June 5, 2017 · by Zagat Staff

From new launches by big-name chefs to adventurous upstarts, here are the hottest

restaurants in Miami right now. It's one heck of a culinary to-do list, so clear your calendar for

the most exciting dining experiences in the Magic City.

MONKITAILAsian · $$$

ZAGAT RATED

Cool spot for Japanese fare, featuring sushi, izakaya andcocktails.

Must-orderMust-order: Duck buns with maple teriyaki andcucumber

Insider tipInsider tip: Tucked away beyond Monkitail's main diningroom is Nokku, a discreet cocktail lounge with fourprivate karaoke rooms.

VICKY'S HOUSEDessert · Coconut Grove · $$

ZAGAT RATED

Retro spot serving '80s-inspired milkshakes, root beerfloats and more.

Must-orderMust-order: The Golden Girls milkshake, made withbananas, Golden Grahams cereal, a Twinkie and ahomemade blondie

Insider tip: Insider tip: Stop by the first Wednesday of the monthwhen Vicky's transforms into a tasting room featuringlocal snacks and drinks from 5–8 PM.

PLNTHOUSE: THE GOODKITCHENSouth Beach · $$

ZAGAT RATED

Vegan organic fare and drinks served in a casual interioror on a beachfront deck.

Must-order: Must-order: Roasted San Marzano tomato sandwich.Slow-roasted tomatoes, sunflower "cheddar cheese" andherb aïoli are placed between grilled slices of multigrainsourdough bread and topped with avocado and spicyarugula.

Insider tip: Insider tip: Ask to have your smoothie turned into abowl. Top it with housemade super-food granola and freshtropical fruit for an ultimate meal replacer.

LOBSTER BAR SEA GRILLE -MIAMI BEACHSouth Beach

ZAGAT RATED

Creative, upscale seafood dishes served in a sleek settingwith dramatic lighting and a marble bar.

Must-orderMust-order: Chile lobster, a one-and-a-half-pound bluehard shell Nova Scotia lobster served with a mild spicychile sauce and grilled shishito peppers

Insider tipInsider tip: The restaurant is known for its whole fishand lobster experiences. Although the menu featuresseveral different ways the dishes are prepared, guest canrequest them any way they like.

TATEL MIAMISpanish · South Beach · $$$

ZAGAT RATED

Madrid offshoot serving updated Iberian fare and wine inan elegant setting.

Must-orderMust-order: Tortilla trufada, a soft Spanish omelet madewith potato confit and truffle paste

Insider tipInsider tip: The above mentioned tortilla trufada is oneof Enrique Iglesias's favorite dishes at TATEL. Guests canenjoy this dish at the stunning, full-service bar with adirect view of the bustling Collins Avenue.

DASHIJapanese · Brickell Area · $$$

ZAGAT RATED

Upscale spot set within Yacht River Club servingJapanese classics, noodles and cocktails.

Must-orderMust-order: Miso-glazed Chilean sea bass. The sweetand savory fish is beautifully presented atop a largemagnolia leaf.

Insider tipInsider tip: For the full Dashi experience, try the nine-course omakase tasting offered Tuesdays throughSaturdays for dinner for $125 per person.

FORTE DEI MARMIItalian · South Beach

ZAGAT RATED

Chic eatery offering handmade pasta, risotto and otherItalian classics, plus an all-Italian wine list.

Must-order: Must-order: Calamari tagliatelle. The soft-boiled squidis cut into delicate slices and topped with Petrossiancaviar and Hawaiian black salt.

Insider tip:Insider tip: For large parties, ask for the chef's table.Though it’s usually used for display, it can accommodateparties up to 10. The handsome bronze table wasespecially designed for Forte dei Marmi by Milan-baseddesigner, Henry Timi.

CAKE THAIThai · Wynwood · $$

ZAGAT RATED

This casual haunt serves Thai street food, like noodle,curry and rice dishes, plus wine and beer.

Must-order:Must-order: Poo Pad Pong Karee, a curried scrambledegg dish made with lump crab meat and served withjasmine rice

Insider tip: Insider tip: The restaurant’s happy hour featuresdiscounted snacks plus $4 beer and $5 wine Tuesdaythrough Friday from 3–6 PM.

LIGHTKEEPERSSeafood · $$$

ZAGAT RATED

Overlooking the beach, this polished eatery offers freshlycaught seafood, meats and craft cocktails.

Must-orderMust-order: Grilled Spanish octopus accompanied by agreen salad and dark, roasted potatoes

Insider tipInsider tip: Most of the regular dinner menu is gluten-free. The restaurant’s goal is to eventually create acompletely gluten-free dinner menu.

GHEE INDIAN KITCHENIndian · $$$

ZAGAT RATED

Indian restaurant putting seasonal and contemporaryspins on traditional fare in trendy environs.

Must-orderMust-order: Green millet served with cilantro and sev,an Indian snack consisting of long strands of deep-friedand spiced chickpea flour

Insider tipInsider tip: If you can’t get a table, grab a seat at thebar — it offers the entire menu. Make sure to ask thebartender for a taste of the housemade sangria too.

EXPAND MAP

Hottest Restaurants in MiamiFROM MADE-TO-ORDER WHOLE LOBSTERS TO ELEVATED VEGAN FARE

……Credit: Tatel Miami

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Find a great place near you NEW & HOT CHOOSE A CITY

SHOW SUMMARY SORT BY - Recommended ASIAN 1 DESSERT 1 SPANISH 1 JAPANESE 1 ITALIAN 1 THAI 1 SEAFOOD 1 INDIAN 1 SOUTH BEACH 4 COCONUT GROVE 1

BRICKELL AREA 1 WYNWOOD 1 $$ 3 $$$ 5 NEW! 8