Back by popular demand, my personal favourite list of Miami restaurants for 2018/2019 in no particular order, as well as new openings I want to try.
1) Stubborn Seed, a seasonal American eatery by Chef Jeremy Ford, South of Fifth.
2) Ghee Indian Kitchen, contemporary Indian cuisine in the Design District.
3) Obra Kitchen Table, Latin America’s worlds 50 best restaurant, opens a Venezuelan cuisine spot in a laid back, casual environment in Brickell.
4) KYU, still enjoying this modern Asian style eater in Wynwood.
5) Cvltvra, Latin and Mediterranean flavors in the Me Hotel in downtown Miami.
6) Fiola, it is worth the drive to Coral Gables to taste upscale Italian cooking by Chef Fabio. His other restaurants are in Washington, and he has a James Beard award and Michelin star bragging rights.
7) The Surf Club Restaurant, by renowned Chef Thomas Keller, who has the most Michelin stars of any American chef. It is located in the Four Season’s Surf Club and is a glamorous, old style restaurant.
8) Le Sirenuse, also at the Four Seasons Surfside, is an upscale Italian eatery from Positano.
9) Kaido, Chef Brad Kilgore ‘s Tokyo inspired cocktail lounge and bar in the Design District.
10) Malibu Farms, a farm to table, organic and locally sourced transplant from California, in the Eden Roc hotel, by the beach.
11) Alter, Brad Kilgore’s gastronomic, progressive, and modern cuisine in Wynwood.
12) Niu Kitchen, Spanish Catalan tapas in downtown Miami.
13) Uplands, a California style cuisine, a New York outpost, south of Fifth.
14) Milos, upscale fish and seafood, Greek/Mediterranean style.
15) Bazaar Mar, by Jose Andres. All things creative seafood, in Brickell.
16) La Petite Maison, high-end French Brassiere in Brickell.
17) Sushi Erika, continuing in the tradition of the Japanese market and deli her father created.
18) Beaker and Gray, yes it’s noisy and they rush you, but the globally inspired tapas are delicious.
19) Hiden, omakase, impossible to get in.
20) Casa Tua Cucina, an upscale Italian food hall at the Brickell City Center. Try the Cacio e Pepe, and the Carbonara.
21) El Cielo, Latin American fare, incorporating molecular gastronomy and elegant service, in Brickell.
22) Burgers and Shakes, great burgers, sweet potato fries and rock and roll, in North Miami Beach.
23) Paon Eatery, a tiny gem serving eclectic Latin American tapas menu in Bay Harbour.
24) Cindy Lou’s Cookies, it may not be a restaurant, but they make the best cookies with smiles. In the Little River area.
25) True Loaf Bakery, the best breads and great baked goods in Sunset Harbour area.
26) Casa Gioia, excellent baked goods, in Coral Gables, and she delivers!
27) Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami institution, South of Fifth
Coming soon or yet to try:
1) Erba, an Italian eatery by Ghee Indian Kitchen’s Niven Patel
2) Pink Pie, a Wynwood pie shop
3) Pez, Baja Mediterranean seafood concept, with some Mexican/Japanese influences
4) Mandrake, Asian restaurant and cocktail bar, by NOBU Alums, in Wynwood
5) Doma, a casual Southern Italian restaurant, with an emphasis on seafood
6) Central Fare, another food hall in the Brightline Station
7) Bazi, a modern Asian concept by theMacchialina guys
8) Mara Basque Cuisine, in Coral Gables
9) Brasa Masa, arepas, a fast and casual concept
10) Sullivan Street Bakery, is now wholesale but will be opening a retail counter soon
11) Maska, an upscale Indian restaurant
12) La Placita Miami, a Puerto Rican concept by chef Mendin
13) Bachour, my favourite Baker Antonio Bachour and his partner, Javier Ramirez, debuts their new bakery, pastry shop and restaurant in Coral Gables
14) The Citadel, a Little River Food Hall, with my favourite Stanzione 87, Antonio Bachour and others
15) Cafe La Trova, from Michelle Bernstein and her husband David Martinez, Cuban cuisine and cocktails, in Little Havana
16) Ember, by Brad Kilgore, with woodfired dishes, below his restaurant Kaido in the Design District
17) iL Lov 305, a steakhouse with nightlife by Pitbull (Mr.305) and company, Latin/American food, in South Beach
18) The Lincoln Eatery, A food hall with 16 with grab and go places
19) Osaka, a Nikkei restaurant (Japanese/Peruvian), a South American chain with their first outpost in Miami
20) Time Out Market, a good hall in South Beach with some of my favourite chefs, Jeremy Ford and Norman Van Aiken
21) Kosushi, A new sushi spot straight from Brazil, where it has received a Michelin Star. Located in South Pointe Deuve in Miami