What is life without good, wholesome food? The kind of food that feels like a hug, either leaving you totally speechless or totally in love…or both. There are a few places in Miami that have that effect on me, check them out below!

Mandolin
Mandolin, located in the Design District, boasts fresh, healthy food inspired by homespun recipes from Greece and Turkey. Their entire menu is simple but totally delicious. They’re the epitome of Mediterranean cuisine.

Zuma
I love Zuma because of the Japanese izakaya dining style. It’s all about ordering a bunch of plates and sharing. The food is authentic but not traditional. All their menu items are bold in flavor and made with the best quality ingredients.

Pura Vida
Pura Vida is a great spot for light, fresh and healthy meals. They promise simple food made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients and a sustainable approach to everything they do.

Pubbelly
Pubbelly isn’t your average sushi bar. While sushi is the star of the show, they raise the bar with a super fun environment and their brunch specials are to die for. 

Byblos
Byblos blends classic techniques and modern methods to create unreal Eastern Mediterranean dishes. All of their meals showcase what makes various regions unique, from spices and flavours alike!

KOMODO
Southeast Asia and South Florida come together at KOMODO, a three-story indoor/outdoor eatery and lounge in the booming Brickell neighborhood. Everything about it has a vibe – from the contemporary Southeast Asian food and various cocktail bars, right down to the decor and the floating birds nests seats! If you’re in Miami, this place is a MUST.

Prime 112
Prime 112 is the classiest steakhouse you’ll ever go to. Their service is amazing, the decor and atmosphere are modern and sleek. Definitely a firm favorite!

Cipriani
Four generations later, and Cipriani is still serving classic, simple and elegant Italian cuisine. Their attention to detail and uncompromised quality have made them one of the greatest!

Casa Tua
When you visit Casa Tua Miami, you feel like you’re visiting a friend. Whether you’re sitting in the garden, library or patio, you always feel at home. Their meals are just as homey and comforting, and are made with ethically-sourced, organic ingredients.

Makoto
Led by one of Miami’s greatest chefs, Makoto Okuwa reshapes traditional Japanese cuisine for those hungry for adventure and something new. Expect pristine raw fish, premium Japanese and America Beef, soulful skewers cooked over a robata grill and more!

Kyu
Kyu is an Asian inspired, purely wood-fired restaurant, committed to Wabi-sabi, “the art of finding perfection in something imperfect.” Their menu is diverse in meals and flavors inspired by the chef’s travels and the Japanese barbecue grilling practice, Yakiniku. In short, their meals are flawless.

Ariete
Ariete combines Cuban-American heritage and French culinary training to deliver dishes with both peculiar and traditional flairs. Ariete’s environment is super versatile – warm and family-friendly as well as intimate and luxurious.

Versailles
Literally labeled as The World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant, Versailles has been serving classic Cuban cuisine to South Florida locals and tourists for the past 40 years.