An Intro to the Foodie Scene in South Beach

Besides hitting the beaches and keeping your eyes peeled for celebrities, one thing you’ll want to do in South Beach is dined out. But in a town that seems to be 100% restaurants, where do you start? Here’s a very basic primer for eating out in South Beach.
What’s So Great About Eating Out in South Beach?
Exploring South Beach restaurants is one of the finest pursuits offered in this land of exquisite cuisine and world-famous chefs. Eating out is a trademark activity on South Beach, so get ready for some first-class cuisine, stunning decor, and fun times. The combination of world tastes in the international flavor here in the South Beach Miami area, with top-notch glamour and celebrity clientele ensures that every meal you get will be fabulous and unforgettable. Check out our quick rundown of South Beach restaurants.
Top Trends
The top trends in dining here now are New World Cuisine, Latin American, Caribbean, and some Asian flavors. There is a heavy Cuban influence at many establishments, and of course seafood as well. Look for other Latin American and Caribbean flavors like Brazilian Barbeque. Check out the Cuban coffee at any number of Cuban cafes or bodegas all around South Beach.
And let’s not forget food trucks, which seem to flourish in this beach town. A favorite with locals is one that serves Poke, a refreshing blend of raw fish, veggies, and Asian-influenced sauces. It’s only natural that Poke should be so popular here since so much fish is caught right off the shores of Miami by local fishing boats.
There is a thriving Central American community here, which has led to an equally thriving Central American restaurant and food truck scene as well. You’ll kick yourself later if you don’t try empanadas while you’re in town!
Restaurants with Style
Some restaurants, in addition to offering excellent cuisine, also offer a virtual architectural display that’s up to museum-quality excellence. Some restaurants are known as much for the building they’re in, or the fantastic interior decoration. Make sure to ask about Tap-Tap, which serves fine Haitian cuisine, and also Tantra which serves up Indian food in a magical, sensual setting.
There’s also Pearl, with its champagne lounge overlooking famous Nikki Beach Club. It’s quite different from the culture-seeped and ethnic-rooted Tap-Tap and Tantra, with its sleek modern look and bright sugary-colored lighting. There are no rich prints here, no tapestries, no folk art, no fuss, no depth of color and print, texture. Solid, clean light colors and clean lines all the way.
Some Final Tips
Dining in South Beach just starts to rev up like most other restaurants around the country are starting to shut down for the night. Eight pm is still a little early for most diners, but this is when things begin to pick up. Eating out is a pastime, one of things you come to South Beach specifically to do. South Beach restaurants are not just about eating. It’s a form of nightlife. People dress up and look their best, become part of the show that is dining in South Beach Miami. Make reservations or be prepared to wait for a table. Tips are added onto the bill, so don’t double-tip. Dress, like everywhere in South Beach Miami, is casual chic. That means trendy and sexy.
Jerry’s Lobster Bar764 washington ave |
1220 At The Tides1220 ocean drive |
News Cafe800 ocen drive |
Red Square411 washington ave |
The Forge432 41st street |
55 The Restaurant455 ocean drive |
Mark’s South Beach1120 collins ave MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Blue Door1685 collins ave |
Joe’s Stone Crab11 washington ave MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Tap Tap819 5th street |
Suva801 lincoln road |
Franco’s Pizza1014 ne 163rd street |
MEZZA LUNA834 ocean drive |
5061 Eaterie & Deli1230 Ocean Drive |
5th Street Deli458 Ocean Drive |
770 Cafe1346 Washington Avenue |
A Fish Called Avalon700 Ocean Drive |
A LA Solie516 Espanola Way |
Abbey Brewing CO1115 16th Street |
Abbey Dining Room300 21st St MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Adas Cafe3901 Alton Road |
