There’s a rhythm to Miami that extends far beyond the stage. For locals, it’s just as much about what’s on the plate as what’s pumping through the speakers. As local foodie in-the-know, Kim Nolan shows us: Miami is a treasure chest of flavors waiting to be unearthed. We asked her all about her favorite spots for sit-downs, late night eats, and just great food—and paired them with the best venues to fuel up for.
“I am a Miami-based publicist and have been working with restaurants and chefs here for the past 13 years. I co-founded the Soho House Foodie Club, planning monthly dinners with some of Miami’s best chefs, and I am constantly making recommendations to friends about where to eat and drink. This guide is a collection of the spots I would personally choose if I were heading to a show in each neighborhood. None of the restaurants featured are clients, just places I truly love and recommend to my own friends.”
DOWNTOWN
Downtown Miami has a heartbeat you can feel as soon as the sun goes down — a mix of sounds, scenes, and stories that keep the city moving late into the night. It’s where locals come for live shows, vinyl sessions, and unforgettable dance floors, all within a few city blocks. You might start with a drink and a disco set at Jolene, slip into the warm, curated sounds at Miami Sound Bar, or catch a big-name act under the open sky at the FPL Solar Amphitheater. And when you’re not ready to call it a night, Club Space is there to carry you straight through to sunrise.
OMAKAI hand roll bar If you want something fast, but delicious and elevated, I love OMAKAI. They were Miami’s first proper hand roll bar, and they have happy hour every day from 3 – 6:30 pm. When I go, because I always want the chef to make decisions for me, I go with the OMAKAI experience. Pair that with a sake flight, and it’s the perfect pre-show meal.
Vice Versa is one of those spots I find myself going back to, especially before a show. They do an amazing limited burger on Monday nights that has become kind of iconic, but I usually recommend sitting at the bar and keeping it easy. Their happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 7 pm, and it is a great time to stop in for a drink. When I am looking for something simple, delicious, and easy to share, their pizzas are some of my absolute favorites in the city. If you care about awards (which I clearly do, hehe), they were a James Beard finalist in the Bar Category.
If you can snag a reservation (plan ahead, it is worth it), Tam Tam is one of my favorite spots for a shared meal with friends. They call themselves a Vietnamese drinking food and wine bar in Downtown, and if you are fine skipping cocktails, I highly recommend leaning into their wine list. They have earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition two years in a row, and Chef Tam Pham won the Michelin Guide Florida Young Chef Award in 2024, which could not be more deserved. And if bathroom karaoke is your thing, you definitely cannot sleep on that.
Niu Kitchen is a classic in the Downtown neighborhood and it still delivers after all these years. There is nothing like sharing a paella with some ice-cold beers. No frills here, just really good food and warm service. I love supporting the places in Miami that have been around for a while, because it is easy to forget about them with a new restaurant opening every other day. Their ‘tapas y tonic’ happy is 5:30 – 8 pm, Tuesday through Thursday, and includes 50% off wine by the glass or bottle.
Okay, so while I don’t love the food hall concept, and not sure if South Floridians do either, Julia & Henry’s is an easy option before catching a show downtown, and the bar program there is low-key pretty, pretty good. If you have picky friends, or if you are with a diverse group and no one can make a decision on what to order, then Julia & Henry’s is perfect, also, if you don’t want to spend $200/person on dinner, everyone can do their own thing and still enjoy a meal together with delicious cocktails.
Miami Sound Bar is a small, intimate HiFi bar in the heart of Downtown with great music and even better cocktails. I highly recommend making a reservation since the space is limited.
WYNWOOD
Known for their ‘mean pasta and naty wine’- is my go-to spot. I especially love their cocktails, like the Caprese Highball or the Truffle Negroni, which are really leaning into savory flavors and infused spirits. To me, there is nothing more comforting than a delicious bowl of pasta, and sitting at the pasta bar to see the chefs masterfully prepare classics like the Cacio e Pepe and the Paccheri Pomodoro. Happy hour at the pasta bar, Monday through Friday, 4-6:30 pm.
Taco Ataranados came from Mexico City and quickly became one of my favorites in Miami. The tacos are street-style authentic, the salsa game is next level, and the service is just as good. Do not skip the tacos on the trompo, but honestly, everything is worth ordering. They also have La Sala de Despecho, a fun, high-energy spot for singing classic rolitas despechadas with cocktails. It is only open Thursday through Sunday nights, so plan ahead.
If you love mezze and sharing a spread of small, flavorful plates with friends, Doya is the place. The menu is extensive and can feel overwhelming at first, but it is hard to go wrong. I have been more than a dozen times, so I’ve done the research for you. A few standouts are the spicy yogurt, tirokefteri, branzino carpaccio, and fresh artichoke bottoms. Doya is a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, and the wraparound bar is ideal for cocktails and meze before heading to a show.
