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. Thankfully, Miami hasn’t seen much of a slow down in light of the pandemic. 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 – Osteria Del Teatro
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 — Kosushi brings Miamians a taste of top-shelf Japanese cuisine. Hailing from Brazil, this new edge restaurant puts forth Japanese attention to detail and Brazilian flavor with a dash of Miami ingenuity. For fresh-fish cuts order the Chef’s special sashimi set. And for a taste of what Kosushi is really known for, the salmon belly tartare served with fried taro chips and an eye-catching dollop of osetra caviar. The menu is not short of traditional and signature sushi and sashimi, melting pot appetizers, and gorgeous main dishes with rare ingredients. The stunning wooden environment was designed by reputed architect Arthur Casas. Kosushi also hosts a fine collection of sake and wine for any taste.
801 S Pointe Dr, Miami Beach, FL, 33139; (786) 647-7272, kosushimiami.com; Tues – Sun, 6 p.m. -12 a.m.
Court Street Grocers – Ruby Dee’s
La Giulietta may not be as poppin’ as Bushwick’s Roberta’s (yet), but every good Italian establishment has to start somewhere, no?
La Giulitta and Roberta’s in fact share some similar philosophies — a warm and sustainable hub in the community, for the community. Located within Miami’s Ironside (a quaint little district filled with artisanal cafes, shops, and even a garden to stock La Giulietta’s fridge,) it’s the ideal location for an outdoor gathering with friends. As far as food goes, what you’ll really be coming back for is the pasta (handmade daily) and bread (fired on Florida cedarwood). Feast on one of our faves — Lombrichelli Alla Parmigiana, rustic thick noodles, wood-fired eggplant, locally farmed tomatoes and basil, and salted ricotta cheese. Explosive!
The charming eatery also offers salads, flatbreads, and heartier mains, like meat and fresh-caught fish — also wood-oven fired.
La Giulietta is located at 7580 NE 4th Ct, Miami, FL 33138; (305) 702-0252; www.miamiironside.com/lagiulietta; Open Tues – Sun, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Mon, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Oasis – Meet the Goat
Oasis has been feeding hungry mouths with enormous fresh falafel balls since pre-Williamsburg Williamsburg. Naturally, any New Yorker will seek out an affordable falafel joint before making any rash decisions (like riding the bus.) In other words, “city-based Middle Eastern grub” is really a synonym for “travel security.”
With the amount of clout they have in the Miami streets, you’ll be surprised they had their grand opening merely a month before the pandemic. Aside from falafel they also serve delicious Lebanese & Mediterranean foods like baba ghanoush, rice-stuffed grape leaves, kabobs, and shawarma.
P.S. Baklava = yes. Baklava + Coffee = yes yes.
Meet the Goat is located at 16 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130; (786) 717-6015, meetthegoat.co; Open every day 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Black Seed – Zak the Baker
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 has come to the rescue. Located 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 Philipino purple yams – vegan), Yoko Matcha (coconut-matcha, vegan), and London Fog (Jojo’s Earl Grey Tea and dark chocolate chunks).
Dasher and Crank is located at 2211 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127; (305) 640-8579; dasherandcrank.com; Open Mon – Thurs, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Fri – Sun, 10 a.m. – midnight.
Mr. Taka Ramen – Momi Ramen
Mr. Taka has definitely been an essential ramen joint in the LES, year-round, day and night. Coming to hot and humid Miami, pipin’ hot bowls of soup may not be the first thing on your mind, but that’s cause you haven’t tried Momi Ramen yet. And indeed, it is some good competition for Taka San.
Most important, Momi is here to support the Miami community — serving up bowls into the wee hours (sometimes even open 24 hours). The ramen broth is made from chicken and pork bone marrow with exquisite toppings like pork char siu, oxtail, shrimp, and wagyu. The ramen noods are house-made and the sake selection is extensive.
Momi Ramen is located at 5 SW 11th St, Miami, FL 33130; (786) 391-2392, https://www.facebook.com/momitamen/; Every day, noon-2:30 a.m.
Red Rooster – Blue Collar
We know you gotta be craving some of Red Rooster’s famous grits right now, paired with a nice craft cocktail for the perfect Sunday brunch. In fact, many-a-celebrity have graced the doors of the famed establishment. In Miami, we got Blue Collar paving the way for Southern Soul Food. It’s been on the scene for almost 10 years now and stays. So, be ready for a wait. But please do remember — very very good things come to those who wait.
Dive into comfort food classics like Shrimp’n’Grits (served with smoked bacon and New Orleans style BBQ sauce), Conch Fritters (with spicy tartar sauce), and Spicy Oxtails (with 4 spiciness levels). They also have a vast array of veggie dishes, so yes, finally you can bring your vegan friends to get Comfort Food. The staff is always friendly, so you know you’re leaving Blue Collar happy and jolly as if you just came from gramma’s house.
Blue Collar is located at 6730 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138; (305) 756-0366, https://www.bluecollarmiami.com/; Open Mon – Fri, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., 5:30 – 10 p.m.; Sat – Sun, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Miss Lilys – Dukanoo
If you miss jammin’ the night away with some legit jerk chicken, head on over to Miami’s Dukanoo. They got the vibes to match. They got you set for brunch, “Irie hour” (happy hour), ladies night (Thursdays), 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 Bong” and get ready to partyyy.
Dukanoo is located at 316 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127; (786) 334-5150, dukunoojamaicankitchen.com; Open Tues – Sun, noon-midnight.
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 it, and pancakes, including the Cinnamon Roll Pancake (a must-try.) For the nice Miami weather, order up a sangria pitcher for the table and enjoy the perfect lazy afternoon before hitting the beach, Florida style.
Greenstreet Cafe is located on 3468 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133; (305) 444-0244, www.greenstreetcafe.net; Every day, 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.