I've eaten at over 1,000 restaurants in Miami. You have to try these 10. (2024)

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When it comes to French fare, LPM is the crème de la crème.

LPM has a few locations around the globe, and its Miami one has a level of elegance and service that's hard to come by in the city.

Start with one of the French-Mediterranean spot's expertly crafted co*cktails to immediately understand the LPM hype. Then, indulge in an array of French delicacies that will transport you far away from Miami.

The escargot, warm prawns, and duck confit are not to be missed. Finish off with cheesecake for a perfect meal.

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Doya has some of the best Aegean food in town

Set in the heart of Wynwood, Doya is always pulsating with good energy.

I suggest ordering many shareable dishes of all shapes, sizes, and colors, from dips with pita to grilled seafood and veggies. Just when you think you can't eat anymore, magically find space for the chocolate baklava and pistachio ice cream.

If you're doing things right, the length of your final bill will rival that of a CVS receipt, and you won't regret it.

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Edan Bistro is incredible.

No need to travel to Spain to get an authentic taste of Basque cuisine.

Edan Bistro is as unassuming as they come, nestled on a corner in North Miami right across from a Taco Bell. But don't be fooled — this tiny spot packs a serious punch, serving up a European-style brunch, an eight-course tasting menu, and à la carte options.

Standouts include the scallop carpaccio, mushroom croquetas, and creamy pumpkin rice. The real showstopper, though, is the Basque cheesecake. Ordering it is non-negotiable.

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If you think you can't get good barbecue outside the actual South, try Apocalypse BBQ.

Apocalypse started as a small pop-up in Wynwood.

Now, the team behind it owns a proper barbecue joint in Kendall, where crowds swarm to get a taste of the best brisket, ribs, and pulled pork in town.

Plus, its skull-shaped cornbread is simply to die for (couldn't help myself).

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I usually find steak houses to be a bore … but Cote isn't at all.

It's easy to see why Korean steak house Cote has a Michelin star.

It has a few locations around the world, but the one in Miami is excellent. From the minute I walk in, I feel like a sophisticated queen who deserves the best martini and steak in town.

I recommend kicking things off at the bar, which has a daily "Magic Hour" from 5 to 7 p.m. with co*cktails and small bites for less than $10 — a total steal.

As for dinner, order the multicourse Butcher's Feast and thank me later.

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It's worth waiting in line for some Miami Slice.

Miami is known for many things, but pizza by the slice has not historically been one of them. Miami Slice has changed the game, though, serving pizza with a great crunch and flavor that even New Yorkers can appreciate.

This downtown spot is known for attracting quite a crowd. Lines form before it opens, as it only accepts walk-ins. But as we know, good things come to those who wait.

The Pepperoni Proper with mozzarella and hot honey is a fan-favorite, but you've also got to try La Salsera and Mushroom Truffle.

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Boia de has a Michelin star.

When a tiny spot inside a strip mall earns itself a Michelin star, you know it's the real deal.

Boia de is one of the toughest reservations to get in town because it's small and really that good. I'm as impatient as they come, and I've even humbled myself by waiting over an hour just to get a coveted seat at Boia de's bar.

Expect a small but mighty menu featuring Italian dishes with a twist. The chicken liver and foie-gras pate may leave you speechless, and the potato skins with stracciatella and caviar can have you wondering why you don't put caviar on everything.

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You must try Sanguich de Miami.

Eating a Cuban sandwich while in Miami is not a recommendation but a rite of passage. There's one foolproof way to do it: Go to Sanguich.

With locations in Little Havana (the original) and Coral Gables, you'll have multiple opportunities to get your fix.

If it's your first time, keep it classic and go with the Cubano — city ham, lechon, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.

If you want to venture out, give the Pan con Bistec or Croqueta Preparada a whirl. And if you're really feelin' frisky, wash it all down with one of Sanguich's batidos (milkshakes).

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Casa Isola just gives me the warm and fuzzies.

As its name suggests, Casa Isola has "mi casa es su casa" energy oozing throughout the space. It's cozy, it's comfortable, and to top it off, its food is downright delicious.

Casa Isola is the brainchild of José Mendín, a five-time James Beard Award-nominated chef who has blessed Miami by bringing this unique taste of Italy to Sunset Harbour. You can't go wrong ordering any variety of the Isola classics.

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La Mar is one of the few restaurants in Miami where the food is as impressive as the views.

I mean, where else can you sip on a pisco sour with the sweeping backdrop of Biscayne Bay?

Located at the Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key, La Mar is something special — thanks in large part to Chef Diego Oka's touch. Each dish he creates is as flavorful as the next.

My favorite way to experience La Mar is with a Sunday brunch, where I can try countless dishes in one sitting while enjoying co*cktails, wine, or beer.