12 Most Underrated Restaurants in Miami

What does it even mean for a restaurant to be “underrated” in Miami? In a city where a buzzy opening seems to pop up in every neighborhood, and where Google Reviews, Yelp stars, actual Michelin stars, and Instagram Reels often shout louder than real-life conversations with the people feeding us, the word takes on weight. Underrated means a restaurant hasn’t received the merit, recognition, or praise it truly deserves — not because the food isn’t great, but because the spotlight rarely lands on the places quietly holding this city together. And in a cutthroat dining scene like ours, where marketing budgets often trump housemade sauces, articles like this one matter.

Hundreds of small businesses across South Florida supply Miami with delicious meals every single day. They don’t have PR firms, armies of influencers, or flashy storefronts. What they do have are loyal regulars, families who’ve been showing up for years, and dishes that taste like someone cared. These aren’t hidden gems you’ve never heard of (although we love those, as well); they’re the tried-and-true neighborhood favorites that New Times readers, colleagues, friends, and even I swear by weekly. They’re your go-to Uber Eats orders on nights when you can’t bear to cook, the places where the waitress greets your family by name and already knows to put in “chicken panang curry, medium!” before you even sit down, and the Chinese spot you and your fiancé go to every single Sunday, because now it’s a tradition.

These underrated restaurants keep our communities happy and thriving. They’re the backbone of our routines, our comfort cravings, our last-minute dinners with the people we love. Without them, Miami’s food scene would be far less exciting. And who knows? As you make your way through this list, you just might discover your new go-to spot, the one you’ll defend and praise passionately the next time someone asks for a recommendation. Maybe an influencer or two will read this and run to try all of them, and maybe one day these places won’t be underrated anymore. But for now, we celebrate them loudly, proudly, and with full stomachs. Without further ado, here are the 12 most underrated restaurants in Miami, listed in alphabetical order.

107 Taste

107 Taste channels pure heart and heritage into every dish, shaped by chef Yu Bi and her husband, Dr. Lei, who share a love for Asian cuisine and the FIU road where their story began. What started in 2016 as a humble tribute to 107th Avenue has grown into a true comfort-food sanctuary, serving homestyle flavors that feel both nostalgic and deeply personal. The menu reflects their immigrant journey — generous, soulful, and rooted in the belief that great food should be accessible to everyone. With its authentic dishes, warm service, and heartfelt origin story, 107 Taste deserves far more citywide love and recognition, especially since they have expanded across the county. Multiple area locations, including 357 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables; 107taste.com.

Anacapri Italian Restaurant, Market, and Wine Bar

Anacapri Italian Restaurant in Pinecrest feels like a true neighborhood trattoria. It’s the kind of place where the pasta is always perfectly prepared and the welcome feels genuinely personal. Tucked inside the Pinecrest Town Center, this family-run gem turns simple Italian classics into standout dishes, from silky linguine to deeply comforting baked pastas. Its wine selection is shockingly good for such a low-key setting, with bottles you’d expect to find in far pricier, scene-driven restaurants. Oh, and that’s not all. This local favorite features a wonderful Italian market with imported pasta, sauces, baked goods, and other pantry staples, as well as a solid wine bar to accompany your family’s takeout order. With warm service, honest cooking, and a loyal local following, Anacapri proves that some of Miami’s best meals don’t need hype (and can be found in the heart of suburbia). 12669 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest; 305-232-8001; anacaprimiami.com.

Coral House

Coral House captures the essence of dining in someone’s lovingly kept Italian home, where everything is made from scratch and hospitality emanates from the heart. Tucked into a converted house on Coral Way, the cozy dining room and charming outdoor patio make it one of the most inviting spots in the entire neighborhood. From some of the best pizzas in the area to handmade dishes that taste like they came from an Italian mother’s kitchen, the food is exceptional. And whatever you do, save room for the pistachio tartufo, a must-order dessert that seals the deal on Coral House’s status as a true Miami gem.1762 Coral Wy., Miami; 786-502-3238; coralhousemiami.com.

Farolito Restaurant

Farolito on Coral Way offers refined, beautifully executed Peruvian cuisine without the flash or noise of the city’s trendier spots. This white-tablecloth neighborhood gem consistently turns out exceptional ceviches, tiraditos, jalea, and pulpo al olivo, all prepared with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from decades of doing things right. The service is warm, the chef’s recommendations are always spot-on, and the wine list is far better than you’d expect from such an unassuming space. For anyone seeking an intimate dinner built on classic Peruvian flavors, Farolito stands out as a timeless Coral Way favorite that deserves far more attention. 2885 Coral Wy., Miami; 305-446-4122; farolito-peruvian-cuisine.wa-cafe.com.

Khaosan Road

Khaosan Road serves some of the most authentic Thai dishes you can find in a charming, tucked-away corner of Coral Gables. The “Pad See Ew,” Pad Thai, and signature “Khao Soi” taste like they came straight from a Bangkok night market, each dish layered with bold flavors and made with genuine care. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, the kind of place where you can linger over curry noodles and feel completely transported. With friendly service and consistently excellent food, Khaosan Road has earned its status as a beloved favorite for anyone craving truly great Thai cuisine. 157 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables; 305-444-2397; khaosan-road.com.

