The 7 Best Miami Restaurants for Visitors

When you’re hosting friends and family from out of town, you want to make sure they eat well. Add these seven great spots to your shortlist of the best Miami eateries for visitors.

CJ’s Crab Shack

Love it or hate it, Miami Beach is a big attraction for out-of-town visitors. That’s why a visit to CJ’s Crab Shack is a must. Not only is the menu packed with delicious seafood, but the eatery is also a prime spot for people-watching; CJ’s provides a front-row seat to the colorful characters of Ocean Drive—and we mean colorful. 

Enjoy snow crab, fried shrimp, steamed clams, seafood pasta, and other delights while taking in the views of South Beach’s iconic street. No meal is complete without the restaurant’s signature cocktails like Hurricane Molly, so drink up. 

Grand Central

Located in the heart of Miami’s Upper East Side, Grand Central by Nuno Grullon is a haven for those seeking a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on American classics done right. The menu is a celebration of familiar favorites, reimagined with a modern twist.

Indulge in the amazing Grand Central burger, savor the delicate flavors of salmon crudo, or delight in the restaurant’s lobster ravioli; the menu offers a little bit of everything. Parking can be a bit of an issue during prime time, but once you’re inside, you’ll forget all about it. 

Ogawa

Step into Ogawa, and you’re instantly transported to a serene oasis of Japanese culinary artistry. The intimate, 10-seat sushi bar is your front-row seat to a captivating meal that doubles as a performance. 

The omakase menu is a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors, each dish a carefully composed masterpiece. You’ll encounter some of the freshest ingredients served at the peak of seasonality; the price tag is worth every penny. Your out-of-town visitors won’t know what hit them. 

RED South Beach

RED South Beach isn’t just a steakhouse; it’s a Miami Beach institution that locals and visitors must experience at least once. The sleek, modern setting exudes energy, and the menu features prime dry-aged cuts cooked to perfection. But RED is more than just steak – their raw bar is exceptional, and the sides are as memorable as the main courses. Seriously, their mac and cheese alone is worth a visit.

Sanguich

You can’t visit Miami without taking a stroll down the city’s famous Calle Ocho (8^th Street). The iconic strip runs through Little Havana, the heart of Miami’s Cuban population. Everywhere you look, you’ll find Latin restaurants galore. 

One spot that’s a must-visit is Sanguich. The humble sandwich shop makes memorable Cuban sandwiches, as well as other dishes like Cuban nachos, ham croquettes, and plantain fries. If your guests want Cuban food without breaking the bank, this is the spot.  

Sanguich is located at 2057 SW 8^th Street, Miami, FL 33135. For more information, visit their official website. 

Smoke & Dough

Located in West Kendall, Smoke & Dough is redefining barbecue with its unique Miami-style flair. This isn’t your typical smokehouse; it’s a culinary adventure that blends traditional barbecue techniques with the vibrant flavors of South Florida’s diverse cultures. 

Sink your teeth into their signature 15-hour smoked brisket, infused with a cafecito spice rub that’s a nod to Miami’s Cuban heritage. Savor the succulent pulled pork or hot sliced pastrami while you’re here too. Their creative tapas also deserve a shoutout: The brisket arancini balls and smoked croquetas are an absolute delight.    

Smoke & Dough is located at 4013 SW 152nd Ave, Miami, FL 33185. For more information, visit their official website.

Zak the Baker

Zak the Baker is a Wynwood favorite, drawing crowds for its artisan loaves of bread, pastries, and wholesome café fare. The open kitchen showcases the magic of bread-making, with the enticing aroma of freshly baked loaves filling the air.

Beyond its famous sourdough, Zak offers a tempting array of pastries and cakes, from flaky croissants to babka with unique flavor twists. The café menu boasts satisfying dishes like avocado toast, Caesar salad, tuna melts, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more; the offerings are always changing. One thing to note: Reservations are a must since this place is packed around the clock.  

Zak the Baker is located at 295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.