Where To Eat In Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami is a busy corner of the city, the area is an important part of Miami’s business community, but locals know, it’s also a hot area for eating. Downtown Miami is a historic area, a center of culture, home to an arts complex and a storied theater, the Miami Heat and their arena where some of the world’s biggest acts take the stage—so there’s plenty to do before and after a great meal.

Whether it’s a restaurant floating on the eighth floor of a college building, an Italian restaurant tucked into an old Art Deco bank building, or a hotel restaurant run by an internationally renowned chef, Downtown Miami is a foodie area with a hungry energy.

NIU Kitchen is an intimate Catalan kitchen in Downtown Miami. Located in the middle of Downtown, you would never guess the restaurant experience you’re about to have when you’re looking down this city block. The food is inventive, intense and flavorful. Each dish is packed with the traditions of Spain and executed at an exceptionally high level. The wine menu boasts natural, skin contact wines, a curated selection of Spanish wines and sparkling wines including cavas and pet-nats—if this all sounds like a lot, ask for Karina Iglesias, who selected the list and is usually onsite. Pair smaller, tapas style dishes with mains, or, as is encouraged on the menu, close your eyes and point to something for a surprise.

Housed inside a former bank, Soya E Pomodoro feels like you’re discovering something hidden that has been there forever. An Italian trattoria started by two friends, they serve uncomplicated food, executed to perfection, in a laid-back environment. The soaring space, with original walls and architecture, is decorated with collected trinkets, furniture and art. Try a homemade pasta like the fazzoletti di formaggio e pera, a fresh pear and cheese pasta stuffed with baby shrimp in a creamy ricotta sauce, or go with a classic bigolo alla bolognese, their take on a spaghetti bolognese. Buon appetito!

Fooq’s Miami, in the heart of Downtown Miami, is a modern bistro—you’ll spy some familiar classics of a trendy restaurant, exposed beams, patterned tiles and mid-century modern chairs. But then, open the menu and you’ll be surprised by the array of international influences in the food. You’ll find a Ghormeh Sabzi of the day, a Persian herb stew with sour cherry crisp rice, as well as favorites like a burger, spicy pork belly pasta and a rotating menu of locally sourced vegetables. Sit inside or outside on the patio under twinkling lights for a romantic ambiance in the middle of busy Downtown Miami.

For a laid back way to enjoy a meal in Downtown Miami, head over to the Miami River’s Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Fish Market. A Miami staple since 1966, Garcia’s is a Cuban-style seafood restaurant and fish market that is still owned and operated by the same family that opened it more than fifty years ago. Get their famous fish dip to start and be sure that you add an order conch fritters for the table to enjoy.

The view at Tuyo is pretty unbeatable, but it’s not the stunning skyline that takes the main billing here, it’s the inventive and decadent food. Located on the eighth floor of the Miami Dade College’s Miami Culinary Institute, the restaurant is focused on expert preparation of quality ingredients like the seared wagyu, smoked rohan duck breast and creative dishes like a truffled elote soup and foie gras donut. Indulge in their tasting menu, complete with wine pairings, for the full culinary experience.

Celebrity chef Daniel Boulud brings his signature flare to Boulud Sud Miami, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Boulud, traditionally a French chef, draws inspiration from the entire Mediterranean coast at this elevated but comfortable restaurant. Start with a classic mezzo platter and then move into appetizers like a hamachi served with mango, avocado and heart of palm or a duck terrine. Save room for the hearty entrees like Catalan grilled skirt steak, seared Mediterranean branzino or a pasta like the lemon saffron linguine. Look out for special culinary events like summer pop up dinners, a weekly tapas Tuesday, happy hours and more.