13 Biggest Miami Restaurant Closures of 2024 We Still Aren't Over

Just compiling this list is getting us emotional.

You know how the Oscars, the Emmys, the Tonys, and even the SAG Awards always feature a depressing "In Memoriam" segment toward the end of their annual broadcasts? Well, New Times is starting a similar memorial for Miami restaurants. Although we're all excited about these ten highly anticipated restaurant openings of 2025, losing a longtime spot is truly a cultural loss that, to some, feels like losing a part of themselves.

Losing a restaurant is an extremely personal experience for those who consider themselves regulars, and it shouldn't be taken lightly. A truly impactful restaurant is one that has endured the test of time — it has seen you on a great first date or your very worst day. It's been there for you after a busy day at work for a much-needed drink in Wynwood, or it's seen you being your sloppy younger self ordering a taco at the counter after a night out in Coconut Grove. 

It doesn't even have to be Michelin-starred or highly rated — in fact, it could've been completely average, but its mere existence, reliability, and hospitality felt like a welcome embrace in a city that is constantly shifting forms and evolving into something almost unrecognizable to those who dined in Miami between 1980 and 2011.

Below, we've rounded up 13 of the biggest restaurant closures of 2024 that embody those very feelings — restaurants that felt like a warm hug to those it regularly fed and served and whose absence is truly felt in their respective Miami-Dade neighborhoods. It's actually wild to drive around Miami, knowing these are gone.

Beaker & Gray

Wynwood pioneer Beaker & Gray closed its doors on June 30 after nearly a decade of serving delicious food and cocktails. "We've had an incredible run with Beaker & Gray, and are extremely proud of the part we have played in Wynwood's development into a world-famous neighborhood," says co-owner and chef Brian Nasajon. The restaurant opened in December of 2015.

Drunken Dragon

After a decade of being a local Korean barbecue favorite, the Miami Beach foodie spot closed on New Year's Day 2024. Those on the restaurant's mailing list received a somber email reading, in part, "Dear Drunken Dragon Miami Beach. Patrons, after ten years of bringing our customers joy with our Korean barbecue communal grills and tiki-themed cocktails, we have decided to close our Drunken Dragon Miami Beach location at the end of this year." The restaurant officially shut its doors after one last New Year's Eve party.

El Taquito Coconut Grove

The last dirt-cheap, hole-in-the-wall spot in Coconut Grove closed after 15 years of late-night tacos on Main Highway. El Taquito opened in 2009, long before the renaissance of the fancy CocoWalk, and was especially popular on "Grove Thursdays," which was known to attract hoards of University of Miami students living nearby in Coral Gables and the Grove. The spot would have a line out the door of hungry young men and women waiting to get their hands on perfectly cooked and simple al pastor or carnitas tacos to coat their cheap, beer-filled stomachs.

Icebox Cafe

Once home to the most famous cake in America, thanks to Oprah Winfrey, Icebox Cafe in Miami Beach closed in April after 25 years. The café shut down both its Miami Beach and Hallandale Beach locations permanently; it was best known for its diverse offerings and desserts, including Oprah's favorite cake. At the Hallandale restaurant, they had designed a new menu around the restaurant's best-selling dishes. Founder and owner Robert Siegmann announced the closure to his customers in an email, in which he said, "It's been an honor and a privilege serving you for over 25 years, and now it's time to turn our focus on new adventures."

Jaguar Sun

The popular downtown Miami restaurant and cocktail bar, known for its delicious pasta, excellent cocktails, and fluffy Parker House rolls, closed in August after six years. Since the restaurant team opened Sunny's this fall, they felt as though they would be spreading themselves too thin by managing both restaurants simultaneously. Jaguar Sun opened in October 2018 as an intimate restaurant and cocktail bar with a focus on raw seafood and pasta, and it quickly turned into both an industry and local favorite. (You can still find its corn agnolotti pasta and Parker House rolls at its new spot, Sunny's!)

