Miami lunch, leveled up. From breezy South Beach bowls to Brickell sushi and Wynwood’s $25 Japanese prix-fixe, these spots serve flavor, style, and midday vibes—all without blowing your budget.
Cleo
Cleo is the newest darling of the 305 dining scene, and we’re already obsessed. Quickly securing its spot on Miami’s must-try list, Cleo delivers a lunch menu under $25—and trust, they don’t skimp on flavor or portions. This Eastern Mediterranean gem fits right into South Beach’s vibe, with its breezy, white-linen–draped dining room and lush terrace made for long lunches and good gossip with the besties.
Lunch runs from noon to 3 p.m. and highlights dishes inspired by the Levant, Morocco, and Greece. Bowls ($20–24) feature sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or braised Wagyu brisket paired with labneh, eggplant moutabel, or hummus, nestled over orzo rice and served with warm jou jou pita — finished, of course, with a drizzle of olive oil. Pitas ($22-25) come loaded with cumin-spiced lamb or mushrooms and labneh, served alongside sumac fries and cucumber-tomato salad. For something lighter, share a few miza or mezze and call it a perfect afternoon.
Cleo is located at 350 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
Kitchen 57
When a spot nails that sweet spot between chic and cozy, you know you’ve found your next lunch obsession—and Kitchen 57 is exactly that. Nestled in the heart of South Miami, this mid-century modern gem dishes out comfort food with an edge—and yes, plenty of craveable options under $25.
For a hearty midday fix, head straight to the sandwich menu. Each comes with hand-cut fries or a salad, priced between $16–23. The smash burger on brioche is a local favorite, though the blackened mahi reuben on rye gives it serious competition. From the hearth, 12-inch pizzas (all under $21) hit the mark—we’re partial to the truffle mushroom—while the rigatoni pomodoro ($18) and grilled chicken burrito bowl ($25) keep things fresh and flavorful. With snacks, starters, and salads rounding out the lineup, you could lunch here all week and never get bored. Simple, soulful, and an undeniable noontime triumph.
Glass and Vine
For a real midday treat, head straight to Glass and Vine—a lush Miami hideaway tucked beside Peacock Park, where glimpses of Biscayne Bay peek through the greenery. It’s our go-to when we need to reset and refuel, all while feasting on impeccable American fare. Sure, your “one-hour” lunch break might stretch a little longer here… but we won’t tell.
The menu celebrates local flavors, and while not everything clocks in under $25, plenty does. Signature dishes include the spicy rigatoni with cotija cheese ($21), while handhelds shine with options like the fish and chips sando with tartar sauce ($23), blackened mahi mahi tacos with mango pico de gallo ($24), and the frita smash burger with chorizo and smoked paprika aioli ($22)—all served with rosemary fries or house slaw. Round it out with shareable starters, fresh bowls, or light salads. Trust us—you’re not walking away hungry.
Glass and Vine is located at 2820 McFarlane Road, Miami, FL 33133. For more information, visit their official website or call 305-930-8434.
Paperfish Sushi
For a little Tokyo escape, Paperfish Sushi in Brickell is it. This sleek, modern spot serves up Nikkei cuisine that’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly easy on the wallet. Their weekday BentoBox menu (12–4 p.m.) is a total lunchtime win, with most sets clocking in under $25 and each one coming with comforting shiitake miso soup.
Start with the Tsukiji set ($21) — spicy tuna roll, salmon sashimi, hiyashi wakame salad, and sushi rice—for a perfectly balanced bite of heat and umami. Veggie vibes? The Miraflores set ($19) pairs a veggie roll with edamame, crispy fried rice, and a bright house salad, proving plant-based can still feel indulgent. For sushi lovers craving more, the chirashi poke bowl ($19) stacks tuna, salmon, and hamachi over sushi rice with edamame, avocado, and soy truffle — light, fresh, and totally satisfying. And if you’re craving comforting tempura, the crispy rock shrimp bowl ($19) delivers crunch, spice, and silky avocado in every bite. Paperfish makes lunch feel like a mini celebration: thoughtful flavor combos, elegant presentation, and enough variety that you could hit the BentoBox menu all week without getting bored.
Uchi
The recently-opened Uchi Miami isn’t just the Wynwood hotspot everyone fights for dinner reservations at anymore — it’s staking its claim on lunch, and honestly, we’re in love. The $25 Lunch Prix-Fixe is a three-course, perfectly curated experience that proves elevated Japanese cuisine doesn’t have to wait until dinner, nor cost an arm and a leg.
From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, diners can sip $5 cocktails—yes, that includes Uchi highballs—while enjoying thoughtful combinations like the hama chili starter, a main of walu walu or the lunch-only Uchi burger, and finishing with seasonal sorbet. Beyond the prix-fixe, the lunch menu offers plenty to explore — from oysters and nigiri to sashimi, maki, and a tempting lineup of hot and cold appetizers. Want to indulge a little more? Add desserts like the iconic field milk sundae for just $5 and call it midday magic.
Uchi is located at 252 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
