Miami Beach serves up a spectacularly diverse menu of American cuisine, from classic diners that have been flipping burgers since before neon lit up Ocean Drive—to sleek newcomers where plates look more like art installations than comfort food. With visions of sizzling steaks and buttery lobster rolls dancing in our heads, we hit the streets to find the very best. After many delicious research missions, here are Miami Beach’s top American restaurants, and what to order at each.
Cheese Burger Baby
$ | (305) 531-7300 | WEBSITE
The Order: The classic cheeseburger, the chili cheese fries, or a bacon cheeseburger if you’re feeling indulgent—or the double patty Baby Burger if not. Plus a side of onion rings to balance things out (try the chili dog, with mustard and onions).
News Cafe
$$ | (786) 644-6061 | WEBSITE
The Order: The breakfast burrito, with creamy avocado, perfectly scrambled eggs, and savory barbacoa wrapped up in a warm tortilla. The Cuban sandwich, pressed between crisp bread, is no slouch either.
The Beach Food and Drinks
$$ | (305) 672-2472 | WEBSITE
This American restaurant on Ocean Drive sells Baella, Steak Tacos, and other Miami Beach staples, but the social area is why it’s so popular. If you’re staring at the menu of delicious options—everything from Seafood Paella and Steak Tacos, to large frozen drinks—and thinking, hey, this would be great for brunch, they can make it happen. But they have an extensive drink deal if you don’t want to spend time thinking about what else goes well with hot days.
The bartenders at other spots have nothing on these people. (Also, their Baella is some of the best in the city, but don’t let anyone in the South Beach line find out.)
Carbone Miami
$$$$ | (212) 254-3000 | WEBSITE
Carbone Miami is, as the name suggests, a Miami Beach spot. It’s on the list of best American restaurants, and only has a handful of standout dishes, most of which incorporate Italian-American classics. Technically they have a full menu, because each of their pastas can be paired with salads or steaks, but you’re here for the Rigatoni Vodka, which is served with a spicy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, while still letting the rigatoni hold its shape.
Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach
$$ | (305) 673-4422 | WEBSITE
The drinks: the strawberry bang bang colada comes in two sizes—a large version in a souvenir glass, or the smaller regular size in a standard cup. Nothing wrong with the regular size, but we like to get one each of the large and a classic daiquiri.
Shake Shack South Beach Miami
$ | (305) 434-7787 | WEBSITE
The Order: The ShackBurger, and an avocado burger too, like the custom version with extra lettuce, tomatoes, and crispy onions that snap like a cracker, and gluten-free buns that feel more like a pillowy cloud.
Bungalow By The Sea
$$$ | (305) 538-3373 | WEBSITE
You’ll feel like you’re in a Winslow Homer seascape when you bite into the Maine lobster roll at this beachside gem, but you’ll savor every moment of it. Tuna tartare, ceviche, and even a juicy skirt steak with chimichurri are available, accompanied by fresh seafood dishes and more delicious fare. Sit at one of the cozy tables and then relax in the pleasant atmosphere, where you can also enjoy one of those alfredo pastas with shrimp.
Limonada Bar + Brunch
$$ | (786) 605-8927 | WEBSITE
Your mission at Limonada Bar + Brunch is very clear: brunch by day, cocktails by night. This South Beach spot specializes in a delightful mix of sweet and savory dishes, with specialty coffee as a highlight. Much of the atmosphere is friendly and hospitable, as are the welcoming staff, but all the lively ambience is happening here on-site, with live music adding to the vibe. Plan on staying for happy hour—the only standing room outside is in the pleasant patio seating of your dreams.
Go ahead and get a creative cocktail while you wait.
Bar Collins
$$$ | (305) 604-5420 | WEBSITE
Bar Collins serves some of the beach’s best American fare, and all three of their signature dishes are $24. The full-service spot is dine-in only, so settle into a booth in Miami Beach for your first taste of the Waygu Burger. Juicy patty, a world of flavor, crispy, golden fries, and special sauce, plus bacon if you went all out (go all out), all washed down with a craft beer.
Once you’ve come off the burger bliss, walk 15 minutes to another premiere Miami Beach spot, and do a highly scientific, side-by-side comparison.
Roasters ‘N Toasters
$$ | (305) 531-7691 | WEBSITE
Most of the classic diner fare at Roasters ‘N Toasters in Miami Beach is solid, with comforting staples like stuffed cabbage and blueberry blintzes that bring a nostalgic flavor to the table. But two of their dishes are really worth planning your morning around: First, their steak and eggs, with perfectly cooked eggs and tender steak that elevate a typically straightforward breakfast into something special.
