Your Ultimate Guide to Finding New York Restaurants in Miami

This list is for all the New Yorkers who have made the move to Miami and chose to resettle in the tropical paradise, without sacrificing the allure of the big city vibes. For those of you who are still considering making the move, we’ve got you covered too. Whether it’s fresh seafood by the beach, late-night ramen, or fresh-baked goods—we’ve got it. So if you are missing some of those iconic New York munchy destinations, here’s a list of their equivalent for the best restaurants in Miami.
How to Eat Like a New Yorker in Miami

Lilia – Carpaccio
Whether you’re already addicted to Lilia’s scrumptious handmade pasta or you were one of the many who could only make it to the waiting list, Miami’s got you covered. While Williamsburg may have Lilia, Miami has been holding it down with Carpaccio for nearly 30 years. In the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops, it’s long been one of the city’s favorite spots for Italian fare, power lunches, and a little bit of people-watching under the palms, naturally.
Much like Lilia, Carpaccio understands that great Italian food doesn’t need too many bells and whistles. The menu is packed with classics done right, from fresh seafood dishes and wood-fired pizzas to hearty meat entrees and house specialties that keep regulars coming back year after year. If you’re missing Lilia’s infamous agnolotti with sheep’s milk cheese, don’t miss out on Carpaccio’s agnolotti with ricotta in a creamy pink sauce. The spacious outdoor terrace also makes for the perfect setting to linger over a long lunch in between shopping, while taking in the South Florida sunshine.
Balthazar – Le Bouchon du Grove
How not to miss Balthazar? This is the spot where all New Yorkers gather, where you can meet literally anyone from celebrities to your long-lost cousins. The vibe is always poppin’, and we’re sure you couldn’t wait for next weekend’s brunch date to be back in the lively atmosphere of the infamous French bistro.
Luckily, Miami has a little slice of Paris hidden away in Coconut Grove. Le Bouchon du Grove may be smaller than Balthazar, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm. With a quaint dining room, a handful of outdoor tables, and the smell of butter, wine, and French cooking floating through the air, it’s easy to forget you’re still in South Florida. In fact, before you know it, you’ll already be planning your next “trip to France.”
Start with the iconic gratinée Lyonnaise (French onion soup) before moving on to steamed mussels with fries, duck confit, or the chicken fricassee served with porcini risotto. If you’re stopping by earlier in the day, the omelets are a must and come loaded with goodies like goat cheese, prosciutto, and smoked salmon. To finish, the warm tarte tatin with English cream and silky crème brûlée are worth the visit alone. Reservations are highly recommended—after all, the best little bistros are usually the hardest to get into.
Le Bouchon du Grove is located at 3430 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For more information, visit their official website.
Claw Daddy’s – CJ’s Crab Shack
If you need a good dose of Cajun seafood, you’ve come to the right place. Florida may not be Louisiana, but the Cajun fare is jumpin’ either way. For that authentic sea-boil vibe that you’re used to getting at Claw Daddy’s, head on over to CJ’s Crab Shack. Ocean Drive may not be loaded with recommendable eats, but when it’s there—it’s there. And we’re definitely recommending it.
What’s good about CJ’s is that they’re not just another boil joint. Instead, they’ve created their own authentic experience of a crab shack. The Shack is a family business, and they’ve been doing their part to keep their recipes as pure as they were 95 years ago when Grand Daddy Gus started it all. For the real deal, order a crab cake and CJ’s Cajun combo with pasta alfredo. To top it all off, Chris’ Famous Rum Punch in a souvenir cup. Finish the meal off with a nice stroll down the beach—a Florida special.
Sushi Yasuda – Uchi
New York likes to stick to the roots, at times, downright outdoing the original cuisine in terms of tradition and technique. Miami, on the other hand, is all about fusion. Those who have dined at Sushi Yasuda, let alone ordered their omakase, might have a difficult time finding something that lives up to par.
No fret—Uchi brings Miamians a taste of top-shelf Japanese cuisine with plenty of creativity to spare. Created by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, this Wynwood hotspot balances traditional Japanese techniques with modern flavors and unexpected combinations. The menu changes daily and is packed with everything from makimono and agemono to pristine sushi and sashimi prepared with the freshest ingredients available. For those who like to leave dinner in the chef’s hands, the omakase is an easy choice and even comes in a vegetarian version. If you’re ordering à la carte, don’t miss some of Uchi’s standout seafood offerings like the Tasmanian ocean trout, big-eye tuna loin, and goldeneye snapper. And for those looking to really treat themselves, many dishes can be upgraded with a healthy helping of kaluga hybrid caviar.
Uchi is located at 252 NW 25th Street, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
Kenka – Paperfish Sushi
Kenka is as iconic in the world of quirky Japanese eateries as can be. Every New Yorker has stood on Saint Mark’s waiting for a seat in this bustlin’ place just to feast on some meat skewers or the takoyaki roulette. Our best remedy for being “kenka-sick”—Paperfish Sushi.
