16 Bygone Miami Restaurants We Miss the Most

In what seems like the blink of an eye, Miami has lost more than a dozen legendary local landmarks in the culinary realm — not including the 13 iconic spots the Magic City lost in 2024.

These institutions, many founded between the 1960s and 1990s, opened well beyond their time — ushering in a new wave of culinary styles and atmospheres unheard of at the time of their openings. Many of them, like the longtime north of Design District staple Soyka, and Gigi, the first foodie "it" spot in Midtown Miami, paved the way in areas that had yet to be seen as destinations. These restauranteurs took a chance on untapped neighborhoods and changed Miami for the better.

Although these landmarks and culinary institutions are no longer with us, the restaurants we enjoy today would not exist without the pioneering spots that came before them.

Therefore, in honor of these important businesses that helped shape the city we love today, New Times presents to you the bygone Miami restaurants we miss the most, listed in alphabetical order.

The Beverly Hills Cafe

After 43 years in business, the legendary Beverly Hills Café closed its last standing location in Miami Lakes in July of 2022. Beverly Hills Cafe served delicious, loaded salads with a myriad of toppings, juicy cheeseburgers, hot soups, and sweet rolls that were always served fluffy and warm, fresh out of the oven. During the height of its popularity, Beverly Hills Cafe had ten locations across Florida, including South Miami, Boca Raton, and Cooper City. Thankfully, fans of the restaurant will soon have its sister restaurant in Hialeah to visit, thanks to a beloved former employee who is determined to continue its legacy for the community she loves.

Chart House Coconut Grove

The Chart House in Coconut Grove closed after 33 years in business in November 2015, ending an era of waterfront fine dining. Although a national chain, it was long regarded as one of the city's premier restaurants during its heyday, as it was the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The crab-stuffed mushrooms and award-winning New England-style clam chowder were two appetizers that were fan favorites, while its New York strip and Parmesan-encrusted Hemingway snapper fillet were standouts. The restaurant closed, controversially so, to make way for Regatta Harbour.

China Grill

After the restaurant's success in Manhattan, China Grill opened in 1995 on the corner of 404 Washington Ave. in South Beach. Little did the restaurant group know then what impact it would have on Miami's dining scene nearly 30 years later. Noted as one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the Magic City throughout the 2000s, even securing its throne as New Times' Best Restaurant Decor in 2005, the restaurant pushed Miami's former perception of what an Asian fusion restaurant could feel, taste, and look like. In 2012, China Grill closed its doors after 17 years in business. Thankfully for longtime fans, the famed Asian restaurant will reopen within the next two years at Bal Harbour Shops.

The Forge

The landmark Miami Beach restaurant closed its doors in 2009 after first opening in the late 1920s. It was then purchased and remodeled in the late 1960s by Alvin Malnik and was a hangout for both celebrities and organized crime figures (classic Miami, baby). Al Malnik's son Shareef Malnik went on to own the Forge. The restaurant closed in 2009 and reopened in 2010 with a redesigned interior by Francois Frossard. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed down for good in 2019, despite hopes it would reopen under Groot Hospitality.

Gigi

Founded in September 2010, the beloved modern Asian fusion diner and late-night spot Gigi closed its doors in 2017. Along with restaurants like Sugarcane, Sustain, and Sakaya Kitchen, the spot helped usher in a food renaissance in Midtown Miami, thanks in part to its former executive chef Jeff McInnis, who created its original menu. The restaurant was particularly known for its delicious bao buns and thick-cut noodles. Plus. it was the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after a night of drinking at the former Bardot bar next door.

Hy Vong

In 1975, Vietnamese-born Tung Nguyen was young, pregnant, and ready to start a culinary revolution. Five years later, she and refugee sponsor Kathy Manning opened Hy Vong. It quickly became one of Little Havana's best-kept secrets, serving up authentic Vietnamese standards with international twists. Regulars and culinary adventurers alike would get to Hy Vong early for first dibs on the dish of the day, which often included grilled fish topped with sliced mango.

Ortanique on the Mile

After 21 years in Coral Gables, Ortanique on the Mile closed its doors for good in 2020, citing COVID-19. Founded by Cindy Hutson and partner Delius Shirley in 1999, the Caribbean-inspired fine-dining restaurant was known for its creamy pumpkin soup, spicy jerk pork, and tilefish with delicious mango chutney. It was a gamble opening a spot like this in Coral Gables, but it was an instant success. 