And second—even if you normally prefer your sandwiches loaded with meat—the amazing pastrami sandwich on a fresh kaiser roll.
Lido Bayside
$$$ | (786) 245-0880 | WEBSITE
Lido Bayside is the chic bayside dining blueprint. They serve consistently excellent food with well-prepared and flavorful menu options, there’s someone who just finished a spa treatment sitting next to you, and the staff might be a little too attentive that you’re trying to enjoy the open-air environment, even though they’re just being friendly.
A visit to this water-view spot at The Standard Spa is the best Miami Beach escape, and if it’s nice out you can head down to the deck and enjoy the magical setting without too much sun.
Orange Blossom
$$ | (786) 304-1090 | WEBSITE
Orange Blossom is the kind of American restaurant where, if you order something basic like French Toast or a Bellini, they might just serve you a version that makes you question your life choices. (The peach Bellini, in particular, can taste like it’s been sitting out since last season.) But once you move past those, and dig into a dish like their steak and eggs or Nutella French toast, any lingering disappointment will melt away.
Served in a warm, lively space decorated in beautiful pinks and browns, these aren’t over-the-top, Instagram-bait plates, but simple, expertly seasoned, and made with obvious care. They have a wide selection of delectable dishes for lunch and dinner, and if you’re anywhere near Miami Beach, you’d do well to make yourself a reservation and become a regular.
On Ocean 7 Cafe
$$ | (305) 455-3288 | WEBSITE
An Ocean Drive staple with a team of attentive servers moving through the dining area, On Ocean 7 Cafe has been serving Miami Beach for years. Originally, it was just a simple cafe, but now the spot offers American classics, happy hour cocktails, and standout dishes that could make you forget about your seating preferences if you let them. Head to the bar, and you’ll see a few specials on display, like the paella 007 and a super fresh cob salad.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can customize your drink order with anything from a virgin pina colada to a classic mojito, and don’t miss the ceviche or the hookah available for those looking to linger. With staff like Leonardo, Walt, and Josefina ensuring everything runs smoothly, and that beautiful view completing the perfect vibe, it’s easy to see why this place comes so highly recommended.
Carlyle Cafe
$$ | (305) 489-1911 | WEBSITE
The salmon with quinoa salad is their signature dish, but we’d suggest the margaritas first. They’re refreshing with lime and salt, and feel surprisingly balanced for a classic cocktail.
Strawberry Moon
$$ | (305) 506-2112 | WEBSITE
This vibrant Miami Beach destination makes a splash with its lively pool parties and excellent service for about $75 per person on the package deal. Consider this a steal—you get food, drinks, and pool access all in one, and possibly even a tan if you stay long enough.
From chicken tenders to fresh fruit juices, every fun-in-the-sun standard is represented on the menu, but there’s a reason the bartenders, with their friendly skill and wide selection of spirits, are the ones keeping the atmosphere warm and the music pumping.
Joe’s Stone Crab
$$$$ | (305) 673-0365 | WEBSITE
If we had an award on this guide for the most memorable seafood experience in Miami Beach, it would probably go to Joe’s Stone Crab. It’s a well-known restaurant with a long history and a friendly atmosphere, and did we mention how good their stone crab is? They serve it alongside lobster tails with great flavor and texture, and finish meals with sweet options like lemon cheesecake and key lime pie. The bread basket, with different kinds of bread, is a nice touch too.
Prime 112 Restaurant
$$$$ | (305) 532-8112 | WEBSITE
The Experience: Prime 112, a classic steakhouse with generous 12-ounce bone-in filets, fresh crab cake appetizers, and expertly crafted cocktails—all enhanced by the attentive service of staff like Carla, Chris, and Alex.
Stubborn Seed – Miami Beach
$$$$ | (786) 322-5211 | WEBSITE
This spot comes from Miami’s best culinary craftsmen, known for exceptional dining experiences. There’s one thing on the menu, and it’s excellent: creatively crafted, thoughtfully prepared dishes paired with perfectly matched wines. The service is friendly and attentive, professional yet personal, with Ricardo offering spot-on recommendations and delicious cocktails. The atmosphere is understated yet elegant, making it perfect for a special night out, especially with Miami Spice prices.
The food is absolutely delicious, each dish unique and well made, showcasing craftsmanship and flavor. The dining experience is absolutely exquisite, with love and care evident in every ingredient.
