North Miami Beach Spot Has Been a Hidden Gem for 25 Years

It's not the kind of restaurant that makes a lot of noise. There are no velvet ropes or themed installations, and there are no views of the ocean, even though it’s just a short walk away. But George's Restaurant & Lounge has been quietly drawing locals to the same corner of North Miami Beach for the past 25 years.

Founded in 2000 by siblings George and Elizabeth Iglesias, the restaurant was built on a straightforward idea: serve comforting food made from scratch and treat guests like family. That formula has turned George’s into something rare in Miami Beach: a true neighborhood institution. "We've been lucky enough to see children come with their grandparents and now those same children are coming here on dates or with their new families to enjoy a traditional and delicious Italian meal," says George Iglesias."

The restaurant has seen its share of changes. A few renovations over the years have helped keep the space current, with the most recent update in 2022 introducing a moody, romantic interior, white tablecloths, chandeliers, a 30-seat bar, and a wine wall lined with guest favorites. It's a popular choice for family celebrations and first dates alike.
The menu leans Italian-American, featuring long-standing crowd-pleasers like veal parmesan, chicken marsala, lobster ravioli in a creamy lobster sauce, and eggplant rollatini. Pastas, breads, pizzas, and desserts are all made in-house, and the homemade limoncello has earned a loyal following of its own.

George and Elizabeth, who grew up in Los Angeles, each bring different strengths to the table. She oversees the kitchen, while he handles the business side, from design to concept development. That hands-on approach has remained even as the siblings expanded into new ventures like Burgers & Shakes and Sazón Cubano.

Their hospitality group, Benoli, continues to grow without investors or franchises, but George’s remains the heart of it all. Early visits from celebrities like Janet Jackson and Iggy Pop helped boost its profile, but the restaurant’s steady base has always been the local families who return again and again.

The Future Looks Bright — And Delicious

"We're really excited about celebrating our anniversary with the same people who have helped make our restaurant so successful and loved," says Iglesias. "We can't wait to see what the next 25 years will bring us and our wonderful guests."

To celebrate 25 years, George's will host a cabaret-themed anniversary party on July 17 at 7 p.m. It'll be a chance for longtime regulars and new diners to toast the family-owned spot that has quietly become a fixture in North Miami Beach.

George's Restaurant & Lounge. 300 72nd St., Miami Beach; 305- 864-5586l georgesmiamibeach.com.