Miami’s Upper East Side might not be the first neighborhood to come to mind when you’re thinking of where to eat, but did you know that this charming retro area is home to some of the city’s best culinary gems? From the Michelin-starred Boia De to the most authentic omakase at Ogawa and unparalleled Turkish food at El Turco, UES is giving the rest of the 305 some heavy competition.
Andiamo! Brick Oven Pizza
Located within a historical landmark that once stood as a vintage tire shop, one finds Andiamo! Brick Oven Pizza, a family-owned pizzeria known for its irresistible thin-crust pizza and chill vibes. Grabbing a seat at one of their picnic tables on the lush green patio is the ultimate way to enjoy the food here, alongside some iconic Upper East Side people-watching.
Here, everything is made from scratch—from the dough to the sauces and even the desserts. The menu is packed with dozens of pies, both for carnivores and vegetarians, as well as other Italian-American classics like cheese and garlic breadsticks, spaghetti and meatballs, and a plethora of panini. So, what’s the ideal order here? Start with the breadsticks, but of course, then get the Greek salad (trust us on this one, not only is it delish but you’ll need it to balance out the meal) and for the star of the show—the Godfather, the pizzeria’s most popular pie loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, those infamous meatballs, onions, peppers, and loads of cheesy goodness.
Andiamo! Brick Oven Pizza is located at 5600 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
Battubelin
While Battubelin is new on the Upper East Side dining scene, it has already earned itself quite a few loyal followers who know a thing or two about quality Italian food. The ambiance blends rustic charm with modern touches, making it the perfect spot for a romantic date night. With its dim lighting and exclusive dinner service, it sets just the right mood.
Everything here is crafted from scratch, from the puffy wood-fired pizzas to the handmade pasta. While all the dishes are exceptional, the fresh pasta stands out as a favorite. Diners can select from over a dozen freshly made noodle varieties, including ravioli, gnocchi, and even gluten-free chickpea pasta. Pair your choice with one of the restaurant’s sauces, with the fresh pesto being a unanimous favorite. If pizza is your craving, you have three options: the Napoletana, Romana, or Pinsa, all topped with mouthwatering ingredients like burrata and Parma ham. Oof. Lastly, make sure to leave room for dessert as Battubelin dishes out arguably the best tiramisu in town, including a Nutella tiramisu option if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Battubelin is located at 749 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website.
Boia De
Boia De is no secret amongst the city’s food enthusiasts. A proud owner of a Michelin star, the Italian restaurant is known for its dedication to quality cuisine, responsibly sourced ingredients, and natural wine. You’ll find it tucked away in an Upper East Side strip mall with the neon-pink exclamation mark glowing above the front door being absolutely unmissable. The interior is small yet cozy, with quirky decor and a handful of mismatched outdoor seating to accommodate hungry foodies who have been waiting to snatch a reservation for months.
The menu is short and sweet, consisting of one page and a handful of dishes on rotation. Yes, the food is Italian, but please don’t expect plates you’ll find at your local trattoria; rather, prepare your tastebuds for something truly exceptional. Must-tries that make consistent appearances on the menu include the beef tartare with a tonnato sauce and garlic-shallot crumble; the crispy polenta with zesty marinated eggplant and a ricotta salad; and the red hot baked clams with nduja. The pasta here is its own unique story with options like the tagliolini Nero—king crab, vin jaune, truffle pate, and fresh herbs—which we’re positive you’ll be writing postcards about. Reservations here are necessary, and we recommend not rushing through dinner—the ambiance here makes it easy to savor your meal for hours.
Boia De is located at 5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
Boteco
If you’re looking for something festive where the vibes are always gaiety, the music is always loud, and the food is always delicious, then head straight to Boteco. This spot serves your typical Brazilian fare in a laid-back atmosphere that will have you hooked.
You’ll need to start with a caipirinha, after which you’ll seamlessly blend with the bar’s mood. Then, start making your way through the menu. We recommend getting a Salgado platter to share, which features a mix of Boteco’s infamous bolinhos—deep-fried yucca croquets. Warning: you may become addicted. The star of the show, however, is the picanha platter, a sizzling dish of top sirloin steak and skewers. Make sure to also stop by on the weekend when crowds gather for the feijoada buffet, a traditional dish made of beans, meats, and accompaniments like farofa, sausage, fried bananas, and collard greens; all served buffet-style with ice-cold Bohemia.
