Wondering where to eat or grab a drink in Miami?

Check out the Miami Restaurants listed below for a variety of dining options, or read about Happy Hour Specials in Miami to discover where you can enjoy a cocktail, small bites, and more.

Miami Restaurants

Here are my recommendations depending on what you're looking for in terms of food, ambiance and price. The list covers a range of restaurants from fine dining to the best hole-in-the-wall to marvelous middle-of-the road dining. The following are my personal recommendations and I have received no compensation or request from any of these establishments to feature them on my website.

HALF PRICE DINING
Discover new restaurants & high end establishments and pay only half the price! Thanks to South Florida Dines, you can obtain half-price gift certificates for restaurants throughout South Florida.


QUICK SERVE
For healthy, homemade Caribbean food that's not spicy, and a great value, POLLO TROPICAL is an icon in South Florida. This fast-food chain actually makes every dish from scratch but it's served at almost fast food pace.  Their signature dish is the grilled chicken, always fresh, hormone-free, and marinated in tropical juices and herbs for 24 hours! The best part--it's grilled right in front of you and not in the back kitchen. There are many locations throughout South Florida and Tampa.  In South Beach, the closest one is in driving distance at Alton Road and 15th street. And they do have parking which is a rarity in South Beach. Pollo Tropical is very popular with locals for its fresh, healthy profile.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Jerry's Famous Deli in South Beach. This 24- hour deli is popular with locals,  tourists and the nightclub refugees that seek food for hunger pangs when the nightclubs close at 6am.  They literally have 700 menu items serving New York deli style food.  Portions are huge so consider sharing.  Here's my review from 2009.

Christine's stops at this building for her Art Deco Walking Tour. The story behind this building is mostly X -rated but Christine will share a slice of the R- rated version during her tour.
Address: 1450 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139-4113 (no parking lot, only street side parking)

Bubba Gump at Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami  is stepping right into the award-winning movie with a menu bursting with shrimp dishes. The most popular is the coconut shrimp and a favorite of mine. However, be sure to try the Shrimper's Net Catch which is a bucket of peel-n-eat shrimp steamed with cajun seasoning.  You'll be lickin' your fingers with a big grin. The Pear & Berry salad was a refreshing healthy start before my high caloric coconut shrimp. If shrimp is not your preference, then upgrade to the steamed shellfish-- a delectable serving of mussels, clams, lobster claw, snow crab served with jasmine rice--it exceeded my expectations.

Waiters or waitresses mingle with guests and entertain you with movie trivia.

FINE DINING
If you want to splurge, then bookmark this page!

La Marea at the Tides is always serene which means you'll never worry about crowds or outrageous acoustics. Their specialty is seafood and includes an award-winning snapper dish and a paella for two. Despite their exclusivity on Ocean Drive, lunch prices are in line with neighboring restaurants. So indulge while peering through the bay view windows and sip on a signature Tides Royale. You'll feel like a million bucks.

A seasonal favorite is Joe's Stone Crab opened only during the months of October through May. Keep in mind stone crabs are served chilled, not warm.  They have opened a new take-out section with large, open and inviting casual eating area.

Prime 112 is a steak house of Miami Beach where the rich and famous flock regularly. Located at 3rd Street and Washington Avenue.

If you don't want to break the bank and feel like a regular, and enjoy a good steak, go off the beaten path and head to Coral Gables in the mainland to Flemings. Modern decor, delicious steaks and great service. Ask for Autumn and tell them Christine from My Fabulous Florida sent you!


REFRESHING DESSERT
Milani Gelateria offers the best gelato in all of South beach.  Young entrepreneur, Francesco, is  27 years-old and is passionate about fresh, homemade gelato that is refreshing and uplifting  for the sizzling Miami Heat. Milani is located in the charming Española Way. Enjoy this light-tasting dessert without the guilt. A great place for couples and families amidst the Spanish charm of Espanola Way.

BEST PLACE FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON
There are two spots that are popular with locals and also tourists.  The first is Lincoln Road in South Beach.  This pedestrian avenue is lined with restaurants, chain stores such as Victoria's Secret, art galleries and a movie theater at the west end.  A farmer's market with fresh, and sometimes organic fruits and vegetables, surges the local energy. Lincoln Road is also dog friendly where dogs are permitted inside stores with a leash. All restaurants cater to dogs by providing water and food bowls for their outdoor dining section.

The second destination is in downtown Miami at Mary Brickell Village. A restaurant haven, many establishments feature outdoor seating for a casual bite,  leisurely cocktail or complete meal to wind down the weekend.  Balan's is a popular place for band music and lively crowd and at the center of the action. Other restaurants in this tucked- away- corner of downtown are Blue Martini (bar), Oceanaire (fine dining for seafood, indoor only), Rosa Mexicana, and a long-time favorite Perricones.

Parking garage is nearby on 9th Street (one way street only) and charges $4.00 for 2 hours, $6.00 for 3 hours.

More to come...

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