South Beach isn't just Miami's most photographed neighborhood—it's become the city's undisputed dining capital, where world-renowned restaurants share oceanfront real estate with intimate lounges and cutting-edge hotel concepts. From the historic charm of Española Way to the luxury corridor of Collins Avenue, this compact peninsula packs more culinary star power per square mile than perhaps anywhere else in Florida.
The magic lies in South Beach's unique ability to balance old-world elegance with Miami's signature energy. Here, a 127-year-old Italian institution sits steps from a modern Israeli café, while craft cigar bars neighbor celebrity chef steakhouses. It's this eclectic mix—combined with the neighborhood's undeniable glamour—that makes South Beach essential dining territory for both locals and visitors.
The Restaurant Scene That Defines South Beach
According to Loews Miami Beach Hotel, the area has undergone a $55 million transformation that enhanced its dining context, reflecting the broader evolution of South Beach's culinary landscape. The neighborhood now hosts everything from farm-to-table breakfast spots to high-energy steakhouses, each contributing to an dining ecosystem unlike anywhere else in Miami.
Historic Institutions and New Classics
Rao's Miami Beach stands as perhaps the neighborhood's most prestigious addition, bringing the iconic 127-year-old family-owned Neapolitan Italian restaurant's authentic southern cooking and home-style ambiance to South Beach, according to the restaurant's official site. Located in the historic St. Moritz Tower at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Rao's operates Sunday through Thursday from 5:30pm to 10pm and Friday through Saturday until 11pm.
Rao's Miami Beach
For decades, Rao’s has been one of New York’s top Italian restaurants, not to mention one of New York’s most exclusive tables. Now, the legendary red sauce joint has opened up a Miami outpost, and whi
View full profileOn Española Way, the Española Cigar Bar & Lounge represents South Beach's more intimate side. According to the establishment's website, this 10-year staple transformed from a boutique cigar shop into a world-class craft bar, restaurant, and lounge dedicated to cigars and pairings like tapas and craft drinks in a relaxing South Beach atmosphere.
Celebrity Chef Territory
Papi Steak operates as an intimate, high-energy steakhouse in Miami Beach's South of Fifth neighborhood at 736 1st St., reimagining fine dining with a celebratory thrill, according to TripAdvisor listings. The restaurant embodies South Beach's ability to attract celebrity chef concepts that become instant destinations.
Papi Steak
High-energy steakhouse with maximalist vibes
View full profileSTK Miami on Collins Avenue near the Boardwalk offers a modern steakhouse experience with steak, seafood, and late-night vibes, reinventing traditions playfully, per the restaurant's website. With lunch starting at $45, dinner at $95, and canapé parties at $50 per person, STK exemplifies South Beach's upscale dining standards while maintaining the neighborhood's signature energy.
STK Miami
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices. Read less
View full profileHotel Dining That Rivals Standalone Restaurants
South Beach's hotel dining scene has evolved beyond typical resort restaurants into destination dining experiences. Bistro Collins at Loews Miami Beach Hotel serves as the distinctive culinary centerpiece, exemplifying American coastal bistro cuisine with timeless techniques blended with Latin American and Caribbean flavors, according to Miami and Beaches tourism.
Bistro Collins at Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Welcome to Bistro Collins, the distinctive new culinary centerpiece of Loews Miami Beach Hotel - a stylish dining destination that exemplifies American coastal bistro cuisine. Inspired by the inviting spirit of bistro culture, here timeless technique blends with the vibrant, locally-driven flavors of Latin America and the Caribbean. The result is an elevated take on beloved classics, alongside fresh, inspired dishes destined to become new favorites. Classic Roots. Coastal Soul. At Bistro Collins, we celebrate the balance of simplicity and creativity. Where thoughtful sourcing, seasonal ingredients and culinary craftsmanship come together on every plate. Dishes like Croque Madame Fritters, classic Steak Tartare and delicate handmade pastas share the table with Roasted Prawns with aji panca, Braised Beef Empanadas and bright island-inspired salads. Refined yet approachable, familiar yet unexpected, our menu pays homage to tradition while embracing the colorful flavors that define Miami’s culinary landscape. Complementing our American coastal bistro cuisine is an imaginative cocktail program, featuring artful mixology that celebrates globally inspired spirits. Whether beginning your stay, indulging in a leisurely evening or soaking in the energy of South Beach, Bistro Collins invites you to savor a dining experience that feels refined, relaxed and undeniably Miami. • Private Events • Reserved areas for Parties 15 and over. Subject to availability.Read less
View full profile- Croque Madame Fritters that blend French technique with local flair
- Classic Steak Tartare alongside handmade pastas
- Roasted Prawns with ají panca showcasing Latin influences
- Braised Beef Empanadas reflecting Miami's multicultural palate
According to Loews Hotels, Bistro Collins features an imaginative cocktail program with globally inspired spirits and one of Florida's largest martini menus with over 240 options, accommodating up to 200 people with happy hour and food service in the main lobby.
Preston's Market at Loews Miami Beach Hotel offers farm-to-table, locally sourced American cuisine with a South Beach twist, focusing on healthy and hearty à la carte breakfast favorites daily from 7am to 11am—perfect for starting your South Beach dining tour.
The International Flavor Profile
South Beach's dining scene reflects Miami's position as a global city, with restaurants representing cuisines from around the world. The neighborhood has become particularly known for its ability to attract international restaurant groups looking to establish their first U.S. presence, as well as local concepts that celebrate the city's multicultural identity.
