Where to Eat in South Beach

Dining in Greater Miami and Miami Beach is a journey through local ingredients and global flavors, especially in South Beach. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out on Ocean Drive, a cultural adventure along Española Way or a fine dining date night in the South of Fifth area, the options are endless. Luckily, we’ve done the delicious legwork to bring you this updated guide highlighting some of the best dining in Miami Beach.

Joe’s Stone Crab 

When it comes to South Beach dining, there’s nothing more quintessential than Joe’s Stone Crab. The 113-year-old landmark was once a casual lunch counter concept that’s evolved into a culinary institution. Steeped in Old World Charm, expect the full white-glove (and tablecloth) service here. It’s claim to fame: Florida’s annual stone crab season, which begins in mid-October and ends May 1.

Locals and visitors from all over the world come to crack the local crustaceans, paired with steakhouse-style sides, including crispy hashed brown potatoes and Joe’s classic creamed spinach. There’s also fried chicken and burgers for the kids (or during off-season), and definitely don’t skip dessert. The Key lime pie is iconic, and the maple-bourbon sauce spilling over decadent bread pudding is not to be missed.

Mango’s Tropical Cafe

South Beach restaurant experiences don’t get much more unique or iconic than a visit to Mango’s Tropical Cafe. For dinner and a show steeped in Latin flavors and lively dance acts, this mainstay along Ocean Drive fits the bill in the heart of the action.

The Latin and Caribbean-inspired menu includes dishes like jerk chicken, coconut shrimp and churrasco steak, paired perfectly with margaritas or mojitos. As for the show, it’s all about live music, costumed dancers (including plenty of salsa) and spicy cabaret performers.

Estiatorio Milos

In the sophisticated pocket of South Beach known as South of Fifth, Estiatorio Milos is a longstanding favorite with its refined interiors, warm hospitality and exceptional Greek cuisine by chef Costas Spiliadis. Suitable for business lunches or special-occasion dinners, this establishment consistently delivers some of the best food in Miami Beach, and a fine wine menu to match.

From mezzes to mains, the menu is filled with simple and beautifully executed dishes. The premium lamb rack never disappoints, along with highlights like char-grilled octopus, Greek salad, grilled jumbo prawns and lobster pasta. A market display of the day’s fresh local catch invites diners to make their selections, which are then seasoned with traditional lemon, olive oil and sea salt before a trip to the grill.

Havana 1957

For solid Cuban food in South Beach, snag a table at Havana 1957 on the charming Española Way promenade. The nostalgic indoor-outdoor ambiance pays homage to Old Cuba with vintage decor and live music, while the menu delivers all of the authentic Cuban favorites.

Start with a refreshing Cuba libre or hand-muddled mojito, then match your sips with starters like croquetas and empanadas, followed by vaca frita, ropa vieja and lechon asado (or go for the famed Cuban sandwich). Rice and beans, yuca and sweet plantains make excellent accompaniments while you take in the performance. There are also additional South Beach locations on Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive. 

LT Steak & Seafood

Nestled inside the lobby level of historic The Betsy - South Beach, acclaimed chef Laurent Tourondel’s LT Steak & Seafood is perfect for a dinner date, whether in the chic Art Deco dining room or out on the front porch with ocean breezes. 

Dishes are mix of classic, eclectic and globally inspired. Dry-aged steaks cater to the carnivorous crowd, while raw bar delicacies satiate seafood lovers. Plus, there’s a sushi menu and fresh local catches, along with spritzes, palomas, caipirinhas, martinis and margaritas for a South Beach-style toast. This spot also makes for a great brunch with friends, lunch with colleagues or snacks and vino by the piano bar. 

Zaytinya South Beach 

Tucked on the mezzanine level of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Zaytinya presents a menu of Greek, Lebanese and Turkish cuisine by the acclaimed José Andrés Group. Contemporary decor with coastal blue hues, wood tones and greenery accent the dining room – or dine al fresco overlooking the resort’s pool and the ocean beyond for timeless views.

Homemade pita is excellent with tzatziki, baba ganoush, hummus and labneh – but make sure to save room for the falafel with tahini as well as the haloumi pide flatbread. Pair starters with a za’atar margarita, mastiha-infused mojito or a local craft beer. Mains include a variety of spiced kebabs, seared salmon and lamb chops, and the baklava Greek cheesecake is a can’t-miss dessert.

Queen Miami Beach

Located in the historic Paris Theater, built in 1945 by Art Deco pioneer Henry Hohauser, Queen Miami Beach is one of the most distinctive restaurants on Miami Beach. Executive chef Mitchell Hesse and Michelin-starred chef Julien Jouhammaud bring the Japanese grilling concept to life on the former theater’s center floor as aerial performers mesmerize overhead.

The extensive menu ranges from dim sum and extensive to butcher’s reserve and wagyu menus designed for discerning steak enthusiasts. Cocktails are thoughtful, delicate and artsy, with nods to Japanese ingredients and spirits along the way, while desserts skew French. For a more intimate experience, book seats at Queen Omakase, a private upstairs dining area with elevated views of the main dining room and its suspended performers.