Discover Miami’s James Beard Award Restaurants

Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s vibrant culinary scene continues to earn national acclaim year after year. This year, five Miami restaurants and chefs made the cut as semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards.  

At the 2025 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 the 2025 and 2026 honorees. Book a table and experience these award-worthy spots for yourself.

2026 James Beard Semifinalists

Best Chef South: Michael Beltran, Ariete

Miami native Michael Beltran of Ariete Miami in Coconut Grove is no stranger to Beard accolades, and his now decade-old restaurant has snagged a MICHELIN star for the last four years.

The executive chef and owner grew up in Little Havana, and his Cuban-American heritage and savvy French techniques shine in Ariete’s elevated menu.

If you want to properly experience Beltran’s culinary depth, order the tasting menu. While his menu often changes, look for fan favorites like the seared foie gras with caramel, the tableside duck presentation, venison with twice-baked potatoes and the flan with candy cap mushrooms.

Best Chef South - Maria Teresa Gallina And Nicolas Martinez, Recoveco

Also up for Best Chef South is married duo Maria Teresa Gallina and Nicolas Martinez, who’ve made a memorable mark in South Miami with their intimate restaurant, Recoveco. Their tightly curated menu is intentional with dishes meant to surprise, but it changes often based upon seasonality and availability.

Look for standouts like the velvety chicken liver mousse that’s piped atop speculaas cookies with sweet guava jam, a pork chop in a black pepper sauce and sticky toffee pudding with crème fraîche ice cream.

Grab a seat at the kitchen counter to watch the gastronomic magic.

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program - Amara at Paraiso

Sure, the dreamy waterfront setting along Biscayne Bay might grab you first at Amara at Paraiso, but the restaurant’s drinks will also leave a lasting impression.

Founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, the beverage program is run by Amanda Fraga.

While noshing on Latin-inspired bites, sip on the signature Lupe Martini, a gin drink with floral notes and citrus flair. Rum lovers will enjoy the Calm Before the Coconut, which is served in a coconut and tastes like vacation thanks to rum, fresh pineapple and lime juice.

Best New Bar - Bar Bucce

Even though Bar Bucce opened in Miami’s Little River in April 2025, the bottle shop, market and pizzeria quickly gained a strong following.

Part of that magic: It’s backed by the triple-threat team of the longtime popular Italian restaurant, Macchialina in South Beach, which includes Michael and Jacqueline Pirolo and Jennifer Chaefsky.

Bar Bucce’s outside patio is made for leisurely sipping and mingling, and the bar boasts a polished menu of wines and beers, featuring cocktails like the Napoli Centrale or the Night Cap-tain, which offers a caffeine-boozy kick.

Drop in for the “slice and sip” special every day at the bar from 4 to 6 p.m.

2025 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.

2025 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.

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.

2025 Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Allegra Angelo of Vinya

Allegra Angelo, who heads up the beverage program at 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.