If there’s one event that makes us excited to book reservations weeks in advance, it’s Miami Spice Restaurant Months.
Every year, Greater Miami transforms into one giant culinary playground as some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants offer specially curated three-course prix-fixe menus at unbeatable fixed price points.
From waterfront seafood and elevated Italian cuisine to world-famous sushi and inventive Mediterranean fare, Miami Spice is our favorite time of year to eat our way across the city.
While many cities host restaurant weeks, Miami Spice Restaurant Months has evolved into something much bigger.
For their 25th anniversary, Miami Spice is a two month-long celebration of the best South Florida dining scene.
From August 1 – September 30, it gives visitors and locals alike the perfect excuse to experience fine dining restaurants that may have been sitting on their wish list for years.
Whether you’re staying in Miami Beach, exploring South Beach, wandering through Coral Gables, doing business in Bickel, or discovering the culinary gems tucked into Coconut Grove, there’s no shortage of unforgettable meals waiting to be enjoyed.
This year, we made it our mission to experience as many participating restaurants as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about Miami Spice, and where we dined along the way.
What is Miami Spice?
Hosted by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami Spice Restaurant Months is an annual culinary celebration that showcases the region’s exceptional restaurant scene.
Every participating restaurant creates specific menus featuring carefully selected three-course brunch, lunch, and dinner experiences at set prices, allowing diners to sample signature dishes that would normally cost considerably more.
Instead of ordering from the standard menu, guests choose from specially designed Miami Spice menus featuring appetizers, a main course, and dessert.
Many restaurants also offer optional wine pairings, craft cocktails, or premium upgrades for an additional charge.
One of our favorite aspects of the event is how it highlights both longtime local favorites and exciting new restaurants.
Whether you’re craving classic Latin American flavors in Little Havana, fresh seafood overlooking the ocean, or Michelin-recognized and starred cuisine, the participating restaurants represent nearly every corner of greater Miami.
The program also gives back to the community. Throughout the event, participating restaurants help support organizations such as Camillus House, making every reservation feel even more meaningful.
What to Expect During Miami Spice?
If you’ve never participated before, prepare to come hungry.
Most restaurants offer both lunch menus and dinner menus, although availability varies by location. The Miami Spice webpage breaks down which restaurants offer specials and on which days.
Many feature elegant three or four course prix-fixe menus with multiple options for each course, allowing diners to customize their meal based on their preferences.
You’ll typically begin with a refreshing start, whether that’s a seasonal salad or a ceviche, or something more indulgent like bone marrow, fried chicken bites, foie gras, or even Nobu’s famous jalapeno hamachi.
Entrée choices often range from fresh coastal seafood to handmade pasta and wagyu steak frites.
Desserts are usually just as memorable, making each reservation feel like a complete culinary experience.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the city’s most popular spots.
Some restaurants even extend the celebration with drink specials or exclusive Spice wine pairings that are also at a discounted rate.
Why is Miami Spice Different from Other Cities’ Restaurant Months?
We’ve attended restaurant weeks in several cities, but Miami Spice stands in a league of its own.
First, it isn’t just a week: it’s an extended celebration that gives diners ample opportunity to visit multiple restaurants without feeling rushed.
Rather than squeezing a handful of reservations into a few days, you can spread your dining adventures across several weeks.
Second, the sheer diversity is unmatched. Few destinations offer such an incredible blend of international cuisines within a relatively compact area.
On one night you might enjoy Japanese omakase, followed by coastal Mediterranean cuisine, authentic Italian, French fine dining, or bold Latin American flavors the next.
The quality of participating restaurants also sets Miami apart.
Instead of focusing solely on casual eateries, the program includes some of the city’s most prestigious destinations, including Michelin-starred restaurants, James Beard nominees, Top Chef winners, and luxury hotel dining rooms.
It gives food lovers access to exceptional cuisine at approachable prices while encouraging restaurants to showcase some of their most beloved signature dishes.
