Chef Franco Antonio Blanco brings a new take on sushi to Miami with a Latin-inspired “amicasa” version of omakase. Fourteen guests gather around a U-shaped communal table to dine on his “shushi” creations that pack surprising mixes of protein, vegetables, and flavorful spices. Think rolls like picanha (Brazilian-style steak) with avocado and plantain served with baby arugula and finished with jalapeno aioli sauce.

This culinary staple in Miami is still going strong nearly four decades into business, thanks to its no-frills Jamaican menu and charming owner, Pearline “Miss Pearl” Murray. Guests line up for dishes like the jerk chicken, luscious curry goat, and oxtail that falls off the bone served with sides of macaroni and cheese and steamed cabbage. Take a seat and enjoy a priced-right meal with reggae beats pulsing in the background or, if in a hurry, grab a couple of patties from the takeout window. 

Brothers Maximiliano and Cristian Alvarez’s rustic restaurant brings Argentine charm to Little Haiti. Solo diners and large groups alike gather at the cozy dining areas marked with red brick walls, family photographs, and soccer memorabilia. Meat is the star of the show here: options like crispy sweetbreads, sausage platters, provoleta with chorizo, churrasco, and empanadas make up for most of the menu. The family-friendly space also serves notable pasta options, including short rib ravioli and lamb ragu pappardelle. Go light or go all in, but make sure to order dulce de leche crepe for dessert.

Chefs and owners Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer’s eclectic menu at Boia De is brimming with seasonal creations such as pappardelle with rabbit, rosemary, and tomato; crispy potato skins topped with stracciatella, caviar, and hardboiled eggs; and baked clams with ‘nduja. The restaurant’s decor is just as creative, sporting a quaint retro vibe made up of memorabilia. As for drinks, enjoy a wine list featuring hard-to-find vintages and natural varietals. 

The Venezuelan team behind this counter-service restaurant dishes out more than ten types of shareable portions of carpaccio. The list ranges from beef and salmon to vegetarian options of potato and zucchini. There are also sweet versions such as pear and Nutella with pancakes. Also on the menu are Italian-leaning dishes like Sicilian stuffed bread and lasagna. 

At this Asian bistro highlights dishes found all over the region, with nigiri and sashimi sharing equal billing with Pad Thai, ramen, bao, and dumplings. Expect elaborate sushi roll creations like the Buena Vista made with eel, salmon skin, avocado, cucumber, and masago and desserts like halo halo made with shaved ice, coconut milk, red bean, jackfruit, and coconut jelly served with vanilla ice cream. Any meal here should be rounded with Japanese sake, whisky, or one of the cocktails from the drink list. 

Located in a serene Buena Vista corner, Neapolitan chef Pippo Lamberti uses local ingredients to create modern shareable plates of Italian fare. Snag a seat at the outdoor patio and dine on sea urchin with squid-ink pasta and crabmeat, beet ravioli, or cacio e pepe with black truffle. 

Start, or finish, the day at this charming cafe with an eclectic Mediterranean menu that includes truffle eggplant bruschetta, a Greek plate for two, chicken vegetable curry over rice, and more than twenty panini options. There’s something for everyone, and dishes can be paired with beer, wine, or inventive smoothies. Let’s not forget the booze-filled Sunday brunch filled with dishes like quinoa omelet, blueberry pancakes, and plenty of sangria pitchers.

Operating since 2010, Mandolin is still one of the staples of Miami’s dining scene. The menu is best described as Greek with Turkish nuances showcasing classic dishes of baked feta, chicken kebabs, kofte, roasted cauliflower, and olive tapenade. Lamb chops and orzo pilaf are standout entrees, and sangria is the perfect drink to sip on in this restored white-washed 1940s predominately open-air restaurant.