Sometimes, all you want is good food and a little bit of peace and quiet. Thankfully, you don’t have to travel far to escape the hustle and bustle of Miami. These five spots are perfect for getting away and enjoying a peaceful meal.
Costa Med
Nestled in the serene enclave of Key Biscayne, Costa Med offers a Mediterranean dining experience characterized by elegance and tranquility. The restaurant’s intimate setting, complemented by soft lighting and tasteful décor, provides the perfect backdrop for a peaceful meal.
The menu features a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including the Grilled Octopus, tender and flavorful, and the Lobster Ravioli, served in a delicate saffron cream sauce. An extensive wine list and attentive service further enhance the dining experience, making Costa Med a favored destination for those seeking a quiet retreat. This fine dining restaurant is no secret to locals and has been a favorite for those seeking a peaceful night out for over 20 years.
Estiatorio Milos
Tucked away in South Beach’s exclusive South of Fifth enclave, Estiatorio Milos offers a serene dining experience that transports guests to the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean. The restaurant’s interior, adorned with white linens, natural wood accents, and soft lighting, creates an atmosphere of understated elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the space, enhancing the tranquil ambiance.
At the heart of Milos is a commitment to simplicity and freshness. The menu showcases pristine ingredients, many flown in daily from the Mediterranean. Signature dishes include the Milos Special, a tower of paper-thin zucchini and eggplant crisps layered with saganaki cheese and served with tzatziki, and the Charcoal Broiled Octopus, sashimi-quality Mediterranean octopus grilled to perfection. Guests can also select from a variety of whole fish displayed on ice, such as Loup de Mer and Tsipoura, which are expertly prepared to highlight their natural flavors. For meat lovers, offerings like the Prime Lamb Chops and Filet Mignon, sourced from Brandt Beef Family Farms, provide hearty alternatives. Complementing the cuisine is an extensive wine list, featuring selections from Greece and beyond, curated to enhance the flavors of each dish. The attentive service and peaceful setting make Estiatorio Milos an ideal destination for those seeking a refined and quiet dining experience.
Estiatorio Milos is located at 730 1st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
Forte dei Marmi
Forte dei Marmi is where South Beach slows down. Tucked away at the quiet southern tip of Ocean Drive, this refined hideaway invites guests into a world of Italian elegance far removed from the buzz of Collins Avenue. Housed in a restored 1938 Mediterranean Revival building reimagined by architect Chad Oppenheim, the restaurant’s interiors are awash in pale stone, natural woods, and breezy white linens—a nod to the effortless allure of Italian beach culture. The ambiance draws directly from its namesake Tuscan resort town, conjuring sun-soaked seaside villas and languid coastal evenings.
With a global culinary background, restaurateur Andrea Reitano and Executive Chef Fabrizio Piga infuse Forte dei Marmi with the refined elegance of Italian fine dining rooted in the principles of the slow food movement. The menu is driven by seasonal, organic ingredients—each dish showcasing a delicate balance of sophistication and simplicity. To start, the Vitello Tonnato is a choice of authentic integrity. House-made pastas take center stage, including the Linguine ‘Alla Nerano’, a deceptively simple but rich dish made with zucchini and Provolone del Monaco, and the Truffle Cacio e Pepe featuring Bucatini Pasta Served in a Pecorino Wheel.
The wine and cocktail program is just as intentional. Expect an impressive list of organic and biodynamic offerings curated to match the purity of the kitchen’s flavors. Whether sipping a crisp white from Sicily or a low-intervention Sangiovese, each pairing enhances the experience without overwhelming it.
Forte dei Marmi is that rare destination where every detail—from architecture to plating—serves the greater purpose of slowing down and savoring the moment.
Forte dei Marmi is located at 150 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
Hiden
Hidden behind an unassuming façade in the heart of Wynwood, Hiden offers an exclusive and intimate dining experience reminiscent of Japan’s secret omakase establishments. With only eight seats available, the restaurant ensures a personalized and serene atmosphere where guests can fully immerse themselves in the culinary journey.
