Gao: South Beach’s New Scene Stealer

Indulge your senses at Gao, a dynamic South of Fifth eatery that should be on everyone’s radar. Once you sit down, you’ll be captivated by the stimulating atmosphere and the tantalizing tastes of Vietnamese cuisine. This is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. 

The menu at Gao is a love letter to Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing a diverse array of dishes with modern flourishes. The har gow (shrimp dim sum), for instance, is a delicate masterpiece with plump shrimp, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and fragrant cilantro—it’s familiar but also exotic.

For a unique and indulgent experience, try the Gao Sum, a dumpling filled with wagyu beef pho soup; it’s a delightful surprise that envelops your palate in a symphony of taste and texture. There’s a lot going on in this smaller bite, and you won’t want to share. 

The Saigonese tamarind soup is a standout at Gao, blending the tangy, fruity essence of tamarind with the savory depth of organic chicken and the subtle sweetness of fresh pineapple. Accented with crisp celery, fried garlic, and an abundance of fresh herbs, the result is a vibrant soup that packs a punch.

If you’re in the mood for meat, you’ll love the sizzling beef satay, with its tender beef slices cooked in garlic, onions, and peanuts. Arriving at the table on a sizzling platter, it’s a feast for the senses—and perfect for splitting in a group. If seafood is more your style, consider the hor mok. The cod is steamed in a banana leaf and enhanced with coconut milk, lemongrass, and Thai basil; we haven’t seen anything like it around these parts. This is a dish that you must experience if it’s your first time. 

With such a large menu, it’s easy to overdo it and skip dessert. Don’t make that mistake—you’ll be back to try the rest of the menu, anyway. The sweet endings here strike a perfect balance between light and refreshing to downright decadent—think sorbets, pandan coconut, lychee trifle, banana flambee, and more.  

Gao brings a fresh energy to Miami Beach‘s dining scene, where Vietnamese-inspired cuisine meets South of Fifth sophistication. The combination of bold flavors, creative presentations, and a sultry atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both intimate date nights and lively group dinners. In a neighborhood known for its steakhouses and Italian spots, Gao offers something deliciously different—and the dining scene is all the better for it.