To make such an impact, these new restaurants excelled not only in appearance, atmosphere, and ambiance but also in service, hospitality, and, most importantly, food and drink.
Nine restaurants truly exemplified what it means to be a great new restaurant, and every single one of these spots had either New Times food editor, Nicole Lopez-Alvar, or New Times food and drink contributors raving about the spot the day after dining there — with secure plans on returning.
Three small newcomers who quietly burst onto the scene include Coconut Grove's Cotoletta, a quaint Italian gem that is ultra proud of their veal, Kojin 2.0, the new Gables go-to place for foodies in the know, and Tina in the Gables, which although recently opened in October, has writers and foodies alike raving over their experiences (and French toast). Larger spots that had us raving about specific dishes to anyone who would listen were Sunny's Steakhouse, a popular pop-up that made its permanent grand debut in Little River (and completely transformed itself into one of the most gorgeous restaurant properties in town), and Sparrow Italia, which out of the plethora of restaurant imports has brought the Magic City a fine dining experience that is worthy of the price point — make sure to order the Wagyu carpaccio.
Without further ado, here are nine of the most wonderful new Miami restaurants of 2024, presented in alphabetical order.
This dish is so special that it's the only main dish you can order at Coconut Grove's newest restaurant.
Cotoletta photo
Cotoletta
3206 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove786-409-7151
cotolettamiami.comCotoletta alla Milanese, also known as veal Milanese, is a classic Italian dish that, when done right (pan-fried in a mixture of butter and oil), makes the meat rich yet surprisingly light with a perfectly toasted edge and a juicy center. It's so special that it's the only main entrée you can order at Cotoletta in Coconut Grove. Why open a restaurant centered around a single dish? It's simply that good. The quaint Italian bistro is founded by partners Ignacio Lopez Mancisidor, Mattia Cicognani, and third-generation restaurateur Andrea Fraquelli of 84 Magic Hospitality. Fraquelli tells New Times that although having a "one-dish restaurant" has been on his mind for more than a decade, the story of Cotoletta dates back to the 1950s thanks to his grandfather — and the family ties are truly felt in every detail of this restaurant. From the moment guests walk in, they are greeted with a smile, a welcoming nod, and an inviting atmosphere thanks to its warm, mamey-red walls adorned with artwork and intimate seating. Plus, it's in the Grove, so it's great for every type of meal, from casual dinners to date night, work attire or jeans and a top, and is completely unpretentious. For those who don't want to eat veal, the menu includes pasta, fries, and salad.
Daniel's
620 S. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-451-1200
danielssteak.comDaniel's has been a hit since opening in October for its classic steakhouse dishes with a focus on local ingredients from Florida farms, but it's the team's hospitality and care for each guest that sets them apart this year. The dimly lit and sleek new spot is the passion project of Thomas Angelo, the founder of Gioia Hospitality Group and co-owner of New Times' Best Restaurant in Coral Gables, Fiola Miami. Executive chef Daniel Ganem created a menu that features locally sourced ingredients, including prime steaks and American Wagyu from North Florida ranches, as well as an array of local produce. Highlights include the hamachi crudo with strawberries, Florida burrata, Wagyu, and pearls, as well as the beef Wagyu tartare with Kaluga caviar, the Joyce Farms half roasted chicken, and the braised Suwannee River Wagyu beef short rib. However, it was the pastrami and bao buns made with Suwannee River Wagyu brisket that sent us over the edge, as well as the foie gras crème brûlée and strong (yet delicious) cocktails. Daniel's is the kind of restaurant that makes disillusioned Miami diners, who are used to feeling like only a table number at fine dining spots, feel valued and genuinely cared for, which makes Daniel's worthy of the trek.
The now-famous caesar salad, which Mederos calls his “Flanigan’s Caesar," after spending months in Tokyo
Kojin 2.0 photo
Kojin 2.0
804 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gableskojin2.comWhat began as a six-seat, back-of-the-house pop-up at Little River's former Hachidori Ramen has now evolved into a full-fledged restaurant in Coral Gables — and it's Coral Gables' best-kept secret this year. Still intimate, but now with 30 seats, Kojin 2.0 is the latest venture from husband-and-wife team Pedro and Katherine Mederos. The original Kojin was meant to last only three months but lingered for two years, earning a Michelin recommendation along the way. It was even named New Times' Best-Kept Secret (Dining Division) in 2022. Kojin 2.0 offers the same high standards with more room to breathe — and eat some really delicious food. The restaurant's blend of high-quality cooking, great music, and an anything-goes attitude (nothing here is Japanese, per se, but Japanese with American influences) make it a wonderful weeknight choice with friends ready to have a genuinely fun meal. Take, for instance, the now-famous caesar salad, which Pedro Mederos calls his "Flanigan's Caesar" after spending a couple of months in Tokyo. Growing up in Miami, he frequented Flanigan's in Coconut Grove and decided to take that memory and give it a Japanese twist. His version is brinier, topped with trout roe, shredded nori, and a generous amount of dressing. Now, that's fun.
Mangrove
103 NW First Ave., Miami786-734-0834
mangrove.miamiTurning the corner onto First Avenue in downtown, you'd never expect to walk into such a genuinely warm, inviting, and mellow spot that instantly calms your nerves — and satisfies your taste buds. This lively spot is the sister restaurant to Aventura's fast-casual Jamaican concept, Jrk! Mangrove sneakily appeared on the scene at the start of the year with its retro decor and DJs to keep that keeps the ambiance cool all night long. Either at the bar or at your seat, bartenders craft cocktails named after popular reggae songs, like the "Could This Be Love" with gin and watermelon juice and an espresso martini riff named the "Get Up Stand Up!" with caramel whiskey and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Dishes here are packed with island flavor, like the jerk chicken, jerk mac & cheese, and griot with pikliz. Mangrove added a much-missing element of culture and community to Miami's dining scene this year — and if you haven't stopped by yet, add it to your list.