Boteco is located at 916 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, head to their official website.
Chica
Chica is an upscale Mexican with flavors that are out of this world. The lively, colorful space makes Chica our go-to for a fun night out with the besties, where picture-perfect vibes don’t mean a sacrifice of flavor.
At Chica, Celebrity Chef Lorena Garcia presents contemporary Mexico’s bold and vibrant flavors paired with a wine and mixology program that will keep you on your toes. Start with a Spicy Papacito cocktail (Knob Creek Bourbon, Árbol Bitters, cilantro, and Q Ginger Beer), and your taste buds will already be tingling with excitement about what’s to come. Sharing is recommended, and you won’t regret getting a bite of everything on the table. Start with the Chica Caesar made with cherry tomato confit, chorizo crumble, and a creamy manchego dressing, and the asado negro arepas with braised short ribs. Then, for the main attraction—the tableside Tomahawk “Flameado” served with heirloom blue corn tortillas, queso fundido, and chile padrón. We won’t be surprised if Chica becomes part of your weekly Friday night out rotation after this.
CHICA is located at 5556 NE 4th Court, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
El Turco
Tucked away in a charming shopping enclave in Upper Buena Vista, this Michelin Bib Gourmand gem invites you to savor an authentic Turkish meal on its expansive patio, shaded by majestic oak trees that whisper stories of tradition. The open kitchen, framed by blue and white Turkish tiles, offers a front-row seat to culinary artistry, where chefs breathe new life into time-honored recipes.
The true magic happens at breakfast, served daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Imagine indulging in the silkiest organic egg menemen, the Turkish cousin of shakshuka, or biting into a simit sandwich, where a sesame-crusted Turkish bagel meets spicy fermented sausage, kasseri cheese, tomato, and arugula. Pair that with a rich Turkish coffee or tea, and you’re in breakfast heaven. Come lunchtime, the table transforms into a vibrant mosaic of flavors. Beet hummus, ezme, baba ganoush, and kısır bring are perfect for sharing, while homemade beef-stuffed mantı drenched in brown butter and garlicky yogurt are pure bliss.
Fiorito
Fiorito is a cozy Argentine gem that serves up mouthwatering specialties straight from the motherland. If you’re a fan of meat and dairy, this is your paradise—think juicy cuts and rich, creamy delights that’ll leave you craving more. But Fiorito is more than just an Argentine haven. This small, family-owned spot surprises with an impressive menu that also brings Spanish and Italian flavors to the table.
To start we recommend an order of the pulpo a la plancha, a perfectly tender yet crispy octopus served with Catalonian romesco sauce, escabeche, and mint chimichurri. Then, get ready to move on to the meats. To start, the provoleta con chorizo is an incredibly satisfying dish of melted provolone cheese and chorizo served in a cast iron pan with plenty of tomatoes and basil on top to balance out the oleaginous goodness. Finally, for the main dish, don’t miss Argentina’s specialty—the churrasco skirt steak grilled to perfection and served with home-cut fries and chimichurri. All you need is a glass of red to round it all off.
Fiorito is located at 555 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
Ironside Pizza
For a taste of Naples right in the Upper East Side, Ironside Pizza is where you need to be. This laid-back pizzeria dishes out top-tier Italian fare in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that feels like home. At Ironside, it’s all about keeping it real—fresh, local ingredients sourced from nearby farms and their own garden make every bite as authentic as it gets.
The menu is a love letter to Italy, featuring antipasti boards, saucy polpette, and killer mortadella & pesto panini. But the true headliners are the wood-fired pizzas and calzones, each emerging from the oven with a perfectly puffed crust, kissed by the subtle smokiness of Florida pine. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just love a good slice, the diverse pizza menu has you covered. The classic Margherita is the showstopper, though, topped with creamy mozzarella fior di latte, housemade San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a rich drizzle of olive oil—a timeless masterpiece. Bonus tip: Ironside is BYOB-friendly, so grab your favorite bottle and settle in their lush patio.
