Here’s part 4 in the series, a list of my picks for “go to” restaurants in Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Design District, Coconut Grove, Brickell and here, Wynwood. I thought it’d be helpful to have a list of picks in each of these “cities within a city” (Miami) with their standout feature highlighted. You can store it and refer to it in a pinch. If you missed restaurant picks in other parts of town, go to the end for links. Note that places I’ve written up in a review are noted with an asterisk.
Kicking off the list of the best Wynwood restaurants, a favorite for celebrations –Pastis Miami, a beloved New York City import, brings a slice of classic French bistro charm to Miami. It’s one of my favorites, too, for my birthday celebration with girlfriends. Known for its timeless appeal and authentic Parisian ambiance, Pastis offers a menu of traditional French fare executed with precision. Diners can expect iconic dishes such as steak frites, escargots, and onion soup gratinée, all served in a lively and sophisticated setting. The restaurant often features a buzzy sidewalk patio, perfect for people-watching, and an interior that evokes a sense of old-world elegance with its brass fixtures and mosaic tiles. Pastis is often celebrated for its consistency and its ability to transport diners to the heart of France, making it a popular spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
Hiyakawa is renowned as one of Miami’s premier destinations for authentic Japanese omakase. Helmed by Chef Shingo Akikuni, this intimate and exclusive establishment focuses on a traditional sushi experience, emphasizing the highest quality ingredients, many of which are flown in fresh from Japan. The dining experience at Hiyakawa is highly personalized and chef-driven, with guests entrusting their meal entirely to Chef Akikuni’s expertise. The focus is on precision, artistry, and the subtle nuances of each piece of sushi, often presented in a serene and minimalist setting that allows the food to be the undisputed star. Hiyakawa is typically regarded as a splurge-worthy destination for serious sushi aficionados seeking an uncompromised taste of traditional Japanese culinary craftsmanship.
Lira Beirut Eatery*
Lira Beirut Eatery transports diners to the heart of Lebanon with its authentic and vibrant culinary offerings. This restaurant focuses on traditional Lebanese cuisine, emphasizing fresh, aromatic ingredients and classic recipes. Guests can expect a rich selection of mezze (small plates) such as hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, and tabbouleh, alongside hearty main courses like grilled meats, stews, and flavorful rice dishes. The atmosphere at Lira Beirut Eatery often aims to evoke the warmth and hospitality of a Lebanese home, with an inviting ambiance and a focus on communal dining. It’s a place where flavors are bold, and the dining experience is designed to be shared and savored.
Best Wynwood Restaurants
The vibrant flavors of Indonesia meet refined French technique at Wayan, a stunning Wynwood pop-up from the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Cedric and Ochi Vongerichten. Bringing their acclaimed Manhattan concept to Miami, the couple offers a rare and sophisticated look at Indonesian cuisine through a menu that balances local seafood with exotic spices. Start your journey with the incredibly light corn fritters or the creamy wahoo ceviche before diving into standout mains like the Indo lobster noodles and the melt-in-your-mouth eggplant balado. The space itself is an earthy, tropical sanctuary anchored by an open kitchen and a handcrafted banana leaf chandelier—providing a welcome, high-end dining atmosphere where the conversation flows as easily as the “Devil’s Avocado” cocktails.
Bakan is a well-known Mexican restaurant in Miami, celebrated for its authentic flavors, extensive mezcal and tequila selection, and friendly service. The restaurant features a menu that goes beyond typical Tex-Mex, offering regional Mexican specialties, prepared on a wood-fired grill or in a traditional masa kitchen. Diners can expect handcrafted tortillas, a variety of tacos, ceviches, and larger dishes, all made with fresh ingredients. Bakan’s lively atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating and a bustling bar area, makes it a popular spot for both casual meals and festive gatherings. The restaurant often provides a true taste of Mexico right in the heart of Miami.
Uchi Miami is an inviting Japanese-contemporary restaurant, well deserving of being on the list of the best restaurants in Wynwood . Founded by James Beard Award–winning Chef Tyson Cole, it brings an elevated, non‑traditional Japanese dining experience to Miami’s colorful art district. The menu is creative yet approachable. Choose from expertly prepared nigiri, cool and hot tasting plates, inventive makimono, and seasonal specials—all highlighting fresh ingredients and unexpected flavor pairings. Standouts include signature dishes such as yellowtail “hama chili,” big-eye tuna akami crudo, and oak‑grilled escolar (“walu walu”), alongside omakase offerings ranging from six-course vegetarian to ten-course chef’s tasting menus. There’s a daily happening happy hour that offers good value.
Double Knot Miami* offers an inventive take on traditional Izakaya fare, with the menu to get, their $68 per person “chef’s selection for two” which allows diners to choose 10 dishes from 8 diverse categories, plus robatayaki and soft serve ice cream. Dishes are perfectly seasoned, delicious, and solid quality. Don’t miss the “over the top delicious” cheesesteak bao buns, a top pick for 2025. Beyond the food, Double Knot boasts an attractive dining room, a jazzy bar and lounge, professional and friendly service, and a popular happy hour with affordable bites and drinks; however, those seeking a quiet conversation should arrive early as the noise level can be energetic.
Finishing up my list of the best Wynwood restaurants –Rishtedar* –With the decor at at Rishtedar you imagine yourself at an Indian wedding: the myriad colorful brass and glass lanterns, latticework patterned wood over bright glass wall panels, gold accents, statement art pieces and more. Then there are the waiters, dressed in red brocade robes called kurtas.The menu features a combination of Indian classics and new creations led by Executive Chef Atul Negi, who brings over 22 years of experience in fine dining. Dishes are brought to the table in copper pots that are not only decorative, but keep the food warm. The food is delicious, and then there are traditional Indian drinks, lassis, which one could call the counterpart to smoothies. At lunch on weekdays find an executive special of vegetarian, chicken, lamb and shrimp entrees with naan or rice and a special dessert for $12 to $21. Add to this special experiences like Bollywood, Mehndi & Ladies Night Thursdays featuring live Bollywood dance performances, henna tattoo art, and half-off cocktails for women and a wine pairing series. Happy hour too. Indoor and outdoor seating .Rishtedar Miami 232 NW 24th St Miami, FL 33127 Reservations via OpenTable. Valet parking.
Best Coconut Grove Restaurants
3 Responses
LOVED reading your posts on best restaurants and am hoping that you’ll also do Miami Beach. And that you’ll continue the monthly activities posts.
Was a bit disappointed not to see Rosemary Restaurant in Wynwood, I think the food is great!
Miami Beach is a tough one. I considered doing it but the challenge is that I think it’s well known what the best restaurants are (Milos, Smith and Wollensky, Joe’s, Call me GabY; the one that is less known is Intimo). so not sure I’d be telling my readers something new. What do you think? Never heard of Rosemarys so thanks for the tip. I’ll check it out. As for the monthly things to do, my plan is to continue doing them. It depends on my getting enough interesting and varied things to do to make for a good blogpost.
Excellent post Karen! I’m looking forward to trying all of them!