Local

Top 10 Miami Restaurants

By Renee Chapple, About.com Guide

Miami's well known for ethnic diversity and the dining choices in our fair city reflect that multiculturalism. From fine steaks to authentic Cuban specialties, you'll find it somewhere in town. Below, you'll find ten of the best spots in town to grab a bite to eat. If you're looking to eat well without putting a major dent in your wallet, you may wish to prepurchase gift certificates at a 60% discount (buy direct).

if you like this list, you may also wish to learn about Zagat's Best Miami restaurants as evaluated by Zagat's team of authoritative reviewers.

Would you like to suggest another restaurant for inclusion on our list? Submit your own mini-review today!

1. Joe's Stone Crabs

Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

If you find yourself in South Florida during stone crab season (October 15th - May 15th), a stop at Joe's Stone Crabs on South Beach is absolutely mandatory! This former lunch counter opened in 1913 and claims to be the original discoverer of the delicious stone crab.

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2. Azul

Azul's cuisine may leave something to be desired, but they more than make up for it with one of the city's best wine lists and a breathtaking view of Biscayne Bay. It's located inside the Mandarin Oriental hotel on Brickell Key.

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3. News Cafe

Joe Shlabotnik

This Miami Beach classic is one of the best places to eat eggs, read any newspaper you can imagine and people-watch all at the same time!

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4. Capital Grille

Ranked by the Zagat's survey as one of the top ten steakhouses, the Capital Grille offers delicious steaks and a celebrated wine list to discerning patrons. They're located in the heart of downtown right near the Brickell Bridge.

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5. Cafe Prima Pasta

This acclaimed Italian restaurant frequently wins top billing from a variety of Miami restaurant polls. Visit their Miami Beach location and you're bound to find some sumptuous homemade pasta, chicken and veal dishes.

6. Tobacco Road

Crafty Girly

Another old-time favorite, Tobacco Road was established in 1912 and has a somewhat shady history of run-ins with local law enforcement authorities. That said, it's the absolute best place in town to find a huge greasy hamburger and you're liable to hear some of the best live blues music in the country while you're dining.

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7. Shorty's Bar-B-Q

Phillip Pessar

Shorty's is not a fancy place. However, if you don't mind a few splinters in your rear and a roll of paper towels to wipe your mouth with, you'll find the best bar-b-q in South Florida at amazingly low prices! The original Shorty's on U.S. 1 opened in 1951 and is joined by more recent openings in West Dade and Broward.

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8. Tropical Chinese

Tropical Chinese is the real deal! This South Florida tradition offers authentic Chinese cuisine, including a popular Sunday afternoon dim sum.

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9. Perricone's Marketplace

Perricone's Marketplace

If you're looking for Italian in downtown Miami, Perricone's Marketplace is where you want to be! Their diverse menu features Italian classics like homemade potato gnocci and cioppino right alongside good thick Italian sandwiches. One downside is that you won't make it to the exit without plunking down your credit card in their irresistible Italian market!

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10. The Palm

The Palm is a classic steakhouse: fine beef, lobster and other specialties served in a romantic, sophisticated environment. My husband and I love to eat there and appreciate that "our" waiter not only remembers our names but details about events in our lives when we return. Be sure to try the cheesecake -- they fly it in from New York!