Known for its light blue skies with a soft green tint and year-round shine, Miami draws visitors well beyond the buzz of Art Basel. The city’s multicultural rhythm sets the tone for a dining scene as diverse as its neighborhoods—ranging from housemade pastas and intimate omakase counters to weekend asados and abundant mezze spreads. Here, Miami’s best restaurants embrace sensibility in unexpected ways: lush, sunlit rooms that channel a European summer (cobblestones not required), sleek spaces with a refined Miami Vice edge, and art-filled interiors that feel like extensions of the week’s exhibitions.
For Art Week—and any visit that follows—Whitewaller has curated a selection of some of Miami’s best restaurants, worth adding to your itinerary, whether you’re seeking the next culinary discovery or returning to Miami for a brief escape.
Le Specialità
Miami Design District
Courtesy of Le Specialità. Photo by Jason Varney.
This Milanese outpost brings authentic Italian dining stateside, where every evening feels like a lively gathering among friends. Drawing from Milan’s radical design movement of the 1960s and 1970s and Miami’s colorful, celebratory culture, the space radiates warmth—green lavastone, red leather, and terrazzo floors gleam under soft light. A black-and-white mosaic pizza oven anchors the room, and leather booths invite lingering. Housemade pastas, fresh seafood, and select meats pair with a 260-label wine list, balancing Italian familiarity with fine-dining precision in an intimate, art-filled, effortlessly glamorous atmosphere.
Sip from one of Miami’s best restaurants and its curated 260-label wine list. Explore the electric art collection curated by Andre Sahkai, featuring works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, KAWS, Takashi Murakami, and more. Immerse in the radical retro-chic interiors, with bold contrasts of color and texture.
Cuisine: Italian.
Chef: In-House.
Atmosphere: Eclectic art, trattoria charm, warm and inviting.
What we love: Sample their classic pizza, known for being light and crisp.
Book your reservation HERE.
Amazónico
Brickell
Photo by James Mcdonald, Courtesy of Amazónico, Miami.
Step inside one of Miami’s best restaurants and find lush greenery, sultry rhythms, and moody lighting that blend the indoors with the tropics outside. As you ascend, mirrored ceilings and a sushi counter elevate the experience, while the rooftop pulses with city views and rainforest glamour.
Cuisine: Latin American.
Chef: Sandro Silva and Marta Seco.
Atmosphere: Tropical, lively, festive, open kitchen.
What we love: Weekend asado.
Book your reservation HERE.
Delilah Miami
Brickell
Courtesy of Delilah Miami.
Glamour of Old Hollywood collides with Miami Vice energy in a space layered with blush tones, teal velvet, and gold accents. Burl wood, ceiling soffits, and lush greenery shape a sultry lounge vibe—where nightly Art Week performances culminate in a slow-burning Sunday jazz evening.
Cuisine: Elevated American infused with Miami’s Latin flavors.
Chef: Mitchell Hessee.
Atmosphere: Glamorous, stylish.
What we love: Seafood tower and steak.
Book your reservation HERE.
CARBONE VINO
Coconut Grove
Courtesy of CARBONE VINO.
CARBONE VINO honors the rich tradition of the New York-style Italian restaurant, offering an exceptional wine experience paired alongside CARBONE’s signature dishes with a collection of extraordinary new additions. Its distinctive beverage program features rare wines by the glass, usually reserved for the bottle.
Cuisine: Italian.
Chef: Mario Carbone.
Atmosphere: Moody, romantic, evocative of a bygone era.
What we love: Zuppa di Mussels with lamb sausage.
Book your reservation HERE.
LPM Restaurant & Bar, Miami
Brickell
Courtesy of LPM Miami.
LPM Miami offers a Riviera-inspired journey through fresh seafood, meats, and handmade pastas. The wine list highlights boutique vineyards over big labels. Soft pastels, marble, and bold 20th-century art evoke French elegance, with nods to the Belle Époque throughout the space.
Cuisine: French, Mediterranean, Italian.
Chef: Ravi Avaduta.
Atmosphere: Riviera charm, curated art, bold yet inviting.
What we love: Baked Sea Bream with Provençal Herbs and Lemon.
Book your reservation HERE.
Shiso
Wynwood
Courtesy of Shiso.
Shiso, which debuted this spring, reimagines wood-fired cooking through Japanese technique and Caribbean flavor. The space balances industrial edge—graffiti-tagged concrete, exposed beams, a polished quartz bar—with warm lighting, art, and an open kitchen. A rooftop lounge and chef’s counter create an inviting, social energy.
Cuisine: Asian Smokehouse.
Chef: Raheem Sealey.
Atmosphere: Industrial and moody, blending upscale-casual comfort with local artistic flair.
What we love: Oxtail Udon Noodles.
Book your reservation HERE.
