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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.