Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Miami - Dade

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Miami - Dade? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Cafe Avanti Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (694)

$31 to $50

Italian

South Beach

About the restaurant

Established in 1989, Cafe Avanti is in a league of its own. Fine traditional Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. It's family owned and operated, and home away from home for Miami Beach locals. The staff is welcoming and hospitable, and are sure to make you feel like a regular even as a first time guest. Chef Constantino Cadavid has been at the helm of Cafe Avanti for over 21 years. It's reputation for consistency is like no other. From veal meatballs and tuna tartare, to osso bucco and frutta di mare, every dish is absolutely decadent. Desserts are homemade & the ricotta cheesecake is the best you will ever have. Parking is easy and meters are turned off at 6pm. Whether you sit at the bar, cozy brick room, a romantic table by the window, or have a large party, Cafe Avanti will provide you with the perfect experience that you are looking for.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on Jan 7, 2025

Avanti is the type of neighborhood restaurant that is always a pleasure. Whether you are a regular or a new visitor, the service is always impeccable and you are sure to have a delicious meal. I have been dining here for years, and whether it’s solo at the bar or with the entire family at a table, the food is always consistently delicious, drinks perfect and save room for dessert!

Pinch Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (586)

$30 and under

American

MiMo / Upper East Side

About the restaurant

On the corner of NE 86th Street and Biscayne Blvd in Miami, is where you will find Pinch Kitchen+Bar. An open kitchen, wooden tables, black and white accents, and a chalkboard wall give this cozy restaurant a hip, chic vibe. Executive Chef-Owner John Gallo opened the doors in the fall of 2015, and it has been receiving rave reviews ever since. The menu changes seasonally and features fresh produce, fresh proteins, and ingredients by always sourcing locally first for the best fresh taste. Offering a Full Bar, Craft Cocktails, Craft Beers, Wine, and Organic Wines. In addition to the À la carte menu, they offer daily specials and there is always one vegan option. The Pinch salad, the Famous Eponymous Pinch burger, the Ceviche, and the Churrasco steak are all popular choices with critics and returning guests alike for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Has been awarded Best New Restaurant in Miami by Miami New Times. Enjoy delicious dining at Pinch Kitchen+Bar for Lunch, Brunch, and Dinner

Top review

PaulVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great casual restaurant. Tasty food. Great service!

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Popular dish

Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese

Via Emilia 9

4.9

4.9 (607)

$30 and under

Italian

South Beach

About the restaurant

Via Emilia 9 in Miami Beach, Florida is the first of its kind in this city. A regional Italian restaurant, Via Emilia 9 only serves menu items that have actually been imported from Italy (flour, eggs, fruits and vegetables being the only exceptions for good reason). The pasta here is made fresh daily from these Italian ingredients. You can even partake in truffle tastings to help better inform your palette.

While there are a number of great entr�es to choose from at Via Emilia 9, the stewed veal cooked in milk definitely stands out. The veal with cooked ham and cheese is another favorite.

Top review

JoanneVIP

Dined 3 days ago

My friends loved dining with you They especially loved the octopus, pastas and prosciutto and melon they said was the best they ever had They were amazed at the authenticity of Via Emilia And we all loved the all Italian wine list

Kojin

4.9

4.9 (46)

$50 and over

Asian

Coral Gables

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Coral Gables, Kojin serves modern American cuisine with a Japanese twist. Helmed by Chefs Pedro & Katherine Mederos, Kojin offers an elevated dining experience and extensive menu, including a variety of flame-grilled dishes and fresh seafood, prepared using innovative culinary techniques.
Building on the success of the chefs' first restaurant which entered the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years, Kojin aims to serve guests the highest-quality ingredients at their peak seasonality and freshness, whether that means sourcing produce from local Florida farmers or importing ingredients from Japan.
Kojin's warm, stylish ambiance centers around its open kitchen where you can see the chefs at work. Kojin is available for private events upon request. Whatever the occasion, Chefs Pedro and Katherine hope to make you feel right at home at Kojin.