It feels like every time you go out, the conversation turns to how expensive everything is lately. I am guilty of it, too. While Uchi’s dinner menu is definitely on the pricier side, the trick is to go for their happy hour. It is a well-known secret in Miami and one I return to again and again. The menu features hand rolls, nigiri, hot and cold tastings, cocktails, beer, sake, and more. It is not just a handful of small bites either. The happy hour spread works well for both small and large groups, is offered every day from 5-6:30 pm, and the check does not sting quite as much at the end.
LITTLE HAVANA
Little Havana is the place to catch a live salsa band that’ll pull you onto the dance floor or a late-night jam session that feels like it’s been happening forever. At Hoy Como Ayer, the stage hosts legendary Cuban acts in an intimate, old-school setting, while La Sala brings a more contemporary edge with low-key performances and DJ sets. And no night in Little Havana is complete without a stop at Ball & Chain, the iconic open-air club where the mojitos flow, the horns are hot, and the party goes well past midnight.
Mi Rinconcito Mexicano is one of those iconic, longstanding spots on Calle Ocho and one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Miami. It is ridiculously affordable and completely no frills, but honestly, who does not love Mexican food and margaritas?
No one expects to find the best Thai food in Little Havana, but Lung Yai always delivers. This casual, under-the-radar spot is recognized by the Michelin Guide, and I love the laid-back vibe with its simple Ikea furniture. It really does feel like you are eating street food in Thailand, right in the middle of Little Havana. Pro tip: if there is a wait, ask the host or server for some ice-cold Singha beers while you hang out—it makes the time fly.
Sometimes it is best to keep things simple. At Café La Trova you can sit at the bar, enjoy live music, and watch the bartenders put on their own show while mixing some of the best cocktails in the city. It is a spot that is known around the world, yet it feels completely Miami, and to me it represents the city perfectly. The Cuban food is just as memorable as the atmosphere, which is why this place is always on my list.
If you don’t have a lot of time, I highly recommend grabbing a frita from El Rey De Las Fritas. I get the occasional craving once in a while, and it always slaps. When in Little Havana, am I right?
HIALEAH
This cute, eclectic French bistro comes from the same owners as Silverlake Bistro, located in the heart of Hialeah with Cuban twists that fit perfectly with the neighborhood. It may not be what you would typically expect, but it is delicious and worth a visit whether you are heading to Hialeah for a show or not. They also have some amazing weekly specials, including 50 percent off their entire wine list.
You cannot make a food guide to Hialeah without including Cuban food, and this spot delivers every time. The food is outstanding, affordable, and the service is fast, friendly, and attentive. Whether you stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it is the perfect place if you want something delicious and quick before heading to a show.
Not a lot of people know this, but Shima comes from the same team behind Katana in North Beach. It is twice the size, with 50 seats compared to Katana’s 25, but just like Katana they do not take reservations, so you may still have to wait, just hopefully not as long. Their iconic lazy river of sushi makes it worth it, and since they are open seven days a week until midnight, it is a perfect late-night casual sushi spot.
LITTLE HAITI
If you are heading to ZeyZey for a show, I recommend arriving early to grab tacos from Tacos María, the team behind Los Félix and Krüs Kitchen. They just opened and are already getting a lot of buzz. Their Instagram says they have “Michelin roots and street soul,” which honestly speaks to me. They are also seed-oil free and pop up every weekend at ZeyZey, making it the perfect pre-show bite.
Boia De is always a tough reservation to snag, and for good reason. I have been a fan since the early days, back when they had the La Pollita food truck in the Design District, and I still crave everything on the menu. The tagliolini nero and Luci’s chopped salad are dishes i order every single time without fail. The chocolate budino is the one thing I never skip. I have said it before, and I will say it again, it might be my favorite dessert in the entire city.
Walrus Rodeo, Boia De’s sister restaurant across the parking lot, is just as delicious and a little easier to get into. They have been doing some really fun chef collaborations lately, so it is worth checking their Instagram to see if one lines up with a show nearby.
Another food hall concept that has stood the test of time is The Citadel, and my favorite burger in Miami is still from United States Burger Service. I know smash burgers are a trend, but they have been doing their cheesy, oozy version for years, and the whole concept is fun and playful. If your friends are not into burgers, there are plenty of other options, plus a rooftop where you can grab drinks. Bar Kaiju, a neighborhood cocktail bar ranked #77 on the 50 Best Bars in North America list, is also here, which makes The Citadel a true one-stop shop before a show.