Perricone's

After more than 27 years, Perricone’s Marketplace & Café, one of Miami’s most beloved restaurants, closed on May 16, 2024. Perricone’s Marketplace & Café was one of Brickell’s most popular restaurants for over two decades. For generations, the restaurant hosted countless family gatherings, milestone birthdays, showers, anniversaries, graduations, and retirement parties in its garden setting in Brickell. Plus, the front porch bar was a legendary after-work watering hole for professionals in Brickell. “It was a very tough decision for me,” Perricone told New Times exclusively.

Ruben’s Cuban Cafe Pinecrest

Family-owned Cuban diner Ruben's closed its doors in 2014 after 34 years in Pinecrest. The neighborhood gem was like the Cheers bar of Pinecrest, where its owner Ruben knew every single customer by name. Its simple menu, always displayed on a classic whiteboard, included chopped steak and black beans salad, flan, croquetas, empanadas, and arroz con leche.

S&S Diner South

Tucked inside Allen’s drug store on the corner of Bird Road, the small American diner offered the most comforting meal in town. Decorated with checkered floors and vintage posters, it had offered locals a cup of coffee and a place to build a personal and tight-knit community. Because of its generous portions and homestyle lunches, S&S had a loyal following of University of Miami students, who come to the diner hungover on weekends or in need of serious caffeine during the week. The restaurant closed in 2016.

Scotty's Landing

Scotty’s Landing, a Coconut Grove landmark on Dinner Key, closed in 2015 and was demolished in 2019. Founded in 1991, its seafood-slanted fare was simple but delicious, including chowder and a juicy and flavorful blackened dolphin sandwich — a substantial slice of fish aptly accented by a slathering of tartar sauce and a caesar salad side. The waterside outdoor spot was an iconic local gathering spot for generations. It has since become Regatta Harbour.

Soyka

Soyka, one of the first eateries in Miami to open north of the Miami Design District, shut its doors in 2019, closing the books on restaurateur Mark Soyka's eponymous restaurant. Soyka debuted in 1999 when he purchased the space as a garage for his vintage car collection. Before he moved his cars there, he decided the space would be better used as an eatery. Soyka was special to many Miamians who celebrated date nights, birthdays, and anniversaries enjoying the restaurant's classic menu of wedge salads, filet mignon, and oven-baked meatloaf.

Swensen's

Opened in 1977, the old-school Coral Gables spot on U.S. 1 was popular with longtime Coral Gables residents and University of Miami students for its patty melts, burgers, piled-high ice cream sundaes, personal pizzas, sourdough melts, and a plethora of milkshakes. Its throwback decor was like a trip down memory lane. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed for good in 2021.

Van Dyke Cafe

Founded in 1994, the restaurant and late-night jazz spot closed its doors after nearly two decades in business. The indoor/outdoor café, housed in the historic Van Dyke building, was a mecca for people to drink mimosas or martinis, people watch, or just enjoy a shady spot with friends or their dog. Back in the day, it was one of the only spots on Lincoln Road that served food until the early hours of the morning, and it was the only place to hear live music nightly.

Wagons West

Founded in 1981, longtime Pinecrest gem Wagon's West closed its doors in 2023. Wagons West specialized in country breakfast, with crowds crawling in as early as sunrise. No reservations were required at this joint known for its fluffy pancakes, Benedicts, giant omelets, and country-fried steak platters. Owner Walter "Handsome Wally" Muench owned the spot for 43 years.

Wolfie's, Rascal House, and Pumpernick's

Wolfie's was a legendary Jewish deli and restaurant in Miami Beach that was open from the 1940s until the 2000s. It was known for being open late and serving free sides like pickles, coleslaw, and rolls. Wolfie's was founded by Wilfred “Wolfie” Cohen, who, between the '40s and '50s, also opened Rascal House and Pumpernick's. By the time Cohen died in 1986, he owned just the Rascal House, which he left to his daughter. She managed it for ten years and then sold it in 1996. After having various owners, Rascal House officially closed in 2008.