Golden Lyon Vintage Pub photo
Audio By Carbonatix
Some of South Florida’s best meals aren’t hiding behind month-long waitlists; they’re hiding in plain sight. Gas-station kitchens serving up five-star flavors, strip-mall counters with lines out the door, and coin laundries that smell less like detergent and more like perfectly pressed Cuban sandwiches. These are restaurants lovingly known as “hidden gems,” and down in South Florida, we’ve got a whole bunch of them — like these 15 hidden gems in Miami.
Now, Tripadvisor is showing South Florida’s hidden gems some well-deserved love, too. The travel media company has just released its annual Travelers’ Choice Awards, and within its Best of the Best Restaurants – Hidden Gems category, two local spots made the top 25 in the entire country. In a food scene where flashy openings tend to steal the spotlight, these two favorites prove that South Florida’s real culinary treasures don’t come with dress codes or tasting menus. Sometimes, the best bite in town is just a quick drive, a great view, and a really good cocktail away.
Bungalow By The Sea photo
No. 6 – Bungalow By the Sea, Miami Beach
Coming in at No. 6 is Bungalow By the Sea in Miami Beach, which has earned a 4.9 rating from over 650 reviews on Tripadvisor. According to Tripadvisor, “Bungalow By The Sea gives you front-row seats to a scenic waterfront and a menu full of creative dishes. The ribs stand out, and the bartenders know their way around a cocktail, especially during happy hour. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the staff keep things relaxed and friendly.”
You may not have heard of this spot because the only way to access it is by walking on the sand. Bungalow By the Sea in Miami Beach opened in October 2018 as the seaside dining and cocktail destination at the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club. It was launched alongside the hotel, which debuted around the same time. The restaurant is situated within an oceanside palapa (tiki hut), offering direct views of the sand and sea. It’s known for its fresh juices and small-batch coffee in the morning, a solid raw bar, chilled wines, frozen cocktails, and light bites in the afternoon and at sunset. Although it’s located in a high-end side of town, it seems to have a low-profile and laid-back atmosphere, which has made it a favorite among visitors. 3925 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, at the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection; 305-538-3373; cadillachotelmiamibeach.com.
No. 8 – Golden Lyon Vintage Pub, Fort Lauderdale
Not far behind, at No. 8, is Golden Lyon Vintage Pub in Fort Lauderdale, also boasting a 4.9 rating. While Bungalow was located right on the sand, this rustic spot on Las Olas Boulevard couldn’t be more different. Tripadvisor calls it “a scenic spot with friendly staff and relaxed pub vibes, the kind of place where brunch, happy hour, and dessert all hit the mark.”
Located inside the historic Riverside Hotel, Golden Lyon Vintage Pub is a Fort Lauderdale favorite known for its friendly service and old-school charm. Guests can catch the game on flat-screens indoors or unwind on the shaded patio overlooking Las Olas Boulevard. The menu features elevated pub fare, ranging from shareable starters to fresh seafood and decadent desserts, paired with an impressive selection of craft cocktails, beers, and wines. With daily happy hour specials from 3 to 7 p.m., it’s the perfect spot to sip, snack, and soak in the Las Olas buzz. 620 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, at the Riverside Hotel; 954-467-0671; goldenlyonpub.com.
