Craving a taste of the Aegean? You’re not alone. This list is packed with spots that’ll make you want to grab a table by the water. We’re talking authentic souvlaki in South Beach, fresh seafood meze in Mid-Beach, and family-run tavernas in North Beach that feel like a Greek island escape. Plus, there’s a mix of upscale dining and casual gems perfect for any Mediterranean mood.
Smart Bowls (Miami Beach)
$ | (973) 601-7994 | WEBSITE
This Miami Beach gem is well worth the visit even if you’re not staying nearby. The chicken gyro alone, with its perfectly seasoned meat and generous portion, will turn you into a regular customer. Most of the dishes are substantial, but that just means you can (and should) save room for dessert—make sure your order includes at least one thing from the vegan section so you can have some plant-based tacos alongside your meal.
Always grab something sweet for later, whether that’s a baklava, rice pudding, or galaktoboureko. The place gets busy during peak hours and seating is cozy, so be prepared to wait a bit and enjoy your food at one of the nearby outdoor tables.
Sufrat Mediterranean Grill
$ | (786) 558-4540 | WEBSITE
Sufrat Mediterranean Grill does a menu of Mediterranean cuisine typically served in cozy neighborhood spots. Of the dishes, we love the creamy richness of the Baba Ghannoush, which blends roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon, and garlic for a dip that’ll briefly make you forget about all the various takeout options. The vegetarian options are good across the board, especially the herb-filled Falaffels or the veggie-packed stuffed grape leaves.
If you need more sustenance in the evening, order the generous portions with attentive service, fresh ingredients, and beautiful presentation served in a welcoming atmosphere for a satisfying-yet-not-too-heavy meal with friends.
Kalamata Mediterranean Cuisine
$$ | (786) 953-4662 | WEBSITE
Kalamata Mediterranean Cuisine is our pick for the best, no-fuss authentic Turkish food in Miami Beach. The cozy restaurant excels at substantial, flavorful dishes like the Adana kebab and lamb chops, and you can relax knowing the friendly staff and owner will make you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. Stick with any meal that involves their garlic shrimp or grilled octopus salad, and plan to ask about chef Çağlar’s off-menu specials like stuffed grape leaves.
Bakalo Mykonos
$$ | (305) 603-7434 | WEBSITE
We adore pretty much everything at Bakalo Mykonos, and it’s tough to choose between the crisp, refreshing Greek salad, the rich, layered moussaka, the creamy, garlicky tzatziki, and the warm, pillowy pita with assorted dips—the delights just keep coming. Trust whatever’s on the menu and know that you’ll likely find the outdoor seating bustling on a nice evening (the staff handles it smoothly, though).
Settle in at one of the charming al fresco tables, and soak up the ambiance—Bakalo Mykonos is one of those spots where the flavors are so magical that people just savor each bite in contented quiet.
Sultan Restaurant
$$ | (305) 531-8598 | WEBSITE
Sultan Restaurant dishes up Mediterranean comfort on a plate. This spot is known for their welcoming atmosphere and vegetarian plate, served fresh with salad and tabouli when you dine in. They also do a great lamb dish with French fries, and whichever main you get, it’s imperative to order a side of piping hot, crispy falafel as well. Sultan’s plentiful outdoor seating is great for a casual meal before exploring the vibrant Miami Beach scene nearby.
Poseidon Greek Boutique Seafood Restaurant
$$$ | (305) 456-8341 | WEBSITE
Dining at Poseidon Greek Boutique Seafood Restaurant is an exercise in restraint, because every single dish on the menu looks incredible. But this is our strategy when we’re here: aim for as much seafood variety as possible. That means ordering the grilled octopus that melts in your mouth, the calamari and scallops for their perfect texture, and the shrimp saganaki with its lovely sauce. Add the whole Bronzino in lemon caper sauce for its moist, flaky perfection, and the walnut cake for dessert.
With a pot of Greek coffee for $3 and the Aegean ambiance created by the decor and music, it’s hard to find a better relaxed, sit-down dinner than what you get here in this warm, inviting dining room. Just know you’ll want to save room for those heavenly desserts.
DiLido Beach Club
$$$ | (786) 276-4336 | WEBSITE
Come to DiLido Beach Club for its stunning sea views, stay for the not-too-heavy lobster roll that’s perfect in its simplicity. We also love the Smash Latke Double Burger, served with a crispy smashed patty that feels more like a gourmet delight than it does an ordinary burger with standard toppings. If you’re feeling like something lighter, go for the guacamole spread that has a surprise inclusion of fresh herbs.
Snag a seat on the secluded patio between the hotel pool and the beach, which feels like a secret hideaway despite being in vibrant Miami Beach.
The Drexel
$$$ | (786) 685-4172 | WEBSITE
At The Drexel on Española Way, it’s all about the whole chicken. Specifically the one that’s perfectly roasted and comes with enough French fries to feed three people, which is a steal compared to most shareable mains around town. We’re also smitten with their grilled octopus, and the fried cauliflower that’s crispy and light with just the right seasoning.
The chic, romantic spot has comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, plus a good-sized bar, so it’s great for a cozy date night or a relaxed happy hour with top-notch cocktails.
Juicy Gyros
$ | (305) 397-8200 | WEBSITE
There’s no one in Miami Beach making Greek street food as perfect as Juicy Gyros. Think things like the spicy chicken gyro, with its juicy, tender meat and that delightful kick of spice, or the shawarma platter with perfectly seasoned, generous portions. This is the place for a simple meal of gyros and a drink, but they also do a great halal meat platter, which comes impressively fresh and flavorful, served with warm, friendly service from a waiter who can even speak French.
Juicy Gyros has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. And with its unbeatable price-to-quality ratio, it keeps both newcomers and regulars coming back for more.
Meraki Gyro & Bakery
$ | (786) 536-2564 | WEBSITE
Meraki Gyro & Bakery shares its charming space with an authentic Greek shop, which means you can enjoy both excellent gyros and some of Miami Beach’s best Greek products in the same place. For the food, it’s all about the gyro, which has the Greek dream team (tender seasoned meat, fresh crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki), along with perfectly seasoned fries and a side Greek salad. The two spots have even joined forces to offer a combo that comes with a traditional Greek coffee.
They’re usually busy around lunchtime, so we always stop by around 2pm on weekdays when it’s a bit quieter.
Turkuaz Mediterranean Cuisine
$$ | (786) 983-6266 | WEBSITE
Turkuaz Mediterranean Cuisine in Miami Beach delivers the best Mediterranean flavors in the area. The biggest standout is their authentic gyro meat—it’s nothing like the dry, bland versions you’d find at a generic food court kiosk. Rather, it comes off the spit with exceptional flavor and perfect texture, putting the sad imitations at chain restaurants to shame. The vegetarian options are easy to love, with their thoughtful preparation and wide variety, as is the must-try Turkish tea.
Just know two things: The service is quick and passionate with a calm family-friendly atmosphere, and you should plan to savor the experience since the well-designed decor transports you straight to the Mediterranean.
Santorini by Georgios
$$ | (305) 672-6624 | WEBSITE
Santorini by Georgios is the perfect example of a lively Greek taverna that transitions seamlessly from a sunny lunch spot to a vibrant evening destination. And happy hour is as good a time to visit as any. Go for the grilled octopus, tender and smoky with a charred lemon finish, or the meatballs in a rich tomato-herb sauce that’s both comforting and complex.
There’s also standout branzino, flaky and fresh with just the right amount of olive oil and oregano, as well as generous lobster pasta that’s worth every penny. The patio, with its sunset views, is somewhere you’ll want to linger, and they even have both a pool area and a beach spot nearby.