Finally, Miami Spice feels like a true citywide celebration that’s been ongoing for 25 years!
Hotels, attractions, and the tourism industry rally around the event, creating an atmosphere that turns every meal into part of a larger vacation experience.
Whether you’re visiting South Florida for a weekend getaway or you’re a local looking for new dining inspiration, it’s easily one of the year’s top culinary events.
Where We Dined During Miami Spice
Ocean Social
There’s something magical about beginning a meal with sweeping Atlantic Ocean views, and Ocean Social delivered exactly that.
Located directly on the sand in Miami Beach, at the Eden Roc Hotel and Resort, the restaurant combines relaxed coastal elegance with refined cuisine, making it one of our favorite Miami Spice experiences.
The Miami Spice menu perfectly reflected the restaurant’s seaside setting.
Ocean Social offered both lunch and dinner specials, since we arrived right between changeover we were able to experience both.
At lunch, we were loving the cheese stuffed beef birria quesadillas with a flavorful consomme broth. It was a huge portion that were delicious as leftovers too.
On the dinner menu, fresh seafood took center stage with the Peruvian ceviche appetizer, which was quite a substantial size for ceviche, let alone for a restaurant three-course special. The dish was a meal in itself!
We savored all the courses while watching pelicans nosedive into the ocean for their dinner while waiting for the sunset to roll in.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that feels like vacation from the moment you sit down, Ocean Social should absolutely be on your Miami Spice list.
Pao by Paul Qui
Walking inside the luxurious Faena Hotel and passing a gold-plated wooly mammoth skeleton, it’s no surprise that Pao by Paul Qui delivered one of the most inventive dining experiences of the entire Spice series.
Top Chef winner Paul Qui is known for blending Asian influences with contemporary techniques, and the Miami Spice menu offered an outstanding introduction to his creative culinary style.
The complementary amuse bouche of an onion tart with peaches and comté cheese foam was one of the best bites we had of all of Miami Spice, and it was just the first bite to awaken our palates. This bite was so delicious and complex, you instantly know how and why he won his season of Top Chef.
The tuna kalamansi starter was as elegantly plated as it was delicious.
We were lucky enough to taste Chef Qui’s new rendition of chicken katsu aka the best fried chicken in the world on the Miami Spice menu.
Made with corn starch and three types of speciality flours, the batter was perfectly crisp and locked in all the chicken’s juices.
We also enjoyed the 72 hour Nieman Ranch short rib that essentially melted in our mouths.
The dessert offerings at Pao were the most impressive from any of the restaurants we visited.
The Nashi Pear with mousse and hazelnut crunch was truly a work of art.
Each course demonstrated an incredible attention to detail, with vibrant presentations and unexpected flavor combinations that kept every bite interesting.
Asian influences blended seamlessly with modern culinary techniques.
Outside of the food, do not dine without trying at least one of their Asian inspired craft cocktails. Their visually stunning and packed with the flavors of ube, soy sauce, and other Asian ingredients you won’t see at other restaurants or craft cocktail bars.
The intimate dining room with bold decor added another layer to the experience.
Sophisticated without feeling overly formal, Pao creates an atmosphere where diners can appreciate both the artistry of the food and the relaxed luxury that defines Miami Beach.
After dinner make it a true date night by buying tickets to Obsession, the theatrical cabaret in the Faena Theatre.
It’s a mix of music, circus-style performances, and a burlesque show. We’ve been to these types of shows in both Paris and Las Vegas, and this is on par with the best shows in those cities.
For adventurous diners looking to experience one of the city’s most innovative kitchens, Pao by Paul Qui is an outstanding Miami Spice reservation.
It is the kind of restaurant that reminds you how exciting fine dining can be when creativity takes center stage.
Donna Mare Italian Steakhouse
Donna Mare proved that Italian cuisine never goes out of style.
Located inside the Cadillac Hotel, the restaurant blends warm Mediterranean influences with modern design and sophistication.