Leku

Popular Basque restaurant Leku at the Rubell Museum closed on June 30 after four years of serving Spanish food and its famous Basque cheesecake. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce our decision to close our doors. This ultimate decision was not easy, but it is one we have made with thoughtful consideration. We are deeply thankful for the incredible memories we've created together and the trust you have placed in us," says a statement from its owners.

Lotus Garden Restaurant

A Coral Gables mainstay for Thai food, Lotus Garden Restaurant, closed its doors after nearly 40 years in business, breaking customers' hearts. The family-run restaurant, which served Thai dishes like pad Thai, spring rolls, a variety of curry dishes, and Tom Ka Gai soup, closed on Sunday, September 29. "For over 20 years, this family-owned gem at 318 Miracle Mile has been a haven for those craving flavorful, affordable Thai cuisine. Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or just in the mood for a hearty meal, Lotus Garden always delivers," wrote a friend of its owners on Facebook.

Lulu in the Grove

Coconut Grove brunch staple Lulu in the Grove closed after 13 years in business along the corner of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway. Once coined "breezy and affordable" by New Times back in 2011, the restaurant, which was originally called Lulu, was owned and operated by Sylvano and Maida Bignon, the owners of its neighboring restaurant Greenstreet Cafe. Although the brunch spot was never as popular as Greenstreet Cafe across the street, it was a popular choice for those wanting a shorter wait time for brunch or early dinner, and it had plenty of outdoor couch seating for leisurely lunches, late afternoon snacks, and breakfasts.

Perricone's Marketplace & Café

Beloved Miami restaurant Perricone's Marketplace & Café closed in May after nearly 30 years in Brickell and the Roads. "We are tremendously sad to say goodbye to our loyal customers after nearly three decades, but we are also very proud that our restaurant was the setting for so many of their special memories. It was a privilege that we never took lightly," says owner and founder Steven Perricone. Perricone's first opened its doors on October 16, 1996, at a time when office buildings dominated the landscape and the neighborhood hadn't yet gentrified. "Everyone thought I was crazy, especially when we opened for dinner. Friends warned me that I would lose my shirt on this venture," recalls Perricone to New Times. "Somehow, in my heart, I knew a sense of community was growing in Brickell."

Prime Fish

After a decade of serving high-end seafood, Prime Fish closed down in April. Renowned restaurateur Myles Chefetz announced he struck an under-market deal to lease the restaurant space to Charlie Levy, owner of the popular Mediterranean restaurant chain Motek, which just opened this winter. "After a great ten-year run with Prime Fish and wanting to focus all of my attention on the Prime Corner with Prime 112, Prime Italian, and Prime Hotel, it felt right to refresh the neighborhood with something new," says Chefetz.

Root & Bone South Miami

After whipping up elevated fried chicken and deviled eggs for five years, Root & Bone in South Miami closed its doors in August. After opening in 2019, it quickly became a hit in the area for its elevated comfort foods like fried chicken sandwiches, pork belly bacon, and eggs Benedict. Due to what the team describes as "challenges brought on by the pandemic," they ultimately decided to close the restaurant. Originally founded in New York City by Top Chef alumni Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, the culinary couple partnered with Grove Bay Group to open the South Miami outpost in 2019.

Shuckers Waterfront Bar & Grill

The iconic North Bay Village waterfront bar and grill that served longtime patrons and South Florida residents for nearly 40 years closed down in October. Founded in 1989, the beloved institution in North Bay Village was known for its prime rib sandwich, special grilled wings, epic happy hour specials (including a "reverse happy hour" starting at 10 p.m.), and fish dip. Its owners and vice president of operations were "devastated" to close as affordable, laid-back waterfront dining options are rapidly disappearing in the South Florida market. Palm Tree Club has since replaced Shuckers with a "dynamic fusion of tropical vibes, coastal gastronomy, and curated music and events."

Tur Kitchen

After four years on Giralda Avenue, Mediterranean restaurant Tur Kitchen closed to the disappointment of its customers. Founded by husband-and-wife team chef Nelson J. Fernandez and his wife Ivanna, the restaurateurs had dreamt of serving fine-dining cuisine in their neighborhood of Coral Gables. Tur Kitchen was a rare two-time New Times Best of Miami winner.