Great steaks, local seafood, Latin American flair and dishes from some of the finest chefs in the business are just a small sampling of what’s available at Miami restaurants. As the cultural hub of South Florida, Miami restaurants represent the ethnic diversity of the area as well as the many treasures of the sea. No trip to Florida would be complete without enjoying some fresh seafood.

In addition to serving up some of the best dishes in the Sunshine State, restaurants in Miami offer a unique tropical atmosphere for an eclectic international crowd, especially in ritzy Miami Beach. If casual dining is more to your liking, fear not—there are plenty of down-to-earth eating establishments where the emphasis is on the flavor instead of a pricey bill. The following top 10 restaurants in Miami will give you a good idea of the culinary experiences that await you in this South Florida hotspot.

Top 9 Miami Florida Restaurants

• Shula’s Steakhouse: The legendary Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula is the namesake of a restaurant, which first opened in Miami Lakes and also has a location on Miami Beach. Come hungry, leave stuffed, and prepare to be dazzled by the portion sizes and the quality of the beef. Reservations recommended.
• The Capital Grille: Definitely suitable for a night on the town, the Capital Grille in downtown Miami is right by the Convention Center and is close to the Port of Miami and Performing Arts Center. With an extensive wine menu and dry aged steaks that are hand-carved and grilled to perfection, this is where Miami business executives like to seal the deal. Reservations recommended.
• Joe’s Stone Crab: A Miami Beach institution since 1913, Joe’s Stone Crab is open seasonally from Oct. 15 through May 15. The locally harvested stone crabs are traditionally served up with hash brown potatoes, coleslaw and mayonnaise. There are no reservations—just first come, first serve for some authentic Miami cuisine.
• News Café: This outdoor bistro is open 24 hours a day on Ocean Drive, so customers can enjoy people watching at all hours on South Beach. Enjoy, breakfasts, burgers, paninis, pizzas, pasta and Middle Eastern dishes with café con leche (coffee with milk—a local favorite) and plenty of atmospheres.
• Bella Cuba Cuban Restaurant: Cuban immigrants have helped shape the character of Miami, so it is fitting to enjoy some authentic Cuban cuisine during your stay. Bella Cuba in Miami Beach serves up traditional Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and café con leche as well as cocktails such as mojitos and Cuba Libre (rum and coke).
• Versailles Restaurant: The Versailles restaurant is another place to celebrate Cuban culture and cuisine. It is a landmark on Calle Ocho, in the heart of Miami’s Cuban community. Legend has it that it was originally designed as a French restaurant—which explains the name and the architectural flourishes—but it has been a mainstay of the Cuban community since 1971. A must have fried plantains (maduros).






• Texas de Brazil: There is plenty of Spanish spoken around Miami, but did you know that many residents speak Portuguese as well? The Brazilian influences in South Florida make a visit to a Brazilian steakhouse a must. The Texas de Brazil location in the Dolphin Mall serves up choice cuts of meat on skewers, churrascaria style.
• Tobacco Road: Travelers looking for a bit of Miami history and a good stiff drink will gravitate towards Tobacco Road. Miami’s oldest bar dates back to the early 20th century, and according to the restaurant’s Web site, “The Road has survived several Miami land booms, Al Capone, Prohibition, the Great Depression, the country at War, deadly hurricanes, Mariel Boatlift, race-riots, cocaine cowboys, and the rise and fall and rise of South Beach.”
• Shorty’s BBQ: It isn’t a trip to the Deep South without some barbeque; Shorty’s has been a South Florida favorite for more than 50 years. Enjoy Shorty’s homemade sauce slathered over ribs and chicken at the locations in South Miami, West Miami, Davie, Deerfield Beach and Doral. The menus vary slightly from location to location.

Miami restaurants feature South Florida’s diverse cultures and culinary traditions, from cattle country cuts of beef to fresh seafood, and citrus infused dishes combined with Caribbean influences, restaurants in Miami have it all.