The Miami Spice menu highlighted handmade pastas alongside classic Italian desserts.
Over lunch, we started with a gigantic meatball as the appetizer.
Larger than a softball, this half-pound meatball was served with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and crisp, buttery toast. It was topped off with a liberal use of Parmigiano Reggiano, which elevated the colossal appetiser with a rich, nutty flavor.
The standout was without question the homemade pasta with bolognese. The pasta was perfectly cooked to Italy’s standards and the sauce was rich and buttery. It was the best bolognese we’ve ever tasted, and we’ve eaten it in Italy many times.
The attention to detail was evident from start to finish, and every course felt worthy of a full-price visit.
The atmosphere was elegant without feeling stuffy, making it equally suited for date nights, celebrations, or simply treating yourself to an outstanding lunch or dinner.
It’s easy to understand why Donna Mare has become one of Miami Beach’s standout Italian dining destinations.
Nobu
No Miami dining itinerary feels complete without Nobu, and Miami Spice offered the perfect opportunity to revisit one of the world’s most iconic Japanese restaurants.
We were lucky enough to stay at the Nobu Hotel at Eden Roc Resort, which offered sweeping views of the turquoise Miami waters, lush beachside loungers, and numerous pool options.
The hotel also houses the Esencia Spa which is an incredible place to relax with hydrotherapy, saunas, steam rooms, and tranquility spaces.
Nobu’s iconic restaurant is located right on the bottom level of the hotel.
While Nobu’s menu is filled with legendary dishes, the Miami Spice experience allowed us to sample several favorites in one thoughtfully curated meal.
The restaurant’s signature jalapeno hamachi is a classic that remained as addictive as ever, while beautifully prepared seafood showcased why Nobu continues to influence Japanese cuisine around the globe.
Even their famous miso black cod was part of the menu. We typically make our Nobu Copycat Miso Black Cod Recipe at home, but nothing compares to the real thing at the restaurant.
One surprise was the miso cappuccino dessert, which was one layered cup filled with flavor. It was a dessert that we probably wouldn’t have ordered if it wasn’t part of the Miami Spice menu, and it knocked our socks off.
Every dish demonstrated remarkable precision. Delicate flavors, pristine fish, and elegant presentation combined to create a meal that was both refined and approachable.
Adrift Mare
Perched high above Biscayne Bay, Adrift Mare offered a Miami Spice menu from celebrity chef David Myers.
This restaurant is located inside Brickell Arch, which is part luxury condo, part Luxury Selection hotel.
We actually stayed at the Brickell Arch for half of our trip in Miami. While staying on Miami Beach is a relaxing retreat, Brickell provides you the buzz and access to so many amazing parts of Miami.
The restaurant’s panoramic waterfront views immediately set the stage, and the food easily matched the spectacular scenery.
Inspired by Mediterranean coastal cuisine, the menu balanced fresh seafood with vibrant vegetables, grilled meats, and bold seasonal flavors.
Each course felt beautifully composed without being overly fussy.
We started with a gourmet take on tuna tartare and then moved on to wagyu beef steak frites topped with a bright lemon herb compound butter.
The fact that you can order a $65 three-course meal which includes 10 ounces of wagyu is mindblowing.
The portion was so large, we couldn’t even finish it.
Bright citrus, fragrant herbs, and expertly cooked proteins highlighted the kitchen’s commitment to fresh ingredients while allowing the natural flavors to shine.
Between the elevated cuisine and unforgettable skyline Brickle sunset views, it delivered a memorable dining experience during our trip.
Zuma
Dining at Zuma during Miami Spice gave us the perfect opportunity to enjoy this Japanese izakaya-style restaurant at a great discount.
Located along the Miami River, Zuma combines sophisticated design, waterfront views, and some of the most beautifully executed Japanese cuisine in the city.