Ogawa
Step into Ogawa, where Edomae sushi meets pure artistry. This isn’t just another neighborhood sushi joint—it’s a cultural experience led by Alvaro Perez Miranda, a celebrated Goodwill Ambassador of Japanese Cuisine. Every inch of Ogawa is a tribute to Japanese tradition, from the delicate nihonga paintings that grace the walls to the handcrafted pottery that elevates each dish.
Behind the sushi bar, Master Chef Masayuki Komatsu and Sushi Chef Royce “Gaja” Appling work their magic, crafting dishes that go beyond taste. With ingredients flown in fresh from Japan daily, the menu is a seasonal masterpiece, offering rare delights like Hitachi wagyu and baby sea eels. The omakase here is a soulful journey, completely embodying Japanese hospitality. After indulging in the curated omakase, explore the exclusive sake and wine list handpicked by Sommelier Luis Martinez, and then lose yourself in the tranquility of the secret garden designed by ikebana artist Akiko Iwata. With limited seating, Ogawa offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that’s as much about the atmosphere as it is about the incredible cuisine.
Pinch Kitchen and Bar
Pinch Kitchen has been keeping Miami’s foodies buzzing since its first landing in 2015. Don’t let the “new American” label fool you—this spot will keep you on your toes with every bite.
The restaurant has a plethora of Pinch Bites to share, so we recommend rolling deep with your crew and digging into some musts: the guava BBQ pork belly served with mojo onions for that perfectly balanced bite, oh, and let’s not forget the K-town guac made with house kimchi for a kick of Korean heat. When it’s time to go solo, go with the Black Angus skirt steak. Let’s just say it’s giving the city’s best steakhouses some heavy competition. Those spicy Brussels sprouts and Brazilian vinaigrette steak salsa are the perfect accompaniment. Last but not least, the Pinch Bar brings customers’ happiness bars to a full 100 with their craft cocktails, boutique wines, and seasonally rotated craft beers on tap.
Pinch Kitchen and Bar is located at 8601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website.
Wabi Sabi
Step off 79th Street and slip into Wabi Sabi, where the rush of the city fades into a tranquil oasis of cool, curated by the culinary visionary Alvaro Perez Miranda (of Ogawa). Imagine a space where tradition meets modern vibes—delicate origami cranes float above while kokedama plants adorn the tables, adding a touch of zen to the natural minimalist decor. It’s the ideal space in the Upper East Side for those looking for a slice of repose with affordable sushi of the highest quality.
The short and sweet menu is all about balance and big flavors. Enthusiasts of Japanese cuisine can choose between customizable donburi loaded with the day’s freshest fish (or veggie) offerings, affordable omakase going from $50-100, or a variety of maki, nigiri, temaki, and sashimi with rare options like saltwater eel, botan ebi, and A5 wagyu with otoro. For a perfect finish to the meal, don’t skip dessert. The mango panna cotta and the green tea mochi ice cream are perfection.
Zoi
Nestled within the coral-rock walls of Miami’s Upper East Side, dating all the way back to 1923, ZOI effortlessly blends timeless charm with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. The name “Zoi” means life in Greek, and here, every detail is designed to celebrate the joy of living. Step into a lush outdoor garden where koi fish glide through tranquil ponds, setting the stage for a culinary journey crafted from the earth’s finest ingredients.
The menu is brimming with Mediterranean delicacies from mezze hot and cold to fresh salads and smoky proteins straight off the grill. Start with the octopus ceviche, which features roasted octopus with onions, peppers, and plenty of fresh herbs. Then, move on to the gooey cheese saganaki, an utmost satisfying dish of fried golden brown cheese with a dash of lemon and ouzo (a Greek anise-based liquor). As for the mains, the char-grilled smokey chicken shish with herbs and spices and the juicy char-grilled lamb chops are showstoppers. Zoi also has hookah service and live belly dance performances, making it your new favorite Friday night hangout.
Zoi is located at 5808 NE 4th Ct, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, head to their official website.
