You want to go out to eat in Miami, but you’re not sure which neighborhood has the vibe your looking for? Are you visiting with the whole family, from two years old to eighty-two years old? Maybe you’re having a girl’s weekend getaway and you want somewhere happening to let loose. Traveling for business and need an impressive, sophisticated environment? Perhaps you want to dine in the hippest hood and try to spot a celeb. Let us break down some of Miami’s most popular areas for dining.
DINING IN MIAMI
Before getting into the specifics of each neighborhood’s personality and the kind of restaurants you will find there, you should know that all of Miami’s neighborhoods are full of dining options. No matter where and why you choose to stay in Miami, you’ll find everything from comfortable cafes for grabbing a panini or a salad to high-end restaurants where you can indulge in fine cuisine prepared by excellent chefs. It’s all about juxtaposition in eclectic Miami where you’re likely to see a distinguished sushi spot right next to a beachside fish shack.
Miami is an international city. Don’t be surprised when you see neighborhoods that cover all the world’s cuisine in just a matter of blocks. While there are neighborhoods specializing in typical cultural cuisine in places like Little Haiti and Little Havana, each of Miami’s areas hold surprising blends. You’ll find fresh seafood next to restaurants serving classic comfort food, and light bites and bar food alongside white tablecloth restaurants.
To pick the perfect area for a satisfying night out, consider what each popular spot is known for. In Bal Harbour, you’ll find luxury oceanfront dining that mirrors the high-end shopping in the area. Coral Gables is family-friendly with comfortable restaurants and cafes. Laid-back seaside Coconut Grove’seateries are mostly open-air cafes. Miami Beach has mastered the high-low mix of beachy daytime spots with ultra-chic restaurants come nightfall. Downtown Miami mixes work with play in a blend of places perfect for midday meetings and after-work cocktails.
MIAMI BEACH DINING
If you’re on Miami Beach, you’re likely throwing on a swimsuit and sunscreen, and heading to the beach to pack in as many hours in the warm Atlantic waters as you possibly can. Sitting and splashing in the sun all day, you can work up an appetite. You don’t have to venture far off the sand to grab some grub. There are restaurants on Ocean Dr. and Collins Ave. parallel to the beach catering to the hungry beachgoer.
Take a nap, freshen up, and head out for an exceptional dinner experience on world-famous Miami Beach. The culinary-world’s most celebrated chefs have restaurants at The Fontainebleau, Soho Beach House, Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, The Standard Hotel and Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa.
DOWNTOWN MIAMI
Downtown Miami has recently gone through a renaissance. While the area has always been a major financial hub, earning Miami the nickname “Capital of Latin Americas,” it’s recently become a hugely popular area for eating out, too. Downtown attracts diners looking to seal a business deal or forge new connections over a sophisticated meal. Expect some of Miami’s most high-end eateries serving haute cuisine that spans sushi, steak and more, as well as small trendy spots amongst the skyscrapers.
CORAL GABLES
Coral Gables has long been a popular area for visitors looking for a luxurious and laidback vacation of golf and boutique shopping while enjoying the history and architecture of Coral Gables, the City Beautiful. Locals love Coral Gables for a filling Italian dinner or an open-air café with friends. This area is full of families, young professionals, and college students from the University of Miami.
COCONUT GROVE
Coconut Grove has a laidback, bohemian vibe that’s obvious in the funky shops and nearby marina full of sailboats. Explore the dining in this area for a taste of seaside charm. Coconut Grove is filled with sidewalk cafes surrounded by lush, green paradise.
Other dining options include Panorama Restaurant and Sky Lounge, a rooftop restaurant. There are also restaurants in CocoWalk, the area’s mall, and chill seaside dining where you can try Caribbean delicacies, like conch fritters and fruity tropical drinks.
DESIGN DISTRICT, WYNWOOD AND BISCAYNE BOULEVARD
Cooking is an art. Let them prove it to you in Miami’s hippest artsy neighborhoods. The Design District,Wynwood, and a burgeoning scene along Biscayne Boulevard prove just how seamlessly food and design can come together.
The Design District is a chic shopper’s playground. The eateries of the Design District are a delicious respite from browsing the luxurious boutiques.
Miami’s art scene has made a name for itself in Wynwood, an area that continues to grow and develop as more artists and gallerists move there to work and live. A hipster coffee shop, restaurants amid street art and concept restaurants make this a distinct neighborhood to dine in.
Biscayne Boulevard spans almost 200 blocks. A pocket from the NE 40th St. to NE 70th has developed into a culinary hotspot for indie chefs working on unique concepts in food. Give Blue Collar Restauranta try. Chef and owner Daniel Serfer is serving up delicious familiar food with an emphasis on meaty favorites like ribs. He takes his vegetables seriously, too.