The restaurant is known for its contemporary approach to traditional Japanese dishes, and the Miami Spice menu showcased exactly why Zuma remains one of Miami’s most beloved and consistent dining destinations.
The multi-course meal started with a premium miso soup and a large bowl of edamame, then moved on to your choice of three items as appetizers.
We opted for the yellowtail sashimi, tuna tataki, and the best chicken karaage that we’ve ever tasted.
If you’re dining for dinner, you’ll also get an additional course of sushi rolls and seared salmon nigiri.
For the main course the teriyaki salmon was cooked perfectly.
Finish your meal with your choice of dessert.
The pecan pie sundae was a blend of Japanese sweet potato and banana milk ice cream alongside candied pecans and sweet caramel. Talk about heavenly!
Whether you dine at lunch or at dinner, Zuma perfectly demonstrated the restaurant’s focus on high-quality ingredients and clean flavors.
Beyond the food, Zuma delivers an atmosphere that feels uniquely Miami. The stylish dining room, riverfront location with yachts floating by, and energetic ambiance make it a popular spot for celebrations, date nights, and visitors looking to experience one of the city’s top restaurants.
It’s nearly impossible to dine at a quality sushi restaurant for under $40, and Zuma makes this a reality for diners.
For anyone exploring Miami Spice for the first time, Zuma is a fantastic example of why this event is so special. It allows diners to experience world-class Japanese cuisine while discovering why Miami continues to be recognized as one of the country’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Amazónico
Amazónico transported us from Miami to the heart of the Amazon with its lush, dramatic design and vibrant menu inspired by the diverse flavors of Latin America.
Located in the Brickell neighborhood, this restaurant meets club is an experience from the moment you walk through the doors.
The atmosphere alone makes Amazónico worth visiting. Surrounded by tropical-inspired décor, lively live music, and a beautifully designed dining space, guests immediately feel like they have stepped into a destination far beyond a typical restaurant.
The Miami Spice menu highlighted the restaurant’s creative approach to cuisine, blending influences from across the Amazon, Brazil, Peru, and other regions of Latin America.
Each dish celebrated bold flavors, colorful ingredients, and unique combinations that encouraged diners to explore something different.
We started with an amuse bouche of hamachi crocante on crispy sushi rice. Then we selected our choice of appetizer.
The tiradito de salmon was tender salmon belly with yuzu and a mango salad and was one of the best bites we had all week!
If you’ve got a big appetite, add a supplemental $10 add on for the brocheta de chorizo. It’s a gigantic skewer of multiple sausages, bell peppers, chimichurri, pickled onion, and grilled bread. It’s large enough to feed a crowd!
Our favorite entree from the Amazonico Miami Spice menu was the asado de costillo short rib. Cooked for 48 hours, the meat is tender and flavorful and served with mushroom fried rice.
Finally for dessert, we savored the corn creme brulee, it was a creative rendition of a classic dessert that was packed with sweet and savory corn flavors.
Once you’re done with dinner, head up to the second level for a nightcap at the lounge, or head to the rooftop for a chic nightlife scene that celebrates Brickell’s skyline.
The meal was a reminder that Miami’s dining scene is truly global.
Restaurants like Amazónico showcase how the city’s culinary identity is shaped by cultures from around the world, creating experiences that are both authentic and innovative.
The energy at Amazónico also makes it stand out among Miami Spice participants. With lively music, expertly crafted cocktails, and a vibrant crowd, it feels like dinner and entertainment combined.
It is the kind of place where guests come for the food but stay for the atmosphere. We loved it so much we stopped in for a drink on the rooftop a second time.
For those looking for a memorable Miami Spice reservation that feels like a celebration, Amazónico is an excellent choice.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Our Miami Spice journey reached another level with our visit to L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, one of Miami’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants with two Michelin stars. It is probably the only two Michelin star restaurant in the entire world to be featured in a restaurant month.
It’s pretty rare for any Michelin starred or recommended restaurant to offer discounts, so the fact that such a highly rated restaurant participates in Miami Spice is truly something special, making fine dining more approachable to all budgets.