NORTH BEACH
At the heart of it all is the Miami Beach Bandshell, a historic open-air venue that hosts everything from indie concerts and salsa nights to global music festivals under the stars. It’s the kind of place where you can dance barefoot in the sand one minute and catch a world-class performance the next.
This American Bistro comes from the same owners as La Fresa Francesa (also in our guide) and a great, longstanding North Beach spot for locals. If your show falls on a Wednesday, you have to order the mussels special, which might be one of the best deals in the city: a pot of mussels with crusty bread and a bottle of wine for $30. I have spent many girls’ nights here, and it really is the perfect spot for that kind of dinner. On Thursdays all bottles of wine are half off, and they run plenty of other great weekly specials, so it is worth checking their Instagram before you go.
For more than 30 years, Café Prima Pasta has been one of those under-the-radar Italian neighborhood spots that people love to claim they discovered. It is casual, unpretentious, and a true local favorite. Their happy hour runs Monday through Saturday from 4:30 to 6 pm and Sunday from 4 to 6 pm, with specials on food, wine, beer, and cocktails.
If you do not mind crossing the bridge, Edan Bistro is worth the detour. It is casual enough to stop by before a show, but the food is so delicious and elevated that you will not be disappointed. The Spanish Basque dishes are truly craveable, and you cannot leave without ordering the Basque cheesecake for dessert.
I discovered this Japanese spot through a friend and have been back a few times since. It is right on the boardwalk, perfect for outdoor dining and watching the sunset. The vibe is casual, but the food feels elevated and the service is always great. It is still a little under the radar and makes a perfect pre-dinner stop if you are heading to the Bandshell for a show. They also have a solid happy hour at the bar Monday through Friday from 4 to 6:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 6 pm.
Who does not love conveyor belt sushi? This iconic North Beach institution has been around since the early 90s and they do not take reservations, so be prepared to wait, sometimes one to two hours, even if you arrive early. The good news is that once you are seated you can start eating instantly, grabbing plates straight from the boats floating by. Pro tip: put your name down and grab a drink next door at Bob’s Your Uncle for a little pre-show pregame, just make sure to stay close because once they call your name you need to be seated within five minutes.
SOUTH BEACH
South Beach might be known more for its nightlife and beach bars, but there are still a few standout spots keeping live music at the center of the scene. Medium Cool brings a fresh, intimate energy with its rotating lineup of DJs and live acts, while The Fillmore continues to host some of the biggest touring artists in town. And for something a little more classic, the Shelborne offers laid-back performances in a timeless Miami Beach setting — proof that even here, the music still matters.
Lucali is known for their pizzas, but do not sleep on the kale salad and the chicken wings. If you’re looking for a casual spot with great music, this is the place. If you cannot get a table, Bay Club next door is pretty much the same vibe. And if you are looking for something affordable on Miami Beach, Lucali is always a solid choice.
Toni’s has been around forever and is one of the true OGs on Miami Beach. There are so many sushi spots in the city, but I still find myself going back here after all these years. The sushi is classic, comforting, and always consistent, which is why I love it.
When I first moved to Miami in 2013, Macchialina was one of the very first restaurants I tried, and their lasagna has had a chokehold on me ever since. I do not really need to sell you on this spot because it is on every list, wins all the awards, and for good reason. Just trust me on this one. They moved into a new space last year, and I love sitting at the bar with a martini. Honestly, you cannot go wrong with anything on their menu.
I used to live two blocks away from the Miami Beach SuViche, and I can confirm they have one of the best low-key happy hours on the beach. Their “Saucy Hour” runs daily from 3 to 7 pm with half-off drinks and a menu of craveable bites like poke nachos, crispy rice with spicy salmon, and sushi tacos. Pro tip: order SuViche and take it next door to The Abbey, one of Miami Beach’s most iconic dive bars. The Abbey does not serve food, but they let you bring in outside food, so you can play pool, sip a beer, and enjoy your SuViche all in one spot.
The Standard Miami has been, and will always be, one of my favorite places in the city, maybe even in the world. Everyone loves to complain about the food, but for me, it has always been about the setting. There is no better place in Miami to watch the sunset than at Lido Bar with a bottle of rosé and friends. For something a little different, Monterrey Bar is more of a sexy, date-night spot. If you are heading to a show on a date, I would go for a drink at either, but Monterrey feels more intimate.
Brother’s Keeper is the kind of neighborhood dive bar where you can order a martini that comes with a croissant on the side. It is the perfect mix of high and low, and I am not mad at it. You can play pool, pick songs on the jukebox, and snack on classic bar food like burgers and pizzas. They have a daily happy hour from 5 to 7 pm and stay open late, which makes it an easy spot to grab a drink and shoot some pool after a show.
