Now on Resy: Mimi Chinese, Pao by Paul Qui, and More Local Favorites

The bold, sultry energy of this Toronto import is all about moody lighting and a buzzy atmosphere. The menu honors regional Chinese flavors without fuss: From sea bass smothered in fermented Fresno chiles to crispy chicken under a pile of facing heaven peppers, and wings stuffed with sticky rice and mushrooms. Just know that every dish is thoughtful, and built for a lively family-style meal.

Beneath a glowing gold domed ceiling, anchored by Damien Hirst’s gilded unicorn, this is Miami Beach design at its boldest. Modern dishes are inspired by Asian staples — from binchotan-grilled meats and fresh crudo to the signature “Unicorn” uni‑and‑corn dish — are artfully plated and perfectly balanced.

This Bay Harbor favorite feels like a well-kept secret — intimate and charming, with all-day menus that keep locals coming back, and where brunch on the patio is the ultimate relaxed affair. There’s really something for everyone, from avocado toast to gado gado, pastas, and Peruvian steak saltado.

Tucked into the Stiles Hotel, this colorful, vibrant spot boasts a menu of Cuban favorites: There’s tostones stuffed with ropa vieja, medianoche sandwiches, and lechon asado for days. Of course, you can sip mojitos all day, but a Cuban old fashioned with tobacco bitters won’t hurt either.

The South Beach scene — in all its bustling, neon, Art Deco glory — coupled with macadamia-crusted snapper, seafood paella chock-full of just about everything from the sea, plus dynamite cocktails is the total package. The Wednesdays-only prix fixe menu is a love letter full of favorites for locals.

You know a kitchen is proud of its pasta when you can see chefs flinging flour and rolling dough through the window. Here, it’s definitely not just for show — the carbonara, cacio e pepe, and raviolo are all exquisite. It’s a pretty room with soft natural tones and visual nods to the Italian countryside to complete the serene experience.

You’ll come for the view of the bay, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Mediterranean excellence on the plate. The dining room is open and airy thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and the patio is perfect for dining under the stars at night. Mezze platters, pita and dips, heirloom tomatoes and burrata, grilled prawns — the choices are almost too easy.

The ornate chandeliers, heavy drapery, and velvet chairs make this Italian spot feel special, but the vibe is way more easy-going than expected. Keep it simple with a pizza or the favorite red-sauce lasagna, or go big with seafood like shrimp fra diavolo or branzino.

Of course, oysters are an attraction at this hidden neighborhood gem, whether freshly shucked and served over ice or warm à la Rockefeller. But dig deeper for housemade pasta with prawns and capers, luscious risottos, and limoncello cake that’s a lovely sweet kiss at the end of the meal.

DJs in the bar, weekend bubbles and bao for brunch, Peking duck from a recipe that’s supposedly more than a century old (not to mention set aflame and carved tableside) — this Hong Kong import has it all. Prawn and black truffle dumplings, crispy soft shell crab on a bed of chiles, and kung pao Ibérico pork are just a few highlights that match the lively scene.

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 southern coast of Italy 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.