Miami’s culinary scene has been gaining international recognition, and with the arrival of the Michelin Guide in 2022, it has firmly established itself as a premier dining destination. Known for its diverse culture and vibrant energy, Miami is home to a wide range of Michelin-starred restaurants, each offering a unique and elevated dining experience. From modern interpretations of classic cuisines to avant-garde culinary creations, these restaurants reflect Miami’s dynamic gastronomic identity. Here’s a guide to some of Miami’s Michelin-starred gems that are defining the city’s culinary excellence.

1. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Located in the Miami Design District, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is a true testament to the legacy of legendary French chef Joël Robuchon, who held more Michelin stars than any chef in history during his lifetime. Awarded two Michelin stars, this restaurant embodies Robuchon’s signature style: a combination of precision, artistry, and innovation in French cuisine.

The dining experience at L’Atelier is unique, as it allows diners to sit around a counter that overlooks an open kitchen, giving them a front-row seat to the culinary magic. The menu features meticulously crafted dishes like Langoustine Ravioli with foie gras sauce and Le Caviar Imperial, a luxurious caviar and king crab dish. The emphasis on top-quality ingredients and a harmonious balance of flavors sets L’Atelier apart, making it a must-visit for any fine-dining enthusiast oai_citation:12,Miami Spice 2024: Restaurants Participating, Deals, Menus & Dates oai_citation:11,Miami Spice 2024: Menus, Dates, Highlights – Foodgressing.

2. Ariete

Located in Coconut Grove, Ariete earned its first Michelin star for its creative take on New American cuisine with strong Cuban influences. Headed by Chef Michael Beltran, Ariete offers an eclectic menu that blends traditional Cuban flavors with modern techniques. Dishes like Wood-Grilled Oysters with bone marrow butter and Cuban-Style Duck Press showcase the restaurant’s innovative spirit while paying homage to Miami’s rich cultural history.

The intimate setting and thoughtful, seasonal ingredients make Ariete an essential stop for anyone looking to experience a fusion of Miami’s past and present on a plate. The wine list, curated to complement the menu, also adds to the elevated dining experience oai_citation:10,Miami Spice 2024: Restaurants Participating, Deals, Menus & Dates.

3. Cote Miami

Miami’s Design District is home to Cote Miami, a Korean steakhouse that earned a one-star rating in the Michelin Guide. Cote Miami is a sister restaurant to the original Cote in New York City, which also holds a Michelin star. The restaurant offers a luxurious take on the traditional Korean BBQ experience, combining high-quality cuts of meat with tableside grilling.

The standout experience at Cote is the Butcher’s Feast, which includes a curated selection of meats like American Wagyu and USDA Prime beef, served with an array of Korean accompaniments, including kimchi, pickled vegetables, and savory sauces. With its sleek, modern design and attention to detail in both food and service, Cote Miami has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike oai_citation:9,Miami Spice Restaurant Months Returns with 250+ Restaurants | Miami & Miami Beach.

4. The Surf Club Restaurant

A collaboration between chef Thomas Keller and The Surf Club in Surfside, The Surf Club Restaurant offers a nostalgic take on classic American cuisine, with Keller’s signature touch. Holding one Michelin star, this restaurant pays homage to mid-century continental dining with dishes like Roasted Chicken with black truffle and Lobster Thermidor.

The dining room’s elegant ambiance, featuring plush banquettes and crystal chandeliers, evokes a timeless sophistication, while the menu delivers comforting, well-executed dishes that highlight the finest ingredients. The Surf Club Restaurant is a celebration of refined simplicity, making it a standout in Miami’s culinary landscape oai_citation:8,Miami Spice 2024: Restaurants Participating, Deals, Menus & Dates oai_citation:7,Miami Spice 2024: Menus, Dates, Highlights – Foodgressing.

5. Le Jardinier

Also located in the Miami Design District, Le Jardinier earned its one Michelin star for its vegetable-forward menu that balances freshness, flavor, and elegance. Helmed by Chef Alain Verzeroli, a longtime protégé of Joël Robuchon, Le Jardinier focuses on using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Signature dishes include the Heirloom Tomato Tart with burrata and a basil emulsion, and the Herb-Roasted Branzino with fennel and citrus. While vegetables are the star of the menu, proteins like lamb and fish are also available, making Le Jardinier a fantastic option for both vegetarians and meat lovers looking for a lighter, health-conscious dining experience oai_citation:6,Miami Spice 2024: Menus, Dates, Highlights – Foodgressing.

6. Stubborn Seed

Stubborn Seed, located in Miami Beach, is a project of Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford, and it received a one-star rating from Michelin. Ford’s cooking is bold, experimental, and full of flavor, reflecting his desire to push culinary boundaries. The menu offers a playful approach to modern American cuisine, with dishes like Smoked Foie Gras Torchon with black lime and Truffle Chicken with celery root puree.

The ever-evolving tasting menu is a journey through Ford’s creative vision, with dishes that surprise and delight with each bite. The restaurant’s cozy yet upscale ambiance makes it a great spot for an intimate dinner or a special occasion oai_citation:5,Miami Spice 2024: Restaurants Participating, Deals, Menus & Dates oai_citation:4,Miami Spice 2024: Menus, Dates, Highlights – Foodgressing.

7. Elcielo Miami

Located along the Miami River, Elcielo Miami earned its one Michelin star for its innovative take on Colombian cuisine. Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos combines molecular gastronomy with traditional Colombian flavors, resulting in a multi-sensory dining experience.

The tasting menu at Elcielo is an immersive journey that includes playful and interactive elements, such as the famous Chocotherapy, where guests are invited to “wash” their hands with liquid chocolate before diving into the dessert course. Dishes like Amazonian Fish with coconut rice and plantain chips highlight the unique flavors of Colombia while showcasing Barrientos’ inventive approach to fine dining oai_citation:3,Miami Spice 2024: Restaurants Participating, Deals, Menus & Dates.

8. Hiden

Hidden behind a taco shop in Wynwood is Hiden, an exclusive, eight-seat omakase restaurant that earned a one-star Michelin rating. This intimate dining experience offers a carefully curated sushi menu that changes daily based on the freshest ingredients available. Chef Shirashi Tetsuya’s precise technique and attention to detail make Hiden one of the most sought-after reservations in the city.

Each course in the omakase is a masterpiece, with standout dishes like Toro Tartare with caviar and Uni Nigiri showcasing the delicate flavors of the sea. The private, speakeasy-style setting adds to the allure, creating a dining experience that feels truly special and personal oai_citation:2,Miami Spice 2024: Restaurants Participating, Deals, Menus & Dates oai_citation:1,Miami Spice 2024: Menus, Dates, Highlights – Foodgressing.

Conclusion

Miami’s culinary scene has reached new heights with the recognition from the Michelin Guide, highlighting the city’s diverse and dynamic dining options. From French fine dining to Korean BBQ and innovative molecular gastronomy, these Michelin-starred restaurants offer unforgettable experiences that reflect Miami’s cultural richness and culinary creativity. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor seeking world-class cuisine, these restaurants represent the best of what Miami has to offer.