Best Restaurants in South Florida: Miami and Fort Lauderdale
The options for good food places in South Florida are endless. There are so many restaurants where you can find delicious food, mesmerizing ambiance, and outstanding service. It can be overwhelming to pick through the endless options since new places are popping up all the time. So I have created a short guide of the best restaurants in south Florida for your culinary adventure.
Here are some of the best Restaurants in South Florida
Amara at Paraiso
3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137
If you are looking for an upscale chic spot with a Latin flair and bay views where you can dine while enjoying the breeze, this is the place for you. We went for dinner, but I’ve also heard great things about their brunch menu.
We ordered the short-rib empanada, the grilled red snapper, the grilled skirt steak, and the tajin-spiced fries. The food was great, but my favorite part was making a last-minute decision to order the Tres Leches Cake, which was PHENOMENAL (and I don’t generally like Tres Leches, so that’s saying a lot).
Pro Tip: Be sure to also check out their upstairs deck for happy hour.
920 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136
The ambiance of this place makes it one of my top recommendations on this list. We went for brunch on a Sunday and sat in their beautiful outdoor patio. They have great service, great music, elegant interior decor, and great food. I appreciated the Black art displayed on the walls; they created a vibe that encapsulates the historically rich neighborhood.
We ordered the oysters, deviled eggs, cornbread, Chicken and Waffle, the baked french toast, and the mama Epps' Biscuits & Gravy.
Pro Tip: If you go on a Sunday, you might catch a gospel band playing.
SWAN
90 NE 39th St, Miami, FL 33137
The famous restaurant of Pharrell Williams and David Grutman is one of the hottest spots in the design district. The chic pastel palette indoor decor paired with the garden-style outdoor makes this place a Pinterest dream.
Pro Tip: Be sure to stop by the Fendi Cafe a few blocks down.
ASTRA
2121 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
This is one my my favorite rooftops in the city. It’s a cute place to catch the sunset and get together with some friends. They have a selection of Mediterranean cuisine with lots of greek flavors. Unfortunately, I stopped by on a rainy day, so I didn’t have the whole rooftop experience. However, I appreciated the service, selection of music, and good cocktails.
Pro Tip: It is one of the more expensive restaurants on this list, so if you’re not trying to spend too much, I suggest grabbing a drink or two here.
555 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
If you are looking for a cute date night spot with views of the water in Fort Lauderdale, this is the place for you. There are boats parked right outside, so you can take a quick walk on the dock or sit and have a good conversation after dinner.
We ordered the paella, the tomato and mozzarella, and the honey-soy glazed tuna.
Pro Tip: There outside bar serves free drinks for lady’s night on Thursday.
Bakan
2801 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33127
If you’re looking for good Mexican food in the Wynwood neighborhood, stop by Bakan. Getting a table during busy hours can be rough, so call in advance.
We ordered the Usda Choice Skirt Steak, Pollo Con Saksa De Tomatillo-Chipolte ( Chicken Quesadilla), and Enmoladas de Pollo. All were divine!
Pro Tip: Be sure to stop by the Wynwood Walls while you’re in the neighborhood.
2430 NE 13th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
This is a cute eclectic, and rustic spot near Fort Lauderdale in Wilton Manors. They also have a second location in Aventura. It’s a tiny spot with outdoor seating. If you get lucky, you may enjoy your food with some live performances from local artists performing at the restaurant next door.
We always order then tater tot hashbrowns waffles and the waffle of the day.
Pro Tip: Check out the antique stores and wall art in the compound.
NIKKI BEACH
One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy good food and lounge around in fabulous cabanas - Nikki Beach is an excellent option for you. Although it’s known for its nightclub and private parties, you can also spend a day at their outdoor beach club soaking up the sun and sipping on one of their creative cocktails. If you plan on visiting, keep in mind that South Beach is a major hotspot for tourists, so it’s busy most of the time.
Pro Tip: Be sure to walk out to the beach to see a few of the famous colorful lifeguard towers.
1 W Las Olas Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Located on the seventh floor of the One West Las Olas building, this spot feels like a botanical garden with great city views. It is an excellent spot for a happy hour.
We ordered the skewers, empanadas, and some cocktails.
Pro tip: Be sure to stop by the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art right across the street.
Terrazas at Hyde
1861 NW S River Dr, Miami, FL 33125
You most definitely have to catch a sunset in Miami, and what better way to do so than sipping on a tropical drink on a cute rooftop! Okay, well, the beach is a great contender, too, but you get my point! There are so many exceptional contenders in this arena, and it is hard to narrow down, but my favorite place during my last few visits has been Terrazas. It’s a great place to grab some drinks and watch the sunset over the city.
We ordered the sliders, empanadas, and the chip&dip along with some cocktails.
Pro Tip: If you are in the mood for a Japanese fusion restaurant, I would recommend trying Salvaje at the hyde.
DISCLAIMER: BALL AND CHAIN IS CURRENTLY TEMPORARY CLOSED. CHECK THEIR WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST UPDATES.
1513 S.W. 8th Street, Little Havana, FL 33135
As an iconic establishment that has been around since the 1930s, this is a highly frequented venue in Little Havana. It offers a great selection of Cuban-style foods and a lounge experience with live music.
Some of our favorite items on the menu are the elotes, sliders, and quesadillas.
Pro Tip: The weekends are the best times to go for live music.
I hope you find this helpful and get to stop by these restaurants soon. If you’re a local or have visited before, what are some of the best restaurants in South Florida in your opinion?
Thank you for reading.