After dining out at numerous restaurants in 2022, consuming all types of food from pizza to burgers to special occasion meals. I have come out with my Miami favorites, the best of the best list. Some suggestions are new, and some are tried and true. I even included a list that I still have on my radar but haven’t been to yet.
Happy Dining, Shanea
My tried and tested in no particular order are as follows:
- Stubborn Seed: Chef Jeremy Ford just earned his first Michelin star at his seasonal American eatery.
- Boia De: Casual Michelin star American cooking and Italian inspired restaurant.
- Mamey: Inspired by Chef Niven Patels travels through Asia, Polynesia and the Caribbean.
- Ghee Indian Kitchen: chef Niven Patel again, cooking amazing contemporary Indian fare.
- Lion and the Rambler: Seasonal menu of modern American cuisine by chef Michael Bolen, sourced from the best farmers and purveyors in the country.
- Motek: A family favorite, serving Israeli/Mediterranean breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Klaw: May be your most expensive meal in Miami but may also be one of your best if you order the Norwegian king crab claws
- Cote: Michelin star Korean steakhouse.
- The Surf Club: Chef Thomas Keller’s Michelin star classic American eatery.
- Uchi: Award winning Japanese restaurant.
- Zitz Sum: Michelin star, casual Chinese restaurant with Korean, Japanese, and other Asian influences. Great dim sum.
- Avra: One of my favorite New York seafood/Greek restaurants opened at the Estates of Acqualina.
- Leku: Basque fine dining at the Rubell Museum.

- LPM: Upscale French-Mediterranean food.
- Cipriani: Chic scene, serving Italian food and Bellinis.
- Toscana Divino: Authentic Tuscan dishes by chef Andrea Marchesin.
- El Bagel: It is takeout only, but they have Miami’s best hand rolled bagels and toppings.
- Fiola: Upscale Michelin starred Italian eatery.
- Kyu: An Oldie but a goodie, wood fired Asian grill (closed temporarily for renovations).
- La Wagyeria: a unique invitation only steak concept, open once or twice a week. Try it!
- Contessa: Yet another restaurant opens by the Major Food Group (Carbone, Sadelles, ZZ’S), old world American/Italian.
- Jaguar Sun: eclectic cocktails, pastas and small plates in a cosy atmosphere.
- L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon: Miami’s only 2 star Michelin that I have been coming to since opening night, with their modern French menu, amazing breads and fabulous tasting menu. You can also order a la carte.
- Silverlake Bistro: When I want a great burger, or American comfort food, this is the place, by my friends, Chef Ben and front of the house, wife Sandy.
- Fresca Francesa: intimate French Bistro, serving the classics, also by chef Ben and Sandy.
- Tur: Mediterranean, contemporary Kitchen.
- La Natural: serving the best sourdough pizza and a vegetarian menu, with a Bib Gourmand rating to boot
- Sexy Fish: It’s loud, its bold, its expensive and it is mostly delicious Japanese food
- Mr. Omakase: my go to place for reasonable, great quality Omakase.
- Sushi By Scratch: more expensive Omakase, the jury is still out on it.
- Osaka: Nikkei cuisine, merging Peruvian and Japanese foods.
- Niu Kitchen: Catalan small tapas plates.
- Drinking Pig BBQ: Saturdays and Sundays have a great picnic dinner at the chef’s house, or order takeout.
- Red Rooster: Southern comfort soul food by chef Marcus Samuelsson.
- Carbone: American-Italian upscale neighborhood gem
- Perl: My go to neighborhood restaurant by Chef IP, serving Mediterranean cuisine with Japanese and Latin influences
- Ferraro’s Kitchen: Venetian Italian dishes by chef Igor
- Via Emilia 9: Food from the Emilia Romagna region, with wonderful homemade pastas by chef Wendy
- Wabi Sabi: offers the freshest sushi donburi bowls, plus sushi and sashimi, but I do miss Chef Shuji Hiyakawa.
- Burger and Shakes: Try their grilled chicken breast topped with swiss cheese, applewood bacon, avocado, fresh tomato and baby arugula. I order sweet potato fries on the side.
- Café La Trova: a Cuban spot by chef Michelle Bernstein that is fun for the whole family.
On My Radar, and trying soon!
- Marigold’s Brasserie: By chef Brad Kilgore
- Gibson Room
- Krus Kitchen

- Offsite
- Miami Slice
- QP Tapas
- Over Under
- Sour Seed Bagel
- Vinya Table
- El Secreto
- Lil Greenhouse
- Brasserie Laurel: by chef Michael Beltran.
- Jont: a 2 star Michelin restaurant coming to Ft. Lauderdale.
- Walrus Rodeo: from the people who earned a Michelin star at Boia De, they will feature Italian Inspired cuisine and wood fire pizza.
12/15/2022