Miami, the "Gastronomic Destination of the U.S. in 2023," Keeps Thriving in Summer

Miami: More than a city, a unique culinary personality

While New York boasts a plethora of restaurants and Los Angeles has a healthy touch, Miami has its own culinary personality—diverse, exotic, and the most exciting of them all. Despite being a young city, Miami is in constant evolution and always pushing boundaries. This attention hasn't gone unnoticed, attracting the world's most talented chefs and emerging stars. If Miami were part of a culinary family, it would be the ambitious younger sibling, ready to shine with its energy and dynamism.

Voices from Miami's Culinary Culmination - Don't miss these recommendations:

Restaurant owners and food industry professionals from some of our favorite restaurants in Miami and Miami Beach have shared their recommendations—what to order at their establishments, what inspires them, and what makes Miami the ultimate culinary destination. Warning: if you weren't hungry before reading this, you definitely will be now!

Smith & Webster: A Unique Approach to Food

The atmosphere is lively, and the dishes are equally comforting and intentional. According to Starex Smith, the standout dish is the braised oxtail lasagna: "It's oxtail braised in red wine, slow-cooked for hours with a homemade marinara with herbs and locally sourced vegetables." Another must-try is the rolls: "The best in the entire state of Florida," according to Smith.

Smith & Webster's Favorite Dish: Braised Oxtail Lasagna

At Smith & Webster, located in North Miami Beach, one of the favorite dishes is the braised oxtail lasagna. This dish is prepared with oxtail braised in red wine, slow-cooked for hours, and served with a homemade marinara sauce featuring locally sourced herbs and vegetables. This delightful dish is a fusion of flavors that combines the comfort of soulful cooking with traditional French culinary techniques, creating a unique culinary experience.

Fiola: Italian Elegance in Coral Gables

Fiola's original location in Washington D.C. has received a Michelin star every year since 2018. The Coral Gables branch is no exception. Fiola meets the standards of a top-tier restaurant: incredible dishes, an excellent wine list, and attentive, warm service. The Amalfi Coast seafood bar offers quality fresh seafood, while dinner includes exotic and highly recommended dishes such as milk-fed veal chop topped with fresh truffle, lobster ravioli, and an exclusive caviar tasting at the table.

Fiola's Favorite Dish: Milk-Fed Veal Chop with Fresh Truffle

This culinary delicacy consists of a juicy veal chop covered in fresh truffle. It exemplifies the elegant Italian cuisine that Fiola offers, where luxury ingredients like truffle and high-quality meat come together to create an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Dukunoo Jamaican Restaurant: Jamaica's Authenticity in Wynwood

If Miami were a person, it would be the life of the party, cheerful, and authentic. And if that person dined at a quintessentially Miami restaurant that matched its energy, it would be Dukunoo Jamaican Restaurant in Wynwood. The experience at Miami's first luxury Caribbean restaurant is twofold: authentic Jamaican cuisine and the vibrant energy that emanates from the essence of the island.

Dukunoo Jamaican Restaurant's Favorite Dish: Jerk Chicken Sliders

These delicious bites showcase the authentic flavors of Jamaican cuisine. Jerk chicken is served in small sliders, offering a perfect combination of spicy and Caribbean flavors. Additionally, this restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and Jamaican authenticity, making it an ideal place to enjoy the food and the island's atmosphere.

The Den at Azabu Miami Beach: A Michelin Sushi Haven

When Michelin finally arrived in Florida through Miami in the summer of 2022, it marked a palpable shift in the city's culinary scene's credibility, solidifying itself as a force to be reckoned with. The Den at Azabu Miami Beach was one of the ten recognized restaurants in Miami, earning a coveted Michelin star.

The Den at Azabu Miami Beach's Favorite Dish: Omakase Sushi

This 12-course culinary experience is led by chefs from Tokyo with extensive training. The menu includes fresh fish brought daily from the Toyosu fish market in Tokyo. Each dish is a masterpiece of Japanese elegance and a testament to the concept of omotenashi, which translates to selfless service with a warm and respectful spirit. This omakase is an opportunity to enjoy the essence of high-quality Japanese cuisine in the heart of Miami Beach.

Miami has undergone remarkable culinary evolution over the past decade. Top-tier restaurants from New York and other regions of the country are arriving in the city, challenging everyone to stay at the top of their game and push the boundaries of creativity, service, and quality. Miami is unquestionably the gastronomic city of 2023, and its culinary ascent continues to inspire the entire culinary world.

This week, we'll share more about incredible restaurants and the gastronomic boom in Miami this summer.