Pasta
24 NW 28th St., Miamipasta-restaurants.comYes, this spot, which hails from Lima, Peru, is great at pasta (could you guess?), but it's the story of its founders, Peruvian couple and chefs Janice Buraschi and Juan Manuel Umbert, that has made Pasta standout in a sea of Italian newcomers this year. You'll find both of them in the thick of it every night — Janice finishing dishes with generous showers of aged Parmigiano Reggiano while Umbert expedites orders with calm precision. What sets Pasta apart is how much they make from scratch. We're talking creamy stracciatella, fresh ricotta, spicy' nduja, sourdough bread, all the desserts, and, of course, their signature handmade pastas. Most afternoons, you'll spot Umbert at the front window, rolling and shaping pasta dough with the kind of focus that stops people in their tracks. This level of care isn't just rare in Miami; it's almost unheard of. Everything on the menu reflects that dedication, and it's a big part of what makes this spot feel so special.
Recoveco
6000 SW 74th St., Ste. 1, South Miamirecovecorestaurant.comRecoveco's opening is one of the great things to happen to South Miami this year in a neighborhood with a track record of losing great restaurants. Founded by former Alter sous chefs Maria Teresa Gallina and Nicolas Martinez, alongside sommelier Shannon Gable, the intimate spot with a small, rotating menu of seasonal dishes stands out for its vibrant flavors and unique yet intentional flavor pairings. Even the grouper, for instance, is served with a surprisingly sweet and tangy sherry sauce, and the dessert is bold and satisfying with a combination of flavors like mamey and chocolate. Although pricey, this new spot is a much-welcomed joy to the seasoned restaurant-goer who appreciates well-executed dishes in a nuanced atmosphere. Plus, the wine list and unique beers complement its menu. Since the menu is small and unpredictable, it is best to visit Recoveco with the foodie in your life.
Sparrow Italia
255 NW 25th St., Miami786-322-5998
sparrowitalia.comLondon's Sparrow Italia, a new contemporary Italian spot in Wynwood that features elevated Italian-inspired dishes, sexy cocktails presented in bold glassware, and live music (even performances), is home to some of the tastiest bites New Times had this year. Two of said dishes were a perfectly prepared Wagyu carpaccio with pickled mushrooms, Parmigiano, pine nuts, umami aioli, and shaved black truffle, and the "Sparrow Hazelnut Rocher" dessert made with a crisp feuilletine, toasted hazelnut, and Nutella cream — one tap of its crisp outer chocolate shell reveals a perfectly creamy center that simply oozes of the warm aroma of hazelnut. Although plenty of high-end restaurants hailing from other states and countries have opened in Miami in 2024, Sparrow is one of the few that is truly worthy of its hype and price point — the hospitality, ambiance, dishes, cocktails, and service all match the price of the restaurant, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion, anniversary dinner, or dinner with friends.
Sunny's Steakhouse
7357 NW Miami Ct., Miamisunnysmia.comThe team behind the most highly anticipated restaurant opening of the year, Sunny's Steakhouse in Little River, opened its gorgeous, Americana-meets-Floridian-inspired steakhouse in Little River — and it brought along a bunch of its classic staples from its former sister restaurant, Jaguar Sun. One of those delicacies is the corn agnolotti stuffed with plump blue crab and saffron; the sauce and aroma alone are enough to send you to the clouds, as they are filled with umami flavor. Here, whether you sit outside under its bistro-lit tree on the patio, take a seat at the beautiful bar, or sit at a booth in the Florida-style dining room facing beautiful French-style doors, you are in for a treat. From the extensive cocktail list that has an entire section dedicated to gin and vodka martinis (they're some of the best in Miami) to its scrumptious array of pasta dishes, outstanding steaks, full raw bar, and exciting desserts, if there were an "it" girl in Miami's restaurant scene this year, Sunny's would be that girl.
Tina in the Gables is a café-diner hybrid with a bread-centric menu that ranges from hearty sandwiches to nostalgic French toast.
Tina in the Gables photo
Tina in the Gables
4700 S. Le Jeune Rd., Coral Gables305-666-0103
tinainthegables.comAlthough just recently opened in October, Tina in the Gables has burst onto Coral Gables and South Miami's dining scene as the cozy and quaint neighborhood brunch spot it so desperately needed. Founded by Alejandro Díaz, Alberto Zanetti, and Jose Cardenas, known for their creative take on New York-style pizza at Miami Slice and Venezuelan arepas at La Latina, Tina feels like stepping into someone's living room, with its minimalist vibe and sweet little touches like fresh flowers and a wall of hooks for hanging your bag. The Venezuelan influence shows up subtly but meaningfully. A bowl of "Toronto" chocolates greets you at the entrance, and the menu nods to La Latina's famed arepas with elevated versions like the "Coral Queen," stuffed with rotisserie chicken and avocado salad. But the café-diner hybrid truly stands out this year with its bread-centric menu that ranges from hearty sandwiches to rotisserie meats to nostalgic sweets, and one of the standouts is its delicious French toast made with thick brioche, a square of salted butter, and a pool maple syrup. Bread is totally having a moment in 2024, and we're here for it.
