The best new restaurants in Miami you need to try right now

What is it? Daniel’s is an upscale steakhouse that fits right in with its well-heeled Coral Gables crowd—though it’s easy to imagine this celebratory spot being a hit in any major city.

Why we love it: Everything I’ve ordered has been exceptional, from the smooth and creamy caramelized onion dip topped with Umai Kaluga caviar to the Florida Oysters Rockefeller made with crisp and lightly sweet Skipper Sweets, watercress and malabar spinach. Each cut of steak has been carefully selected, and you can read up on their origins on the very thorough placard placed on your table—my favorite is the Australian Margaret River Wagyu NY Strip done medium-rare. Fresh catch, like a bright Florida Keys red snapper dish, and sides like corn pudding and twice-baked potato, make for excellent accompaniments to what will inevitably be a decadent meal.

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the housemade sauces—I’m partial to the Exotic Peppercorn and Bearnaise, though you should definitely enjoy your steak on its own, too.

Address: 1500 San Ignacio Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146

Hours of operation: Mon 5:30–9pm; Tue, Wed noon–9:15pm; Wed 12:30–9:15pm; Thu noon–9:30pm; Fri noon–10pm; Sat 5–10:30pm; Sun 11:30am–8:30pm

Expect to pay: Daniel's is tastefully expensive. A meal for two—with all the bells and whistles—will run you about $400. 

What is it? José Andrés' new coastal Mediterranean restaurant, located inside the recently opened Andaz Miami Beach.

Why we love it: The earthy and modern aesthetic—achieved with oak and teak furnishings and complemented by woven accents and lush tropical greenery that grounds it all in Florida. Then there's the transportive coastal Mediterranean menu. A few highlights include the whole snapper served two ways—crudo with preserved lemon dressing and fried with tarar sauce and zhoug. Mussels Saganaki and a dramatic chilled seafood platter also deliver. Wash it all down with a Wild Thyme Daisy, made with tequila and mezcal and a dash of za’atar for a Mexico-meets-Middle-East moment.

Time Out tip: Don’t be afraid to brave a balmy night outside. The terrace is breezy, the bathrooms are close and outdoor tables get a view of the pool’s oculus windows, flooding the restaurant with even more natural light. 

Address: Andaz, 4041 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Operating hours: Mon–Fri 7–11am, 6–10pm; Sat, Sun 7–11am, 6–11pm

Expect to pay: Dinner for two will run you about $150, depending on cocktails—one Wild Thyme Daisy is never enough.

What is it? Ecuadorian chef Alejandra Espinoza's Michelin-recommended, 24-seat restaurant in North Miami.

Why we love it: Cotoa embodies everything Miami’s culinary scene needs more of right now: an ambitious chef preparing food that tastes like home, an intimate dining room with easygoing style, dishes whose size and quality actually match their prices, and hospitality that’s warm and unrushed.

Cotoa’s all-day menu is similarly light and fun, brief but full of complex flavors and fresh takes on familiar-to-Miami ingredients. Put in an order of the Pan de Yuca right away—pillowy cheese bread rolls with the perfect amount of bite, served with mamey chutney and inspired by the start of every meal in Ecuador. Round things out with a ceviche and a main. We ordered the Mahi Mahi Manicero, served in an aromatic coconut-ginger base, paired with El Pincho, a smoky chimichurri hanger steak, accompanied by crunchy papa chaucha (gold potatoes) and Jerusalem artichoke chips. Everything was well-seasoned, beautifully plated and large enough to share.  

Time Out tip: For an out-of-the-ordinary date, consider going during lunch and ordering the Cacao Lime Tea, “Pepa Dorada.” It’s the same menu you’ll find at dinner, with plenty of items that won’t leave you feeling overly full. The refreshing iced tea made with cacao husks will put just the right amount of pep in your step.

Address: 12475 NE 6th Ct, North Miami, FL 33161

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 12:30–3:30pm, 5:30–9:30pm

Expect to pay: A generous lunch for two (ceviche, starter, steak entreé) will set you back $100—a steal for the quality and experience.

What is it? A hip, neighborhood Chinese spot that’s stylish enough for a night out with friends or a date night. If you pass the New Schnitzel House sign, you’ve gone too far (the restaurant’s inside!)

