The Top 10 Best Restaurants in South Beach
South Beach in Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and of course, amazing restaurants. From upscale steakhouses to trendy brunch spots, South Beach has some of the best dining in Miami. Here are the top 10 best restaurants in South Beach that you must try on your next visit.
Discover the top 10 best restaurants in South Beach Miami. This guide covers the most delicious steakhouses, trendy brunch cafes, Latin street food joints, and other iconic dining spots in South Beach.
1. Joe’s Stone Crab
When it comes to seafood in Miami, no restaurant is more iconic than Joe’s Stone Crab. This legendary restaurant first opened in 1913 and is still serving up the freshest and meatiest stone crab claws in town. Joe’s has a delicious old-school vibe with white tablecloths and tuxedo waiters. Be sure to order the hash brown potatoes and creamed spinach as sides. Expect to wait in line for a table, but it’s worth it for a true Miami experience.
2. Prime 112
For a high-end steakhouse experience, head to Prime 112. Located on busy Ocean Drive, this restaurant serves creative takes on steakhouse classics like dry-aged bone-in ribeyes and Japanese Wagyu filet mignon. Beyond steak, you’ll find fresh seafood like whole Maine lobster and seared ahi tuna on the menu. The vibe is sleek and stylish, attracting A-list celebrities. Make reservations and dress to impress at one of South Beach’s best steakhouses.
3. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
For farm-fresh Southern comfort food, Yardbird is a must-try. Their specialty is chicken prepared in diverse ways like fried chicken with spicy waffle waffles and yardbird chicken pot pie. Beyond chicken, the menu features shrimp and grits, biscuits, hushpuppies, and other Southern fare with a gourmet twist. Brunch and lunch are especially buzzing thanks to dishes like chicken biscuit sandwiches, fried green tomatoes, and bottomless drink specials.
4. La Cerveceria de Barrio
For a more casual but delicious dining experience, head to La Cerveceria de Barrio. This restaurant specializes in Latin American street food and beers on draft. Sip a michelada while enjoying tapas like empanadas, ceviche, and tostones rellenos. Main dishes like the pambazo de chorizo and spicy shrimp burrito are filling and full of flavor. With an outdoor patio and lively atmosphere, La Cerveceria is a fun place to eat, drink, and hang out.
5. Front Porch Cafe
Grab a table on the sidewalk patio at Front Porch Cafe for outstanding people watching in South Beach. This cozy eatery serves New American cuisine in a laidback setting. Brunch is a highlight with options like homemade granola pancakes and croque madame sandwiches. The lunch and dinner menus feature tasty sandwiches, salads, burgers, and flatbreads. Don’t miss their famous peanut butter pie for dessert!
6. Big Pink
Open 24/7, Big Pink is a great spot for a big hearty meal any time of day or night. This cozy, retro-style diner is known for their famous “Big Pink Breakfast” with three eggs, bacon, American fries and a Coca-Cola cake. Menu favorites include juicy burgers like the bacon cheeseburger and blue cheeseburger, fluffy pancakes, and deli classics like overstuffed sandwiches and matzo ball soup. The long operating hours make Big Pink a convenient late-night or early morning eat.
7. Pizza Rustica
For cheesy, gooey pizza and Italian specialties, check out Pizza Rustica. They serve up piping hot Neapolitan-style pizzas with creative toppings like fig and prosciutto and short rib and truffle mushroom. The large, thin-crust pies are baked in an authentic wood-burning oven imported from Naples. Beyond pizza, they offer an extensive menu of antipasti, salads, pasta, and mains like seafood risotto and veal parmigiana.
8. Tap Tap Haitian Restaurant
For a taste of Haitian cuisine, don’t miss Tap Tap in South Beach. Their traditional dishes explode with the bold and vibrant flavors of Haiti. Menu highlights include griot (fried pork shoulder), tassot cabrit (braised goat), and rich stews featuring meats like conch and oxtail served over rice. The tropical vibe, Haitian art, and live music add to the cultural dining experience.
9. Nikki Beach
Soak up the Miami sunshine while dining at the iconic Nikki Beach. This lively restaurant combines an upscale food menu with entertainment like live DJs and dancers. Reserve a beachfront cabana or dine at the main restaurant indoor and outdoor seating areas. Great dishes to share include tuna tartare cones, Wagyu sliders, and mezze boards. With a fashionable crowd and party vibe, Nikki Beach provides an only-in-Miami dining experience.
10. World Famous House of Mac
For comfort food with a global twist, check out the World Famous House of Mac. As the name hints, mac and cheese is the star here with gourmet, creative versions like truffle mac, jerk chicken mac, and lobster mac. Beyond cheesy pasta, they serve up sliders, flatbreads, salads, and wings in diverse flavors. With a lively, casual setting and fun beach-inspired decor, this is a delicious spot for mac and good times.
Bottom Line
There you have it — the 10 best restaurants to try on South Beach! From steakhouses to Southern cuisine to Haitian flavors, this area truly has some of Miami’s top dining destinations. No trip to South Beach is complete without enjoying a memorable meal at one of these spots. So come hungry and prepare your tastebuds for an outstanding culinary experience.
