Miami’s dining scene is hotter than it’s ever been, but when The New York Times dropped its 2025 list of the 50 best restaurants in America, only one local spot made the cut—and it’s a newcomer that’s making waves.
Sunny’s, the Little River stunner that opened just last October, is officially on the map. Not just Miami’s map, but the national one: it’s the only restaurant in Florida to crack the Times’ annual roundup of restaurants critics can’t stop thinking about. Out of hundreds of meals sampled across 33 states, Sunny’s stood out enough to earn a coveted spot among America’s top 50. Writer Brett Anderson says the restaurant is "every bit as good as it looks," with a menu that "will satisfy your craving for Wagyu and foie gras" and tempt you with pollo a la brasa and "superb" pasta.
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The recognition is especially impressive given Sunny’s short history. What started as a pop-up by Jaguar Sun co-owners Carey Hynes and Will Thompson has morphed into a full-fledged restaurant with serious firepower in the kitchen, thanks to ex-Edge chef Aaron Brooks. Together, they’ve created something that feels familiar yet completely new. This is a steakhouse where the rules don’t apply—fans know it as big, bold, a little campy and absolutely fun. With an outdoor patio shaded by a banyan tree and surrounded by cozy dining rooms, the vibe strikes that sweet spot between glamorous night out and neighborhood hang.
So next time you head out to enjoy prime steaks, over-the-top seafood towers, delectable pastas and pitchers of cocktails, you'll be dining at not only one of the best restaurants in Miami, but one of the country's best. Sunny’s landing on the Times’ list proves what Miami locals already knew: the city’s culinary scene doesn’t just keep up with the best in the country—it defines it.