But what exactly is the Elite Squad? The title is earned by people who are active in the Yelp community and could be considered role models outside the website as well. To be part of the squad, reviewers need to have well-written posts, high-quality photos, and a detailed personal profile.
The point of this community is to show everyone what the city has to offer through the eyes of locals. Based on this year's reviews from Elite members, Yelp compiled a list of the top places to eat in Miami, and New Times has all the details about who made the coveted top ten.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro was named the best place to eat in Miami in a new Yelp list.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
4312 NE Second Ave., Miami305-749-9140
mandolinrestaurant.comIt is no surprise to New Times that Mandolin ranked number one on this list. The restaurant has been featured in various "Best of Miami" editions, including our 2019 Best Restaurant in the Design District/Midtown, 2020 Best Outdoor Dining, and the latest 2024 Required Eating list. The restaurant is known for its interpretations of Mediterranean and Greek classics.
Klaw Miami
1737 N. Bayshore Dr., Miami305-239-2523
klawrestaurant.comKlaw is that really fancy spot with the Alaskan crab legs and aged rib eye, and while it may lean toward the pricier side of Miami's dining scene, it ranked second on Yelp's list. The waterfront steakhouse has been around since 2022 and has earned many rewards, including number 42 on this year's World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants. As for our ranking, Klaw won Best Romantic Restaurant 2023, and its latest addition, the Rooftop by Klaw, won Best Waterfront Bar 2024.
Cote Miami
3900 NE Second Ave., Miami305-434-4668
cotekoreansteakhouse.comSince Simon Kim brought a mix between a Korean barbecue restaurant and a traditional steakhouse from New York to the Design District, Cote became a favorite in Miami's food scene. With its selection of Wagyu beef and in-house meticulous dry-aging process, Cote Miami earned a Michelin star in 2022. For New Times, the restaurant has ranked high on many lists, including 2025 Required Eating, 2024 Best Wine List, 2022 Best Martini, and 2021 Best Steakhouse.
Sanguich
2057 SW Eighth St., Miami305-539-0969
sanguich.comSanguich stole Miami's heart from the minute it opened in 2018. The Michelin-recommended Cuban sandwich spot became a Miami staple for its classic flagship location in Little Havana and the traditional recipes of its iconic cubano. The award-winning sandwich was featured as New Times' Best Cuban Sandwich 2024, and the restaurant is part of our 2025 Required Eating. With all its success, the restaurant has opened more locations around Miami, including its latest Bayside outpost.
Bombay Darbar
2901 Florida Ave., Miami305-444-7272
bombaydarbar.comBombay Darbar was a mom-and-pop 30-seater but has grown into a Coconut Grove staple, with other locations in Doral and Fort Lauderdale. Part of the 2025 Required Eating list, the Indian restaurant is popular among fans of the cuisine who crave classics done right. Staples on the menu include tikkas, tandoori, and vindaloos to be enjoyed while watching Bollywood movies on a large screen.
Pastis Miami
380 NW 26th St., Miami305-686-3050Pastis opened in May 2023 and instantly made a name for itself in Wynwood. The French bistro was already a beloved spot in the Big Apple, but its French fare mixed with New York style turned heads in Miami, earning them the 2023 Best Restaurant (Wynwood). Yelp's Elite Squad ranked it number six on the list, and its overall Yelp review is 4.5 stars.
Bakan
2801 NW Second Ave., Miami305-396-7080
bakanwynwood.comBakan is one of the restaurants in Miami that allow you to travel without actually leaving the city. With decorative cacti, Mexican fare, and a 200-plus list of tequilas and mezcals, Bakan has become a beloved destination in Wynwood. Ranked number seven by Yelp's Elite Squad, some highlights on the menu include Oaxacan mole dishes, whole grilled fish, and signature margaritas.
Julio Cabrera of Cafe La Trova in Little Havana prepares one of his popular cocktails.
Photo by Anthony Nader / 52 Chefs
Cafe La Trova
971 SW Eighth St., Miami786-615-4379It doesn't get more Miami than Cafe La Trova. Between Cuban cantinero Julio Cabrera's art of drink making and Michelle Bernstein's comfort food fare, La Trova has earned every accolade that has come its way. The cantineros earned the bar numerous features on World's Best Bars in the World and America. Just this week, along with its number eight ranking from Yelp's Elite Squad, the restaurant has once again been featured on The World's Best Bars, ranking number 66.
Spaghetti alla ruota
CandaceWest.com photo
Pane e Vino
1450 Washington Ave., Miami Beach305-535-9027
paneevinomia.comThis Italian restaurant in Miami Beach has been a Trip Advisor's Traveler's Choice for three years in a row, so it is no surprise its Italian fare is renowned in Miami. The relaxed yet sophisticated dining allows for a perfect special night out or an everyday dinner. On the menu, guests can find a variety of starters and real housemade pasta, word on the street (Yelp reviews) is that the spaghetti al pomodoro is the best in town.
Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina
1442 SW Eighth St., Miami786-518-2196Closing out the top ten is the classic all-things-Cuban restaurant in Calle Ocho, Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina. This place has been a staple for locals and tourists alike with vintage Cuban decor, Cuban music, and authentic Cuban cuisine, plus, it has the "Casa del Mojito" title. It's no surprise this quintessential Miami eatery made the list and is also featured in New Times' 2025 Required Eating.
