7 Must Try Food in South Beach Miami

A trip to South Beach Miami would not be complete without the food. Believe it or not, Miami is considered as one of the best food cities in the world. One of the best parts about South Beach other than its culture, is the fact that there are a variety of restaurants both indoors and outdoors that include fresh local seafood, grilled chicken, roasted pork, tacos, chips & guacamole, key lime pie, strong coffee, and more. I’m drooling just thinking about it.

If you’re into outdoor seating, beautiful architecture, good vibes and delicious eats, South Beach is definitely for you. Whether you’re looking for breakfast lunch, dinner or dessert suggestions, we have you covered.

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7 must try food in south beach miami

The Local House

The Local House happens to be one of my favorite spots in South Beach. Not only is it a brunch and seafood restaurant, but it’s also a hotel! Make sure to check out my hotel review if you’re interested in staying at The Local House. It’s truly the perfect place for a South Beach getaway because of the accommodations, laid-back atmosphere, delicious food and proximity to the beach.

This restaurant in particular is super popular for brunch because of the menu options, aesthetic and of course the mimosas. It’s a beautiful and quaint little restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s also an ideal insta-worthy spot. Make sure to have your phone or camera ready because all the dishes are displayed so beautifully.

Now on to the food! The menu offers an array of choices ranging from brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour drinks. A few dishes I recommend trying include the seafood scramble, avocado toast, key lime pie french toast, caramelized banana french toast, the lobster mac & cheese and the Mahi tacos. They have excellent drinks too so whether you’re looking for an iced coffee, mimosa or cocktail for happy hour, they have some great selections.

The Local House offers in-room dining, takeout and delivery through third party apps like Uber Eats, Grub Hub and DoorDash. Get directions to the restaurant here.

Pura Vida

If you’re looking for a healthier option in South Beach, Pura Vida is the way to go. This street-side, surf-themed restaurant is the perfect spot for lunch to grab some health-conscious juices, sandwiches and salads. Pura Vida is beautifully decorated and offers outdoor seating alongside a more local and non-touristy street.

This restaurant specifically thrives off their philosophy of using fresh and simple ingredients. Shopping consciously and responsibly and serving up local and sustainable food. It’s also meant to feel like an extension of home where you can eat in comfort with your friends and family.

Another great thing about Pura Vida is they offer all-day breakfast including different kinds of breakfast toasts like avocado, salmon and berry as well as bagel sandwiches, fruit salads, acai bowls and overnight oats. I highly recommend ordering the mango salmon bowl or the summer grilled chicken bowl for lunch, as both are excellent and filling choices. They also have fresh pressed juices to help with nutrition and hydration, especially in the heat of Miami.

Pura Vida offers outdoor dining (seat yourself), takeout and no-contact delivery. Get directions to the restaurant here.

Koa Poke and Burrito

This highly rated sushi restaurant with poke bowls, sushi burritos and acai bowls is a must-try for sure. Koa Poke and Burrito brings a healthy and fresh Hawaiin-style take on sushi and has a variety of options to choose from. With its hip, upbeat and casual Miami beach vibe, it’s the perfect place to stop in for a quick lunch before or after a day of shopping or being at the beach.

Highly recommend making your own poke bowl with high-quality, fresh ingredients or one of their tasty acai bowls. They serve all different types of beverages as well, including alcohol!

Koa Poke and Burrito offers outdoor dining, takeout and no-contact delivery. Get directions to the restaurant here.

Malibu Farm

Located right behind the luxurious Nobu Miami, you’ll find Malibu Farm located right on the beach with break-taking ocean views. Malibu Farm Miami is defined as the epitome of laid-back luxury and is an organic, American restaurant offering the taste of Hawaii in simple, straight-forward ingredients. The menu includes seafood, sandwiches, flatbreads, nachos and delicious finger foods. It’s the perfect spot for a light lunch or appetizer if you’re feeling a little hungry a few hours before dinner.

Popular food items include the avocado pizza, chicken ricotta burger and the fish and shrimp tacos. As if the appetizers and stunning views aren’t enough, they also have a wide array of signature cocktails with some of the most fresh and delicious drinks I’ve had. Highly recommend trying the Passionfruit and Watermelon cocktail (also available as a mocktail!)

Malibu Farm offers outdoor dining, takeout and no-contact delivery. Get directions to the restaurant here.

Española Way

No foodie visit to Mimai is complete without a trip to Española Way, otherwise known as “historic Spanish village.” The palm-tree lined street with string lights hanging throughout goes back to the 1920s, creating a European feel and culture. Here you’ll find a ton of charming outdoor restaurants, shops, live entertainment and boutique hotels. It’s an extremely quaint and lively part of the city that you’ll want to experience at night.

We grabbed a table for dinner at Mercato Della Pescheria where we enjoyed happy hour specials and an Itlalian meal complete with fresh bread, Fettuccine Alfredo and a delicious aperol spritz.

Get directions to Española Way here.

Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant

No proper visit to South Beach is complete without a trip to Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant. The 100-year, family-owned restaurant has been attracting crowds longer than anyone can remember and it’s obvious why. It’s a fabulous restaurant in Miami that has created some of the best memories for people when visiting, in general. They even have an entire page dedicated to sharing your Joe’s Memories. Whether you’re visiting for a celebration, family gathering, romantic dinner or dinner just because, Joe’s Stone Crab has something for everyone.

Now when it comes to menu selections, you really can’t go wrong. But crowd favorites over the years include stone crab claws, friend chicken, skirt steak and of course, any of their fresh seafood dishes. They also have excellent key lime pie for dessert, an absolute must-try in South Florida.

Joe’s Stone Crab offers indoor dining, takeout and no-contact delivery. Get directions to the restaurant here.

Serena Rooftop

The famous Moxy Hotel, just a few blocks over from Ocean Drive, hosts one of the hottest restaurant & bar, Serena Rooftop. This classic and laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere makes for a great night out under the sun and then the stars once you watch the sun go down. The rooftop offers vibrant colors filled with lounges, seating areas and lush greens to make for a truly cozy and fun place to hangout.

As far as the menu goes, you’ll get a variety to taste including chips and guacamole, salsa verde, traditional Mexican ceviche, roasted pork, tostados and more. The drinks are definitely flowing here. So put on a cute outfit, head to the rooftop and treat yourself to some margaritas with salt on the rim.

Serene Rooftop offers indoor and outdoor dining and takeout but they do not offer delivery. Get directions to the restaurant here.