Mother Wolf
Miami Design District
Photo by Michael Mundy, courtesy of Mother Wolf.
Evan Funke’s Mother Wolf evokes the grandeur of Rome through soulful cuisine and cinematic atmosphere. Warm lighting, rich textures, and sculptural details create a setting that feels both opulent and intimate, where timeless Italian tradition meets the vibrant, contemporary rhythm of Miami dining.
Cuisine: Italian.
Chef: Evan Funke.
Atmosphere: Warm, cinematic, energetic, inviting.
What we love: Spaghetti alle Vongole.
Book your reservation HERE.
Wyn Wyn
Wynwood
Courtesy of Wyn Wyn.
Inside the art-forward Arlo Wynwood, Wyn Wyn mirrors the neighborhood’s creative spirit. Global flavors meet a bold palette of sage, blue, and pink—a modern nod to Miami Vice. The vibrant interior and inventive menu come together in a seamless, sensory-driven dining experience.
Cuisine: Contemporary American with Latin and Asian Flavors.
Chef: Amado Redriguez.
Atmosphere: Artistic, warm, welcoming, modern, vibrant.
What we love: Bluehouse salmon.
Book your reservation HERE.
Uchi
Wynwood
Courtesy of Uchi.
Natural textures—wood, rope, concrete, and woven textiles—anchor a space that balances Japanese minimalism with Wynwood’s creative pulse. Whether seated at the sushi counter, patio, or in a private room, guests find a setting that’s equal parts refined, relaxed, and deeply considered.
Cuisine: Japanese.
Chef: Tyson Cole.
Atmosphere: Refined, warm, comfortable, elevated.
What we love: Seasonal omakase.
Book your reservation HERE.
Uchiko
Miami Beach
Courtesy of Uchiko Miami.
A sculptural fireplace and dark wood tones reflect the elemental approach of the kitchen, where smoke and char shape the menu. Brutalist accents and intimate lighting create a moody, grounded space that mirrors the fire-driven finesse behind every dish.
Cuisine: Japanese.
Chef: Tyson Cole.
Atmosphere: Sleek, modern.
What we love: Somakase.
Book your reservation HERE.
Laurel
South Beach
Courtesy of Laurel.
Tucked just off South Beach, this Eastern Mediterranean escape offers sun-drenched interiors, soft wood tones, and breezy patio seating. Greenery spills throughout the space, inviting long lunches and mezze-filled dinners that channel the Adriatic without leaving Miami.
Cuisine: Eastern Mediterranean.
Chef: Camila Olarte.
Atmosphere: Casual, lively, light, airy, elegant, inviting.
What we love: A selection of skewers.
Book your reservation HERE.
Da Angelino Cucina Italiana
Coconut Grove
Courtesy of Da Angelino Cucina Italiana.
Think crisp linens, terracotta accents, and sage-hued elegance—this is modern Italian without the clichés. A garden-style patio and subtle charm pair beautifully with housemade pasta, fresh seafood, and a thoughtful wine list that travels beyond Italy’s borders.
Cuisine: Modern Italian.
Chef: Fabrizio Carro and Roberto Loi.
Atmosphere: Modern, warm, elegant, contemporary.
What we love: Rigatoni al Ragu di Agnello.
Book your reservation HERE.
Harbour Club
Sunset Harbour
Courtesy of the Harbour Club. Photo by World Red Eye.
London’s iconic private club arrives in Miami’s Sunset Harbour with a’Riva, a stylish public restaurant, and exclusive member spaces including the Palm Room speakeasy and Nikai, an intimate Japanese dining concept. Expect elevated Japanese seasonal tasting menus, curated cocktails, and a refined yet relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Cuisine: Japanese.
Chef: Michele Esposito.
Atmosphere: Glamour, sultry, tropical hideaway.
What we love: Wagyu and truffle crispy rice.
Book your reservation HERE.
a’Riva
Sunset Harbour
Courtesy of the Harbour Club.
a’Riva channels the Italian Riviera with seasonal fare inspired by the chef’s Neapolitan roots and Mediterranean traditions. Family recipes shine through regional ingredients. Al fresco seating, lush greenery, and a sleek bar complete the transportive experience, where coastal charm meets effortless glamour.
Cuisine: Italian Mediterranean.
Chef: Michele Esposito.
Atmosphere: Glamour, coastal charm.
What we love: Eggplant Milanese.
Book your reservation HERE.
Gekkō
Brickell
Courtesy of Gekko.
Stepping inside Gekkō, guests are enveloped in jewel-toned velvet, dramatic lighting, and the allure of an eight-foot serpent mural. The atmosphere is decadent and theatrical, where flaming steaks heighten the dining experience, while the adjoining lounge extends the night with sultry, intimate allure.
Cuisine: Japanese Steakhouse.
Chef: Mark Culp.
