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Categories: Food and Drink

The Best New Restaurants in Miami [December 2023]

As the holiday season is in full swing, there’s no better time to indulge in the city’s rich culinary scene. From gorgeously designed Italian restaurants to a beloved bagel joint opening its second outpost, enjoy delightful bites and libations with friends and loved ones all month long. 

Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot for an intimate dinner or planning to ring in the New Year with style, our guide is your passport to the hottest and most delectable destinations in town. Here are some of the best new restaurants in Miami. 

Mirabella

Between the gorgeous coastal Italian–decorated interiors to the happy dance-inducing culinary gems, there’s much to love about the Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s latest addition, Mirabella. Dubbed a “celebration of Italian cuisine” by Michelin-starred chef Michael White, the new Italian eatery reflects his culinary journey, which began 25 years ago “during a transformative period for Italian cooking in the U.S.,” he says. 

The menu blends a mélange of flavors, starting with a fresh seafood program with options such as bluefin tuna tartare, grilled octopus, and the standout dish: lobster and burrata with tomato conserva, eggplant, and basil. Start by ordering one of the inventive cocktails from the menu or served from the interactive gin cart that gets wheeled around to guests. 

The indulgences continue with nine pasta and risotto dishes (we recommend the agnolotti), branzino, ossobuco featuring a center-cut braised veal shank, and a 24-ounce, bone-in ribeye. A visit to Mirabella is a journey to the captivating coastal regions of Italy.

Mirabella is located at 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140. For more information, please visit their official website. 

Toku Modern Asian

Following a success in Long Island, New York, brothers Gillis and George Poll landed on Aventura as the next city outpost for their highly regarded  Asian restaurant, Toku. Diners love Toku for the modern Asian dishes, expansive cocktail program, and moody yet inviting ambiance. 

Grab a spot at the 53-seat illuminated bar featuring a large mural by local artist Krave depicting a Chinese dragon. Then, order bites off the menu, which fuses Japanese and Chinese influences with touches of Thai and Vietnamese flavors. Think: miso black cod, sesame-crusted tuna, wagyu steak frites, and Peking duck, as well as various rice and noodle dishes and dozens of imaginative sushi. 

Toku Modern Asian is located at 19575 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 1109, Aventura, FL 33180. For more information, please visit their official website

Casadonna

Photo Credit: Cristian Gonzalez

One of the most highly anticipated restaurants has opened in Miami, treating guests to a lavish experience with opulent interiors and an impressive menu to match. A collaboration between the famed Tao Group Hospitality and Miami’s own Groot Hospitality, Casadonna is a seaside oasis replete with marine-influenced designs and a menu underscored by coastal Italian cuisine similar to what you’d find when visiting towns like Positano and Taormina. 

Designer extraordinaire Ken Fulk is behind the multi-space restaurant with spaces to enjoy, ranging from the secret garden-like Courtyard Bar to The Loggia Dining Room to the Ocean Bar, ideal for al fresco dining along the bay. 

Order the crispy young artichokes and burrata with eggplant caponata, cherry tomato, and mission fig before moving on to your mains. Standouts include the famous bisteca Fiorentina and diver scallops with Taggiasca olive, caper, and tomato puttanesca. Be sure to try the tagliatelle al limone, adorned with fresh Meyer lemon and caviar. 

The restaurant recently welcomed brunch favorites, perfect for gathering with friends and family, adding another layer of enjoyment.

Casadonna is located at 1737 N. Bayshore Drive, first floor, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, please visit their official website

El Bagel

One of Miami’s most talked-about bagel shops has finally opened its second outpost at CocoWalk, following success in its original MiMo district. El Bagel opened days before the pandemic began, forcing the team to transition to an online ordering system for pickup only. Despite the challenges, El Bagel has remained a locals’ favorite for signature hand-rolled bagels, sandwiches, and schmears with a devoted fanbase. 

Head to CocoWalk to try the traditional Bacon, Egg, and Cheese to the inventive EB Original with scallion cream cheese, roasted jalapeños, and thick-cut bacon. There are even Miami-influenced options, like the King Guava with guava marmalade, cream cheese, papitas, and a local fried egg. Wash it all down with locally roasted coffee from Great Circle Coffee.

El Bagel is located at 6910 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33138. For more information, please visit their official website

K-Bop Bop

South Florida’s favorite open-air gathering spot in Hallandale Beach has welcomed a new culinary outpost: K-Bop Bop. Located at the Carousel Club inside Gulfstream Park, this innovative Korean barbecue concept seamlessly blends traditional Korean flavors with a modern twist. 

Explore Korea’s rich gastronomic heritage by ordering Korean fried chicken wings, Bibimbap bowls, pork in a garlic-soy glaze, and plant-based options. Now, your taste buds can experience the same thrill as watching horse racing while savoring the unique offerings at K-Bop Bop. 

K-Bop Bop is located at 901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. For more information, please visit their official website

Melissa Puppo

Melissa Puppo is a Miami-based lifestyle writer and editor who covers South Florida and beyond. She previously was managing editor of Fort Lauderdale Illustrated and Aventura Magazine and now contributes to regional and national publications, including Time Out Miami and Byrdie. Always on the hunt for the next best bite, Melissa is a passionate foodie and loves discovering new hotspots around town. You can also catch her writing about hospitality, travel, beauty, and wellness.

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