There are few places more iconic in this country (and even the world) than in Miami; among other things, its known for its reputation of cultural diversity, especially when it comes to the city's myriad of restaurants and cuisines. There are many fine dining establishments throughout Miami, but you only have to go as far as Ocean Drive in South Beach to taste all of Miami's famous flavors.
This highly-rated Cuban restaurant in South Beach is near and dear to Miami locals. As everyone knows, Miami is home to Cuban and Caribbean immigrants who brought their language, style, and cuisine to Miami when they opened restaurants in the city. Havana 1957 is as authentic as it gets when it come to our beloved Latin cuisine with their housemade mojos, sauces, and traditional drinks like as mojitos. Fortunately, menu prices here are quite reasonable so everybody can enjoy a good Cuban meal without their wallet taking a huge hit.
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A Fish Called Avalon, South Beach, FL
Providing the best of American, seafood, and international cuisine is surely not an easy task, but A Fish Called Avalon manages to master each of these categories. This restaurant off of Ocean Drive in South Beach is well-known for their Macadamia-Crusted Snapper and housemade crème brule, which are sure to impress even the most critical of diners. A Fish Called Avalon also has a reputation for top-notch service, ensuring a completely enjoyable fine dining experience.
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In the heart of Ocean Drive, News Cafe is an American-style restaurant serving lunch and dinner 24 hours a day. Skip the fancy attire and hard-to-pronounce menu items and come as you are to enjoy favorites like savory cheeseburgers and sweet, meaty ribs. Their menu also has a page dedicated to vegetarian options that are nonetheless delicious for those who are health-conscious or have dietary restrictions.
Steak, creamed corn, and fried Oreos: does Prime One Twelve have your attention now? This restaurant off of Ocean Drive in South Beach is an upscale steakhouse that requires reservations ahead and is well-known among Miami locals and snow birds alike. Prime is famous for their organically-fed and professionally-aged cuts of beef as well as their “no knife required" braised short ribs” that are so tender that they can be pulled right off of the bone with only a fork!
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If you were told that you could get you into the infamous Versace Mansion and have dinner, would you believe it? Well, you can at Gianni's! Once you see breathtaking, custom Italian fountain and glamorous interiors, you know you have arrived at the the home belonging to late and great Italian designer Gianni Versace. This former multi-million dollar home-turned Italian/seafood/Mediterranean restaurant is perhaps the most costly on our list, but it's also the most luxurious, unforgettable dining establishment on our list as well.
You won’t find any regular meatballs here because Gianni's only serves top-notch fare like their veal and grass-fed Kobe beef meatballs with fresh, handmade spaghetti. Dining at Gianni's is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; where else can you eat carbonara with lobster tail and an authentic Mediterranean shishkabob by the Versace pool?
Stepping into the double doors of Santorini by Georgios, you'll feel like you've been transported from from South Beach, Miami to Greece! If seafood and authentic Greek cuisine are what you’re looking for, look no further than this award-winning Greek restaurant off of Ocean Drive. Although you won't see table dancing and plate breaking at this fine dining establishment, Santorini's succulent seafood will definitely captivate your taste buds. Opa!
This sushi restaurant off of Ocean Drive is known for their fresh ingredients and a menu featuring modern interpretations of traditional Japanese and Thai dishes; they also have outstanding vegetarian options. Their entire menu is moderately-priced for its upscale location and fine dining atmosphere, and you can also order takeout to enjoy at home.
Whether you're looking for the finest steaks or freshest seafood, you can find it all at these restaurants off of Ocean Drive in South Beach, Miami.
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Cover photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
