Where to Eat in South Beach

Whether you're a Miami local or visiting, South Beach is a go-to spot for unforgettable dining. From iconic Ocean Drive hangouts to elegant dining destinations, whether you're craving refined seafood, Cuban comfort food or dinner and dancing, here are the restaurants in South Beach you don’t want to miss.

Brunch On the Beach at Nikki Beach

Just steps from the ocean, Nikki Beach is an iconic luxe beach club and restaurant that’s known for its signature white teepee cabanas, handcrafted cocktails, lively vibe and a global menu. Think fresh seafood, colorful salads, sushi rolls and shareable small plates. Its Sunday brunch buffet has become a Miami institution, complete with DJs, dancing and tropical cocktails under the palm trees. Nikki Beach is perfect for those craving both great food and a taste of South Beach in an open-air setting.

Tel Aviv Comes to Miami at HaSalon

HaSalon brings the bold flavors and energy of Tel Aviv’s culinary scene to South Beach and has quickly become a hot spot for nights full of character and flair. Led by Israeli-born Chef Eyal Shani, this high-end, high-energy dining experience blends bold Mediterranean flavors with theatrical presentation. Start with the General Salad or beet root carpaccio before moving on to lamb kebabs and handmade pastas. After 10 p.m., HaSalon transforms into a lively party with strobe lights, fun cocktails, DJs and dancing on tables. It’s perfect for group dinners and a fun night out on the town.

Experience Traditional Cuban Cuisine at Havana 1957

Few restaurants on South Beach capture the spirit of Old Havana like Havana 1957. Located on charming, historic Española Way, this Cuban restaurant is known for its nostalgic decor, classic cocktails and array of hearty, traditional favorites. Expect flavorful, traditional dishes like ropa vieja, lechon asado, vaca frita and fried yucca served alongside ice-cold mojitos and daiquiris. Latin music plays in the background, evoking a warm, festive vibe that feels like a trip back in time. Havana 1957 is a must-try for a truly immersive Cuban dining experience that blends culture and comfort. They also have two more South Beach locations on Ocean Drive and one on Lincoln Road.

Superb Greek Cuisine at Estiatorio Milos

Located in the sophisticated South of Fifth neighborhood, Estiatorio Milos is one of the most-elegant restaurants in Miami Beach. It also happens to be MICHELIN-recommended for its refined Greek cuisine. Guests are invited to select their fresh catch of the day straight from the market-style display then have it grilled to perfection with olive oil, lemon and sea salt. Standout dishes like grilled octopus, tomato salad with barrel-aged feta, and Milos’ signature lobster pasta show off the kitchen’s commitment to simplicity and quality. The chic, minimalist space and spot-on service make this a great pick for a date night.

Fine Food & People Watching at LT Steak & Seafood

Located inside The Betsy South Beach hotel on Ocean Drive, LT Steak & Seafood blends upscale dining with a relaxed South Beach style. Led by acclaimed Chef Laurent Tourondel, the restaurant offers an eclectic menu ranging from dry-aged steaks to globally inspired seafood. Dinner favorites include the crispy tuna tartare, grilled local red snapper and truffle parmesan fries. Dine in the classic Art Deco dining room or on the breezy front porch that’s perfect for people-watching along Ocean Drive. With its stylish ambiance, LT Steak & Seafood is an ideal choice for a refined dinner date, a polished business lunch or a relaxed weekend brunch.

Sushi Worth Looking For at The Den at Azabu Miami Beach

If you’re looking for an intimate, elevated sushi experience, The Den at Azabu Miami Beach is a hidden treasure worth finding. Tucked inside the Marriott Stanton South Beach hotel, this serene omakase spot is discreetly accessed through a sliding glass door inside Azabu Miami Beach. Tradition takes center stage with a refined Japanese omakase menu featuring seasonal fish flown in multiple times a week from Japan. Each course showcases masterful knife work and elegant plating that highlights the natural beauty of every ingredient. Tranquil and refined, The Den provides a peaceful escape for discerning sushi lovers.

Dinner & A Show Like None Other at Mango’s Tropical Cafe

Mango’s Tropical Cafe is more than just one of the most famous restaurants in South Beach. It’s a full-on dinner-and-show destination that embodies Miami’s festive spirit, and it also happens to present the longest continuously running nightclub show in the United States. Located in the heart of Ocean Drive, Mango’s serves Latin American-inspired cuisine like coconut shrimp, jerk chicken, churrasco steak and Caribbean jerk ribs that you can pair with ice-cold mojitos and margaritas. But it’s the entertainment that sets Mango’s apart: live music, salsa, fusion dancers and cabaret performances that keep the party going all night long.

Old World Dining at Joe’s Stone Crab

Looking for a quintessential South Beach dining experience? Start with the most-famous restaurant in the destination. Established in 1913, Joe’s Stone Crab is a Miami Beach institution that started as a simple lunch counter and has grown into a beloved culinary landmark. Generations of locals and visitors love its Old World charm, white tablecloth style and, of course, its succulent stone crabs, which are in season from mid-October to May 1. Order the chilled, cracked crab claws and round out your meal with a spread of shareable sides, such as Joe’s classic creamed spinach and hashed brown potatoes. Whatever you do, be sure to save room for dessert. The famous Key lime pie and bread pudding topped with maple Bourbon caramel sauce are must-tries.

More great food is nearby. Explore the best restaurants in Mid Beach and North Beach.