Atmosphere: Glamorous, sultry, and vibrant.
What we love: Spicy Bluefin Tuna.
Book your reservation HERE.
Dante’s HiFi
Wynwood
Courtesy of Dante’s HiFi.
Dante’s HiFi is a homage to analog audiophile culture, inspired by Japanese listening bars. This intimate lounge invites guests to explore Rich Medina’s personal vinyl collection, complemented by a rotating lineup of world-class DJs and musicians, crafting an immersive sonic experience.
Cuisine: Japanese listening bar.
Chef: In house.
Atmosphere: Energetic, warm, and bustling.
What we love: Yuzu Highball.
Book your reservation HERE.
Joia Beach Club
Watson Island
Courtesy of Joia Beach Club.
Set on a secluded stretch between South Beach and Downtown, Joia Beach offers Miami’s only private beachfront dining. Evoking coastal Europe, the restaurant and beach club serve refined seaside fare—fresh salads, seafood towers, grilled fish, and signature cocktails—best enjoyed with toes in the sand.
Cuisine: Mediterranean.
Chef: Vianney Gonzalez.
Atmosphere: Elegant, casual, beachside.
What we love: Pistachio herb lamb chops.
Book your reservation HERE.
Ray’s
Miami Beach
Ray’s Hometown Bar. Photo by World Red Eye.
Ray’s Hometown Bar brings its signature charm to the Freehand Miami, channeling the spirit of beloved local bars nationwide. Think elevated bar staples, wood paneling, a pool table, and a disco ball, perfect for a laid-back night out or post-dinner drinks.
Cuisine: Classic American comfort food.
Chef: Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hausk.
Atmosphere: Casual, welcoming.
What we love: Hometown Cuban Sandwich and Ray’s Style Fries.
Book your reservation HERE.
Makoto
Bal Harbour Shops
Courtesy of Makoto.
At his namesake restaurant in Miami, Makoto Okuwa showcases his mastery of Edomae-style sushi with a fresh, exciting menu. The warm space features wood accents, neutral tones, and soft floating lights, creating a welcoming, modern atmosphere for elevated Japanese dining.
Cuisine: Japanese.
Chef: Makoto Okuwa.
Atmosphere: Warm, inviting, friendly.
What we love: Wagyu Beef Hot Stone.
Book your reservation HERE.
KYU
Wynwood
Courtesy of KYU.
KYU centers around a custom wood-fired kitchen, where dishes are grilled, roasted, and charred over open flame. The menu highlights fresh ingredients with global influences. Creative twists on classic cocktails—like the Wynwood Mule—reflect the vibrant, artistic spirit of the neighborhood.
Cuisine: Japanese Yakiniku.
Chef: Raheem Sealey.
Atmosphere: Inviting, moody, curated art.
What we love: Tuna Tataki with Roasted Peppers.
Book your reservation HERE.
ORO x The Noortwyck
Miami Beach
Courtesy of ORO.
Chefs Andrew Quinn of The Noortwyck and Victor Muñoz of ORO unite for a special two-night rooftop six-course tasting menu, channeling the glow of Miami Beach’s golden hour into a refined culinary collaboration that highlights both chefs’ signature style amid ORO’s sweeping terrace views.
Cuisine: Modern American with Japanese and Italian influence.
Chef: Andrew Quinn and Victor Muñoz.
Atmosphere: Sunset-washed, airy, refined, panoramic.
What we love: A chance to experience the collaboration on the rooftop beneath the night sky.
Book your reservation HERE.
Estiatorio Milos
South of Fifth
Courtesy of Estiatorio Milos.
Created by Greek restaurateur Costas Spiliadis, Estiatorio Milos champions purity and simplicity in its ingredient-driven approach. In Miami, marble floors and wooden beams shape a refined, coastal atmosphere—a tranquil setting that subtly transports diners to the Mediterranean shoreline.
Cuisine: Greek Seafood.
Chef: Costas Spiliadis.
Atmosphere: Airy, refined, coastal ambiance.
What we love: Knowing the ingredients come directly from local fishermen, supporting the community with every dish.
Book your reservation HERE.
Pari Pari
Wynwood
Courtesy of Pari Pari.
A new addition to Wynwood, Pari Pari specializes in crafted hand rolls served à la carte or in curated sets featuring pristine cuts of salmon, tuna, wagyu, and more. Designed by Rudy Guénaire, the intimate space is wrapped in Japanese-inspired drapery and understated elegance. For Art Week, artist Gabriella Noëlle’s signature characters animate the storefront, a playful collaboration that supports local creatives and bridges art and hospitality.
Cuisine: Japanese.
Chef: Yasu Tanaka.
Atmosphere: Refined, warm, transportive energy.
What we love: An approachable spirit rare in fine dining, while delivering a distinctly special experience.
Book your reservation HERE.