Alapasta Con Porcel2701 Collins Avenue |
Albion At South Beach1650 James Ave |
All Star Cafe960 Ocean Drive |
Anas Market-Deli2603 Collins Avenue |
Antons Cafe & Market Place90 Alton Road |
Argentine Beach Grill5151 Collins Avenue |
Arnie & Richie Deli525 Arthur Godfrey Road |
Aroma Pizza6968 Bay Drive MIAMI BEACH, FL 33141 |
Astor Hotel956 Washington Ave |
Astor Place Bar & Grill956 Washington Avenue |
Atlantic Night2901 Collins Avenue |
Au Natural Gourmet Pizza Inc1427 Alton Road |
Aura Restaurant613 Lincoln Road |
Bagel Cafe Restaurant1736 79th Street Causeway |
Baires Grill Corporation538 Washington Avenue |
Balans Restaurants1022 Lincoln Road |
Bamboo Cafe1751 Collins Avenue |
Banana Bungalow2360 Collins Ave |
Baraboo Restaurant7300 Ocean Terrace MIAMI BEACH, FL 33141 |
Barcode Inc1437 Washington Avenue |
Bayview Cafe7601 East Treasure Drive MIAMI BEACH, FL 33141 |
Beach House Bal Harbour9449 Collins Ave |
Beach Paradise Hotel600 Ocean Dr |
Beacon Hotel720 Ocean Dr |
Bed929 Washington Avenue |
Bella Napoli Pizzeria1443 Alton Road |
Belmar Restaurant5401 Collins Avenue |
Belvedere Restaurant4000 Alton Road |
Benihana1665 79th Street Causeway |
Big Pink Restaurant South Beach157 Collins Avenue |
Bins & Baskets at Neams Gourmet300 Alton Road |
Bites On Wheels1751 Alton Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Blue Door at Delano1685 Collins Avenue |
Blue Marin754 Washington Avenue |
Blue Moon Hotel944 Collins Ave |
Blue Ocean Cafe940 Ocean Drive |
Bolero Bar & Grill4045 Sheridan Avenue |
Bolero Bar & Grill661 Washington Avenue |
Brazil Hotel6525 Collins Ave |
Breez Restaurant1500 Ocean Drive |
Broadway448 Espanola Way MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Cachita Restaurant Inc1116 Normandy Drive |
CAFA Tabac136 Collins Avenue |
Cafe Art Restaurant & Bar1111 Collins Avenue |
Cafe Avanti732 Arthur Godfrey Road |
Cafe Bon JOUR865 Collins Avenue |
Cafe Buenos Aires345 Ocean Drive |
Cafe Cardozo1300 Ocean Drive |
Cafe de France227 13th Street |
Cafe Des Arts1360 Collins Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Cafe Mozart1423 Collins Avenue |
Cafe Ole1116 Lincoln Road |
Cafe Papillon530 Lincoln Road |
Cafe Rosso600 Collins Avenue |
Cafeteria Y Restaurante MI Colombia702 71st Street |
Caffe Milano850 Ocean Drive |
Caffe Sambuca1231 Lincoln Road |
California Roll LLC725 71st Street |
Campo Argentino6954 Collins Avenue |
Canton Inn843 Lincoln Road |
Carnevale607 Lincoln Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Casa Rolos835 Alton Road |
Casa TUA Partners1700 James Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Casablanca South Beach650 Ocean Drive |
Casona de Carlitos Restaurant2232 Collins Avenue |
Cavalier Hotel-An Island Outpost Hotel1320 Ocean Dr |
Century Hotel140 Ocean Dr |
Chaicken Rotisserie628 6th Street |
Chalan On the Beach1580 Washington Avenue |
Charlies Roastbeef International – Restaurant1570 Alton Road |
Chicken Kitchen1429 Washington Avenue |
Chicken Kitchen474 West 41st Street |
China Farm House Chinese Restaurant1211 71st Street |
China Grill404 Washington Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
China Moon1540 Alton Road |
Ciccio Bus Stop Pizza1405 Washington Avenue |
Clarkes Restaurant900 Collins Avenue |
Coffee & Crepes1446 Washington Avenue |
Coffee Shop at Lombardy Inn6300 Collins Avenue |
Confucius Restaurant Inc7445 Collins Avenue |
Corinthian Coffee Shop5825 Collins Avenue |
Coyasi Corporation412 Espanola Way |
Crab House Seafood Restaurant1551 79th Street Causeway |
Crazy Fish916 71st Street |
Crystal Cafe726 Arthur Godfrey Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33140 |
Dab Haus1040 Alton Road |
Davids Cafe II1654 Meridian Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Davids Coffee Shop1058 Collins Avenue |
Delano Hotel – An Ian Schrager Hotel1685 Collins Ave |
Dezerland Beach Resort8701 Collins Ave |
Dos Amigas820 Alton Road |
Dr Dessert Cafe1300 Collins Avenue |
Eatn Colors1515 Washington Avenue |
Efesus1339 Washington Avenue |
El Ranchito Restaurant131 26th Street |
El Rancho Grande Restaurant1626 Pennsylvania Avenue |
