It’s the holidays so you may have gourmand family or friends visiting or perhaps you’re just looking for a festive meal to celebrate your 2022 accomplishments. Whatever the reason, Miami was recently inducted into the revered Michelin Guide, and its list of restaurants should be on the top of your list if you’re making the journey south.
COTE Miami
The outpost of the Manhattan-based Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse concept now has its own star to tout. Located in the Design District, this sexy, dimly lit restaurant makes for a perfect date night. Plus with more than 1,000 wine bottles, you will certainly find the perfect pour to pair with your meat.
Ariete
This global menu with hints of chef Michael Beltran’s Hispanic heritage sprinkled in can be enjoyed a la carte or through the tasting menu. If you choose the former, make sure to order the duck.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Black Forest desert from L’Atelier; Photo credit: Katie Burton / The Bastion
The only concept to receive two stars, this is where the late Joël Robuchon’s haute French cuisine takes center stage. While the menu offers a la carte options, for the best experience opt for the tasting menu.
Boia De
Tucked into an unassuming strip mall just north of the Design District, this place is small so keep your eyes peeled. You’ll be rewarded with Italian-inspired dishes with delectable twists. And make sure to order the potato skins. You can thank us later.
Elcielo Miami
If you’re looking for over-the-top, then this Brickell restaurant is it. Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos interprets his Colombian roots into an innovative tasting menu (that’s the only option here) that will liven all your senses.
Hiden
Its name says it all. You must find this restaurant before you can indulge in its masterfully prepared omakase menu.
Le Jardinier
Agnolotti dish from Le Jardinier; Photo credit: Katie Burton / The Bastion Collection
Located directly below L’Atelier, this vegetable-focused concept delivers dishes almost too pretty to eat and exemplary service in a serene, lush Design District setting.
Los Felix
The only Mexican restaurant on the list, this Coconut Grove restaurant honors its heritage through its menu. Ingredients like corn, cacao and chiles dance on the menu and you can taste the care that went into making each dish here.
The Den at Sushi Azabu
This exclusive restaurant within the South Beach restaurant offers hungry patrons two seatings per day. With an ever-changing omakase menu you never really know what you’re going to eat and that’s all part of the excitement.
The Surf Club Restaurant
Celebrated chef Thomas Keller brings his talents to the historic Surf Club property in Surfside, adjacent to the Four Seasons Hotel. Start with some bubbles from the Champagne cart before deciding on your next steps. Beef Wellington enthusiasts shouldn’t sleep on the short rib Wellington.
Stubborn Seed
Bell Evans chicken from Stubborn Seed
A sure-fire way to impress out-of-town guests is to take them here. It’s also a place where locals assemble for consistent meals that tempt all the senses. If you’re unsure of what to order, choose the tasting menu.
In addition to the stars, the Guide also selected several establishments to designate as Bib Gourmand, which guides patrons to Michelin-approved restaurants that offer meals at a lower price point. Those included are: Bachour, Chug’s Diner, Doya, El Turco, Ghee Indian Kitchen, Hometown Barbecue, Itamae, Krus Kitchen, La Natural, Lung Yai Thai Tapas, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Phuc Yea, Red Rooster Overtown, Sanguich de Miami, Tinga y Cafe, Zak the Baker, and Zitz Sum.
Our best advice: download the Michelin Guide app onto your phone so that regardless of where you are in Miami you can find a stellar restaurant just steps away.
