The 10 Best Restaurants in South Beach, Miami
The first activity that springs to mind when visiting South Beach in Miami is spending time on the beach. However, it is also a fantastic place for dining out. Miami has an amazing food scene, and South Beach is home to some of the city’s top restaurants. You will find everything from eateries serving fresh local seafood to fine dining establishments run by award-winning chefs. In South Beach, there are places to dine to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are the 10 best restaurants in South Beach, Miami.
10. Gianni’s at The Villa
An interesting place to dine in South Beach is at Gianni’s at The Villa, which is set in the former home of renowned fashion designer Gianni Versace. There are two indoor dining spaces within the restaurant, including the Medusa Room, which was Versace’s formal dining room, and the Moroccan Room, which is decorated in a Moroccan theme. There is also the option to dine outdoors on the patio, which faces a mosaic pool where Versace once hosted celebrity-studded parties. The menu consists of Italian and Mediterranean dishes. You will find Gianni’s at The Villa on Ocean Drive.
9. Sweet Liberty
Sweet Liberty was opened in 2016 by bartender John Lermayer, Dan Binkiewicz from Blackbird Ordinary, and restaurateur David Martinez. It is a swanky beach bar with a menu created by James Beard-winning chef Michelle Bernstein. The bar has won multiple awards, and it is known for its creative cocktails. One of the reasons the bar and restaurant has become so popular is because of the friendly and lively atmosphere, so it is a fun place for a meal and a night out.
8. Stiltsville Fish Bar
Stiltsville Fish Bar is run by Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, both of whom have appeared on Top Chef. McInnis has also been a James Beard nominee. They source their fish and seafood from fishermen in Miami and Key Largo, and the menu changes daily to reflect the catch of the day and the seasonal availability of other ingredients. Instead of a standard menu, diners are presented with cards that name the fish or seafood, say how it is cooked, and give a few descriptive words about the dish. Although it is predominantly a seafood restaurant, Stiltsville Fish Bar also has some meat dishes, including a crispy fried chicken.
7. Azabu Miami Beach
Pure Wow recommends Azabu Miami Beach as one of the best restaurants in South Beach. It is a Michelin-starred restaurant that is inspired by the New York City restaurant style. The restaurant is divided into three sections as there is a cocktail bar, an elegant main dining room, and a sushi den with just 11 seats. There is a seafood-centric menu at this establishment, although there are also meat and vegetarian options. Many of the dishes take inspiration from Japanese cuisine.
6. Red South Beach
Most of the dishes at Red South Beach are steaks, other meats, and seafood cooked on the grill to the customer’s liking. Executive chef Peter Vauthy handpicks the proteins that go on the menu. There are rich and decadent accompaniments to go with the proteins, such as Parmesan tater tots, four-cheese can and cheese, and truffle whipped potatoes. The restaurant has moved to a new location on South Pointe Drive, and the venue has a large patio for those who want to dine al fresco. Red South Beach is known for its generous portions and its excellent customer service.
5. Planta South Beach
For vegetarians and vegans, one of the top venues to visit is Planta. The food is so delicious and creative that even meat and seafood lovers enjoy dining out in this restaurant. Typical dishes on the menu include vegetarian versions of burgers and pizzas. There are also delicious fresh-pressed juice cocktails to accompany your meal. Diners can even enjoy sushi that includes watermelon as a replacement for tuna and salmon. After your meal, try one of the soft-serve ice creams.
4. Stubborn Seed
Time Out lists Stubborn Seed as one of the best places to dine in South Beach. It is run by Jeremy Ford, who won Top Chef. There is a seasonally changing menu that reflects the availability of fresh local produce. Diners can choose to order a la carte or to enjoy the tasting menu. Most of the dishes are regionally inspired. Stubborn Seed is also open for Sunday brunch.
3. Joe’s Stone Crab
One of the oldest and most famous restaurants in South Beach is Joe’s Stone Crab, which was founded in 1913. As the name of the restaurant suggests, the highlight of the menu is the stone crabs, and the crab claws are served with the restaurant’s signature mustard sauce. However, stone crabs are not the only option, as there is a wide selection of seafood on the menu, and there are also steaks and other cuts of meat. You will find Joe’s Stone Crab on Washington Avenue.
2. Carbone
Carbone is one of the trendiest restaurants in South Beach. Its popularity means that booking is essential, as sometimes tables are booked for up to a month in advance. The restaurant is owned by Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick, and Rich Torrist. The trio created a restaurant with the Old World charm of the Italian restaurants in New York. There is a menu full of Italian classics that are presented beautifully.
1. The Bazaar by Jose Andres
According to Miami New Times, the best restaurant in South Beach, Miami, is The Bazaar by Jose Andres. Chef de cuisine Karla Hoyos leads the restaurant, and she has created a menu that consists of tapas-like dishes. The fusion food is influenced by Spain, the Americas, the Caribbean, and Asia, and there is a good balance between sophistication and playfulness. Diners have the option of eating in the restaurant or outside on the patio.
