Foodies, rejoice: Miami has nabbed the top spot for culinary adventures for 2023! Renowned food and beverage publication Bon Appétit has this to say about Magic City’s food scene:
“The city is buzzing with a sense of opportunity right now, and a wave of up-and-coming local and new-to-town chefs have picked up on that air of possibility.”
In recognition of this achievement, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau designated April 5th as “Food City of the Year Day.” Though the day has come and gone, there’s never been a better time to visit Miami and sample its rich culinary offerings.
Dining a Major Motivation for Miami Tourists
Bon Appétit knows what many Miami visitors will tell you themselves: the city is worth a trip for the food alone. According to a recently published Visitor Industry Report for Greater Miami and Miami Beach, the region experienced a 50% surge in food and gastro-tourism in 2021, exceeding the figures from before the pandemic. The driving force behind this change? Some say it’s the recent emergence of innovative dining ideas and unparalleled culinary expertise.
Widely acclaimed culinary events have also been instrumental in elevating the destination’s status. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival and Miami Spice Restaurant Months have helped to firmly establish the region on the culinary map. Whether you travel to Magic City for a specific event or pop by to try one of the many fantastic restaurants, you’re sure to leave with a craving for even more.
A Unique Blend of Flavors
Latin American, Caribbean, and Southern American flavors lay the groundwork for Miami’s unique culinary scene. The city’s location and history have made it a hub for cultural exchange, resulting in a fusion of different culinary traditions.
Miami’s proximity to Cuba has had a significant influence on its cuisine, with dishes like Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and ropa vieja being popular among locals and tourists. The city also has a strong influence from the Caribbean, with Jamaican, Haitian, and Bahamian cuisine contributing to the city’s unique flavors and spice combinations.
Southern American cuisine has also played a role in shaping Miami’s culinary landscape, with dishes like fried chicken and biscuits being a staple in many local restaurants. Additionally, the city’s large Jewish community has contributed to its food scene with iconic dishes like pastrami sandwiches and matzo ball soup.
Miami Hot Spots Worth Trying
If you’re planning a trip to Miami, there are a few can’t miss restaurants to add to your itinerary. Start your culinary adventure off at Versailles, where the cuisine is truly fit for a king. This iconic Cuban restaurant in Little Havana has been serving up authentic Cuban cuisine for over 50 years. You can’t leave Miami without trying their famous Cuban sandwich.
Next, head to Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami institution since 1913. They’re famous for their fresh seafood, particularly the stone crabs. Be sure to try their Key Lime Pie for dessert. Looking for a romantic spot for date night? Try La Mar by Gaston Acurio, located at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Nosh on delicious Peruvian cuisine while taking in stunning waterfront views. Don’t skip the ceviche!
Miami is known for its amazing brunch scene, with a variety of restaurants offering everything from classic brunch fare to unique and creative dishes. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in Miami Beach serves up delicious brunch dishes like chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and shrimp and grits. If you want to see and be seen, head to Local House in South Beach. This beachfront brunch spot offers classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and avocado toast as well as favorites like lobster rolls.
New Restaurant Openings in Miami
Of course, there are plenty of exciting new dining opportunities on the horizon, too. Miami will see the opening of several new restaurants in the near future, including Pastis by Keith McNally and Stephen Starr, Bouchon by Thomas Keller in Coral Gables, and Lucky Cat and Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay. Additionally, Rao’s, a renowned restaurant from New York City, will be opening in Miami Beach.
It’s clear to see why Bon Appétit selected Miami as America’s Best Food Destination. Diverse cuisine, talented chefs, and gorgeous settings make Magic City an undeniably appealing vacation spot. With so many classic restaurants and exciting new openings to anticipate, you’ll never go hungry in Miami!
This article Bon Appétit Selects Miami as America’s “Food City of The Year” originally appeared on Wander With Alex. Photo Credit: [@korzeniewski/DepositPhotos]
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chelsea DeAngio is a freelance writer based in Greensboro, NC. Inspired by a rootless childhood as a Navy brat, she enjoys traveling every chance she gets. Pop culture often drives her trips. Whether channeling her inner Lady Mary at Highclere Castle in the UK or noshing on nachos at Showgirls filming locations in Vegas, Chelsea is always in search of a little silver screen glitz.