Art Basel and the larger Miami Art Week are fast approaching and that means you need to be jumping on all the hottest restaurant reservations as you get ready to visit the massive art fair, pop-up galleries, and all the parties that come with it.
Though the actual event, which kicks off December 6, takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, there are a ton of other fairs taking place across the city including Design Miami and Art Miami. That means it’s one of the buzziest times to be eating out in our city, and we’ve rounded up 24 must-visit spots.
Whether it’s a scene-y South Beach rooftop with a hidden omakase bar, a two-MICHELIN-Starred stunner in the Design District, or an acclaimed farm-to-table destination from a Top Chef winner, we’ve got you covered.
Read on for a guide to the hottest Miami restaurants to visit during Art Basel, and make a booking on OpenTable.
South Beach
There’s nothing quite like South Beach during Art Basel. Not only does the official Art Basel show take over the Miami Beach Convention Center, but you’ll also find shows like Scope and Untitled on the sand, as well as parties and art installations at nearly every hotel in the area (many of which are open to the public). Pair all of that browsing with the exceptional restaurants in the neighborhood.
For one of the chicest rooftops in town, head to MILA
This see-and-be-seen rooftop is one of the chicest spots in South Beach. Dress to impress as you never know who you might run into. Pro-tip: try to snag a reservation at the hidden omakase bar.
For an exciting chef collab at an acclaimed restaurant, visit Queen Omakase
Chef Freddy Money of Atlanta’s MICHELIN-Starred Atlas heads to this acclaimed Miami Beach destination for an exciting collaboration. Find the chef doing an omakase that will run Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night during Art Basel weekend.
For tropical food from a prolific chef, go to Paya
This newcomer from James Beard semifinalist chef Niven Patel is all about showcasing food from the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Spain’s islands. Think papaya salad, lemongrass-glazed fish catch, and soursop ice cream. Paya is your spot if you’re looking for something a little more laidback compared to the flashier spots in this area.
For MICHELIN-Starred dining from a Top Chef winner, try Stubborn Seed
Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford does a tasting menu that’s so meticulously plated you might confuse it with an actual piece of art. Plus, much of the produce at this MICHELIN-Starred restaurant comes directly from Ford’s farm in Homestead.
For haute sushi in the SoFi district, make your way to Azabu
Tucked away in the SoFi district of South Beach, you’ll find this haute sushi spot located inside the Marriott Stanton South Beach. Make it an extra-special evening by booking a table at The Den (within Azabu) to experience some of the best omakase in town. Happy hour at the bar is quite a treat, too.
Wynwood
While true Art Basel takes place on South Beach, Wynwood has become a large focus during Art Week thanks to its year-round interest in the art world. Nearly every wall in the neighborhood is covered in murals and this is the time of year where most of them get a refresh. All of the area’s galleries host exciting artists and parties and there’s something fun to do or see on every corner. Plus, you’ll find the Red Dot Art Fair here.
For next-level mezcal and tequila along with housemade tortillas, try Bakan
A massive collection of mezcal and tequila are the main draw at Bakan, but the freshly made tortillas (that can be seen from the dining room) make each dish here worth ordering over and over again.
For a supper club-like experience from popular restaurateurs, go to Sparrow Italia
This hot, new supper club-style restaurant from the popular Noble 33 team does nightly live music in its stunning sunken dining room. Plus, the Italian dishes on the menu are rich and often covered in decadent black truffles.
For gorgeous views of Wynwood with superb Mediterranean food, head to Fabel
This rooftop spot gives diners gorgeous views of Wynwood and its art-filled streets, creating a perfect backdrop as you order superb plates of Mediterranean food—don’t skip the wagyu skirt steak kebabs.
For a date-night to remember over Italian food, visit dōma
Great service, top-notch Italian food, and a lively atmosphere makes this a perfect date night spot in Wynwood. Zucchini flower tempura and gnocchi with prawns and broccoli rabe will make this a date night to remember.
For some of the most creative sushi in town, check out Uchi
This Austin-transplant offers some of the best and most creative sushi in town. Give your server a budget and they will happily create a custom chef’s tasting experience for your table.
For terrific mezze in a lush garden setting, head to Doya
Escape the Art Basel frenzy in the somewhat-secluded lush gardens of Doya. All of the cold and hot mezze, including larger dishes like a seafood stew will help you take a breather from all the festivities.
