Discover Luxury With The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Miami
For over a century, Miami has been a respected destination for fine dining and having some of the finest restaurants in the world. As luxury residences and development have continued to progress in the region, Miami luxury restaurants have emerged across all genres of cuisine, attracting some of the world’s top chefs, and creating a restaurant scene in Miami that is on par with any city in the world.
Miami luxury restaurants distinguish themselves by the variety of cuisine available, as well as the inventive and newest flavors being developed. While Miami has long been known for its Asian and Latin-inspired cuisine, the city has expanded its pallet, so to speak, and diner can now find world-class five-star options ranging from barbecue, to seafood, to vegan fare. But perhaps what gives Miami luxury restaurants their most distinguishable flair, is the attitude, the decor, and the energy that only happens in Miami.
Now known as a premier destination for dining and tourism, Miami has expanded its restaurant offerings to cater to both full-time residents and visitors alike. Mainstays like Morton’s Steakhouse or Trulluck’s Seafood are always on hand, but it is the lesser known secrets and hard-to-find kitchens tucked in some of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods that are delivering up some of the most exquisite food in the county
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fine Dining Restaurant in Miami
Cuisine Variety
The variety of cuisine available in Miami has always been a major feature of the culinary scene, and that is even more evident today with the diverse influences of Miami’s hottest restaurants. Check out Versailles Restaurant for a traditional Cuban coffee, known as “the most famous Cuban restaurant in the world.” Check out Griot 305 in North Miami if you are in the mood for some authentic Haitian Griot with Pikliz, a spicy pork dish marinated in citrus and paired with a homemade slaw. The shores of South Florida and Miami have some of the best fish in the world, so it is no surprise they have some of the best seafood.
Ceviche a la Mar on Brickell Key Dr. is known for its outstanding Peruvian-style ceviche created by Chef Gaston Acurio. From Cuban sandwiches, to cups of coffee, to exotic dishes from around the world, Miami has established a concentration of culinary experts from around the world who will continue to evolve the restaurant and dining scene in the city.
Ambiance
Luxury living in Miami has always been about style, in addition to high quality. As experienced diners know, a restaurant experience is about so much more than the food, and the luxury dining options in Miami capitalize on the South Florida ambiance and art-inspired design of modern Miami. For example, Pastis in Wynwood exemplifies the Miami cool experience of pastel colors and vibrant outdoor gardens. Coco by Bakan in Coconut Grove is inspired by the sights and sounds of Mexico, with traditional wood grain on most surfaces, and a landscaped outdoor dining area that transports you to a tropical oasis, south of the border.
Check out some cityscape views at Klaw restaurant in Edgewater, serving up the most exclusive Norwegian King Crab Legs in one of the hottest and most-exclusive reservations in town.
Service Quality
Of course no dining experience is complete without the white glove service and attention to detail sophisticated diners come to expect. Many of the service staff at Miami’s finest restaurants have been trained at some of the world’s finest restaurant schools, and almost all have a published standard of service and understanding between staff and guests. The Greenstreet Cafe in Coconut Grove is known for its neighborhood feel and an “everybody knows your name” kind of attitude, serving up great eats with consistent friendly faces.
Azul at the Mandarin Oriental has received some of the highest marks for service from Forbes magazine and other fine-dining reviewers. Red the Steakhouse serves up traditional Southern Hospitality with servers standing on the ready to provide olive oil for bread, top off your drinks, or cater to any request.
Reputation and Reviews
Don’t just take our word for it. Miami’s top restaurants get some of the most stellar reviews on popular rating sites like Yelp, Open Table, and Trip Advisor. Many restaurants are close to a 5.0 elite rating, and with the volume of diners and reviews in a major metropolitan area like Miami, there is plenty of sample size to get to the full story on any establishment. Additionally, Miami has attracted some of the most sophisticated diners, and thus the most sophisticated reviewers. It is not uncommon to see a restaurant review discussing the finer elements of a restaurant’s flavor palette, ambiance, or chef reputation.
Food bloggers, social media influencers, and other professionals whose world revolves around food and wine flock to Miami and commonly share content, reviews, and recommendations on Miami’s hottest places to dine.
