean Japanese dishes: Customizable donburi bowls and nigiri are indeed standouts, but the stunning ever-evolving omakase is what keeps us going back. And, yes, the origami wall is spectacular.

Midtown gets a taste of South America at this vibrant spot, with next-level empanadas, ceviche, and grilled steaks. Cocktails like the Huacachina sour with passionfruit keep the party going (along with the live DJ if you’re there on the weekend), and the Argentina-heavy wine list is fun to peruse.

This hot spot is a dressed-up take on the Japanese izakaya, with a range of seasonal small plates, tempura, and plenty of Wagyu. And when you want to dive deeper, enjoy sashimi and premium nigiri via the omakase experience at the sushi bar.

Whether for day-boosting smoothies and pastries in the morning, sweet and savory crêpes, or enjoying afternoon spritzes until you can’t spritz anymore, you’ll feel great doing it in the stylish Mr. C lobby cafe. Live entertainment and movie nights add to the fun.

Good food and live music go hand in hand, and this Sunny Isles Beach spot hits just the right notes with both. Zhuzhed up staples fill the menu, like a wagyu burger with truffle mayo, seared branzino, and bubbly pizzas. Live music, DJs, comedy shows — this should be your next choose-your-own-adventure night out.

Locals swear by this standby (a pioneer, even) for Neapolitan-style pizza and hearty pastas like tagliatelle Bolognese. The room is cozy, the staff is super friendly, and you’ll never walk away hungry.

Well first, there’s the space: La Fernetería sits high above Wynwood thanks to its outdoor rooftop garden space, featuring statues, Romanesque frescoes, giant tropical greenery, and killer views. Then there’s the food, where the handmade pastas are hallmarks and the tableside action abounds — expect everything from flambéed cheese and bistecca alla Fiorentina, to a 10-layer lasagna.

Beautiful design withstanding — the undulating ceiling is a stunner — the experience at Hiyakawa is all about deceptively simple, high-end cooking, featuring ingredients imported daily from Japan. Everything is prepared with the utmost care and precision, from pristine sushi and sashimi to fresh wasabi, agedashi tofu, grilled Wagyu, and more.

This vibrant Peruvian spot from chef Gastón Acurio (of La Mar) brings all the vibes in décor and on the plate. From the pisco bar to the ceviches, Nikkei dishes, lomo saltado, and very shareable whole fried snapper or cowboy steak, it feels like a party for anyone and everyone. 

Like the South Beach outpost (and original New York locations), those who know sushi know to come here for well-priced specials, great bento box options, and omakase featuring fresh, sustainably sourced catches. Pro tip: Everyone talks about the crispy rice selections for a reason. 

Like the other Motek locations, this is the perfect place for all-day brunch, especially when shakshuka and various mezze are involved. The Arayes burger (beef kofta kebabs stuffed into a soft pita with tahini and harissa) tastes even better in larger indoor-outdoor digs, with a cocktail by its side.

Little Havana is full of excellent restaurants, but there’s nothing quite like this inviting little tasting menu jewel. Palma, after all, is where Florida-born chef Juan Camilo Liscano (whose résumé includes stints at Momofuku Ko in New York and Ikoyi in London) works magic with local ingredients, transforming them with French technique and Latin American flavors.

The hallmarks of this vibey steakhouse include lots of white leather, huge booths, dramatic purple lighting, and a party atmosphere. The menu features perfectly grilled steaks, chilled shellfish towers, and great cocktails. That all tracks for the Aventura location. 

If you’re looking for a splurge, this caviar-laced global chain is the spot. You’ll find the black pearls on top of crispy Peking duck, tucked into juicy wagyu sliders, glistening on top of sushi and handmade dim sum, and more. If you’re going Biscayne Bay big, go big.

Because the pasta alla ruota (pasta tossed inside a Grana Padano wheel) is a specialty at this family-focused spot. Consider it the perfect midway point between your apps (calamari fritti and Caesar salad, if you know what’s good for you) and the grilled porterhouse Fiorentina.

The hallmark of a great Peruvian restaurant is its ceviche, and here, it’s made with fresh corvina fish in your choice of sauce (ají amarillo is always a good choice), and served with plump Peruvian corn. The causas always hit, as does the lomo saltado and the proper pisco sour.