Gone are the days when dining out in Miami meant navigating dodgy neighborhoods or settling for second best. The city’s restaurants have finally caught up to its luxe hotels and nightclubs, and the results make for an exquisite epicurean experience. Here’s our guide to the latest must-visit culinary hot spots:
NaiYaRa
South Beach meets Southeast Asia at Chef Piyarat Arreeratn’s contemporary interpretation of Thai street food, with a few Japanese specialties thrown in for good measure. One standout is grilled octopus with lemongrass, kaffir lime and nahm jim talay sauce. The inventive bar menu incorporates Thai ingredients as well.
Matador Room
It’s hard to believe that the Matador Room’s modern Latin cuisine—like charred octopus and Gulf shrimp—is actually the work of a French chef. Of course, when said chef is the Michelin-starred Jean-Georges Vongerichten, anything is possible. Located within the Miami Beach Edition, the high-wattage atmosphere is outdone only by the food.
River Yacht Club
Bringing nautical flair to the up-and-coming Miami River District, this sprawling space features three kitchens, including a “pastry lab,” indoor and outdoor dining areas, and the VanDutch rooftop lounge, with awe-inspiring views. The club even has its own yacht marina.
