5 Must-Try Michelin Star Restaurants in Miami

Miami is known for its nightlife and stunning beaches, but let’s take a closer look at the city’s top dining experiences.

I’ve explored all the popular rooftop bars and now it’s time to uncover the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Miami.

Here are five must-try spots.

1. L’Atelier du Joël Robuchon

L’Atelier du Joël Robuchon in Miami’s Design District is a place where you can watch the chefs prepare each dish right in front of you. The counter seating gives you a front-row seat to all the action in the open kitchen.

The menu has a variety of options, but the tasting menus are the highlight. They offer a great way to sample a range of dishes. The foie gras with toasted brioche is a must-try, rich and perfectly cooked. The langoustine ravioli stands out with its fresh, delicate flavors.

The food here is incredible, from the truffle pasta to the black bass. The wine list is extensive, and the staff can help you find the perfect pairing for your meal.

The atmosphere is modern and sleek, creating a comfortable yet upscale dining experience. It’s a great place for a special night out or if you just want to enjoy some of the best food in Miami.

2. Ariete

Ariete, in Coconut Grove, is a one-Michelin-star restaurant that offers a mix of American and French cuisine with a twist. Chef Michael Beltran, who has Cuban roots, blends his heritage into the dishes, making for a unique dining experience.

The restaurant has a cozy yet classy vibe. The menu changes often, so there’s always something new to try. One of the highlights is the canard a la presse, which involves a special press to make a rich duck sauce right at your table. It’s both tasty and a bit of a show.

Another cool dish is the Florida Orange, which looks like an orange but is actually made of chicken foie mousse and duck pâté. It’s served with chocolate crumbs and bread, creating a mix of sweet and savory.

Don’t miss the pastrami-style wagyu short rib, which combines the taste of short rib with the texture of pastrami. For dessert, the flan made with candy cap mushrooms is a unique take on a classic.

3. Hiden

Hiden is a hidden gem in the Wynwood area of Miami. This exclusive Japanese restaurant has only eight seats and offers a unique omakase dining experience. The entrance is located behind the Taco Stand, and you need a special code to get in, making it feel like a secret dinner party.

The dining experience starts with a glass of champagne and continues with a meticulously crafted 15-course meal. The chefs work right in front of you, explaining each dish and its origins. The fish is flown in from Japan, and the quality is top-notch. The meal typically includes a variety of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies, ending with a melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu beef.

One of the standout features of Hiden is the attention to detail in both the food and the overall experience. From fresh wasabi to perfectly grilled mackerel, every bite is designed to be memorable. The ambiance is intimate, making it perfect for a special occasion.

Hiden is one of those places where the experience goes beyond just eating. It’s about the journey of getting there, the interaction with the chefs, and the incredible flavors that stay with you long after the meal is over.

4. Le Jardinier

Le Jardinier in Miami’s Design District is a stylish, upscale restaurant that focuses on vegetable-forward dishes. Chef Alain Verzeroli, who trained under the legendary Joël Robuchon, brings a refined elegance to the cuisine, highlighting seasonal fruits and vegetables. The interior is modern and bright, with a sleek design that feels both welcoming and sophisticated.

The menu at Le Jardinier changes with the seasons, ensuring fresh and vibrant dishes year-round. They offer a variety of options, from a three-course dinner menu at $68 to a summer lunch menu at $39. Dishes include snapper crudo with yuzu dressing, grilled Pacifico seabass, and Carolina rice risotto. Each plate is beautifully presented and bursting with flavor.

One of the standout dishes is the wagyu bavette, which is cooked to perfection and served with broccolini puree and confit heirloom tomatoes. For dessert, the summer flower—coconut crumble with almond cream and raspberry cherry confit—is a refreshing end to the meal.

Le Jardinier’s atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely lunch or an elegant dinner. The outdoor patio offers a serene setting, while the black marble bar inside is ideal for enjoying a cocktail. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

5. Los Félix

Los Félix, located in Coconut Grove, Miami, offers a unique take on traditional Mexican cuisine. This Michelin-starred restaurant emphasizes Mesoamerican heritage and uses traditional farming methods, such as Milpa farming, to source its ingredients. The tortillas are made from heirloom Mexican corn, milled in-house using a traditional molino, which adds a distinct nutty flavor.

The menu at Los Félix is diverse, featuring dishes like tamales stuffed with smoked chicken, pork cheek carnitas, and al pastor tacos. Each dish is prepared with great care and attention to detail. For instance, the tamales are topped with diced vegetables and a salsa of grilled green tomatoes and culantro, enhancing the smoky flavors.

One standout dish is the arepa, which includes braised pork belly, plantain puree, and pineapple chimichurri. The flavors are balanced perfectly, with the sweetness of the plantain complementing the richness of the pork. Another highlight is the tuna tostada, topped with a thin layer of sliced beetroot and caviar, creating a visually appealing and delicious dish.

The restaurant also offers a variety of beverages, including natural wines, mezcal-based cocktails, and craft beers, making it easy to find the perfect drink to complement your meal. The ambiance at Los Félix is vibrant and welcoming, with a decor that reflects Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

Last Words

Miami’s Michelin-starred restaurants are the real deal. These spots aren’t just about fancy food; they’re about unforgettable experiences. The chefs know their craft, the ingredients are top-notch, and the service is on point. If you’re looking for a place that shows what Miami’s food scene is all about, these are the places to hit up.