Around 40% of American adults consider themselves foodies; even if you don’t, you’re sure to appreciate good food.
When traveling, you often can’t cook your own food. So you’re relying on others to not only fill your belly, but also to show you a glimpse of the local cuisine.
If you’re coming to South Beach soon, then you’ll want to eat your fill at some restaurants in between activities.
Read on for the best South Beach restaurants!
Source: mylesrestaurantgroup.com/prime-italian
1. Casa Isola Osteria
Casa Isola is created by 5-time James Beard Foundation Award-nominated chef Jose Mendin. This restaurant only opened in February 2021, but it’s a local hit serving up scratch-made Italian food.
The dishes are simple yet flavorful, and you’ll enjoy tavern-style dining. Don’t forget to stop by for happy hour, when you’ll get half off all cocktails, beers, and wines!
2. Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen
If you’d like something more exotic, then Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen offers sophisticated Mediterranean dishes. It was created by 2 fathers (abba): Chefs OMer Horev and Samuel Gornstein.
This family-run restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and everything’s made fresh daily.
If you’re in town on a Sunday, then give their Sunday brunch a try.
3. Stiltsville Fish Bar
You can’t visit South Beach and not indulge in some seafood! You’ll find Stiltsville Fish Bar in the heart of Sunset Harbour, where you can browse trendy shops and get amazing water views. You should definitely make this one of the things to do on your trip!
Here, you can enjoy locally sourced seafood and delicious Caribbean-style drinks.
This restaurant also has weekday happy hours and brunch on Sundays.
4. Prime Italian
For a nice evening out, try Prime Italian. It’s great for surf and turf lovers, as this restaurant serves up Italian seafood and grilled meat.
This contemporary establishment has big portions but still offers an upscale experience. Prime Italian is part of the Myles Restaurant Group, which is a group of excellent restaurants owned by restaurateur Myles Chefetz.
5. Joe’s Stone Crab
There’s no more iconic and historic seafood restaurant than Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami. It opened back in 1913 and has been a staple of South Beach ever since. The restaurant is known for its fresh stone crab claws, which are in season from October through May. But that’s not all – Joe’s Stone Crab was voted the best seafood restaurant in Miami by Zagat, underscoring its position as a true institution.
6. Lucali
Lucali on Bay Road offers a more casual and rustic feel. This eatery is owned by pizzaiolo Mark Iacono, and you’ll enjoy pizzas made in brick ovens, as well as fresh salads.
Like the other South Beach restaurants on this list, Lucali uses locally sourced ingredients. Everything is made fresh daily from recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
7. Taquiza
Are you craving tacos? Then head over to Taquiza, which is a traditional Mexican taqueria. It’s been around since 2014 and has been serving authentic tacos and street fare ever since.
This taqueria has a signature blue masa that’s stone-ground daily. They use USDA organic and non-GMO corn, and hand-press their masa into homemade tortillas and totopos.
8. Juvia
Juvia atop the Herzog & de Meuron building at 1111 Lincoln Road is a luxury rooftop restaurant that sets the standard. Named after the native Brazilian nut tree that nourishes Brazil, Juvia offers stunning city views and exquisite cuisine.
Juvia’s cuisine is a fusion of French, Japanese and Peruvian cooking styles that began decades ago and has been carefully cultivated over the years.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner or a night on the town, Juvia will exceed your expectations.
9. CVI.CHE 105
Experience the award-winning magic of CVI.CHE 105 – a great Peruvian restaurant on Lincoln Road in South Beach! Enjoy the wide selection of vibrant, exclusive ceviches and other traditional dishes that will tempt your taste buds! CVI.CHE 105 brings Peruvian gastronomy to one of the most important places in the United States, delighting even the most demanding palates from near and far!
10. Byblos Miami
Byblos tantalizes the taste buds with an exquisite fusion of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, combining traditional and local ingredients with classic cooking techniques and complementing them with modern methods. The chef has created a range of delicious dishes, all enhanced with the special spices and flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean coast.
Experience glamour, privacy and comfort at The Lounge at Byblos Miami – where your dinner gets an extra dose of magic! Experience unique entertainment, tantalizing cocktails and bottle service while grooving to the sounds of the talented DJ’s in this majestic 2300 square foot lounge! A true masterpiece of flavor, texture, drinks, music and complexity awaits your discovery!
11. Santorini by Georgios
Santorini by Georgios is an authentic poolside Greek restaurant and beach club at the Hilton Bentley in exclusive South of Fifth, serving Greek cuisine, fresh seafood, grilled meats and handcrafted cocktails. Here you can dine privately, sit inside, outside or poolside, just steps from the beach. Georgios works with local fishermen and imports only the best authentic Greek products to satisfy the discerning palate of guests.
12. Macchialina
Macchialina Taverna burst onto the scene with a bang in 2012, making waves with critics, locals and tourists alike. Located at 820 Alton Road on South Beach’s West Side, the eatery features James Beard Semi-Finalist Michael Pirolo’s stirring Italian cuisine, which has made it a popular spot.
Macchialina has been at the forefront of the Miami restaurant scene since its inception. It’s taken the city by storm, earning a 3.5-star “excellent” rating from the Miami Herald and being named “Best Restaurant 2013” in the Miami New Times’ “Best Of” issue – it’s clear that Pirolo and his team consider the restaurant to be of culinary excellence.
13. Stubborn Seed
Stubborn Seed, the Michelin-starred restaurant, captivates with a combination of relentless passion and unapologetic approach. Each succulent bite is a delight that builds to an extraordinary climax that tantalizes the palate! With this philosophy, honest ingredients are transformed into delicious delicacies by pushing the limits of rigorous and persistent execution.
As the winner of the 13th season of Bravo’s Top Chef and a semifinalist for the 2022 James Beard Award, Chef Jeremy Ford is at the top of his game. With an incredible accomplishment, Stubborn Seed was awarded a Michelin star in Florida’s coveted first guide for 2022!
14. Havana Vieja
Step into the vibrant and dazzling atmosphere of Havana Vieja, diagonally across the street from The Wolfsonian-Florida International University! Indulge in Caribbean and Cuban cuisine to lift your spirits. There’s no better place to take a break than Havana Vieja, serving great Cuban dishes. You won’t want to miss the delicious seafood paella, vaca frita, ropa vieja and grilled octopus! Accompanied by the irresistible tostones, flans and tres leches pies. The delicious mango mojito, the strong red sangria or the exquisite wine complete your perfect Cuban experience.
15. Matilda’s Taco Bar
Matilda’s Taco Bar is an exciting Mexican concept like South Beach has never seen before. Here you can enjoy the full taco experience and be among the first to experience real Mexican cuisine!
Gather your family and friends and immerse yourself in the creative ambiance of Matilda’s Taco Bar, the ultimate place for Mexican delicacies and drinks! Enjoy the outdoor patio or take advantage of online ordering from home or a nearby hotel! Matilda’s Taco Bar was inspired by Matilda, the owner’s daughter, and makes your experience unique.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, be sure to try the pitchers of refreshing sangrias and mimosas, the giant micheladas, and the perfectly mixed frozen margaritas!
Try These South Beach Restaurants
There are lots of restaurants in South Beach, some with beautiful water views, so narrow down your choices with this list. From seafood and Mediterranean food, to pizza to tacos, there’s something for everyone. Use this South Beach restaurant guide to satisfy your taste buds!
If you need somewhere to stay in South Beach, then book a stay with the Bentley Hotel now. We’ve got 2 convenient locations on Ocean Drive and Miami Beach.
