Miami restaurants that pass the vibe check.
Photo credit: Orno Restaurant (instagram)
We've all been there - paying too much for drinks, getting tiny portions of food, and struggling to get a table. It’s the payoff to living in Miami, but hey, there is hope!
Let me introduce you to tried-and-true restaurants that never disappoint.
I call it the “vibe check” list. What was required to meet the criteria? Glad you asked:
Curated designed spaces
Amazing food and drinks
Not fussy or stuffy
Friendly staff and service
Reasonable reservations
ORNO (CORAL GABLES)
$$$ · New American wood-fired cuisine
Perfect for: Group Dinners, Girls’ Brunch, Low-key Dinners
Must have: Green chickpea hummus, lamb chops, any of the current seasonal grilled veggies or pasta dishes, affogato
Hospitality team : Mohammed Alkassar & Chef Niven of Alpareno Hospitality (Mamey, Ghee)
Designed by: Saladino Design Studios
PROS:
aesthetic is layered, green, and natural tones on hand-crafted tiles, cozy, bright, and full of plants - sign me up.
The food is "super" fresh and changes often because it comes from Chef Niven’s Rancho Patel. Never a dull moment.
Great for last min walk-ins, or (cough) men with the 11th-hr reservation.
CONS:
If you're looking to rage after dinner, you might be out of luck. The area is a little sleepy.
The crowd is a bit more "mature", it is the Gables after all.
HACK:
Ask for the secret Orno Burger during "POWER HOUR" (Tuesday-Sunday from 5:30-6:30pm). It's only available at the bar, and you get half-priced wine, $1 oysters, and $10 pizzas to go along with it. But only if you’re lucky, since there are only 10 burgers sold each night.
2. JAGUAR SUN (DOWNTOWN)
$$ · Cocktail Bar, Italian
Perfect for: solo dining, first date (and a fourth one), fun BFF catch-up
Must have: Parker house rolls, tagliatelle, bucatini, corn agnolotti
Hospitality team : Chef Carey Hynes and Will Thompson
Designed by: Unknown
PROS:
It's like stepping into a secret speakeasy - dark, sleek, moody, edgy.
Sitting at the bar is the way to go if it’s just 2 of you.
You can go for a drink or go all out - the mixology is fire.
CONS:
Reserve at least a week in advance for a table. The bar room does take walk-ins, but it fills up fast!
Not the best option if you're gluten-free. Truly, I feel for you.
HACK:
Follow them on IG to stay up-to-date for a much-awaited comeback of "Sunny's”. Trust me, it's worth it!
3. DOYA (WYNWOOD)
$$ · Mediterranean Cuisine, Greek
Perfect for: Big groups, outdoor seating, long chatty meals
Must have: Let the server guide you, it’s a big menu. Worth getting items from each section
Hospitality team: Chef Erhan Kostepen, formerly of Mandolin
Designed by: Lauren Parsons, Interior Design
PROS:
friends with different diets? No prob! There’s something for everyone.
You’ll forget you’re in Wynwood—we love the lush patio, the basket lights, and the variety of seating types.
CONS:
You're in Wynwood.
You're still in Wynwood.
HACK:
Plan your visit for a Weekday, preferably during sunset into the evening for the best experience.
Go with larger group, you’ll be able to try more plates
4. LUCA OSTERIA (CORAL GABLES)
$S$ · Italian
Perfect for: everyone, a cute walk-wine-and-dine night
Must have: pasta al tartufo, carne cruda, tuna caprese, straciatella
Hospitality team : Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli (Eating house, Spanglish Craft Cocktail + Kitchen)
Designed by: Unknown
PROS:
dress up or dress down the aesthetic clean, less-is-more vibe
"Good pasta, Good people" is written right on the door, how could anything go wrong?
CONS:
The design plays it a bit "safe", could be cozier, and 100% needs to dim the lights down. I would go with outdoor seating for this one.
BUT, if you're hoping for outdoor seating, make sure to reserve a month in advance.
HACK:
Runner? Here is where to carb-load.
5. LOS FELIX (COCONUT GROVE)
$$ · Mexican
Perfect for: Fun dinner party, the viby-est
Must have: corn grits, al pastor tacos, crudo
Hospitality team: Grassfed Culture Hospitality
Designed by: Unknown
PROS:
colorful, artisanal, and fun, a huge step up from the typical fast food taco joint.
Stay long enough for the DJ set. Leave late enough to hit Bodega next door, ifywim.
CONS:
small is sometimes, sometimes means cozy, and sometimes is just plain crowded. Here it can lean toward the latter.
AND IF THAT DIDN’T HIT, PERHAPS THESE WILL …
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