Why we love it: Dark, moody, decked in crimson and black, it’s the kind of place where I could picture Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis swapping bodies. But what really drew me here was the team: Double Luck is the work of Tam Tam’s Tam Pham and Harrison Ramhofer Over Under’s Brian Griffiths, plus chef Adrian Ochoa and pastry chef Calie Pumo—who hand-delivered the most perfect chocolate cake for dessert. Before that, the Hennessey orange chicken, cloud ear mushrooms and bacon and egg fried rice stole the show.

Time Out tip: There’s ample free parking in the back with an exit to 80th Street if you need to make a westbound exit.

Address: 1085 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Wed, Thu, Sun 5:30–10pm; Sat, Sun 5:30–10:30pm

Expect to pay: This isn’t takeout delivery pricing. Duck buns are $65 for an order, bacon and egg fried rie is $25 and char siu ribs are $18. You can easily rack up a bill of $75 per person but you’ll have plenty of leftovers to bring home.

What is it? Midorie 79th St is the evolution of Wabi Sabi in Shorecrest—remaining under the same ownership, keeping the essentials (noodles, chirashi bowls, and assorted maki) and adding an entirely fresh temaki menu.

Why we love it: Midorie takes what was great about Wabi Sabi and expands to feature more of what the people want. With handroll bars popping up around the city, a temaki menu was sort of a no-brainer. The best part: you’re not beholden to handrolls here. Sidle up to the sushi bar and enjoy temaki, omakase and the other Japanese favorites on tap. 

Time Out tip: Can’t make it in? Midorie 79th St launched beautiful bento boxes available to-go or for delivery. There’s even a party-size option for your next event.

Address: 851 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Tue–Sat noon–3pm, 6–9:30pm

Expect to pay: A meal will run you anywhere from $50 to $150 per person, depending on whether you splurge on the omakase ($100pp), nibble on a few temaki or sample assorted nigiri. 

What is it? Hidden upstairs from sleek temaki spot Nami Nori, Matsuyoi offers an omakase that leans more Japanese tasting menu than straight sushi counter, underscored by serious technique and unexpected flavor pairings.

Why we love it: A surprising cocktail list makes a fabulous first impression, followed by a personalized menu held inside a shiny chartreuse envelope sealed with red wax to seal the deal. The two-hour journey goes from punchy starters to a beautifully composed salad and an interactive Wagyu shabu shabu course. A temaki course followed, while a picture-worthy, house-made Hokkaido milk ice cream tropical sundae wrapped things up and sent us home full and satiated.

Address: 156 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Wed–Sat with seatings at 6:30pm and 9:30pm

Expect to pay: The omakase experience is $245 per person.

What is it? Brickell's new “It girl” is a Riviera-inspired French restaurant that manages to feel a world away from the stuffy suits that surround it, while also embodying the best parts of Miami’s biggest dining trends.

Why we love it: Stunning mid-century-meets-deco dining room, check. Approachable Mediterranean menu, check. But here, it’s elevated by meticulous French technique, the highest quality ingredients and artful plating. Cabaret-style performers roaming the dining room, check. 

You’ll find these basic elements at clubstaurants all over Miami, but Claudie seems to have captured that je ne se quoi that makes her better than all the rest. It’s perhaps Brickell’s hottest ticket right now, so book a reservation in advance or be prepared to wait.

Time Out tip: If you can manage to snag a seat at the bar, the people-watching is fabulous.

Address: 1101 Brickell Ave S-113, Miami, FL 33131

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 6pm–1am; Fri, Sat 6pm–2am

Expect to pay: A pretty penny! Portions lean French while prices skew Brickell. Dinner for two could easily run you $300.

What is it? A sophisticated Mexican restaurant on Calle Ocho that’s not too big for its britches despite its culinary pedigree: chef Pancho Ibáñez is the former chef de cuisine of Pujol in Mexico City—ranked among World's 50 Best Restaurants.

Why we love it: Bistro 8’s elevated Mexican menu feels right at home inside the well-appointed, modern restaurant. True to its philosophy, the food is simple but not plain or easy, deceivingly so as many of the sauces take hours—if not days—to make. Seafood features prominently, and not the fried Baja tacos you’re used to. Here, king crab salad is spread atop housemade brioche toast and finished off with capers and salmon roe. At the same time, mussels arrive in a white wine and brown butter broth with toasted garlic chips. The wagyu tenderloin satisfied the craving for tacos, arriving with roasted tomatillo salsa, guacamole and soft corn tortillas for a DIY carne asado experience. 

Time Out tip: Class is in session every third Wednesday of the month, when Bistro 8’s bar turns into a mezcal school. Each session one is $55–$75 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and reservations can be made four weeks ahead on Resy.

