Restaurants in Miami Spice for 15+ Years

When Miami Spice Restaurant Months first launched more than two decades ago, the goal was simple: inspire locals and visitors to explore the incredible restaurants across Greater Miami & Miami Beach. Today it's grown into a beloved and highly anticipated annual tradition, with hundreds of spots offering discounted prix-fixe menus for brunch, lunch and dinner.

There are always new restaurants to check out – a major reason Miami Spice excites year after year, but a select group has been part of Miami Spice for more than 15 years. From waterfront favorites to longtime neighborhood staples, these restaurants have helped make Miami Spice one of Miami's signature culinary traditions.

A Fish Called Avalon

A longtime South Beach favorite, A Fish Called Avalon has been participating in Miami Spice for an impressive 21 years. Whether you're dining on the breezy terrace or inside with floor-to-ceiling views of Ocean Drive, a meal here dazzles with fresh, tropical-inspired seafood.

When it’s offered: The three-course, $65 dinner is offered nightly.

What we’re ordering: Start with favorites like the baked escargot with garlic butter and Pernod or the restaurant's signature Bang Bang Shrimp finished with brown sugar butter, turmeric, curry, cucumber-mint yogurt and pepper relish. For entrées, order the branzino in heirloom tomato vinaigrette and basmati rice or the top sirloin with chimichurri and leek-potato mash. End with a slice of the pecan-crusted Key lime pie with homemade whipped cream.

94th Aero Squadron Restaurant

One of Miami's most unique dining destinations, 94th Aero Squadron overlooks the runways of Miami International Airport in a space designed to resemble a World War I French farmhouse. This well-known restaurant pairs aviation history with classic steakhouse food, making it a fun option for plane enthusiasts and families alike. This will be the restaurant’s 17th year taking part in Miami Spice.

When it’s offered: The $40 lunch is available Tuesday through Saturday and the $50 dinner is offered Tuesday through Sunday.

What we’re ordering: We’re starting with the signature Beer Cheese Soup or an order of shrimp cocktail, followed by the pecan-crusted baked salmon or chicken paillard for the entree. Other standout entrées include the mushroom ravioli, blackened mahi-mahi sandwich and baby back ribs. Dessert includes Key lime pie, cheesecake or coconut flan.

Essensia at The Palms Hotel & Spa

Nestled inside The Palms Hotel & Spa in Mid Beach, the lush, wellness-focused Essensia highlights seasonal ingredients, Florida seafood and produce from regional farms. For its 17th year of Miami Spice, Essensia is offering two dinner options.

When it’s offered: The $50 dinner menu is available Sunday through Thursday, while an expanded $65 dinner menu is offered Friday and Saturday.

What we’re ordering: Highlights from the $50 menu include the signature kale Caesar, black truffle mushroom risotto, sustainably farmed Bluehouse salmon with fingerling potato salad, a brie and zucchini flatbread and roasted airline chicken with whipped Yukon potatoes and broccolini. Dessert choices include tiramisu, homemade bread pudding or mixed berries with vanilla gelato.

The $65 dinner menu elevates the experience with starters such as Peruvian ceviche made with local catch and fried calamari and zucchini. For the main courses, we’re ordering the linguine frutti di mare loaded with shrimp, mussels, clams and calamari. Choose between an almond blossom cheesecake or decadent chocolate dome layered with dark, milk and white chocolate mousse to finish.

BALEENkitchen

Perched just above the sand at the Solé Miami, A Noble House Resort in Sunny Isles Beach, oceanfront bistro BALEENkitchen pairs stunning ocean views with a menu inspired by South Florida's coastal flavors. With a laid-back vibe that feels like a mini vacation, the restaurant is celebrating 15 years of Miami Spice this season.

When it’s offered: The $65 dinner menu is offered nightly.

What we’re ordering: Begin with local catch ceviche, an organic green salad or the chef's soup of the day before moving on to entrées such as pan-seared salmon with roasted cauliflower risotto and champagne-citrus beurre blanc, a surf-and-turf risotto featuring roasted pork and shrimp, baby back ribs with fries and coleslaw or a vegetable-packed primavera pasta. Dessert options include caramel flan, blueberry cheesecake or a refreshing sorbet.