Located in the chic Design District, L’Atelier brings the legendary culinary philosophy of the late chef Joël Robuchon to South Florida through refined French cuisine and impeccable execution.
The Miami Spice menu showcased the restaurant’s commitment to precision and exceptional ingredients.
Every plate reflected the technique and attention to detail that made Joël Robuchon one of the most celebrated chefs in the world.
This exclusive restaurant is part of Miami Spice Reserve, which is $155 for a four course meal.
Although this is more than the typical $65 Miami Spice dinner price, it is still an incredible value for a restaurant of this caliber. You usually can’t dine at any two Michelin starred restaurant without spending $500+ a person before drinks, so this is still a significant deal to the level of dining.
The meal starts with a first bite of foie gras mousse with a port wine reduction and a parmesan foam. The bite is rich and lucious, the perfect way to start a classic French meal.
Next came the salad course of heirloom tomatoes and roasted beets, which was a light and refreshing course before some of the heavier entrees,
We were floored by the next course of halibut brandade, a sous vide fish course that was perfectly cooked and paired with a savory leek vinaigrette. It tasted like the best crab cake ever, and no crab was used.
The showstopper was the entree of Iberico pork presa filet with Robuchon’s famous potato puree. The mashed potatoes are loaded with butter and the consistency is masterfully crafted.
Finally, the memorable meal finished with a raspberry souffle that was light, fluffy, and decadent.
From beautifully prepared appetizers to expertly executed entrées, each course demonstrated why this restaurant continues to be considered among Miami’s finest dining establishments.
The flavors were elegant, balanced, and thoughtfully composed, proving that fine dining can still feel approachable when presented through a carefully designed prix-fixe menu.
For diners who may have always wanted to experience a world-renowned restaurant but hesitated because of the price point, Miami Spice provides the perfect excuse.
The opportunity to enjoy L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon through a curated menu makes this unforgettable dining experience more accessible.
The Mexican
Looking to add some spice to your Miami Spice experience?
Head to The Mexican, a lively restaurant that combines elevated Mexican cuisine with an energetic, upscale atmosphere.
The vibrant décor, upbeat music, and polished service created an experience that felt festive from start to finish.
Starting the meal with fresh chips and five remarkable varieties of homemade salsas started the meal off on the right foot. Two of the unique salsas were so good we asked if we could buy more by the bottle.
The tortilla soup was poured tableside, adding an elegance to a bowl of soup.
Other options for appetizers include shrimp aguachile, where diners can choose two preparation options, green or black aguachile sauce.
We appreciated the homemade tortillas used on their tacos, from marlin to beef.
The Quatro Leches cake took the classic tres leche dessert to a completely new level. It was so incredibly moist and infused in Licor 43, a liquor bled with hints of vanilla, which is a favorite of ours.
What impressed us most was how approachable the menu remained despite its elevated presentation.
Familiar flavors were reimagined with refined techniques, resulting in dishes that felt exciting without losing their traditional roots.
Combined with expertly crafted margaritas, The Mexican brought latin vibes to Miami Spice experience.
Stubborn Seed
No Miami culinary tour would feel complete without a visit to Stubborn Seed, the Michelin-starred restaurant from another Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford.
Located in South Beach, Stubborn Seed has earned a reputation for pushing culinary boundaries while maintaining an inviting, approachable atmosphere.
His commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers has even earned him a Michelin green star.
The Miami Spice menu highlighted exactly why the restaurant continues to receive national recognition.
Seasonal ingredients from their farm were transformed into beautifully composed plates that showcased bold flavors and thoughtful execution.
The tomato and stracciatella salad was deconstructed with a sense of whimsy. Diners scooped the tomato and cheese mixture into baby lettuce cups filled with fresh herbs, which was an interactive way to enjoy a healthy freshly picked starter.