This international influence extends beyond individual restaurants to shape the entire dining culture. From the Mediterranean influences found throughout the area to the Latin American touches that appear on nearly every menu, South Beach dining represents a truly cosmopolitan experience that reflects the broader character of Miami itself.
Living the South Beach Lifestyle
For residents, South Beach offers an unmatched lifestyle where world-class dining sits at your doorstep. The concentration of restaurants means locals can walk to different cuisine types within blocks, while the mix of casual and upscale options provides flexibility for any occasion.
The neighborhood attracts residents who value convenience, culture, and culinary excellence. From young professionals who appreciate the walkable restaurant scene to established locals who enjoy hosting visitors at the area's destination dining spots, South Beach residents embrace a lifestyle where exceptional food is simply part of daily life.
Planning Your South Beach Dining Experience
The key to experiencing South Beach dining is understanding that each restaurant offers something unique to the neighborhood's character. Whether you're drawn to the intimate atmosphere of a cigar lounge, the energy of a celebrity chef steakhouse, or the refined comfort of hotel dining, South Beach delivers experiences that define what makes Miami special.
Many of South Beach's top restaurants don't accept reservations through standard platforms—venues like Española Cigar Bar & Lounge require direct contact, emphasizing the neighborhood's preference for personal connections over digital convenience.
From sunrise breakfast at Preston's Market to late-night cocktails overlooking the ocean, South Beach offers a complete dining ecosystem that captures the essence of Miami living. It's not just about the individual restaurants—it's about a neighborhood where exceptional food and Miami glamour create something truly unique in the American dining landscape.
Whatever your game plan — smoke cigars with cocktails inside, or watch the Espanola Way scene unfold outside — you’re covered here. Get ready to share (everything from chicken wings to lobster pasta easily feeds two or more) and know that the mojito never disappoints.
Espanola Cigar Bar & Lounge
Whatever your game plan — smoke cigars with cocktails inside, or watch the Espanola Way scene unfold outside — you’re covered here. Get ready to share (everything from chicken wings to lobster pasta e
View full profileChef's Table, the official culinary partner of Art Basel Miami Beach 2024, proudly presents the Fine Diner Series. Over four unforgettable nights, our South Beach venue will be transformed into a retro-inspired diner, hosting an exclusive series of VIP dinners. Each evening, a celebrated Chef's Table chef will serve a one-of-a-kind menu, reimagining nostalgic diner classics with their signature flair.
Chef's Table Diner Series
Chef's Table, the official culinary partner of Art Basel Miami Beach 2024, proudly presents the Fine Diner Series. Over four unforgettable nights, our South Beach venue will be transformed into a retro-inspired diner, hosting an exclusive series of VIP dinners. Each evening, a celebrated Chef's Table chef will serve a one-of-a-kind menu, reimagining nostalgic diner classics with their signature flair.
View full profileBecause it gives Mediterranean-meets-Tulum vibes, from the pillow-filled daybeds to the palms, natural woods, and beachy colors everywhere. Dining here during the day and night are decidedly different, but if all you’re after is some mezze, crudo and oysters, and cocktails, you’ll be fine either way.
Tala Beach
Because it gives Mediterranean-meets-Tulum vibes, from the pillow-filled daybeds to the palms, natural woods, and beachy colors everywhere. Dining here during the day and night are decidedly different
View full profileSavor farm-to-table, locally sourced American cuisine with a Latin twist at Preston's Market. The perfect place to kick start your day in South Beach, Preston's serves both healthy and hearty a la carte breakfast favorites. Its reimagined breakfast buffet, with personalized options, includes fresh fruit, cereals, omelets and pastries. • Private Events • Preston’s Market offers a beautiful indoor and outdoor location for your next event. Featuring a flavorful, locally sourced menu with an infusion of Latin flavors, plus an extensive wine list and cocktail menu, Preston's catering options will please each of your guests.Read less
Preston's Market at Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Savor farm-to-table, locally sourced American cuisine with a Latin twist at Preston's Market. The perfect place to kick start your day in South Beach, Preston's serves both healthy and hearty a la carte breakfast favorites. Its reimagined breakfast buffet, with personalized options, includes fresh fruit, cereals, omelets and pastries. • Private Events • Preston’s Market offers a beautiful indoor and outdoor location for your next event. Featuring a flavorful, locally sourced menu with an infusion of Latin flavors, plus an extensive wine list and cocktail menu, Preston's catering options will please each of your guests.Read less
View full profileLike the original in New York City’s West Village, this Miami outpost of Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi’s retro-glam stunner doesn’t disappoint with its elegant and inventive renditions of Italian American standards.
Carbone Miami
Like the original in New York City’s West Village, this Miami outpost of Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi’s retro-glam stunner doesn’t disappoint with its elegant and inventive renditions of Italian Ame
View full profileEven before you step inside, you’ll want to take a seat at Abbalé’s front patio surrounded by fuchsia bougainvilleas and plush, decorative pillows. But go inside and you’ll find a verdant paradise: Green moss and white flowers flow down from the ceiling, accented by jade velvet banquettes with pastel pink cushions. Created by the minds behind Pura Vida, My Ceviche, and Zuuk, this South of Fifth Israeli café makes its bread in house, and you can taste it when you tear off a piece of warm pita and dip it into a creamy hummus or babaganoush. Also on the menu: Jerusalem bagels, pita sandwiches, fire-roasted cauliflower and whole branzino, plus plenty of shareable plates.
Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen - South Beach
Even before you step inside, you’ll want to take a seat at Abbalé’s front patio surrounded by fuchsia bougainvilleas and plush, decorative pillows. But go inside and you’ll find a verdant paradise: Gr
View full profile