With locations in Brickell and South Beach, Paperfish brings together Japanese tradition and Peruvian flavors in a lively Tokyo-inspired izakaya atmosphere. Walk through the bright red torii gates, and you’ll immediately understand why Miami locals keep coming back for more. Gather a group of friends and prepare to share. For some real izakaya fare go with the shishito miso, rock shrimp tempura, crispy truffle fried rice, or yakisoba. But beware not to skip out on the raw specials either—the smoked rocoto ceviche or signature handrolls like the shrimp katsu-packed acevichado or Paper Tuna loaded with tuna tartar. If you stop by for the weekday happy hour from 5-7 p.m., you might end up forgetting the beloved New York izakaya altogether.
Roberta’s – Ironside Pizza
Roberta’s may be one of the most recognizable pizza destinations in Brooklyn. What started as a humble neighborhood spot quickly became a New York institution, drawing crowds for its wood-fired pies, creative toppings, and laid-back atmosphere. For Miamians looking to scratch that same itch, there’s Ironside Pizza.
Ironside Pizza and Roberta’s, in fact, share some similar philosophies—a warm and sustainable hub in the community, for the community. Within Miami’s Ironside, a quaint little district filled with artisanal cafes and shops, it’s the ideal spot for an outdoor gathering with friends. As far as food goes, what you’ll really be coming back for is the pizza, cold-fermented for 36 hours and wood-fired. Each pie arrives with a perfectly puffed crust carrying just a hint of smoky flavor. The margherita remains a crowd favorite, topped with mozzarella fior di latte, San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh basil, and EVOO. There are also plenty of gourmet pies, like the prosciutto-loaded Tronchetto, for every kind of pizza lover. Save room for dessert because the panna cotta and tiramisu are both worth the extra stomach space. Oh, and maybe also grab a pitcher of sangria for the table. Brooklyn may have Roberta’s, but Miami’s got a pretty solid answer of its own.
Black Seed – Zak the Baker
In the city of bagels, Black Seed was able to capture the hearts of New Yorkers since its inception. Coming to Miami, you may be wondering where to find the soft, chewy dough with the ideal cream cheese shmear. Look no further than Zak the Baker, Wynwood’s gem of a bakery.
Zak the Baker serves up next-level Kosher-certified bagels with toppings like smoked salmon, whitefish salad, tuna salad, and house-made cream cheese (all sold by the tub). The bakery provides all sorts of baked goods—sourdough, cookies, turnovers, challah, breads, sandwiches—as well as coffee, teas, and juices. It gets no better. Pro tip: show up early. The goodies do sell out.
Zak the Baker is located at 295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
Van Leeuwen – Dasher and Crank
Van Leeuwen is really the New Yorker’s first date come summertime—that means yes, they serve some of the best ice cream this side of the universe. Their innovative flavors and vegan options are, of course, sold at their homebase, and even grocery stores and delis. Miami, being warm year-round, naturally, a solid ice cream find is a must.
And thus, Dasher and Crank comes to the rescue. In Wynwood, it’s a great stop after grabbing your daily baked goods from Zak the Baker. The creamery takes pride in its small batches of flavors (with over 425 varieties created to this day). Each week is a new flavor, some of which are results of collabs with local Miami establishments. So you’ll have plenty of chances to stop by again, and again. And again. The ice cream and sorbet are hand-crafted, with some favorites being ube (coconut ice cream with Filipino purple yams—vegan) and Ferrero Rocher (rich chocolate-hazelnut ice cream). Do we need to mention that they do 2-for-1 Monday to Thursday from 5-9 p.m.? Scandalous!
Dasher and Crank is located at 2211 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
Miss Lilys – Dukanoo
If you miss jammin’ the night away at Miss Lilys with some legit jerk chicken, head on over to Miami’s Dukanoo. They’ve got the vibes to match. They’ve got you set for Nostalgia Brunch, Irie hour, ladies night Thursdays, Jamrock Sundays, and late-night food and dancing. Just check out their IG to see what’s poppin’ this week. Choose from indoor seating or an extensive “backyard” style outdoor space, which can’t help but invite the grooves.
Some must-haves: jerk chicken (grilled on their very own jerk stand), pressed plantain bites (topped with crispy fried snapper and escovitch veggies), and vegan ackee callaloo rolls. If you’re looking for a place like Dukanoo it means you are ready to party, so don’t skip out on their extensive selection of tropical cocktails. But really, just order the UD Heatwave and get ready to party.
Dukanoo is located at 316 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
The Smith – Greenstreet Cafe
The Smith is the establishment for native New Yorkers and out-of-town guests to enjoy a fine American brunch while people-watching on the streets of East Village. The next time you find yourself wondering where you can do all that and more in Miami, head on over to Coconut Grove’s Greenstreet Cafe. It’s the place for people-gazing and brunching. The extended outdoor patio gives patrons a nice fresh breeze from the Atlantic too, so you rarely find people seated inside.
The menu features staples of American cuisine prepared right. Expect the classics: French toast, eggs, and omelets prepared any way you like them, and pancakes, including the cinnamon roll pancakes (a must-try). For the nice Miami weather, order up their signature Greenstreet CBD Mary (the cafe’s more chill version of a Bloody Mary) for the table and enjoy the perfect lazy afternoon before hitting the beach, Florida style.
Greenstreet Cafe is located at 3468 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For more information, visit their official website.