El Rincon de Chabuca7118 Collins Avenue |
El Tablazo Restaurant6780 Collins Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33141 |
El Viajante Segundo1676 Collins Avenue |
Eleventh Street Diner1065 Washington Avenue |
Escopazzo Restaurant1311 Washington Avenue |
Europa Grille5445 Collins Avenue |
Fairfax Hotel1776 Collins Ave |
Fairwind Hotel And Suites1000 Collins Ave |
FICO Key West On South Beach1248 Washington Avenue |
Finnegans Way1344 Ocean Drive |
Flamingo Restaurant1454 Washington Avenue |
Forge Restaurant & Bar432 West 41st Street |
Frescos Restaurant209 11th Street MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Front Porch Cafe1418 Ocean Drive |
Fu Manchu325 71st Street MIAMI BEACH, FL 33141 |
Gaucho Room1601 Collins Avenue |
Gilberts Deli and Grocery6039 Collins Avenue |
Gils Cafe216 71st Street |
Ginos Pizza & Brew731 Washington Avenue |
Golden Tulip Hotel Ocean1230 Ocean Dr |
Gorgs Bar & Grill300 72nd Street |
Grillfish1444 Collins Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Grillsteak1438 Collins Avenue |
Haifa Pizza2308 Collins Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Haifa Restaurant ManagementPo Box 414296 |
Heritage Cafe & Restaurant430 21st Street |
Hiros Sushi Express840 Washington Avenue |
Holiday Inn Miami Beach-S. Beach-Conv Ct2201 Collins Ave |
Hot SOBE Gourmet Pizza & Pasta1357 Washington Avenue |
Hotel Chelsea944 Washington Ave |
Hotel Of South Beach (Ds)801 Collins Ave |
I Paparazzi Ristorante740 Ocean Drive |
Icebox Cafe1657 Michigan Avenue |
IL Pomodoro Restaurant468 West 41st Street |
IL Sole Restaurant630 Lincoln Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
International House of Pancakes – Restaurant No 116928 Collins Avenue |
Jackie Chan Superbowls1439 Alton Road |
Jerusalem Peking4299 Collins Avenue |
Jimmy Johnsons 3 Rings Bar & Grill4525 Collins Avenue |
Joes Stone Crab Take Away11 Washington Avenue |
Johnny Rockets728 Ocean Drive |
JOIA Restaurant150 Ocean Drive |
Jumbo Buffet1335 79th Street Causeway |
Kabuki Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant6979 Collins Avenue |
Katana Restaurant920 71st Street |
Kent Hotel-An Island Outpost Hotel1131 Collins Ave MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Kikar Telaviv Inc5005 Collins Avenue |
Kims Chinese Restaurant1245 Lincoln Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Kiss301 Lincoln Road |
LA Cueva Del Camaron1120 15th Street |
LA Dolce Vita2201 Collins Avenue |
LA LUPA Di Roma610 Lincoln Road |
LA Molienda Cafe & Bar710 Washington Avenue |
LA Palomilla On the Beach219 71st Street |
La Rosada524 Ocean Drive |
LA Rumba2008 Collins Avenue |
LA Sandwicherie229 14th Street |
LA Scala Cafe6720 Collins Avenue |
LA Terrasse Restaurant639 Lincoln Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
LA Vitrolla Trattoria1550 Lenox Avenue |
Lamaison Du Pate5600 Collins Avenue |
Larios On the Beach820 Ocean Drive |
Las Copas On The Beach3425 Collins Avenue |
Las OLAS Cafe644 6th Street |
Las Vacas Argentians Restaurant1533 Washington Avenue |
Las Vistas Cafe Inc966 Normandy Drive |
Le Royal Bakery941 Washington Avenue |
Lemon Twist908 71st Street |
Lentrecote de Paris419 Washington Avenue |
Leo Trattoria819 Lincoln Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Liaison Restaurant & Bar610 16th Street |
Lincoln Road Cafe941 Lincoln Road |
Living Room671 Washington Avenue |
Loews Miami Beach Hotel1601 Collins Ave |
Lorrine Hotel2601 Collins Ave |
Lous Real Philly Cheesesteaks805 Lincoln Road |
LUMS Restaurant No 42302 Collins Avenue |
Luna Rossa Cafe2727 Indian Creek Drive |
Macalusos Restaurants1747 Alton Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Maiko Japanese Restaurant1255 Washington Avenue |
Majestic Avalon Hotel660 Ocean Dr MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Malabu Hotel3865 Indian Creek Dr |
Mama Vieja Restaurant235 23rd Street |
Mandarin Cafe744 Arthur Godfrey Road |
Mangos Tropical Cafe900 Ocean Drive |
Marks South Beach1120 Collins Avenue |
Marlin Hotel-An Island Outpost Hotel1200 Collins Ave |
Marriott Miami Beach At South Beach161 Ocean Dr |