Design District/MiMo
One of the fanciest areas in town, the Design District also has a super-hot restaurant scene (including a two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant). The Institute of Contemporary Art Miami often hosts visiting artists during Art Week, and if you head a little north to MiMo (Miami’s historic mid-century modern neighborhood), you’ll find more exciting casual dining.
For the only two-MICHELIN-starred meal in all of Florida, book L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
The only restaurant with two MICHELIN Stars in Florida, this is the ultimate treat-yourself restaurant. The seasonal prix-fixe menu will be just as thrilling as the works you encounter during Art Week.
For seasonal, global-inspired food in a landmarked space, try Elastika
Thanks to its location inside the landmark Moore Building, this stunning restaurant feels like a museum in its own right. Chef Joe Anthony’s seasonal menu, with dishes like roasted red snapper with champagne sauce, reinforces that swanky feeling.
For a casual spot with comfort food, go to Blue Collar
No frills, casual comfort food makes Blue Collar the ideal spot to go to if you went a little too hard partying during Art Basel. The chalkboard filled with the day’s specials is always a winner and might include dishes like spicy oxtail with mashed potatoes.
For seasonal fare from a James Beard Award winner, head to Michael’s Genuine
You can’t go wrong with the seasonal food at James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz’s flagship Miami restaurant. Make sure to get an order of stone crabs as the restaurant gets claws delivered daily straight from a local fisherman.
For French bistro-inspired fare in a cozy space, check out Grand Central
Expect French bistro-inspired fare with an American twist at this charming restaurant from chef Nuno Grullon. Dishes like the truffle chicken pot pie and lump crab cakes will make you a repeat visitor.
For Italian food with a side of stunning artworks, go to Sofia
One of the most photogenic restaurants in town, Sofia’s dining room—inside the Design District’s Palm Court—has a constantly changing collection of internationally acclaimed art. Get comfortable in the pretty pink interiors and order plates of crudo, pasta, and pizza.
Downtown
One of the quieter neighborhoods during Art Basel, Downtown is a great escape for those who want to be near the action, but still get a taste of Miami. You’re an easy 10-minute drive from art shows like Context Art Miami and Prizm Art Fair and just 15 minutes from Wynwood aka Miami’s Art District. Do make reservations ahead of eating out as Downtown is home to some of the city’s coolest new spots.
For inventive pastas from one of the world’s most famous chefs, try Torno Subito
The first US restaurant from chef Massimo Bottura of three-MICHELIN-Starred Osteria Francescana fame is nestled on the roof of Julia & Henry’s. Come here for handmade tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, and more.
For rustic Spanish food from a MICHELIN-Starred team, visit Momento By Ikaro
Carolina Sánchez and Iñaki Murua of Spain’s MICHELIN-Starred Ikaro have made their way to Miami serving rustic Spanish cuisine that’s inspired by the vibrancy of Miami. Think Basque-style turbot and veal filled with Iberian ham, among other highlights.
For epic waterfront dining with Mediterranean food, head to CASA NEOS
No trip to Miami is complete without a waterfront meal, and Casa Neos is one of the best spots to do so (you can even choose to get here by yacht). Take in the views with Mediterranean fare including grilled sea bream and octopus salad.
For standout French fare Downtown, make your way to Brasserie Laurel
Classic French techniques paired with Miami flavors make this a standout spot in Downtown’s growing Miami WorldCenter. Highlights include foie gras pâte, escargot, and boeuf en croûte.
For coastal Italian fare with Instagram-worthy interiors, check out Casadonna
Instagram-worthy interiors and a stylish crowd are guaranteed at this ground-floor restaurant (with water views) from nightlife guru David Grutman (in partnership with Tao) at the historic Women’s College in Edgewater. Dishes like the dover sole go perfectly with the ambiance.
For some of the best oysters in town, try Mignonette
For when you want to build a meal around oysters, look no further than Mignonette. The cozy restaurant brings fresh oysters from all over the country, which you can pair with the solid Champagne selection, plus lobster rolls, and other seafood dishes.
For contemporary Italian food in a family-friendly space, visit Casa Gianna
This contemporary Italian spot, with its massive arched ceilings and spacious semi-circular booths, is ideal for families, plus it’s right across the street from the PAMM and Frost museums. Make your visit a feast with dishes like Sicilian mussels, grilled octopus, and pappardelle with lemon pistachio ricotta.
Amber Love Bond is a Miami-based food + beverage writer who can typically be found somewhere delicious with her laptop in tow and a cocktail in hand. See what she’s sipping and follow her adventures on Instagram.
