11 of Miami’s Best New Restaurants

Miami’s restaurant scene keeps expanding. While celebrated spots like Ariete and The Surf Club Restaurant continue to impress, newer entries are constantly vying for attention—all of which is great news for your taste buds.

From a waterfront tiki bar to a chef-centric food hall and from elevated American comfort food to Asian barbecue, Miami’s best new restaurants are as diverse as they are numerous. Here are what local experts from outlets like Time Out, Eater, and The Hungry Post say are the best of the bunch.

Aoko

This Edgewater spot serves high-end sushi without the exorbitant prices of some of its Miami counterparts. Local chef and restaurateur Daniel Vahn has compiled some of the city’s best up-and-coming talent to create a menu filled with options that, while innovative, never lose sight of centering the fresh, flavorful fish. With a storefront so unassuming that you may have a hard time spotting it, Aoko is worth seeking out.

B100M

Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Head over to the B100M (“the Bloom”), a sleek Downtown food hall located on the ground floor of 100 Biscayne Boulevard. Enjoy vibrant Ecuadorian flavors at Cotoa, delectable Japanese at MIA Market, or elevated comfort food at Classic. Sidle up to the counter to order, or opt for table service.

Blue Collar

Fans of Danny Serfer’s longtime Miami favorite will find all they used to love and more at Blue Collar’s new, larger location across Biscayne Boulevard. Along with staples like conch fritters with spicy tartar sauce, a braised brisket sandwich, and Valrhona chocolate cake, Blue Collar’s expanded menu now includes Swedish meatballs and an egg roll trio, as well as cocktails. There’s also seating for 140 guests, meaning you’ll have an easier time snagging a table.

Elastika

Drawing on his experience at New York City’s double-Michelin-starred Gabriel Kreuther restaurant, executive chef Joe Anthony is bringing impeccably executed modern American cuisine to the Magic City. Miso-marinated grilled bavette steak with spiced date, house-made macaroni with spring fricassee, silky gazpacho poured tableside—guests can enjoy all of this and more in a stunning dining room housed on the first floor of the Moore building.

Gramps Getaway

Mellow vibes permeate this waterfront bar, located in the old Whiskey Joe’s space in Key Biscayne. As a DJ plays, relax at a thatched tiki bar while watching the ships dock, tropical cocktail in hand. When you get hungry, dine on fresh seafood from the Lazy Oyster popup that’s here, or order from the main menu. Considering it’s curated by Over Under chef James McNeal, you’ll be glad you did.

Itamae AO

The latest brainchild of chef Nando Chang is a celebration of the ocean. Located next to sister establishment Maty’s, Itamae AO finds Chang blending his Peruvian and Japanese influences to create an unforgettable omakase experience. Snag one of only 10 seats in the cozy, wood-accented dining room, then watch as he and his staff prepare the incredibly flavored seafood dishes in an open kitchen.

KYU

The original KYU was a local favorite leading up to its closing in 2022, reportedly due to storm damage. Now relaunched, the new iteration hasn’t missed a beat. Back are Asian barbecue favorites like beef short ribs and tuna crispy rice. Looking to accommodate health-conscious diners, chef Chris Arellanes has also added vegetable-forward dishes and a selection of mocktails. Leather booths and stone floors combine to produce an ambiance that recalls the original KYU, albeit with an added layer of elegance.

Mangrove

Music and community merge with delectable Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine at this Downtown space, which was launched by the people behind Jrk! From Cesca caned chairs to the vinyl records that adorn a yellow-tiled DJ booth, vintage details abound, making for an eclectic atmosphere. As for the food, chef Wayne Sharpe infuses Caribbean dishes like jerk mac n’ cheese and rasta pasta with Miami influences.

Recoveco

In only a short time, this South Miami restaurant has garnered accolades—the Hungry Post, for one, has already called it the “the best restaurant in South Miami.” Recoveco finds former Alter sous chef Maria Teresa Gallina and Nicolas Martinez crafting a simple menu that changes based on the freshest ingredients available, some of them from the chef’s backyard. Wine expert Shannon Gable enhances the dining experience with an amazing selection of wines. 

Sereia

Henrique Sá Passoa, one of Portugal’s most renowned chefs, has already received two Michelin stars. With Sereia, he looks poised to add another. Located next to Ariete in the space previously occupied by Navé, Sereia exudes luxury and refinement while still being welcoming. The menu, which consists of modern seafood, is similarly elegant and sophisticated while still being accessible.

ViceVersa

Carey Hynes and Justin Fit, who have made Jaguar Sun into one of Miami’s best bars, have teamed with award-winning bartender Valentino Longo to launch this modern aperitivo bar. Longo’s menu consists of 14 Miami-influenced cocktails, while Hynes and Fit fill up hungry stomachs with pasta, pizza, and fresh seafood, the latter from a raw bar.