For some time Miami’s reputation as a clubby, party city held back the recognition of its restaurant scene, which, even before more recent openings from the likes of Jeremy Ford and Marcus Samuelsson, was serving world-class seafood and some of the best Cuban food anywhere off the island. But those openings kept coming, and Wynwood developed into Florida’s own little Brooklyn by the beach, and that reputation for glamorous partying means there’s no shortage of buzzy see-and-be-seen spots if that’s what you’re into. In an ever-evolving culinary landscape with so much going for it, our list of the best restaurants in Miami spotlights the diverse spots we keep going back to, again and again.
Though Ariete is an amalgamation of global cuisines, the inspiration comes from Michael Beltran’s Cuban upbringing and French training. There is no other place in the world where you can eat food like this. The Our Florida Orange appetizer is creatively presented in the shape of a Florida Orange (even with dimples), but when you cut inside there’s an unexpected surprise of chicken foie mouse with a duck and sour orange pate, and the chocolate crumbs at the base add beautiful crunch and texture. Also not to be missed: Canard A La Presse duck, which is finished off tableside with a duck press.