The omakase menu, meticulously crafted by the chef, features an eight-to-ten-course tasting that evolves with the seasons. Dishes highlight the freshest ingredients, many flown in directly from Japan, and may include delicacies such as Otoro Nigiri, showcasing the rich flavors of fatty tuna belly, and A5 Wagyu, celebrated for its marbled texture and depth of flavor. The minimalist décor and attentive service further enhance the tranquil dining experience.
Hiden is located at 313 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
Il Gabbiano
Perched gracefully along the shimmering edge of Biscayne Bay, Il Gabbiano offers a tranquil dining experience that feels worlds away from the city’s usual hustle. The restaurant’s expansive terrace, adorned with crisp white linens and offering panoramic waterfront views, sets the stage for a serene evening where the gentle lapping of waves complements the soft murmur of conversation.
Inside, the ambiance is one of understated elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, illuminating polished wood floors and classic Italian décor. Attentive service ensures that each guest feels both welcomed and unhurried, allowing for a dining experience that unfolds at a leisurely pace.
The menu, a testament to Northern Italian culinary traditions, features dishes crafted with the finest ingredients. Begin with the Mozzarella di Bufala, its creamy texture paired perfectly with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. For pasta enthusiasts, the Pappardelle alla Vaccinara offers wide ribbons of pasta enveloped in a rich oxtail ragù, while the Gnocchi al Gorgonzola presents delicate potato dumplings bathed in a velvety blue cheese sauce. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Branzino al Forno, a whole Mediterranean sea bass roasted to perfection and served with a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil. Conclude your meal with the classic Tiramisù, its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream providing a sweet finale. Il Gabbiano’s extensive wine list, featuring selections from Italy’s renowned vineyards, offers the perfect accompaniment to each dish, enhancing flavors and elevating the dining experience. Whether seated indoors or al fresco, guests are treated to a peaceful atmosphere where fine dining and relaxation harmoniously converge.
Il Gabbiano is located at 335 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
Pinch Kitchen
Located in Miami’s Upper East Side, Pinch Kitchen is a cozy bistro known for its warm ambiance and inventive cuisine. The restaurant’s rustic charm, highlighted by eclectic décor and soft lighting, creates a welcoming environment for diners seeking a relaxed experience.
The menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, with an eclectic array of bites, ranging from BBQ Porkbelly to Gambas al Ajillo. The chef-driven menu is inspired by Cuban, Italian, Spanish, and Asian cultures, and Chef Gallo delivers on all. The Pinch Burger is a locals’ favorite, and the Black Angus Skirt Steak is served with unforgettable spicy Brussels sprouts. A selection of craft beers and boutique wines complements the menu, ensuring a satisfying meal in a peaceful setting. And what truly puts the mind at ease is when the check arrives—Pinch delivers this level of quality and service at a price that feels refreshingly reasonable.
Pinch Kitchen is located at 8601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website.
RED South Beach
Situated in the sophisticated South of Fifth neighborhood, RED South Beach redefines the classic steakhouse experience with a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s interior exudes modern elegance, featuring sleek lines, ambient lighting, and a curated selection of over 500 wines that line the walls, creating an intimate and refined atmosphere.
Executive Chef Peter Vauthy presents a menu that celebrates the finest Certified Angus Beef Prime cuts, complemented by fresh, seasonal ingredients. Diners can indulge in the Filet Mignon, renowned for its tenderness, or the Ribeye, aged to perfection for a rich, robust flavor. Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the Alaskan King Crab Cake, delicately prepared and served with a house-made remoulade. Signature sides like the Four Cheese Macaroni & Cheese and Truffle Whipped Potatoes provide the perfect accompaniment to any entrée.
The attentive service and tranquil setting make RED South Beach an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful dining experience amidst the vibrant energy of Miami Beach. While the ample bar tends to get conversation flowing, the cozy tables lining floor-to-ceiling windows are just far enough away for privacy. Red also offers a serene outdoor dining area landscaped with greenery and calmly lit for an intimate dining experience.
RED South Beach is permanently closed.
