Are you still ordering the same grilled chicken pita from that spot near your hotel? Or have you convinced yourself that supermarket hummus counts as “authentic Mediterranean” because you ate it while watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding? If so, it’s time for an intervention. Because Miami Beach’s vibrant, sun-drenched dining scene deserves better than culinary déjà vu. Thankfully, we’ve charted a course beyond the basic.
From smoky, charcoal-kissed kebabs to silky, tahini-laced dips and flaky, honey-drenched pastries, these are the 12 essential Mediterranean restaurants in Miami Beach for 2026.
Amalia Restaurant Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 583-0510 | WEBSITE
For a Mediterranean meal with the elegant factor of a Miami Beach art deco fever dream, dine at Amalia Restaurant Miami Beach. The gnocchi at this hidden gem on Miami Beach is served with a creamy sauce, roasted beets, a dash of fresh herbs, and pasta dishes that taste rich and flavorful enough for you to question their lightness.
There are also the branzino, beet salad, and a couple other vegetable sides like Brussels sprouts on the menu here, and if that sounds good to you, visit for specials like the passion fruit Euphoria Spritz and tart tatin.
Motek Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 953-1850 | WEBSITE
Mediterranean restaurants across Miami Beach took notice when Motek Miami Beach opened its doors after a recent renovation. The original location is one of our favorite spots for authentic Israeli cuisine in the city, and while this renovated space serves the same great hummus bazar with lamb and arayas burger, there are also excellent brunch options that make it perfect for weekend meals. Make sure to get an order of notably creamy and perfectly seasoned hummus with warm, soft pita too.
Lido Bayside
$$$ | (786) 245-0880 | WEBSITE
The sun-seeking people in your life will appreciate that you can choose between indoor, outdoor, or deck seating at this established Miami Beach Mediterranean spot at The Standard Spa. It’s the kind of chic, relaxing place where you can enjoy well-prepared and flavorful menu options with a view of the water, and the attentive and friendly service from the staff enhances the experience.
The open-air environment offers great ventilation, making it a fantastic place to hang out without too much sun, though the valet service has received complaints about its high pricing.
Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen
$$$ | (239) 933-6422 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking to recreate the experience of enjoying vibrant Mediterranean flavors at home, try ordering a few dishes from this cozy Miami Beach spot. None of them cost more than $18, and they all involve creative combinations you’ll want to try again like crunchy cauliflower with tahini or chicken shislik with herb marinade. Abbalé also has their praised dips and pita (which you might recognize from their standout menu) available for takeout and delivery.
Taverna
$$ | (305) 497-4449 | WEBSITE
Nothing says Mediterranean charm like a happy hour and this Miami Beach spot is the neighborhood’s cocktail king. From expertly mixed drinks at the bar to a varied menu with options for all tastes, Taverna consistently proves that a pleasant atmosphere can be just as satisfying as the food itself. Right now, they’re serving their happy hour from 5-6 for hotel guests, which is available at their centrally located restaurant just a five-minute walk from the middle beach.
Check out their outdoor seating for all of the relaxed vibes.
Gianni’s At The Former Versace Mansion
$$$$ | (786) 485-2200 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a place to experience Mediterranean dining in Miami Beach, try Gianni’s At The Former Versace Mansion. This elegant restaurant in the former Versace residence offers incredible ambiance from the moment you walk in, with timeless architecture that’s visually stunning. In addition to amazing appetizers, the menu has standout dishes like perfectly cooked Branzino and exceptional Tiramisu that’s light and rich.
They also have Mediterranean classics like Truffle Gnocchi with nice texture and Eggplant Parmigiana. Gianni’s also serves attentive staff and reasonable prices for such a unique venue, for special occasions and celebrations with friends.
Osteria Positano | Italian restaurant in Miami Beach
$$$ | (786) 278-3401 | WEBSITE
Osteria Positano looks like a place one might go to get a quick pasta fix that you can post on social media, but it’s actually a solid Italian spot in Miami Beach that works well for a sit-down dinner. They serve many of the things you’d find on the menu at most Italian restaurants in Miami, like lobster linguine and tuna tartar, but you want the pasta. It has more perfectly cooked, al dente strands than you’ll find at most places for under $25, and the sauce has a tinge of richness.
They let you choose between regular coffee and dessert with every meal, and you’ll only need one main dish to fill up.
Kalamata Mediterranean Cuisine
$$ | (786) 953-4662 | WEBSITE
If you want authentic Turkish food without spending your savings on a trip to Istanbul, get a few signature dishes from this homey spot in Miami Beach. Kalamata Mediterranean Cuisine is the welcoming restaurant run by owner Mr. Barış, and it specializes in kebabs and chops that come with substantial portions, like the Adana kebab and lamb chops praised for their excellent taste. They also have appetizer options that are highly recommended, especially the garlic shrimp and grilled octopus salad.
Sometimes chef Çağlar prepares additional dishes that are not on the menu, such as green beans or stuffed grape leaves, so it is worth asking if there is anything extra available. The staff are known for their friendliness and excellent service, with servers being personable and attentive, creating an experience that feels reminiscent of a seaside dinner in Turkey.
Fratelli La Bufala – Miami Beach
$$ | (305) 532-0700 | WEBSITE
It’s possible you’ve never heard of this Miami Beach Italian spot. That’s because this family-run restaurant opened in the old trattoria space last year without much fanfare. Since then, Fratelli La Bufala has served classic dishes like spaghetti alle vongole, spaghetti carbonara, and Neapolitan pizza that instantly entered the conversation for best pizza in the area.
Right now, they’re serving perfect carbonara, flavorful bruschetta, and amazing cannoli, and a bunch of other dishes you probably wouldn’t attempt in your own kitchen. So we suggest you cover your patio table with them instead.
Hasalon Miami
$$$$ | (305) 990-8707 | WEBSITE
The original Hasalon in Tel Aviv is one of our favorite places in the world to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, specifically the gluten-free eggplant parm that is a must-try. So if you live anywhere near Miami Beach, consider Hasalon’s new Miami location a gift. Like the Tel Aviv spot, Hasalon Miami serves a menu of well-coursed meals with both meat and vegetable options.
You’ll also find some excellent mushroom steak and lamb chops, and then the restaurant transitions into a lively dance party with a DJ playing hits.
MILA
$$$$ | (786) 706-0744 | WEBSITE
From a perfectly seared beer tenderloin that melts in your mouth, to some of the best spicy tuna crispy rice we’ve had in Miami Beach, MILA is the best Mediterranean restaurant in the city. Plus, this vibrant spot serves a rotating menu of its phenomenal dishes alongside live music and fire shows, so even if you bore easily, you’ll inevitably get attached to this experience like a regular discovering their new favorite lounge.
That said, if you see the truffle cream spaghetti on the menu, and want a bowl of pasta with a lot of flavor, get it.
Corallo Miami
$$$ | (305) 534-0079 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of great spots for Italian dining in Miami Beach, but few serve the homemade Pappardelle Bolognese you’ll find at Corallo Miami. This pasta dish has a rich meat sauce that’s simultaneously hearty, savory, and comforting, and comes topped with freshly grated parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
But our favorite dish at Corallo Miami is the Beef Carpaccio, a specialty appetizer from Northern Italy that has a delicate texture, and every bite tastes like prosciutto just whispered to arugula to say ‘arrivederci.’ If authentic Italian food makes you any degree of emotional, prioritize this Miami Beach restaurant right near the ocean.
