The TOP 10 Contemporary Restaurants in Miami

What is it? The Surf Club Restaurant by Chef Thomas Keller is a fine dining destination located at 9011 Collins Ave in Surfside. It holds a Michelin star and sits a short fifteen-minute walk from the Bal Harbour Shops.

Why we love it: The restaurant commands a premium price point, but the combination of classic French techniques and high-end seafood justifies the spend for those seeking a rigorous, formal experience. Its consistent 4.86 rating across nearly 500 reviews confirms that the kitchen delivers on the high expectations set by its Michelin status and Wine Spectator Excellence Award.

Good to Know: The Surf Club Restaurant by Chef Thomas Keller requires a smart and elegant dress code to match the refined, classic atmosphere of the dining room.

What is it? Nusr-Et Steakhouse sits at 999 Brickell Ave, placing it a six-minute walk from Brickell City Centre. This fine dining destination specializes in a hybrid of grills and seafood.

Why we love it: While the Brickell area is dense with options, this venue maintains a consistent following, backed by a 4.82 rating from over 5,800 guests. It avoids the anonymity of the nearby high-rises by pairing a modern, luxury approach to grills with a terrace that keeps the dining experience connected to the city’s pulse.

Good to Know: The Nusr-Et Steakhouse dress code is strictly smart and elegant, so leave the casual resort wear at your hotel before heading over for a grill-focused dinner.

What is it? Dōma sits at 35 NE 26th St, a fifteen-minute walk from Wynwood Walls. This Mediterranean and International fusion restaurant offers a fine dining setting that balances local proximity to the Design District with a secluded terrace.

Why we love it: Dōma manages to feel removed from the nearby Wynwood crowds despite being less than a mile away, a rarity for the area. The high guest satisfaction—averaging 4.77 from 747 reviews—is earned through a consistent focus on Mediterranean fusion, keeping the experience polished enough to warrant the high-end pricing while maintaining a distinctly romantic atmosphere.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Dōma is strictly enforced, so leave the beachwear for the walk over from Bayside Marketplace.

What is it? Sexy Fish Miami is a fine dining restaurant on S Miami Ave, located a five-minute walk from Brickell City Centre. The venue holds a Wine Spectator Excellence Award.

Why we love it: It separates itself from the high-density dining scene nearby with a confident commitment to contemporary Asian and sushi menus. The combination of its expensive price tier and a 4.85 rating across over 7,000 reviews suggests it performs consistently for a large crowd.

Good to Know: Sexy Fish Miami requires a smart and elegant dress code, so plan your outfit before heading over from the nearby Bayfront Park or American Airlines Arena.

What is it? Walrus Rodeo sits on NE 2nd Ave, a ten-minute walk from the Miami Design District. It holds a spot on the New York Times 50 Best Restaurants list.

Why we love it: This restaurant balances a fine-dining pedigree with a mid-priced, creative approach to fusion cooking that is rare for its proximity to Wynwood Walls. With a 4.88 rating from 379 reviews, the kitchen maintains a high level of consistency that keeps the dining room packed despite the lack of typical white-tablecloth pretense.

Good to Know: The terrace at Walrus Rodeo offers a more relaxed setting to experience their modern fusion menu, provided you adhere to the smart and elegant dress code.

What is it? Itamae AO is a fine dining restaurant on NE 1st Ave, located within a fifteen-minute walk of the Wynwood Walls and a short stroll from the Design District. It specializes in Japanese seafood and sushi.

Why we love it: While many restaurants in the area lean into the noise of the surrounding art districts, Itamae AO commands a luxury status through a refined approach to Japanese cuisine. With a guest rating of 4.86, it clearly resonates with diners who prioritize ingredient precision over the typical Miami spectacle.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Itamae AO is best interpreted as polished attire; leave the casual beachwear for the walk toward the nearby Biscayne Bay.

What is it? Gitano sits at 3500 Collins Avenue, a brief two-minute stroll from the sand at Miami Beach. It serves a contemporary fusion of Mexican cuisine in a high-end setting that commands a premium price.

Why we love it: The space balances the scale of a luxury destination with an intentional, romantic intimacy rarely found along this stretch of Collins Avenue. With nearly 800 guests awarding it a 4.80 rating, the kitchen consistently hits its mark, distinguishing itself from the volume-heavy dining rooms located just a short distance from The Bass.

Good to Know: The outdoor terrace at Gitano is the best vantage point for those looking to experience the fusion menu under the Miami sky, provided you adhere to the smart and elegant dress code.

What is it? Delilah Miami sits at 301 Brickell Key Dr, positioned a short walk from Brickell Key Park. It offers a contemporary fusion menu centered on seafood and carries a high guest rating of 4.81 from 642 reviews.

Why we love it: While most dining on the mainland requires navigating the bustle near Bayside Marketplace, this venue claims a quieter stretch of the waterfront. It balances its status as a high-priced fine dining destination with a smart and elegant atmosphere that feels distinct from the typical Brickell crowds.

Good to Know: The terrace is the primary draw at Delilah Miami, so request an outdoor table to dine with a view of the water.

What is it? Prime 112 sits at 112 Ocean Dr, a block from Miami Beach and an eight-minute walk from South Pointe Park. This restaurant specializes in a high-end combination of seafood and grills, catering to a crowd that seeks fine dining in the South Beach area.

Why we love it: It earns its reputation with a consistent output that satisfies over two thousand reviewers, balancing a dense, high-energy atmosphere with a menu that avoids the common pitfalls of such a central, tourist-heavy location. The price point is steep, but the kitchen leans into its grill-centric identity rather than trying to be everything to everyone.

Good to Know: The seafood selection at Prime 112 deserves as much attention as the grills; order the chilled shellfish platter to start, and ensure your suit or cocktail attire aligns with the smart and elegant dress code before arriving.

What is it? Sugar is a restaurant at 788 Brickell Plaza #40, situated a short walk from Brickell City Centre. This venue specializes in Asian fusion and sushi.

Why we love it? Sugar commands a premium price point, justified by its fine dining focus and an outdoor terrace that leverages its elevated position. With a guest rating of 4.91, it stands as one of the most consistently well-regarded options in the area, particularly for those seeking a luxury atmosphere within a short stroll of Bayfront Park.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Sugar is strictly enforced, so leave the beachwear for your walk over from Bayside Marketplace.