
Rusty Pelican photo

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Miami’s dining scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. The most sought-after restaurants here serve more than just a meal – they deliver an experience that lingers long after the last bite. Therefore, it’s no surprise that landing a reservation often feels like a high-stakes game.
But which restaurants are the hardest to book? OpenTable recently sifted through nearly 500,000 global diner reviews from December 2024 to uncover the city’s most coveted dining destinations in 2025. From the allure of a former Versace mansion to the electric energy of South Beach’s rooftop venues, these ten spots, listed in order of appearance on the list, are the restaurants that keep diners whipping out their phones to secure reservations.

Gianni’s at the Villa is one of the most booked restaurants in Miami.
Gianni’s at the Villa photo
1. Gianni’s at the Villa (Formerly Versace Mansion)
Gianni’s at the Villa Casa Casuarina (also known as Gianni’s as the former Versace Mansion) is no stranger to the spotlight. The South Beach restaurant, housed in the luxurious villa once owned by fashion icon Gianni Versace, consistently ranks among the most-booked spots in Miami. Guests flock here not only for the history but for the upscale Mediterranean-inspired menu. From fresh seafood to perfectly executed pasta, the food is as opulent as the setting, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to experience a slice of Miami glamour. 116 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; 786-485-2200;
vmmiamibeach.com.

The breezy terrace of Mila, one of the most booked restaurants in Miami
Mila photo
2. Mila
Named the ninth most beautiful restaurant in the world in 2024, the atmosphere and fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavors draws in diners from all across the city. Located in South Beach, the restaurant combines a chic, minimalist design with an exciting culinary concept that’s been turning heads since it opened. The menu at Mila offers inventive dishes that reflect both Mediterranean and Asian influences, with options ranging from sushi to grilled meats and seafood. 1636 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach; 786-706-0744; mila-miami.com.

Makoto is one of the most booked restaurants in Miami.
Photo by Laurie Satran
3. Makoto
Makoto continues to stand out in Miami’s sushi scene, now with a stunning new location on the third floor of Bal Harbour Shops, redesigned by renowned Paris-based designer India Mahdavi. The sleek, modern space sets the stage for the restaurant’s expertly crafted menu of Edomae-style sushi, featuring fresh, seasonal cuts of fish, and signature dishes like crispy chicken dumplings and Wagyu short rib. 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour; 305-864-8600; makoto-restaurant.com.

The courtyard dinner at Jaya at the Setai, one of the most booked restaurants in Miami
Jaya at the Setai photo
4. Jaya at the Setai
Located inside the Setai Hotel in South Beach, Jaya brings together a diverse range of Asian flavors in an elegant setting. The restaurant’s menu features dishes from Thailand, India, China, and Japan, from the signature Peking duck, to truffle dumplings or flavor-packed dim sums. But what really sets Jaya apart is the atmosphere. The restaurant’s modern design, combined with outdoor seating and nightly entertainment, creates a dining experience that’s as memorable as the food itself. 2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 855-923-7899; thesetaihotel.com.

Doya is one of the most booked restaurants in Miami.
Photo by Flow Gallery
5. Doya
Aegean-inspired dishes meet wood-fire cooking at Doya, creating flavors that pop with every bite. From grilled octopus to the perfectly charred lamb, Doya knows how to elevate the simple pleasures of Mediterranean cuisine. The interactive kitchen counter, where guests can watch chefs prepare the meals, adds a fun and intimate touch to the experience. 347 NW 24th St., Miami; 305-501-2848; doyarestaurant.com.

Rusty Pelican is a go-to restaurant for waterfront views along the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Rusty Pelican photo
6. Rusty Pelican
You know that moment when you sit down at a restaurant, take one look at the view, and think, I made the right decision? That’s the Rusty Pelican. Set against the backdrop of downtown Miami’s skyline, this seafood mecca has been serving up fresh fish and stunning views for decades. The views are only rivaled by the flavors, and with reservations constantly booked, this Key Biscayne favorite is a true Miami institution. 3201 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne; 305-361-3818; therustypelican.com.

Sexy Fish is one of the most booked restaurants in Miami.
Sexy Fish photo
7. Sexy Fish
If you’re looking for a dinner experience that doubles as a night out, Sexy Fish is where you’ll find it. This trendy, high-octane spot in Brickell combines flashy design with high-quality Asian fusion cuisine. The food is just as bold as the vibe, with dishes like spicy beef tenderloin and crispy duck with watermelon. 1001 S. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-889-7888; sexyfishmiami.com.

Casa Neos is one of the most booked restaurants in Miami.
Casa Neos photo
8. Casa Neos
The team behind South Beach’s Mila – ranked second on this list – also brought us Casa Neos. With an Aegean-inspired menu curated by Chef MichaÁ«l Michaelidis, Casa Neos offers a journey through Mediterranean flavors, featuring fresh fish, prime meats, and housemade bread from a wood-fired oven. The restaurant is part of a larger multi-use space that includes a boutique hotel and a members-only club, making it a truly exclusive spot for Miami’s elite. 40 SW North River Dr., Miami; 305-800-6367; casa-neos.com.

Smith & Wollensky is one of the best steakhouses in Miami.
Smith & Wollensky photo
9. Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse
For a classic Miami dining experience, Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse delivers. Known for its prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and iconic waterfront location in South Pointe Park, this American steakhouse continues to be a top choice for steak lovers. Whether you’re indulging in a perfectly cooked ribeye or enjoying a cocktail on the patio overlooking the water, Smith & Wollensky’s reputation for top-quality service and food keeps it firmly on the list of Miami’s most-booked restaurants. 1 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; 305-673-2800; smithandwollensky.com.

KoKo, from the creators of Bakan in Wynwood, has opened in Coconut Grove.
KoKo photo
10. KoKo
KoKo, also known as KoKo by Bakan, brings a vibrant, authentic taste of Mexico to Coconut Grove. The restaurant’s handmade tortillas, crafted daily with criollo, ancestral organic corn imported from Oaxaca, serve as the base for dishes like short rib tacos and langosta con chorizo, made with local lobster, sausage, and guacamole. The wood-fired grill and rotisserie further elevate traditional Mexican cooking with plates like organic rotisserie chicken, whole local snapper, and expertly prepared meats. And don’t forget the mezcal: Explore 400 mezcals and tequilas, either by the sip or shot, in a practice called mezcaleando, which translates to the art of pairing food with mezcal. 2856 Tigertail Ave., Coconut Grove; 305-349-3909; kokobybakan.com.