
Koko by Bakan photo

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Miami’s dining scene shows no signs of slowing down this fall, and the September 2025 most-booked restaurants on OpenTable prove it. Coconut Grove remains the heart of the action, where Koko by Bakan continues its streak as a perennial favorite. The mezcal wall, house-pressed tortillas, and wood-grilled dishes keep it at the top of every list, while buzzy neighbors like Amal and its rooftop sibling Level 6 turn dinner into a full-blown social experience. Meanwhile, Bayshore Club keeps the waterfront energy alive with seafood and cocktails by the fire pits, making it one of the hardest reservations to land in the city.
Across Coral Gables, heavy hitters continue to pull diners night after night. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is still packing tables with its towering pork chops and prime cuts, while Zucca and Beauty and the Butcher keep romance and refinement front and center. Add in the crowd-pleasing spectacle of Fogo de Chão and the tapas-driven energy of Bulla Gastrobar, and it’s clear that Miami’s dining calendar is stacked with reasons to book early. Whether it’s a date night, a celebration, or just an excuse to indulge, these restaurants prove why the Magic City continues to rank among the country’s most dynamic food destinations.

Koko by Bakan photo
1. Koko by Bakan
Coconut Grove’s Koko keeps its grip on Miami diners with the same formula that made it an instant hit. Tortillas are pressed daily from heirloom corn and land at the table topped with everything from tender skirt steak to fresh ceviches. Whole snapper, chicken al pastor, and a range of Oaxacan moles keep the wood grill in constant motion, while a wall of more than 400 mezcals sets the tone for long nights that spill into the terrace. 2856 Tigertail Ave., Coconut Grove; 305-349-3909; kokobybakan.com.

Perry’s photo
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Perry’s is where the Coral Gables crowd gathers for the kind of steakhouse spectacle that feels equal parts dinner and performance. The famous seven-finger-high pork chop is carved tableside, but the menu also stacks on prime ribeyes, filet Perry capped with crab, and towers of lobster and shrimp. Inside Merrick Park, the space stays filled with groups raising glasses and making nights out of what could have been just another meal. 4251 Salzedo St., Coral Gables; 786-703-9094; perryssteakhouse.com.

Zucca photo
Zucca
Inside the Hotel St. Michel, Zucca is a reminder that Coral Gables still knows romance. Diners open with zucchini flowers or Wayuu carpaccio before moving to pastas like bucatini cacio e pepe with truffle or duck ragù ravioli. Branzino, veal Milanese, and lamb chops give plenty of reasons to go beyond pasta, while the dining room’s old-world setting and Wine Spectator–recognized list make it feel like a restaurant meant for lingering. 162 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables; 786-580-3731; zuccamiami.com.

Amal Miami
Amal
Amal turns dinner into a social event, which makes it no wonder why this restaurant is always booked. In Coconut Grove, the Lebanese restaurant draws tables of friends sharing spreads of hummus, baba ghanoush, and muhammara before moving on to falafel, pistachio kebabs, and lamb chops. The sleek room and polished service set the tone, but it is the high-energy crowd that makes it feel like more than just another meal. 3480 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove; 786-369-0590; amalmiami.com.

Photo by Michael Pisarri
Beauty & the Butcher
Beauty & the Butcher quickly cemented itself as one of Coral Gables’ sharpest dining rooms. The square bar and glass wine cellar make a strong first impression, while the menu ranges from small plates like Manchego croquettes and hamachi crudo to prime cuts served with polish. The mix of style and substance keeps the restaurant packed with locals looking for both a special night out and a steady spot to return to. 6915 S. Red Rd., Coral Gables; 305-665-9661; beautyandthebutchermiami.com.

Bayshore Club Bar & Grill photo
Bayshore Club
Bayshore Club in Coconut Grove is just as much about its waterfront setting as much as its food. The old Pan Am terminal now hosts crowds for lobster rolls, mahi tacos, tuna minis, and coconut rice, with fire pits and cabanas scattered across the lawn. Guests stay long after the dishes clear, turning dinner into a night of cocktails and games under the lights. 3391 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove; 305-392-0811; bayshoreclubmiami.com.

Level 6 photo
Level 6 Rooftop
Perched above Amal, Level 6 has the kind of Biscayne Bay views that show why it’s such a must-have reservation. The Spanish-leaning menu includes seafood paella, croquettes, and hamachi crudo, while cocktails lean playful. Music and late hours keep the rooftop alive well past dinner, making it one of the few spots in Coconut Grove that feels as much bar as restaurant. 3480 Main Hwy., Sixth Floor, Coconut Grove; 786-800-2080; level6miami.com.

Fogo de Chão photo
Fogo de Chão
At Fogo in Coral Gables, dinner is a marathon of meat skewers. The popular chain boasts gauchos carving picanha, lamb chops, and ribeye until guests flip their cards red, while the market table fills plates with charcuterie, salads, and feijoada. The all-you-can-eat churrasco keeps birthdays and big groups coming, while the steady flow of caipirinhas makes it feel fun no matter the occasion. 2801 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables; 786-297-8788; fogo.com.

Earls Restaurant Group photo
Earls Kitchen + Bar
Earls at Miami Worldcenter draws crowds with a menu that covers nearly every craving. You name it and it’s probably found on their menu. Sushi rolls, truffle tortellini, birria tacos, and steaks with truffle butter share space with oversized cocktails like the spritz tower. Its location near Kaseya Arena brings in pre-game groups, but it doubles as a birthday go-to and a late-night lounge when the dining room stays packed. 150 NE Eighth St., Ste. F-146, Miami; 645-202-1488; earlsrestaurant.com.

Bulla Gastrobar photo
Bulla Gastrobar
Bulla was built on tapas culture. The Coral Gables perennial favorite serves patatas bravas, paella, and grilled octopus alongside pitchers of sangria, with an open kitchen and bar keeping the room loud and lively. Happy hour, brunch, and late-night groups all claim their time here, making it a steady booking for anyone who wants Spanish flavors with a social buzz. 2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables; 786-810-6215; bullagastrobar.com.