Jaguar Restaurant

A day-to-night Coconut Grove staple known for its bold flavors and diverse Latin American cuisines, Jaguar Restaurant marks 15 years of participation in Miami Spice this season.

When it’s offered: The $40 lunch and $50 dinner menus are available daily.

What we’re ordering: The lunch menu showcases the restaurant's pan-Latin approach with starters like a spicy mango ceviche made with corvina and smoked fish croquetas served with aji panca sauce and aji amarillo aioli. Entrée highlights include a classic Peruvian lomo saltado and Jaguar's take on Mexican lasagna layered with tortillas, chicken, cheese and ranchera sauce.

At dinner, get the Shrimp Nuevo in Jaguar's signature aji amarillo sauce, Colombian coffee-crusted bife de lomo with Venezuelan guasacaca, garlic mojo prawns and Salmon Norma with heart of palm, Peruvian corn and sweet potato. For dessert, both menus feature a caramel-topped flan or dulce de leche cheesecake finished with hazelnut crisp.

Old Lisbon Restaurant

A South Miami favorite with indoor-outdoor seating, Old World decor and a traditional open kitchen, Old Lisbon has been serving classic Portuguese cuisine for decades, specializing in seafood, grilled meats and classic recipes that transport diners to Lisbon. The restaurant has participated in Miami Spice for 16 years.

When it’s offered: The restaurant is offering both a $40 lunch menu Monday through Friday and a $65 dinner menu Sunday through Thursday.

What we’re ordering: The menu includes an assortment of codfish and smoked sausage croquettes, garlic shrimp, grilled octopus, flaming Portuguese sausage and fish soup. Entrées showcase some of the country's most iconic dishes, like creamy Bacalhau com Natas – shredded codfish baked with cheese, onions, potatoes and nata sauce – and Arroz de Mariscos loaded with shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari and fish. Or go for the 10-ounce New York strip steak with fries. Dessert choices include Portuguese port wine flan or a traditional almond tart.

Mareva 1939

Located inside the iconic National Hotel Miami Beach, Mareva 1939 takes inspiration from traditional Spanish cuisine and Mediterranean coastal cooking. The stylish Art Deco setting makes it an ideal spot for a date night or a leisurely evening in Miami Beach. For two decades, this spot has been taking part in Miami Spice.

When it’s offered: The $65 dinner menu is available nightly.

What we’re ordering: Begin with the mushroom croquetas with caramelized onion aioli or the refreshing gazpacho of cucumber, avocado and serrano pepper topped with salmon tartare and spicy rice crackers. The Iberico pork meatballs finished with Idiazabal cheese and a rich sherry demi-glace reduction are also a decadent option.

For the main course, choose from tuna fideuà served with black garlic aioli, pickled red onion and seafood broth; a pork ribeye with carrot purée and romesco sauce, or a vegetarian cold roasted eggplant dish with Greek yogurt, tahini, mint and pomegranate seeds.

Dessert options include a classic crema catalana with coffee and chocolate or tarta de Santiago accented with berries, orange and Cointreau.

Talavera Cocina Mexicana

Talavera Cocina Mexicana showcases regional Mexican flavors in the heart of Coral Gables. The restaurant highlights traditional dishes as well as house specialties, and has been taking part in Miami Spice for the last 15 years.

When it’s offered: The $40 lunch and $50 dinner menus are both available daily during Miami Spice.

What we’re ordering: For lunch, start with the fish tinga flauta or Tetela 5 de Mayo before moving on to entrées such as octopus tacos, smoked brisket or pastel azteca. At dinner, order the passion fruit ceviche or a chicken tamal to start, followed by entrées like short rib birria, salmon with ancho chile mole or eggplant lasagna. Dessert options include Abuelita chocolate cheesecake and tres leches bread pudding.