Restaurants Locals Go To in Miami: 15+ Hole in the Wall Spots
Miami is full of tourist heavy spots, but if you want real flavors, it pays to go where locals eat. These restaurants locals go to in Miami range from cozy ramen bars and sushi joints to Cuban sandwich counters and Argentinian steakhouses. Skip the crowds and discover hidden gems that capture the city’s authentic taste, the kind of places that keep locals coming back again and again.
Discover Miami’s Hidden Culinary Gems Beyond the Tourist Traps
Zoi Restaurant & Lounge
Zoi mixes Mediterranean dishes with a bit of showmanship. Hummus and grilled skewers are the standouts, and sometimes they put on a fire show that grabs attention. The atmosphere is lively enough to feel fun without feeling crowded.
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Location: 5808 NE 4th Ct, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Hummus, grilled skewers
- Specials: Weekend performances
- Reviews: Customers enjoy the energy and friendly staff
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoi.miami
Lucky Cat
This sushi bar has a clean, modern vibe and is known for Wagyu nigiri and fresh oysters. The place is small, so it’s better for a relaxed night rather than a large group. Locals come for the consistent seafood quality and seasonal sushi options.
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Location: 119 Washington Ave Suite 100, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Wagyu nigiri, fresh oysters
- Specials: Seasonal sushi selections
- Reviews: High-quality seafood and attentive service
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckycatmiami
Casa Vigil Miami
Casa Vigil focuses on Argentinian meat dishes. Wagyu carpaccio and grilled steak are crowd favorites, and the empanadas make a solid starter. Weekend steak specials are worth timing your visit around.
- Cuisine: Argentinian
- Location: 5020 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Wagyu carpaccio, grilled steak
- Specials: Weekend steak features
- Reviews: Meat cooked to order with reliable service
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casavigil.miami
The Moon
The Moon serves Mediterranean food alongside cabaret-style performances. The pink interior makes it feel lively without being over the top. Locals enjoy it for the mix of food and live shows on certain nights.
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Location: 2103 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Mediterranean classics, cabaret shows
- Specials: Themed nights
- Reviews: Fun vibe with entertaining shows
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoon_miami
Su Shin Izakaya
Su Shin Izakaya is a Japanese spot with ramen, nigiri, and sushi rolls that hit the right notes. Happy hour drinks make it even easier to swing by after work. Tables fill fast on weekends, so a heads-up is recommended.
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Location: 159 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL
- Menu Highlights: Ramen, nigiri, sushi rolls
- Specials: Happy hour drinks
- Reviews: Consistently fresh and flavorful
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izakaya_restaurant
Zuri Restaurant
Zuri brings Moroccan flavors to the table with chicken tagine and tart tatin standing out. They sometimes have live music midweek or themed nights on weekends. The interior has a lively feel that matches the menu.
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Location: 73 NW 26th St, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Chicken tagine, tart tatin
- Specials: Live music on Wednesdays, weekend Riad nights
- Reviews: Well-seasoned dishes with fun music nights
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zuri_miami
El Mago de las Fritas
Miami has plenty of off-the-tourist-track spots. These 17 restaurants locals go to in Miami include La Sandwicherie for vinaigrette sandwiches and El Mago, a casual Cuban spot with fritas and Cuban sandwiches.
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Location: 1401 SW 8th St, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Fritas, Cuban sandwiches
- Specials: Daily lunch specials
- Reviews: Classic comfort food done right
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elmagodelasfritas
Ariete
Ariete blends Cuban flavors with modern American dishes. Cuban-style short ribs and bone marrow appetizers stand out, while wine and cocktails complement the menu. Coconut Grove locals often stop by for the food and drinks.
- Cuisine: Modern American/Cuban
- Location: 3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL
- Menu Highlights: Short ribs, bone marrow
- Specials: Seasonal tasting menus
- Reviews: Creative menu with solid flavors
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arietemiami
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Mandolin is in a 1940s house and serves Greek and Turkish dishes like moussaka and lamb chops. Outdoor seating gives the spot a relaxed feel. Locals return for brunch and casual dinners.