Location and Accessibility
Many of Miami’s best and most-renowned restaurants are located right on the strip of Collins Avenue, and in the centers of neighborhoods like Wynwood, Brickell, and Coconut Grove. Miami luxury restaurants often offer valet parking or are conveniently located next to parking structures or lots built to accommodate the traffic of a popular dining establishment. Luxury development in Miami has accommodated for accessibility and conveniently located dining and nightlife for its residents and visitors. With the considerable retiree and senior population in Miami, Florida and Federal law require accessibility to facilities for Americans with disabilities.
Many luxury dining establishments in Miami go above and beyond these regulations to ensure the safety and convenience of all guests. Amara at Paraiso offers waterfront dining with an accessible ramp and boardwalk area open to all. The Brickell City Centre is full of dining options, connected to an accessible parking garage, as well as direct connection to the Metromover. Havana Harry’s is a Michelin-recommended eatery featuring ground-level access and accessible parking
Price Range
Miami is truly a dining destination for all, as quality food of all kinds can be found at all price ranges. However; what makes Miami unique is its plethora of high-end, five-star dining options. If you’re looking for quick, easy, and delicious, check out Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop for one of the City’s best Cuban sandwiches for $12. Espanolita Steakhouse and the Salty Flame, some of the newest and trendiest restaurants in the City, offer the finest cuisine, ranging from $65 – $200+ a plate, depending on the availability and order of fresh seafood or imported tuna.
In addition, many of Miami’s finest luxury restaurants offer a full selection of high end liquor, champagne, and vintage wines found in only the best restaurants in the world
The Top Fine Dining Restaurants in Miami
Inari Sushi Fusion Downtown
Cuisine:
Inari Sushi Fusion Downtown offers up a truly unique and inspiring fare of Peruvian fusion and traditional Japanese sushi rolling. Their unique and flavorful combinations make for unique sushi rolls you’ve never tasted before.
Highlights:
Inari puts an intense focus on the freshness of its ingredients, taking daily orders of seafood and vegetables from locally-sourced and organic suppliers. Their chefs follow a coordinated approach to ensure consistency across the restaurant’s three locations, with the Downtown spot as the flagship restaurant with the most original and adventurous menu. The ambiance inside the restaurant is inspired by both Japanese and authentic Peruvian decor; the vibrant atmosphere attracts youthful professionals, students, and sophisticated diners alike. Just a few blocks south of One Thousand Museum, luxury living in Miami offers the city’s hottest restaurants steps from your door.
Il Gabbiano
Cuisine:
Il Gabbiano offers the best Italian fine dining in the city. Il Gabbiano offers traditional Italian fare like pasta, antipasti, and authentic dishes from Italian chefs spanning the country.
Highlights:
Located at One Miami Waterfront, the stunning water views and cityscapes viewable from your dining table create an ambiance of opulence and exclusivity. The interior decor is inspired by old-world Italy, with especially designed decor, artwork, and a curated collection of table finishing. Just steps from the Aston Martin Residences and several other luxury residences in this bustling section of Downtown Miami. Open Table reviews describe Il Gabbiano as some of the most authentic Italian fare in the city, with some diners comparing it to food in Italy, specific to the region.
Primo’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge
Cuisine:
Primo has been bringing the neighborhood old-world Italian recipes for over 20 years, from brick-oven pizza, pastas, appetizers, and Italian favorites.
Highlights:
For a more relaxed Italian dining experience, Primo’s Italian Restaurant and Lounge will remind you of back home. With so many transplants from the Northeast, it is not surprising that Miami and South Florida is full of great Italian cuisine. However, Primo’s Italian Restaurant and Lounge sets itself apart for its overall luxury restaurant experience. Located in the beautiful Doubletree Hilton Grand Hotel in Downtown Miami, the restaurant is just steps from Aria on the Bay and many other luxury residences developed in this fast-growing section of Miami. Primo’s Italian Restaurant and Lounge is open daily for dine in and takeout and reservations can be made directly by visitors at the hotel or by local fine dining enthusiasts living in the neighborhood.
Rima Mediterranean Restaurant
Cuisine:
Sail to the other side of the Mediterranean and check out Rima Mediterranean Restaurant, serving up light Mediterranean fare: hummus, imported olives and cheeses, and custom charcuterie boards to your liking. They also offer full entrees from around the region. Rima also features Persian cuisine in a unique and tasteful fusion of these flavors.
