It’s Official—These Are The Hautest Restaurants That Opened In Miami This Year

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Miami’s culinary scene was on fire this year. Not only did restaurants in South Florida achieve one of the most prestigious recognitions for the first time in history when Michelin gave stars to select restaurants, but there’s also been a significant influx of new — and noteworthy — dining destinations. Ahead, Haute Living reveals the absolute hottest restaurants that entered the burgeoning dining scene in Miami this year — ultimately setting the standard for 2023.

SOFIA

Photo Credit: Brandon Barre

To end the year with a real bang, INK Entertainment unveiled their popular Toronto hotspot, Sofia, in the Miami Design District neighborhood. 

KOSAKA  AT THE SURF CLUB

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Surf Club

Michelin-starred restaurant Kosaka from New York City has returned to the spiral stairway of The Surf Club’s iconic Hemingway Tower, where Chef Shinichi Inoue will present Kosaka’s multi-course omakase through February 4th, 2023.

CONTESSA

Photo Credit: Michael Stavaridis

Another Major Food Group gem, Contessa, has become the Italian crown jewel of the Miami Design District. Sitting at the intersection of art, culture, and fashion, the two-story dining destination is rooted in the rich culture of the old-world sophistication of Northern Italy’s iconic villas and estates; in fact, Contessa translates to ‘Italian countess,’ embodying the very essence of the new restaurant. 

GEKKO

Photo Credit: Michael Stavaridis

The culinary brainchild of David Grutman and Bad Bunny, Gekko is a Japanese-inspired steakhouse and bourgeois lounge fusing classic elements of a steakhouse with the modernity — and precision — of Japanese cuisine, ultimately creating a diverse menu. 

ABA 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Aba

In early fall, the opening of Aba brought the fusion of rich flavors from Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece to one of Miami’s most luxurious shopping destinations, Bal Harbour. 

AVRA 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Avra

Introducing Avra Miami, located in the incredibly chic Acqualina Residences in Sunny Isles. The transportive 12,000 square foot space features a panoramic bar, alfresco dining area, and oceanfront views. 

DIRTY FRENCH

Photo Credit: Kris Tamburello Studios

One of New York’s most beloved restaurants by Major Food Group found a new home in Brickell this year. Known to New Yorkers as ‘Dirty French’ — the seductive French bistro that has made its mark on the Lower East Side — the new location has been brilliantly reimagined and ‘Miami-fied.’ Located in the heart of Brickell, Dirty French Steakhouse is a glamorous interpretation of the classic steakhouse as MFG Co-Founders Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi revisit the iconic genre, adding their own flair. 

SEXY FISH 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sexy Fish

Bringing London’s sexiest restaurant to Brickell, Sexy Fish made a major splash with its star-studded opening in early 2022 and continues to stay one of Miami’s top sushi dining experiences. 

KLAW

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Klaw

Klaw, a new upscale surf and turf dining destination, made history as Edgewater’s first rooftop bar overlooking Biscayne Bay while also returning Miami’s Historic Women’s Club to its former Grandeur with Interior Design by World-Renowned Interior Architect & Designer Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.