Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s vibrant culinary scene continues to earn national acclaim. At the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, the distinguished James Beard Foundation recognized several of Miami’s standout chefs, restaurants and bars. One of the destination’s own even took home the coveted title of Best Chef: South. Here’s a closer look at this year’s honorees. But don’t take the judges’ word for it. Book a table and experience these award-worthy spots for yourself.

Best Chef: South

Nando Chang of Itamae AO

Sushi master Nando Chang of Itamae AO, located in Midtown Miami, snagged the James Beard award for Best Chef: South, for chefs from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto Rico. Known for his Nikkei cuisine, the Peruvian-born chef was already a powerful force in Miami’s culinary world: Itamae AO recently received a coveted MICHELIN star. At this restaurant-within-a-restaurant, guests can cozy up to the 10-seat counter for an omakase experience with a Japanese-Peruvian spin. There are three seating times per night for the multiple-course tasting menu, and you’ll be treated to seafood-centric dishes tinged with tropical and local ingredients. The Changs are having an impressive run of success at the James Beard Awards: Last year, Valerie Chang of Maty’s, where Itamae AO is located, won Best Chef: South.

James Beard Award Finalist

Best New Bar: ViceVersa

ViceVersa, an Italian aperitivo bar that opened in 2024 in the lobby of The Elser Hotel & Residences in Downtown Miami, was a finalist for this new award. Go for its expertly crafted yet playful cocktails, which include signature drinks like the Italian Vice, made with lemon sorbet and bergamot liquor, and modern spins on negronis and martinis. Nosh on light bites, like a wood-fired flatbread or something from the raw bar, or enjoy one of the Neapolitan pizzas with meaty toppings or the popular clam, white-sauce pizza.

James Beard Award Semifinalists

Outstanding Restaurant: Ghee Indian Kitchen

Ghee Indian Kitchen in Wynwood was one of 20 semifinalists for Outstanding Restaurant. It has earned MICHELIN Bib Gourmand designations four years in a row, and Chef Niven Patel is a four-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef. Vegetables are often the stars of the menu, with many ingredients sourced from Patel’s Rancho Patel farm in Homestead. Locals love the restaurant’s curries, naan breads and grilled dishes like chicken tandoori and lamb kebabs.

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Macchialina

Macchialina is no stranger to the spotlight. This rustic Italian restaurant in South Beach has been a semifinalist in this category three years in a row, thanks in part to its all-Italian wine list, curated by beverage director and MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025 Sommelier of the Year Jaqueline Pirolo. Visit Macchialina and sip wines from boutique growers, including those made with lesser-known grapes or sourced from lesser-known regions, that pair perfectly with the restaurant’s food, especially its locally loved homemade pastas. Stop in for happy hour during the week or even join the wine club.

Cafe La Trova Mojito — Enjoy award-winning cocktails and Cuban vibes at Cafe La Trova

Outstanding Bar: Cafe La Trova

At Cafe La Trova in Little Havana, the innovative drinks are just as exciting as the modern Cuban food and live music. Created by renowned bartender Julio Cabrera and James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, the restaurant has received numerous awards for its Cuban classics and creative cocktails. Savor an expertly-made daiquiri, a banana Sazerac (rye, cognac and absinthe), a toasted coconut negroni, or the award-winning Buenavista, made with gin, cucumber, mint and elderflower liqueur. There’s even a drink served on a shoe: the La Chancleta with rum, honey-ginger syrup and lime juice.

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Allegra Angelo of Vinya

Allegra Angelo, who heads up the beverage program at Vinya Table in Coral Gables and Vinya Wine & Market in Key Biscayne, was one of 20 semifinalists in this new category. Angelo, who focuses on finding approachable wines that are a good value, thoughtfully curates an eclectic mix of wines and spirits from around the world that can be paired with your meal at Vinya Table or taken home. Vinya Wine & Market is known for its in-store tastings, classes and wine club.

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