The vibrant restaurant scene in Greater Miami & Miami Beach is famous for its fusion of cultures, bold flavors and innovative dining experiences. This thriving culinary landscape is also home to a wide array of LGBTQ-owned restaurants. From lively drag brunches to eclectic international cuisine and casual, inexpensive spots, these Miami restaurants are more than just places to eat; they’re symbols of pride and progress for the LGBTQ community. Check out some of the best LGBTQ-owned restaurants across the destination.

Drag performer at Palace — Check out drag brunch at Palace South Beach

Palace South Beach: Drag Brunch And Maximum South Beach Vibe

A South Beach icon for over 30 years, Palace South Beach is home to the famed drag brunch, where you’ll be entertained by queens sashaying away on Ocean Drive. Owned by local gay icon Thomas Donall, the Palace is a cultural landmark that embodies Miami Beach’s vibrant LGBTQ spirit. A hot spot night and day for drag shows, dancing, drinks and dining, it’s a must-visit for any gay travel itinerary. From the rooftop pool bar to the sidewalk patio, the scene at the Palace is always high energy. The playful menu includes items like the Quesadiva, a braised chicken quesadilla with housemade pico de gallo, and a Malibu Barbie cocktail made with coconut rum, coconut water, pineapple, cranberry and orange juices and grenadine with a pink glitter sugar rim.

Grilled lamb chops served with mint chimicurri at R House — Taste Latin-inspired favorites like the grilled lamb chops

R House: Parties, Drag Brunch & A Latin-Inspired Menu

Chef Rocco Carulli and his husband, Owen Bale, alongside drag queen Athena Dion, have created something truly special for the LGBTQ community with R House. Part-restaurant, part-art gallery in a sprawling indoor-outdoor warehouse-style space in Wynwood, R House has become a world-renowned destination for its raucous weekend drag brunch attended by celebrities. There’s never a dull moment at this gay entertainment mecca, from Friday night’s Yas Queen drag show and party to a host of special events, including drag bingo, live music and happy hour. Chef Rocco’s Latin-inspired menu includes indulgent favorites like arepas, empanadas and croquetas alongside larger plates, like braised short rib in a coffee chili reduction and sizzling shrimp al ajillo. Order a piña loca (a whole pineapple filled with piña colada plus five shots of house liquor and sparklers) for the table and you’ll be in for a wild time.

Goat curry noodle dish at Tam Tam — Try the goat curry noodle dish at Tâm Tâm

Tâm Tâm: An Exploration Of Eclectic Vietnamese Cuisine

Owned by celebrated chef Tam Pham and his husband, sommelier Harrison Ramhofer, Tâm Tâm is a vibrant Vietnamese eatery in Downtown Miami. The duo has created a welcoming, funky space that celebrates eclectic flavors. The menu consists of small and large plates, including perennial favorites, like Tâm Tâm wings coated in a caramel fish sauce with crispy garlic and the tamarind-glazed pork ribs with crushed peanuts and scallion. There’s also a plate of comforting goat curry with egg noodles, lemongrass and coconut and a sizzling pork belly “situation” with banh hoi noodles, cucumber, scallion oil, asparagus and bean curd. Ramhofer’s wine prowess is on full display in his expertly curated selections, which include global natural wines from small producers.

Finka Table & Tap: Where Cuban, Peruvian & Korean Food Is On Tap

Helmed by Eileen Andrade, a proud member of the LGBTQ community, Finka Table & Tap has been a mainstay in the Kendall-area dining scene for a decade. The powerhouse chef-owner presides over a kitchen where Cuban, Peruvian and Korean flavors are celebrated in creative fusion dishes. Think fried alligator jalea served with aji amarillo mayo and criolla salsa, kimchee lime mussels and Islas Carnerias croquettas alongside a variety of wok-fried rice dishes and creative pizzas, like the braised oxtail with goat cheese, mushrooms and caramelized onions topped with a ponzu arugula salad.

Jaffa: The Spice Detective Serves Up Israeli Flavors

The brainchild of longtime private chef and caterer Yaniv Cohen, aka “The Spice Detective,” Jaffa is a celebration of Israeli flavors. A proud member of Miami’s LGBTQ community, Cohen draws from his North African and Middle Eastern roots, as well as his in-depth knowledge of spices, to create comforting dishes with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options in a welcoming, fast-casual environment. Think classic hummus, Israeli salad with olives, pickles and sumac dressing, and turmeric cauliflower with z’atar, tahini and cilantro sauce. There’s also a wide variety of pita sandwiches, platters and rice bowls with options ranging from beef brisket to chicken shawarma, falafel and so much more. The restaurant has locations in the Miami Design District and South Beach.

Moussaka presentation at Bakalo — Savor Mediterranean flavors at Bakalò Mykonos

Bakalò Mykonos: From Greece To Your Plate

After opening a restaurant in Mykonos, Greece, Nikos Nanou and Egidio Guerreri, partners in business and in life, introduced an outpost of their Aegean bistro Bakalò Mykonos in South Beach. A celebration of beachside destinations, Bakalò Mykonos serves Mediterranean cuisine highlighting fresh olive oil and produce from small producers as well as fish flown in from Greece. Branzino, grilled octopus, classic moussaka and other authentic dishes are accompanied by a wide range of hot and cold mezze. For dessert, the baklava is not to be missed.

Cheese Burger Baby: Burgers & Shakes All Night Long

A South Beach staple for late-night burgers, Cheese Burger Baby has been catering to the post-club crowd on Washington Avenue for over 20 years. With “Miami Vice” diner-like vibes, Cheese Burger Baby serves an impressive variety of burgers, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, fries, onion rings and milkshakes. Take the classic 15th Street Frita, a handcrafted patty topped with pepper jack cheese, potato sticks and the signature “1505” sauce, named for the restaurant’s address at 1505 Washington Ave. There are also veggie burgers and other vegetarian options. Delivery driver-turned-owner and proud lesbian entrepreneur Stephanie Vitori has expanded her burger empire to Hard Rock Stadium and the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Airport Cafe & Liquors: Diner-Style Food With A Latin Twist

As the name implies, Airport Cafe & Liquors is located near Miami International Airport. Whether you’re coming or going, swing in for diner-style staples with a Latin twist, like over-the-top burgers, quesadillas and Cuban sandwiches, plus creative entrées, like the croqueta sandwich pressed between crusty Cuban bread, and plenty of weekly specials. An LGBTQ- and family-owned and operated restaurant, Airport Cafe is home to an onsite liquor store with wine and top-shelf spirits that can be purchased and enjoyed in the restaurant. It also carries an array of domestic and international cigars.

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