Food, shopping, wellness, nightlife & luxury experiences in Miami
The best places to eat in Miami — from street food to fine dining
A Miami institution, serving authentic Cuban cuisine since 1971. Expect hearty portions of classics like Ropa Vieja, Lechon Asado, and strong Cuban coffee. It's bustling, vibrant, and a true taste of Little Havana.
Another beloved Cuban spot, often considered a slightly more casual alternative to Versailles, but with equally delicious and authentic fare. Great for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night bite. Don't miss the croquetas!
Known for their unique 'pinchos' (kebabs) and award-winning burgers, this local chain offers a gourmet twist on fast-casual. Their Toston Burger (plantain buns!) is a must-try. Great for a quick, flavorful meal.
Bringing authentic Tijuana-style tacos to Miami, this spot is always packed for a reason. Freshly made tortillas, quality meats, and vibrant salsas make for an unforgettable taco experience. Try the al pastor!
An acclaimed Asian-inspired wood-fired restaurant in Wynwood. Known for its inventive dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent service. The Korean Fried Chicken and Roasted Cauliflower are legendary.
A South Beach favorite offering elevated Southern comfort food. Expect fried chicken to die for, bourbon cocktails, and a lively brunch scene. It's indulgence with a sophisticated touch.
Chef Michael Schwartz's flagship restaurant in the Design District, pioneering farm-to-table dining in Miami. Fresh, seasonal ingredients shine in simple yet refined dishes. A consistently excellent choice.
Step back in time at this iconic Little Havana restaurant and bar, known for its live Cuban jazz, delicious cocktails, and classic Cuban dishes with a modern flair. The atmosphere is electric.
A sophisticated Japanese Izakaya-style restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Miami, known for its exquisite sushi, robata grill dishes, and vibrant ambiance. Perfect for a special occasion.
Experience old-school Italian-American glamour and impeccable service at this celebrity-favorite South Beach hotspot. Indulge in classic dishes like Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and Veal Parmesan in a lavish setting.
A three-story indoor/outdoor restaurant in Brickell offering a unique Southeast Asian dining experience. Known for its delicious Peking Duck, Wagyu Beef Dumplings, and vibrant, upscale atmosphere. Great for groups.
The quintessential Miami sandwich: roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, pressed until crispy and warm. A savory, hearty treat.
Grilled cornmeal patties, crispy on the outside and soft inside, stuffed with various fillings like cheese, shredded beef (carne mechada), chicken, or avocado. A Venezuelan and Colombian staple.
A Nicaraguan platter featuring fried plantains (maduros or tostones), fried cheese (queso frito), fried pork (carne asada), and often a side of gallo pinto (rice and beans). Pure comfort food.
Crispy, fried-dough pastries, often dusted with sugar and cinnamon, served with a rich, thick hot chocolate for dipping. A perfect sweet indulgence.
Flaky or crispy pastry pockets filled with savory ingredients like seasoned beef, chicken, or cheese. Found in various Latin American styles across the city.
Small, fried, breaded rolls, typically filled with béchamel and ham (jamón), chicken, or fish. A staple snack at any Cuban coffee window.
A true Miami delicacy, available from October to May. Sweet, tender crab claws, typically served chilled with mustard sauce. Often pricey, but worth the splurge for a taste of local flavor.
The iconic Florida dessert: a tart, sweet custard pie made from key lime juice, egg yolks, and condensed milk, often in a graham cracker crust.
Miami's largest open-air food market, featuring dozens of local vendors offering diverse cuisines from around the world, gourmet treats, and refreshing drinks. A foodie's paradise with a lively atmosphere.
One of South Florida's largest and most eclectic farmers markets, boasting over 300 booths with fresh produce, prepared foods, artisanal products, crafts, and live music. It's an all-day experience.
A charming Sunday market on the iconic Lincoln Road Mall, offering fresh local produce, baked goods, juices, and specialty items. Great for grabbing a healthy snack while strolling South Beach.
A long-standing organic farmers market focusing on natural foods, holistic products, and unique crafts. A relaxed, community-focused vibe perfect for a Saturday morning stroll.
Located within the historic Biltmore Hotel, this academy offers a range of hands-on cooking classes for all skill levels, from regional cuisines to baking and pastry. A luxurious and educational experience.
A popular school offering demonstration-style classes focusing on various international cuisines and techniques. Chef Jean-Pierre is entertaining and knowledgeable, making learning fun and delicious.
Offers a variety of hands-on cooking classes covering everything from knife skills to specific cuisines (Italian, French, Thai). A great way to learn new recipes and techniques in a fun, interactive environment.
Where to shop in Miami — districts, markets, and bargains
An upscale, open-air shopping and entertainment complex in the heart of Brickell. Features a mix of luxury brands, popular retailers, restaurants, and a movie theater. Its innovative climate ribbon offers natural cooling.
A vibrant neighborhood dedicated to innovative fashion, design, art, architecture, and dining. Home to flagship stores of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior, alongside cutting-edge art galleries.
An iconic pedestrian-only outdoor mall in South Beach, offering a lively mix of international brands, unique boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Perfect for people-watching and soaking in the South Beach vibe.
Beyond food, this sprawling market offers an incredible array of artisanal crafts, handmade jewelry, clothing, unique home goods, and wellness products from local vendors. A treasure trove for unique finds.
Every second Saturday, the Wynwood Walls area comes alive with street vendors, local artists selling their works, and pop-up shops alongside the galleries. Even on regular days, many shops and boutiques are open.
