South Beach is an iconic stretch of Miami Beach, featured in music videos, films (The Birdcage, anyone?), high fashion photoshoots, and more. It’s the Miami that many picture when they think of the city. But beyond the neon lights, the white sand beach, and art deco buildings, a culinary scene that attracts visitors from all over the world thrives. 

The best South Beach restaurants run the gamut from celebrity-chef-helmed experiences, to local-ingredient-driven fare, ranging in vibe and representing the best flavors of international cuisine. Get ready for some glam, dining on South Beach always promises a stylish experience. 

Where to Find South Beach’s Top Restaurants

Joe’s Stone Crab 

Address: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Every list of South Beach restaurants starts with Joe’s Stone Crab for a reason, it’s not only the area’s most iconic eatery, but quite possibly the most famed restaurant in the whole city. Open only from October – May, during stone crab season, this historic restaurant has specialized in this regional delicacy since 1913. Come for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or just because and enjoy the season’s fresh claws. 

What to Eat:

Stone crabs of course! However, foodies will tell you that the fried chicken is just as good as the eponymous claws. Pair your meal with a grilled tomato stuffed with spinach and a seafood tower too. 

Byblos 

Address: 1545 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

It’s all about style at Byblos, a chic Eastern Mediterranean restaurant inside the Royal Palm South Beach Hotel. Picture soaring high ceilings, a cool mosaic looking down on the dining room’s magazine-worthy interior, and a menu paying tribute to the regional cuisine of the Eastern Mediterranean served family style. It’s the perfect place to start a night on the town, in South Beach style, of course. 

What to Eat:

The Eggplant Kibbeh and Black Truffle Pide spotlight where Byblos shines, taking homestyle favorites and elevating them into an approachable and delicious version of haute cuisine. 

Macchialina

Address: 820 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Pasta might not be your first thought when deciding where to eat in South Beach, but the area features a surprising number of Italian restaurants. Amongst them, Macchialina is a true star and a local favorite for about a decade now. A cozy but stylish interior in an intimate space makes for the perfect night out with friends who want to enjoy a good laugh and fill their bellies with housemade pastas and wine.  

What to Eat:

The Beet Mezzaluna, a brown butter, beet, ricotta salata pasta has long been a go-to on the menu, but you can’t go wrong with any of the house made pastas, from the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, to the Cavatelli Macchialina, a house specialty with baby meatballs and porchetta. 

Monty’s South Beach

Address: 300 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139

If you want to chill at a low-key beach hang, with reggae in the background, a view of the water, an order of conch fritters, and a piña colada – Monty’s South Beach is the place for you. Channel island vibes at this poolside outdoor bar and restaurant tucked under tiki huts, palm trees, and a covered patio area. 

What to Eat:

Beer, conch fritters, oysters, onion rings, frozen drinks,… you catch the drift. 

Lucali 

Address: 1930 Bay Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Lucali, a Brooklyn transplant that made a name for itself in the Sunset Harbour area of South Beach, serves pizzas and salads in a chic rustic setting for families, date nights, and groups of friends. You’ll be hard pressed to find better quality pizza anywhere in the area. Pop in next door at their bar for a full cocktail selection while you wait out the inevitable line.  

What to Eat:

You can’t go wrong with any of the pizzas, whether you pick from their menu or design your own. But the salads will likely surprise you with how delicious they are – try the Fennel & Celery Root.

Find Your Dream Apartment in Miami

If eating your way around South Beach inspires you to move to this luxurious, beachy utopia, let us know. AptAmigo knows the best apartment buildings in this neighborhood and can get you the best deals on rent here, or anywhere else in Miami for that matter. Our 1-on-1 real estate service is completely free. We’ll take over the apartment search for you, saving you time and energy. Connect with a Miami apartment locator today!