These are the best downtown Miami restaurants (and their best dishes)
owntown Miami, a neighborhood of striking contrasts, boasts a diverse culinary scene that ranges from opulent dining rooms to cash-only cafeterias.
With the development boom of Downtown in full swing, the restaurant scene in Miami is rapidly gaining prominence and competing with well-known areas like South Beach.
In this guide, we’ll explore the transformation of Downtown Miami’s dining landscape and highlight the best restaurants offering captivating dishes and remarkable city views. We’ll prove that Downtown Miami is the next big culinary destination, while telling you all about what you should be ordering when dining at these spots.
Discover what to eat at the best downtown Miami restaurants and more with the dish rating app Wadju. Simply download the app on the either App Store or with Google Play, and start exploring.
What to order at the best downtown Miami restaurants
What Wadjers are saying: Jaguar Sun is an intimate, lively bar and restaurant in Downtown Miami, known for its delicious cocktails, outstanding pasta and fresh oysters. With an eclectic menu that offers a blend of upscale comfort food in a cozy setting, it is a go-to spot for an unforgettable dining experience. The cocktails here are equally impressive, ensuring diners have a fantastic beverage to accompany their exquisite meal, all in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Wadju need to eat there: To savor the essence of Jaguar Sun, you must try their delectable pasta dishes, ranging from classic favorites to unique creations. Additionally, their fresh oysters are perfect for seafood enthusiasts, and their Parker house rolls with honey butter are a delightful start to your meal. Don’t skip out on the menu’s creative offerings, including wagyu beef tartare and the enticing kouign amann housed ice cream sandwich, for a sweet and savory balance that is sure to elevate your dining experience.
What Wadjers are saying: Over Under is a multifaceted gem nestled in the heart of Downtown Miami, seamlessly blending the attributes of a narrow cocktail bar, upscale lounge, and an exceptional restaurant, making it the perfect spot for various occasions. Over Under is the perfect spot to indulge, whether it’s a date night, a gathering with friends, or simply enjoying strong and delectable cocktails.
Wadju need to eat there: This spot offers an ever-evolving menu that consistently delivers top-notch bar food. Highlights include their renowned cheeseburger, reminiscent of a gourmet Big Mac, and fried chicken sandwich, as well as enticing weekly specials. With its high-low, Floridian-inspired menu, Over Under tantalizes your taste buds with a diverse range of dishes. Be sure to indulge in the gator bites, Treasure Coast oysters, vegan Jamaican patties, and must-try sour orange pie for dessert.
What Wadjers are saying: Motek Café, an authentic Israeli eatery nestled within a bustling diamond shop-filled complex, offers a culinary journey that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv. Masterfully curated by chef Sasha Ariel, Motek Cafè offers a bright and inviting space with delicious dishes influenced by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors.
Wadju need to eat there: This restaurant’s commitment to bringing the spice-driven cuisine of Israel to Miami shine through their menu, which is bursting with delectable delights. Indulge in crispy chicken schnitzel sandwiches, arayes burgers featuring handheld beef-stuffed pitas accompanied by a side of crispy fries, and poppable falafels, both solo and tucked into pitas.
With its vibrant, all-day brunch options like the smoked salmon Jerusalem bagel plate, lahmajun, chips with harissa aioli, majadra rice bowl, and delectable malawach churros for dessert, Motek Café marries the boundaries of breakfast and lunch, making it the ultimate destination for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food enthusiasts in Aventura Mall and Downtown Miami alike.
What Wadjers are saying: Soya E Pomodoro is a charming family-owned Italian trattoria tucked away in Downtown Miami. This spot offers an authentically cozy and eclectic atmosphere filled with mismatched furniture, antiques, and a touch of hoarding chic, creating a unique setting for an unforgettable dining experience.
Wadju need to eat there: While live jazz on Thursday and Saturday nights adds a romantic touch, the real stars at Soya E Pomodoro are the fresh homemade pastas drenched in delicious sauces. Get the slightly sweet fazzoletti di formaggio e pera featuring pear and ricotta, and the must-try eggplant parmigiana at one of Miami’s most cherished and welcoming eateries that feels like a home away from home.
What Wadjers are saying: La Mar, situated within the picturesque Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key, is the renowned Peruvian restaurant helmed by executive chef Diego Oka. This restaurant is celebrated for its stunning waterfront views and a dynamic menu that beautifully fuses Peruvian and Asian flavors.
Wadju need to eat there: Exceptional dishes include the tiradito bachiche, a masterpiece of snapper adorned with aged parmesan cheese, and the chicha morada brisket, slow-braised and seasoned with traditional Peruvian ingredients. Presentation takes center stage at La Mar, with dishes like the tableside-served arroz chaufa, the unveiling of steamed fish before diners, and pisco sours garnished with the restaurant’s logo, create an unforgettable culinary experience that matches the restaurant’s incredible views of the Miami skyline.
What Wadjers are saying: Verde, situated within the Pérez Art Museum, boasts stunning views of Biscayne Bay and a casual ambiance, welcoming guests in shorts and tank tops. While its captivating bay vistas remain the main attraction, the understated elegance of the restaurant is a testament to its charm and contemporary appeal.
Wadju need to eat there: Verde’s menu includes a delightful array of salads, pizzas, and sandwiches, serving up a blend of classic American dishes and trendy culinary creations with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Savor dishes like prosciutto pizza, chicken under a brick, and grilled salmon, and be sure to leave room for the enticing array of pastries crafted by chef Hedy Goldsmith.
What Wadjers are saying: Tacos “El Porky” is the ultimate fast-food taco joint, specializing in the art of al pastor tacos freshly shaved off the trompo, then lovingly assembled with pineapple, onions, a spicy red chili sauce, and their signature “porkie sauce”, a delightful blend of cilantro and mayo. Simplicity, porky goodness, and speed make this spot an excellent choice for a quick and budget-friendly lunch option.
Wadju need to eat there: While their classic al pastor tacos are a crowd-pleaser, the standout choice here is the cochi taco, featuring chunks of chicharrones that offer a delightful medley of saltiness, crunch, and fatty goodness, complemented by pickled onions and a zesty green chili sauce. The gringa taco is another highlight, a cheesy creation that resembles an al pastor quesadilla more than a traditional taco. This delicious creation combines the same tantalizing al pastor elements, blends in melted cheese, and sandwiches it all between two flour tortillas on a hot flat top.
That’s it! That’s what you need to order from the best downtown Miami restaurants. Think you got a couple spots to suggest? Grab Wadju on the App Store or with Google Play, and start rating your favorite dishes.