While primarily food-focused, this Sunday market also features vendors selling handmade soaps, small crafts, flowers, and unique gifts, perfect for a casual browse.
Held weekly at the historic Vizcaya Village, this market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and a small selection of local artisan crafts and handmade items in a beautiful setting.
Authentic keepsakes and what to avoid
A bag of strong, rich Cuban coffee beans (e.g., Cafe Bustelo, Cafe La Llave) or a traditional Moka pot. It's the taste of Miami's vibrant coffee culture.
A stylish, lightweight, and breathable collared shirt, often with pleats and embroidery. It's the unofficial uniform of Miami, perfect for warm weather and a nod to Cuban heritage.
From Key Lime pie mix and candies to Key Lime-infused sauces and beauty products, these items capture the essence of Florida's iconic citrus.
Support local artists by purchasing a unique print, painting, or sculpture from one of the many galleries or street vendors in the Wynwood Arts District. It's a piece of Miami's creative soul.
While actual Cuban cigars are illegal to import to the US, Miami has a thriving scene of master cigar rollers, particularly in Little Havana, creating high-quality, hand-rolled cigars using non-Cuban tobacco. A unique craft.
Ethically sourced (ensure they are not live shells or endangered coral) decorative items made from local shells or coral, often crafted into jewelry or small sculptures. A natural piece of the coast.
Style hotspots in Miami
The pinnacle of luxury fashion in Miami. Here you'll find flagship stores for haute couture brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Prada, set amidst stunning architecture and public art installations.
An exquisitely landscaped, open-air luxury shopping center north of Miami Beach. Home to the world's most coveted brands, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, and Versace, in an exclusive setting.
From trendy streetwear to chic swimwear and resort wear, the streets parallel to Ocean Drive offer a vibrant mix of international chain stores, independent boutiques, and souvenir shops catering to the beach-chic aesthetic.
Relax and rejuvenate in Miami
An opulent South American-inspired spa offering unique healing rituals, advanced anti-aging treatments, and a Hammam. It's an immersive, luxurious experience focused on holistic well-being.
A serene and sophisticated urban oasis offering a blend of ancient Asian traditions and modern techniques. Known for its personalized treatments, luxurious facilities, and stunning bay views.
A trendy, adults-only hydrotherapy playground with a holistic approach to wellness. Features a Turkish Hammam, Roman Waterfall Hot Tub, Arctic Plunge, and a range of unique treatments and fitness classes.
For a budget-friendly but quality experience, get treatments (hair, facials, massage) from students under instructor supervision. A great way to enjoy Aveda's natural products and services without the luxury price tag.
After dark in Miami
An award-winning, laid-back cocktail bar with a lush, bohemian backyard setting. Known for its expertly crafted, innovative cocktails made with fresh herbs and homemade syrups. A true Miami gem.
A historic Little Havana bar and lounge with live Cuban jazz and salsa music nightly. Sip on mojitos and listen to authentic rhythms in a vibrant, old-school atmosphere. It's an experience more than just a drink.
Perched 40 floors atop the EAST Miami hotel in Brickell, Sugar offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and Biscayne Bay. Enjoy Asian-inspired cocktails and light bites in a chic, garden-like setting.
A popular Brickell spot known for its lively atmosphere, creative cocktails, and an expansive outdoor patio. Often features live music or DJs, making it a great place to dance and socialize with locals.
Miami's premier performing arts venue, hosting world-class Broadway shows, opera, ballet, concerts, and more. Check their schedule for a sophisticated evening out.
A charming and casual wine bar in Midtown with a New Orleans vibe. Enjoy live jazz and blues music nightly in their cozy indoor space or spacious outdoor courtyard, paired with charcuterie and a vast wine selection.
Splurge-worthy experiences in Miami
Explore Miami's stunning coastline, celebrity homes, and hidden islands from the comfort of your own private yacht. Enjoy snorkeling, sunbathing, or a sunset cruise with catered food and drinks.
Soar above the iconic Art Deco district, pristine beaches, and vibrant downtown skyline for an unforgettable aerial perspective of Miami's beauty. A truly exhilarating experience.
Experience Michelin-starred dining (one of the few in Florida) with exquisite French cuisine in an intimate, counter-style setting. Indulge in impeccably prepared dishes and a world-class wine list.
Be chauffeured through the Miami Design District with a dedicated personal stylist. Enjoy VIP access to luxury boutiques and expert advice to curate your perfect Miami wardrobe.
Indulge in a full day of pampering at one of Miami's most exclusive spas. Enjoy bespoke treatments, lavish amenities, and access to their pristine beachfront and pools.
Best cafes and coffee spots in Miami
A Miami pioneer in specialty coffee, known for its in-house roasted beans, meticulous brewing methods, and industrial-chic ambiance. Multiple locations offer a consistent, quality coffee experience.
More than just a coffee shop, All Day offers exceptional coffee alongside a delicious, elevated breakfast and lunch menu. It's a favorite for its bright, minimalist aesthetic and friendly service.
A popular healthy cafe chain with a bright, airy vibe, offering organic coffee, fresh juices, açai bowls, and light, nutritious meals. Perfect for a post-workout refuel or a healthy brunch.
A celebrated Wynwood bakery and cafe known for its artisanal sourdough bread, delectable pastries, and hearty breakfast/lunch options. Expect a line, but it's well worth the wait.
Gourmet donut shop offering unique, chef-driven flavors (like maple bacon, guava + cheese) and delicious craft coffee. A must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
A charming authentic French bakery serving up exquisite croissants, macarons, tarts, and quiches, alongside excellent coffee. It's a little slice of Paris in Miami.