Masters Deli & Pizzeria Inc1720 Alton Road |
Maxims Cafe1756 Collins Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Medical Pizza and Shishkebab1240 Washington Avenue |
Mercury South Beach100 Collins Ave |
Mezzaluna834 Ocean Drive |
Mezzanotte1200 Washington Avenue |
MI Bosquesito Restaurant Taverna7308 Collins Avenue |
Miami Beach Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel3737 Collins Ave |
Miami Beach-Days Inn Oceanside/Beach Front4299 Collins Ave |
Miami South Beach Days Inn100 21st Street |
Miami Subs Grill1101 Washington Avenue |
Miami Subs Grill351 Lincoln Road |
Miami Subs Grill7140 Collins Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33141 |
Milky Way Cafe532 Arthur Godfrey Road |
Mini Market Coffee Shop6958 Collins Avenue |
MOMS New York Pizzas & Sandwiches1059 Collins Avenue |
Moonlite Caffe410 Espanola Way |
Nash Hotel1120 Collins Ave |
Nassau Suites Hotel1414 Collins Ave |
Nemo Restaurant161 Collins Avenue |
New Sushi Hana1131 Washington Avenue |
New York Bagel Deli6546 Collins Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33141 |
News Cafe South Beach800 Ocean Drive |
Nexxt Cafe700 Lincoln Road |
Nikki Beach Club1 Ocean Drive |
North Beach Latin Cafeteria7438 Collins Avenue |
Oasis Cafe976 Arthur Godfrey Road |
Ocean Five Hotel436 Ocean Dr |
Ocean Walk335 Ocean Dr |
Ocoas Breeze1147 Washington Avenue |
OGGI Caffe1740 79th Street Causeway |
OH Mexico1440 Washington Avenue |
On Time Cafe429 Espanola Way MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Osteria Del Teatro1443 Washington Avenue |
Oyster Bar646 Lincoln Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
Pacific Time Restaurant915 Lincoln Road |
Paesanos Restaurant & Pizzeria764 Washington Avenue |
Pan Toy1710 79th Street Causeway |
Paninoteca European Sandwiches809 Lincoln Road |
Parilla Liberty1925 Liberty Avenue |
Pelican Cafe826 Ocean Drive |
Pelican Hotel826 Ocean Dr |
Penrods 10th Street Concession Stand1001 Ocean Drive |
Penrods 14th Street Concession Stand1401 Ocean Drive |
Piero AL Caribe530 Ocean Drive |
Pines Alley Cook337 West 47th Street MIAMI BEACH, FL 33140 |
Piolapizzeria1625 Alton Road |
PITA Hut534 Arthur Godfrey Road |
PITA LOCA601 Collins Avenue |
PITA Plus of South Beach1049 Washington Avenue |
Pizza Dlight1888 79th Street Causeway |
Pizza E Via826 Lincoln Road |
Pizza Fiore1657 Washington Avenue |
Pizza Fiore703 71st Street |
Pizza Rustica863 Washington Avenue |
Playwright Irish Pub & Restaurant1265 Washington Avenue |
Prego Pizza4210 Collins Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33140 |
Prima Donna Cafe6484 Indian Creek Drive |
Prima Pasta Cafe414 71st Street MIAMI BEACH, FL 33141 |
Publix Super Markets – Bakery, Collins Avenue6878 Collins Avenue |
Publix Super Markets – Deli1045 Dade Boulevard |
Puccis Cheeseburger Baby1505 Washington Avenue |
Puccis Pizza1608 Alton Road |
Puerto Sagua Restaurant700 Collins Avenue |
Queequegs857 Washington Avenue |
Rendezvous On the Beach720 Ocean Drive |
Renzi’s Cafe1400 Ocean Drive |
Restaurante Macarena1334 Washington Avenue |
Ritz Plaza Hotel Restaurant1701 Collins Avenue |
Rockys Cheesesteak & Cheeseburgers7401 Collins Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33141 |
Roppongi Sushi & Thai Restaurant706 Lincoln Road |
Rosinella525 Lincoln Road |
RUEN Thai Restaurant951 Washington Avenue |
S B Ice LLC910 Lincoln Road |
San Loco235 14th Street |
SanRemo Restaurant4333 Collins Avenue |
Sapori Di Roma6984 Collins Avenue |
Sbarro Restaurant1500 Washington Avenue |
Segafredo Espresso1040 Lincoln Road |
Senor Frogs Miami Beach616 Collins Avenue |
Shemtovs Kosher Pizza514 Arthur Godfrey Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33140 |
Shiva Indian Resturants630 6th Street |
Shoji & Shoji Sushi110 Collins Avenue |
Shuckers Bar & Grill1819 79th Street Causeway |
Shulas Steak House at the Alexander Hotel5225 Collins Avenue |
Smith & Wollensky1 Washington Avenue |
SOBE Bar-B-Q1500 Bay Road |
South Beach Munchies324 Lincoln Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
South Beach Stonecrabs723 Lincoln Road |
South Sea Chinese Restaurant222 67th Street |