Kon Chau Chinese Restaurant

Kon Chau Chinese delivers incredibly authentic dim sum, without the crowds or hype that Tropical Chinese, just down the street on Bird Road, often draws — but both are excellent Chinese options in the city. Here, you’ll find Chinese families enjoying baskets of dumplings, noodles, and buns that taste exactly as they should, with so many friends telling me it’s their go-to for when they’re craving authentic Chinese cuisine. Kon Chau is the trusted go-to for many locals on weeknights, and its consistency is what makes it a true local gem. 8376 SW 40th St, Miami; 305-553-7799; konchauchinesefl.com.

La Bottega Miami

La Bottega Miami transforms an ordinary corporate office building in the middle of Edgewater into a warm, soulful escape to Buenos Aires the moment you step inside. Run by a mother-and-son team, the space radiates hospitality and the kind of genuine welcome that turns first-time visitors into regulars. On any given day, you’ll see employees from offices upstairs hug and greet the owners as if they were part of their own family, you’ll see a UPS driver order his regular (two beef empanadas with a Diet Coke), or you’ll find me reminiscing about my recent trip to Argentina here — it’s that authentic. Their menu brings the comforting flavors of Argentina to Biscayne Boulevard, featuring empanadas, pastries, and homestyle dishes crafted with care and freshness. It is the kind of hidden gem you almost do not want to share, proving that some of Miami’s best meals are found in the most unexpected places. 3050 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 103A, Miami; 786-537-6068; labottegamiami.com.

Ricky Thai Bistro

Ricky Thai Bistro delivers bold, homestyle Thai cooking in a humble North Miami strip mall (far from the city’s flashier dining districts). The husband-and-wife team pours genuine care into every dish, from fragrant curries to crisp whole snapper, creating flavors that locals swear by. What the restaurant lacks in hype, it makes up for with warmth — attentive service, detailed guidance for diners with dietary needs, and a comfortable, lived-in dining room where conversations stretch long after plates are cleared. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot that stays nearly packed on a weeknight, quietly proving why it deserves far more citywide love. 1617 NE 123rd St., North Miami; 305-891-9292; rickythaibistro.com.

Sylvano

Sylvano is the kind of spot that everyone who lives near it simply loves. It evokes effortless, old-school Italian charm without the hype or pretense that defines so many Midtown spots. The menu is stacked with pastas, risottos, pizzas, and seafood dishes that feel comforting and consistent, the kind of crowd-pleasing Italian cooking locals rely on year after year. Its garden terrazza is one of the city’s most relaxing hidden escapes, perfect for a long dinner, a spritz, or a lazy Sunday afternoon. Add in its full bar, deep wine list, and wall-to-wall sports screens, and Sylvano becomes that rare place where you can enjoy a great meal, catch a game, and feel like a regular — even on your first visit. 2426 NE Second Ave.; 786-703-8200; sylvanos.com.

Taqueria Los Nopoles

Taqueria Los Nopales brings true, homestyle Mexican cooking to a stretch of the city that desperately needed an authentic option between Little Havana and Coconut Grove. Walking inside feels like stepping into a neighborhood eatery in Mexico, complete with fresh tortillas, traditional plating, and aguas frescas that taste like they were made moments ago. The menu is deep and delicious, featuring a variety of options from birria tacos and carne asada nachos to generous tortas, ceviche, and chips with guacamole that set the tone right away. With friendly service, great drink deals, and dishes that Mexican-American diners call the real thing, Los Nopales is a gem that locals return to again and again (myself included). P.S. – It’s a great option after flying into Miami International Airport if you’re heading south. 1800 SW 27th Ave, Ste. 400, Miami; 786-362-5685; instagram.com/taqueria_losnopales.

The Original Daily Bread Marketplace

The Original Daily Bread Marketplace does what few places can do anymore: serve incredible housemade Middle Eastern food while doubling as a full specialty market you actually want to get lost in. At the counter, you can order everything from shawarma and kafta to grape leaves, kibbeh, hummus, and platters that taste like they came straight from a family kitchen. The Mazzawi family has run this establishment for over 40 years, and that legacy is evident in the flavors, hospitality, and the loyal customers who’ve been coming here for decades. With its bakery, deli, grocery aisles, and powerhouse catering operation, the Original Daily Bread Marketplace remains a true Miami institution that still deserves far more citywide praise (why aren’t influencers posting about it yet?). 2400 SW 27th St, Miami; 305-856-0363; dailybreadmarketplace.com.

Yoso Sushi

Yoso Sushi brings top-tier fish, thoughtful technique, and creative flavor to an intimate corner of Upper Buena Vista without the sky-high prices of other sushi spots. What began as a humble food truck has evolved into a charming brick-and-mortar with a six-seat sushi counter, where the team serves some of the freshest nigiri, sashimi, and handrolls in the city. The menu offers everything from inventive rolls to crispy rice and housemade beef dumplings that are surprisingly delicious. With its vintage Tokyo meets Miami Art Deco vibe and fun themed nights like “Hand Roll Monday,” Yoso Sushi delivers a high-end experience that still feels accessible, welcoming, and deeply local. 5026 NE Second Ave., Ste. 310, Miami; 305-420-6650; yososushi.co.