For entrees we opted for the open fired charred branzino which was accompanied by a sauce that was bursting in flavor we well as the truffle chicken.
The sous vide stubborn truffle chicken was the dish that won Chef Ford the title of Top Chef, and being able to taste the dish that we watched in the television finale was such a treat.
When it comes to dessert, don’t miss the Quesillo. The olive oil caramel sauce can’t be beat!
For anyone looking to experience Michelin-level dining without committing to a full tasting menu, Miami Spice provides an exceptional opportunity to discover why Stubborn Seed has become one of South Florida’s premier dining destinations.
Estiatorio Milos
Greece is one of our favorite places, after traveling to almost a dozen Greek islands, Crete and Milos are always our favorite places.
We were so excited to be transported back to the island of Milos during our final Miami Spice stop, which brought us to Estiatorio Milos.
This restaurant is where simplicity and impeccable ingredients combine to create one of Miami’s finest Greek dining experiences.
Renowned for exceptionally fresh seafood flown in daily from the Mediterranean, Milos has long been considered one of the city’s premier destinations for elegant coastal cuisine.
You can always tell when a Mediterranean restaurant is authentic when they serve a traditional Greek salad like they do on the islands: just feta, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. If there’s lettuce you know it’s not authentic.
The Miami Spice menu perfectly captured the restaurant’s philosophy of letting outstanding ingredients speak for themselves.
Fresh fish, vibrant vegetables, premium olive oil, and classic Greek flavors came together in dishes that were refined yet wonderfully uncomplicated. Every course felt light, fresh, and beautifully balanced.
To start the meal, we opted for their famous tender octopus. For an additional $10 surcharge, you can opt for the large seafood plate complete with ceviche, tartare, a crudo and an oyster.
For entrees, select one of the many fish and seafood dishes, the whole fish options are displayed in the center of the restaurant so you can see how fresh the fillets are.
If seafood isn’t your thing, there is also a beef option.
For dessert, we were delighted to find greek yogurt with spoon sweet, a topper of honey, nuts, and a syrup that seems impossible to find outside Greece.
The sophisticated dining room provided an ideal setting for the meal. Bright, airy, and understated, it reflected the clean flavors found throughout the menu.
The knowledgeable staff guided diners through each course with warmth and professionalism, making the experience feel polished without ever becoming intimidating.
Estiatorio Milos delivered one of the most memorable seafood meals of our entire Miami Spice adventure and served as the perfect finale to an unforgettable month of dining.
Final Thoughts: Why Miami Spice Should Be on Every Food Lover’s List
After dining our way through 11 incredible restaurants, we were reminded why Miami Spice has and should be one of the most anticipated culinary events in the country.
It is far more than a restaurant promotion, it is a celebration of everything that makes Miami’s food scene extraordinary.
From oceanfront dining at Ocean Social to the elegance of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami’s only two Michelin starred restaurant, every restaurant offered a completely different perspective on the city’s culinary identity.
What makes Miami Spice truly special is the opportunity to discover restaurants you may have been curious about but never visited.
The event encourages exploration, whether that means trying a neighborhood you haven’t experienced before, ordering a dish outside your comfort zone, or finally making a reservation at a restaurant that has been on your Miami bucket list for years.
For visitors, Miami Spice is one of the best ways to experience the city beyond the beaches and nightlife. It’s also during their slow season, so prices for top hotels are more approachable. For locals, it is the perfect reminder to explore the incredible restaurants right in their own backyard.
With thoughtfully created three-course meals, incredible dinner options, and some of the best chefs in Greater Miami & Miami Beach participating each year, Miami Spice continues to prove that Miami is a true food destination.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a weekend escape, or simply searching for your next memorable meal, Miami Spice is the perfect reason to make dining reservations and start exploring.
Come hungry, bring your appetite, and prepare to eat your way through one of the tastiest culinary celebrations in South Florida.
For more resources planning your Miami foodie adventures, be sure to check out Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s website for more tools and recommendations.
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