Top review

Mariaelena

Dined on Jan 5, 2025

All of the dishes were exquisitely prepared and different to what you would find in other restaurants. Our server Steven was wonderful. We appreciated that the corkage fee was very reasonable. My only suggestion is that they expand the wine list by adding some more reasonably priced bottles.

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Experience

Sweet Bites and Bubbles!

Experience

Valentine's Prix Fixe Menu

Experience

Valentine's Tasting Menu

Bonsai Sushi Bar

4.9

4.9 (15)

$30 and under

Sushi

Doral

About the restaurant

Experience a culinary journey like no other at Bonsai Sushi Bar, a vibrant fusion eatery nestled in the heart of Doral. Our restaurant seamlessly blends the delicate art of Japanese sushi with the bold, spicy flavors of Nikkei and Thai cuisine, all with a Caribbean twist. Step inside and discover a cozy atmosphere where every corner whispers of exotic adventures and flavorful delights. Our mixologists craft an array of exotic cocktails inspired by Caribbean flavors. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service with a smile.

Top review

SUNIL

Dined 6 days ago

Very nice atmosphere, the service was great. The food was average. They’re very attentive and birthday celebrations are really nice.

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Experience

BONSAI WEDNESDAY

Rosaluna

4.9

4.9 (14)

$30 and under

Italian

Downtown

About the restaurant

Experience the warmth and hospitality of Italy at Rosaluna, where traditional Italian cuisine meets modern flavors. Our menu features timeless classics with a twist, crafted from the finest ingredients.
Whether you're meeting colleagues, entertaining clients, or simply enjoying a meal with us, our attentive staff will ensure a memorable experience.
Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or happy hour. We can't wait to welcome you!

Top review

MateoVIP

Dined on Jan 9, 2025

Some of the best pasta I’ve had in Miami, the cacio de Pepe is delicious!

Jamon Iberico Pata Negra Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (501)

$30 and under

Spanish

Little Havana

About the restaurant

A taste of Spain right in the heart of Miami.
Jamon Iberico Pata Negra Restaurant brings a warm and welcoming atmosphere surrounded by the most spectacular Spanish dishes from different regions of Spain. Friendly service, intimate ambiance and good food harkens back to, as chef Felipe would describe his beloved homeland, “magical Spain”. Chef Felipe invites you, with open arms, to his little corner of Spain, right here in Miami.

Top review

Duniesky

Dined 5 days ago

Exceptional expectacular love the place the food the service the show

Manny's Wood Grill

4.8

4.8 (434)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Doral

About the restaurant

Elegant steakhouse with Argentinian style cuts and many vibrant dishes that will leave you craving for more.

Top review

FernandoVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Great service. Food is well prepared. Overall nice experience.

Sagra Pizza Bar

4.8

4.8 (422)

$30 and under

Pizza Bar

North Miami

About the restaurant

Sagra Pizza Bar serves stand out, thin crust Roman style pies on our outdoor space with our Italian imported Valoriani traditional oven. These amazing pizzas are cooked for two to three minutes at 700 degrees Fahrenheit with wood fire along side a menu of grilled meats and seafood! Our secret is in the crust!

Top review

DanielVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great food, fantastic service. Will keep going back

Old Lisbon Restaurants - Miami on Coral Way

4.8

4.8 (66)

$30 and under

Portuguese

Coral Way

About the restaurant

Old Lisbon Restaurants on Coral Way invites you to experience Portugal on your plate. Since 1991, this family-owned restaurant has been serving up a diverse menu of Portuguese specialties, from seafood and codfish dishes to steaks and vegetarian options. Don't forget to end your meal with a traditional Portuguese dessert for a complete culinary journey.

Top review

Alejandro

Dined 3 days ago

I have been visiting this restaurant for over 20 years here in Miami. It’s incredible how their consistency and quality, and service have remained great. It’s always a great experience. I highly recommend this restaurant. It doesn’t disappoint. In a landscape where everything has to be over the top this eatery never disappoints.

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