Address: 2069 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5:30–10pm

Expect to pay: Not Taco Bell prices! Though $50 a head can cover a nice a meal and a cocktail per person.

What is it? A laid-back pizza joint and Italian market in Little River from the sibling duo behind Macchialina and partner Jen Chaefsky. It’s relaxed yet still special enough for a date night or a casual dinner with friends.

Why we love it: Bar Bucce fills a gap in Miami’s pizza scene: It’s approachable and low-key, but still delivers serious food and top-notch wines. It's perfect for a chill lunch, family-friendly dinner or a lively evening with friends and flowing cocktails. The food menu hits all the right notes with oversized pies, charcuterie, and standout small plates, while the curated wine list (and even sake!) complements the whole experience.

Time Out tip: Skip the $5 focaccia and use your leftover crust to scoop up the eggplant caponata appetizer. You’ll thank me later.

Address: 7220 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33150

Opening hours: Thu–Mon 11am–11pm

Expect to pay: Two couples or a family with a very hungry kid can get away with a pie, a bottle of wine and an appetizer for about $150.

What is it? This buzzy, waterfront Italian restaurant in Little River from the group behind Coconut Grove’s Cotoletta is earning attention for its no-menu concept. 

Why we love it:  San Lorenzo offers a much-needed reprieve for the decision-fatigued, like me. The only question you’ll be asked is: meat or fish? From there, you’ll relinquish control to executive Giulio Rossi and his trusted staff, who take over serving a beautiful prix-fixe meal of antipasti, pasta and main course. All you have to do is pick a wine and say yes to dessert, especially the tiramisu. Reservations are made strictly by phone (786-828-7136), which only adds to San Lorenzo’s old-school charm. 

Time Out tip: The 44-seat space is a stunner, with Venetian lighting, a commanding raffia bar, and warm terracotta tones. But if the weather’s nice, sit riverside—there’s nothing quite like it in Miami right now.

Address: 620 NE 78th St, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 6–11pm

Expect to pay: Dinner is priced at $140 per couple, including appetizers, pasta course and main. Drinks and dessert are priced separately.

What is it? A vibey Argentinian import with a big personality, serving a taut menu of Latin-ized Asian dishes. Expect familiar fare like fried rice and dumplings, with a twist.

Why we love it: Niño Gordo is transportive. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but step in and you’re enveloped in a moody crimson world filled with Asian motifs, bamboo curtains, mirrored walls, decorative fish tanks (featuring artificial sea creatures), and an admittedly adorable niño gordo wallpaper pattern. A soundtrack of ’80s and ’90s hits keeps the energy high. Dining solo or on a date? The counter seats facing the open kitchen offer a front-row show.

Time Out tip: The must-order Wagyu sando is about $57… for a (very worthy) sandwich, and it’s rich.  Ask your server to cut it into quarters to share as an appetizer. And don’t be fooled by the cigarette vending machine—it’s actually the entrance to a tiny but cool speakeasy and sushi bar.

Address: 112 NW 28th St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 6pm–midnight

Expect to pay: About $150 per person for a couple of cocktails and two to three shareable plates, including the aforementioned sando. 

What is it? Notable chef Raheem Sealey (of KYU and Drinking Pig fame) makes a triumphant return to Wynwood with Shiso, a chic Asian smokehouse fusing Japanese and Caribbean flavors, elevated by wood-fired barbecue techniques.

Why we love it: Shiso knows how to make a statement. The sprawling indoor-outdoor space, complete with two bars and Wynwood-style graffiti walls, draws culinary inspiration from around the globe. Chef Sealey balances sushi rolls and crudos with serious barbecue skills, turning out bold, beautifully plated dishes. Standouts include the Shiso Chicken Please (a Cornish hen served half-smoked, half-fried with white BBQ sauce), miso cornbread with uni and ikura, smoked brisket croquettes with sweet potato, and Chilean seabass in coconut curry. Don’t miss the sake-glazed creamed corn with parmesan and shichimi—it’s a flavor bomb that disappears fast.

Time Out tip: Choose your vibe: Outside offers DJ beats and draft cocktails, while the indoor space leans into old-school hip-hop and more complex craft drinks.

Address: 239 NW 28th St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 5pm–midnight; Sat, Sun 5pm–2am

Expect to pay: While mostly on the higher end, the shareable menu appeals to a wide range of price points. Expect cold dishes for $20 to $30, hot dishes for $18 to $42 and large-format mains upwards of $70.