Spiga1228 Collins Avenue |
Sport Cafe560 Washington Avenue |
Spris Pizzeria731 Lincoln Road |
Status Nightclub609 Washington Avenue |
Stephans Gourmet Market & Cafe1430 Washington Avenue |
Sum YUM GAI1403 Washington Avenue |
Sushi Rock Cafe1351 Collins Avenue |
Sushi Samba600 Lincoln Road |
Sushi Sango647 Lincoln Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33189 |
Sushi Siam On Lincoln Road647 Lincoln Road |
Suzannes Vegetarian Bistro7904 West Drive MIAMI BEACH, FL 33141 |
Tango Beef Cafe Argentinian Restaurant946 Normandy Drive |
Tantra1445 Pennsylvania Avenue |
Tap Tap Haitian Restaurant819 5th Street |
Taqueria El Mexicano6974 Collins Avenue |
Tequilla Blue On the Beach LLC736 Ocean Drive |
Thai House South Beach1137 Washington Avenue |
Thai Toni890 Washington Avenue |
The Bee9 Island Avenue |
The Forge432 41St St |
The House Restaurant2520 Flamingo Drive |
The Strand Restaurant455 Ocean Drive MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
The Wave Restaurant350 Ocean Drive |
Three Brothers921 Washington Avenue |
Tiger Oak Room1775 Collins Avenue |
Tiramesu Italian Restaurant721 Lincoln Road |
Tokyo Bowl860 Washington Avenue |
Tonis Sushi Bar Japanese Restaurant1208 Washington Avenue |
Tonys Cafe2607 Collins Avenue |
Treat Street821 Lincoln Road |
Tropical Marina1601 79th Street Causeway |
Tropical On the Beach Restaurant1415 Washington Avenue |
Tropical Sandwich2891 Collins Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33140 |
Tropigala Club & Dinner Show4441 Collins Avenue |
Tuscan Steak431 Washington Avenue |
Tuttis Cafe 2000 Inc635 Collins Avenue |
Van Dyke Cafe846 Lincoln Road |
Venezia Pizza Inc6646 Collins Avenue |
Via Brazil Cafe6616 Collins Avenue |
Via Sofia Inc437 Espanola Way |
Wet Willies760 Ocean Drive |
Wish Cafe801 Collins Avenue MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
World Resources Cafe Inc719 Lincoln Road |
Yokos Japanese Restaurant919 Alton Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 |
YUCA Restaurant501 Lincoln Road |
Zekes Roadhouse625 Lincoln Road
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ZUR Restaurant3500 Collins Avenue |
A South Beach Brunch
Great way to enjoy South Beach: have brunch at Pasha’s on Lincoln Road. And just because a place is located on Lincoln Road doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on eating out. Pasha’s is wonderful in so many ways: clean, beautiful, great location (on Lincoln Road), excellent food, and good prices. Their brunch menu is fun and has something for everyone, and the self-serve counter makes it fun, fast and cheap. So here it is: A South Beach brunch that won’t leave you feeling hungry or poorer.
Pasha’s South Beach is technically a Mediterranean restaurant, but it serves a very non-Mediterranean Champagne Brunch on weekends and holidays. There’s French Toast, eggs, and more, and you can choose from indoor or outdoor seating. The decor is spectacular: floor to ceiling windows, modern Euro seating and slick bar with modern chairs with fresh flowers everywhere.
Breakfast in South Beach
The $5 Cup of Coffee – No Refills
On Collins Ave in the morning, you can stroll down the sidewalk and all the hotel restaurants have their cafe tables set for breakfast. There’s a hostess lady who beckons you as you go by, and she offers great deals on breakfast at what seem like incredible prices. There’s often a sign with picture of what you can get for as little as $5. What a great deal, right? Well, that depends.
For all you readers out there who drink coffee – need coffee – in the morning, let me introduce you to the $5 cup of coffee. The nonrefillable $5 cup of coffee, that is. There are two hooks to the cheap breakfast in South Beach. One it that it doesn’t come with coffee and to get a cup of coffee costs as much as the breakfast.
The second hook is that you may get two eggs, but no yolks. no toast. actually, all you get is a small pile of egg whites on a plate. And toast is not cheap if you order it on the side.
As long as you know these things, you can sit down and have a diet South Beach breakfast for under $10.