Highlights:
Rima offers beautiful streetfront dining on its beautifully curated and landscaped porch deck. Complete with large white columns and an old-world Mediterranean feel, Rima has become a hot spot for one who wants to see and be seen. The open floor plan and dining space is great for gathering with groups of friends or hosting events as well. Directly on the opposite side of the block from Missoni Baia, you’ll have the best of old-world cuisine right in your modern luxury downtown residence.
Ferraro’s Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar
Cuisine:
Ferraro’s elegantly blends the food and wine experience into an authentically Northern Italian dining experience. From Wild Boar Pasta, to a wide selection of seafood and coastal Italian fare, Ferraro’s has something for everybody
Highlights:
Ferraro’s Kitchen has become one of the hottest spots for authentic Italian food in the city, inspired by Igor Ferraro, a native of Venice, Italy. The dinner experience at Ferarro’s is truly world class and features a knowledgeable and trained staff effective and helping you pair the perfect wine with the perfect dish. The carefully curated and cozy environment welcomes conversation and gathering; track overhead lighting and authentic Italian music give the restaurant a modern and distinctly-Miami feel. Conveniently located on 79th street, directly across the harbor and over the causeway from Pagani residences, a short ride across the canal to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine will feel like a real night out in Venice!
Tips for Making Reservations at Miami Luxury Restaurants
Book in Advance
Almost all of the restaurants described above are in high demand. The proliferation of ratings websites mentioned, such as Yelp and OpenTable, have let the secret out, so to speak. It is important to secure a reservation or go at an opportune time to some of Miami’s top restaurants in order to secure a table. Check out sites like Resy and visit restaurant websites to comply with their booking and reservation policy. Many reservations are only taken online these days, so it’s important to follow the restaurant’s protocol and not make a surprise visit if you are expecting to secure a table. And of course, it always helps to know somebody, so sometimes word of mouth, or a recommendation from a fellow diner or resident of your luxury property could go a long way in securing a more timely reservation.
Be Specific with Requests
At Miami’s finest dining establishments, it is important to let the service staff know the intention of your experience before coming in. These fine luxury dining establishments are equipped to cater to your specific experience, from birthdays, to romantic dates, to group gatherings. However, in these fine dining establishments, advance notice should always be given, as service staff cannot be gathered and many special accommodations made after your arrival. It is also important to understand the menu, the pricing (especially with seafood), and the proper way to dress, order, and conduct yourself in these high-end establishments. It is imperative to show up on time, or even a few minutes early for a cocktail. The chefs and service staff expect a level of sophistication from their diners to deliver the best possible experience, so do your homework before to maximize your visit.
Confirm Your Reservation
For Miami’s most exclusive spots, it’s important to confirm your reservation a day or two in advance to make sure it is still secure and a table will be waiting for you. In these fast-paced establishments, things can sometimes be lost in the shuffle, and it is also important to give the restaurateur confidence you will be showing up on time. Many reservation apps feature reminders and confirmations, but it is always good to check with the establishment itself. This is also an opportune time to confirm the dress code, let the establishment know of any food allergies or special preparations, and to figure out the parking and destination plans.
Consider Off-Peak Times
If you have the time, off-peak hours is a great time to enjoy some of Miami’s hottest and busiest locales. Often time restaurants provide a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere, and some even offer special menus and discounted rates during off-peak hours. So, if you are truly looking to focus on your dining experience and those you are dining with, off-peak hours like weekday afternoons or late-afternoon, early-evening reservations can be a good plan to secure a table early and then attend your favorite event or nightclub after.
Conclusion: Enjoy Luxurious Living in Miami with The Luxury Team
Many of The Luxury Team’s premier listings highlight nearby luxury restaurant experiences and establishments that will become an important part of your luxury living experience. The team here encourages you to explore these establishments and experience the full luxury living ambiance Miami luxury property offers. The diverse selection of high-end and budget-friendly options from all over the world gives Miami a unique and diverse restaurant landscape unlike any other in the world. Known as a city of leisure that attracts millions of visitors a year, owning luxury property in Miami means you’ll be just steps from these world-renowned chefs and establishments that people travel thousands of miles to try. The Luxury Team specializes in the neighborhoods and dining options in all of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods; they will help you find a luxury property close to places that entice your palate and complete your luxury living experience in Miami.
