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At any given time, there are a handful of Miami restaurants where trying to get a table is like trying to get a parking spot in Brickell on a Saturday night — you just can’t. Right now, these are those restaurants.
You know, all the ones you set countless Notifies for, and the ones you’ve set alarms for in anticipation of their next reservation release?
Well, that’s where we come in.
For years, we’ve been going straight to the source to ask restaurant hosts, maître d’s, and general managers for all the secret tips, tricks, and shortcuts to getting into the city’s most in-demand restaurants. We want to make it easier for you to find out all the intel you need, so consider this your ultimate cheat sheet for getting into those much-loved restaurants, and check back here on the regular; we’ll be updating this list frequently.
From The One Who Keeps The Book
Sunny’s Little River
Miami’s newest steakhouse is also the most popular restaurant in town right now for good reason — the martini game is exceptional here, the steaks are excellent, and the team nails top-notch service and impeccable vibes in this indoor-outdoor complex.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance.
Should You Walk In? You can, as both the indoor bar and outdoor terrace operate with walk-in availability. Getting a table in one of the main dining areas may prove to be more difficult. If you do try to walk in, show up around 5:30 p.m. to snag a bar seat.
Must Orders: The Parker House rolls; Caesar salad; blue crab agnolotti, and the hanger steak.
AVIV Miami Beach
James Beard award-winning chef Michael Solomonov serves modern Israeli cuisine — think platters of fresh salatim alongside made-to-order Yemenite bread and incredible grilled meats — at this stunning spot inside 1 Hotel South Beach, and it’s been packed since opening in March.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance, starting at 10 a.m. each day.
Should You Walk In? Yes, if you don’t mind sitting at the bar which takes walk-ins. You may be able to score a table in the dining room if you get there at 5 p.m.
Must Orders: Hummus Yerushalmi; Moroccan cigar; fried cauliflower; beef shishlik.
COTE Miami Design District
Miami’s only Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse is still just as packed as it was four years ago when it opened in the chi-chi Design District. It’s still one of the very best spots in town for high-end Korean banchan and meats grilled at your very own table.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance at 10 a.m EST. All of the tables are equipped with grill tops, designed for the restaurant’s team to cook for you.
Should You Walk In? You can. Walk-ins are accommodated by the maitre d’ on a cancellation basis and you can also order almost everything at the bar. The team recommends arriving before 5 p.m., or swinging by around 9:30 p.m.
Must Orders: First timers should start with the butcher’s feast, a generous tasting that includes an assortment of banchan, multiple cuts of beef, two kinds of stews and soft serve for dessert. At lunch, the Crispy “Shicken” Sandwich is a fan favorite. To drink, you can’t go wrong with Simon’s favorite, a Chopin Family Reserve Martini, or a bottle from the restaurant’s Michelin sommelier-awarded list featuring all magnums by the glass.
Pro Tip: Lunch reservations or visiting during the restaurant’s Magic Hour seem easier to come by than prime time dinner reservations. The reservations team is available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. by phone at (305) 434-4668 or email at reservations@cotekoreansteakhouse.com.
For more on how to get into COTE, read more here.
Boia De Buena Vista
There are only 27 seats at this Michelin-starred Italian restaurant in a strip mall near Little Haiti, so supply is extremely limited, and the excitement has not died down in the six years it’s been open.
Reservations Drop: Noon each day for the dinner service, 30 days in the future.
Should You Walk In? All of the tables and most of the counter seats are all accounted for online, so if you do, you’d be trying your luck to say the least. That said, several counter seats and the outdoor patio (14 seats) are reserved for walk-ins.
Must Orders: Crispy polenta; beef tartare; Luci’s chopped salad; lamb ribs fra diavola. The pasta and crispy tiramisu are legendary, with good reason.
CARBONE VINO Coconut Grove Coconut Grove
Major Food Group’s latest shrine to red sauce Italian cooking is a smaller and more intimate iteration than sibling Carbone and located in Coconut Grove, so it’s been very popular with folks from South Miami — anything to avoid crossing the causeway! — and creating high demand for tables on peak nights like Friday and Saturday.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance, starting at 10 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, walk-ins are more likely to get a table here than at Carbone, and there’s a lounge with a bites menu that’s also available.
Must Orders: Spicy rigatoni; fritto misto; lobster pasta.
MILA Miami Beach
This glamorous South Beach spot serves stellar Mediterranean-Asian cuisine and continues to wow diners with live performances and a DJ-fueled soundtrack at dinner.
Reservations Drop: Tables can be booked 45 days in advance.
Should You Walk In? Yes, you’ll be most successful if you get there before 6 p.m.
Must Orders: Brussels sprouts; truffle spaghetti.
Pro Tip: The dress code here is “smart casual” so dress to impress (everyone else does).