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Location: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Moussaka, lamb chops
- Specials: Weekend brunch
- Reviews: Simple but satisfying dishes
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandolinrestaurants
Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann
Los Fuegos serves Argentinian wood-fired meats and roasted vegetables. The rooftop adds a casual, Miami vibe to the meal. Locals come for the bold flavors and grill technique.
- Cuisine: Argentinian
- Location: 700 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Wood-fired steak, roasted veggies
- Specials: Seasonal tasting menus
- Reviews: Flavors are solid and consistent
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/losfuegosmiami
La Sandwicherie
Miami has plenty of restaurants off the usual tourist track. These 17 restaurants locals go to in Miami include La Sandwicherie, a French-inspired spot known for its vinaigrette-dressed sandwiches. Casual, flavorful, and worth trying if you want a different take on Miami food.
- Cuisine: French
- Location: 229 14th St, Miami Beach, FL
- Menu Highlights: French sandwiches, salads
- Specials: Daily sandwich combos
- Reviews: Reliable and filling sandwiches
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasandwicherie
Doce Provisions
Doce Provisions offers Cuban comfort food with a modern touch. Ropa vieja and pastries are popular, and the neighborhood vibe is easygoing. Perfect for a casual meal.
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Location: 111 SE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Ropa vieja, pastries
- Specials: Weekend brunch
- Reviews: Consistently tasty Cuban food
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doceprovisions
Sunny’s Miami
Sunny’s is tucked into a quiet residential area and offers a warm, approachable vibe. The menu blends international flavors with fresh local ingredients, perfect for brunch, lunch, or a relaxed dinner. Locals appreciate the creative dishes and casual, friendly atmosphere.
- Cuisine: International, Contemporary
- Location: 3040 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Seasonal small plates, fresh salads, brunch options
- Specials: Weekend brunch specials
- Reviews: Creative menu with consistent quality and approachable service
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnysmia
MILA Miami Beach
MILA offers a mix of Mediterranean and Asian dishes with a rooftop view that makes dining feel elevated. The menu features sushi, ceviche, and shareable small plates that are perfect for groups. Locals love it for both the food and the lively evening vibe.
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Asian Fusion
- Location: 6701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL
- Menu Highlights: Sushi rolls, ceviche, small plates
- Specials: Happy hour and rooftop events
- Reviews: Fresh flavors and a fun rooftop atmosphere
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milagroup_miami
Pubbelly Sushi
Pubbelly Sushi has playful sushi rolls and creative dishes like spicy tuna tacos. The space is casual and energetic. It’s a popular stop for locals after work.
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
- Location: 142 NE 3rd Ave, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Spicy tuna tacos, sushi rolls
- Specials: Weekend specials
- Reviews: Fresh and inventive sushi
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pubbellysushi
CVI.CHE 105
CVI.CHE 105 serves Peruvian dishes like ceviche, tiraditos, and anticuchos. The space is casual, letting the food take the spotlight. Great for seafood lovers who want straightforward Latin flavors.
- Cuisine: Peruvian
- Location: 1244 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL
- Menu Highlights: Ceviche, tiraditos, anticuchos
- Specials: Lunch combos
- Reviews: Fresh seafood, solid flavors
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceviche105
Harry’s Pizzeria
Harry’s focuses on Neapolitan-style pizza with a light crust and fresh toppings. It’s casual and great for late-night meals. Locals stop by for consistent, solid pies.
- Cuisine: Italian/Pizza
- Location: 1401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL
- Menu Highlights: Neapolitan pizza, calzones
- Specials: Daily pizza specials
- Reviews: Reliable and tasty
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harryspizzeria
Miami has plenty of restaurants off the usual tourist track. From sushi to Cuban sandwiches and wood-fired steaks, these 17 restaurants locals go to in Miami show a side of the city that keeps them coming back. They’re casual, flavorful, and worth checking out if you want a different take on Miami food.
Sources:
