The Best New Restaurants in Miami [October 2024]

12 mins read

As October unfolds, Miami’s dining scene continues to heat up with an exciting array of new openings that promise to dazzle your taste buds. This month’s roundup features everything from elegant steakhouse fare under the banyan trees to a luxurious Japanese escape that will transport you straight to Kyoto. Whether you’re in the mood for island-inspired eats or a rooftop culinary journey, these fresh spots are set to become the talk of the town. So, grab your reservations and prepare to indulge in Miami’s hottest new dining experiences. Happy dining!

Gao Miami Beach

The Best New Restaurants in Miami [October 2024] - Gao Miami Beach, Habibi, Japon, new restaurants, Oro, Paya, Sunny's - October 2024
Steamed Vietnamese ravioli

Gao Miami Beach, the newest culinary gem in the fashionable South of Fifth neighborhood, has quickly captivated locals with its blend of authentic flavors and serene garden dining. From the visionary team behind the beloved Call Me Gaby, Gao carries on the tradition of offering exquisitely prepared dishes in a beautifully relaxed atmosphere.

Begin your culinary journey with a selection of traditional dim sum, or try the steamed Vietnamese ravioli—delicately filled with organic ground pork belly and black mushrooms. For seafood enthusiasts, the Vietnamese bouillabaisse is a standout, boasting a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, Thai basil, and coconut milk. Each dish reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and a deep respect for Vietnamese culinary traditions.

Complementing the menu is a carefully curated cocktail selection that perfectly enhances the vibrant flavors of the cuisine. With flawless service and a chic, welcoming ambiance, Gao is poised to become the neighborhood’s go-to destination for elevated Vietnamese dining.

Gao is located at 1 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 33139. For more information, visit their official website.

Habibi

The Best New Restaurants in Miami [October 2024] - Gao Miami Beach, Habibi, Japon, new restaurants, Oro, Paya, Sunny's - October 2024

Get ready for a sensory journey this fall, as the highly anticipated Habibi Restaurant and Lounge brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean and Middle East to life. Helmed by Executive Chef Wladimir Arévalo, known for his work at Doya and Motek, Habibi blends the chef’s love for citrus, smokiness, and spices into a menu that feels both familiar and extraordinary. Habibi’s shareable dishes, such as shish-barak dumplings with wagyu cheeks and the lobster lavash tacos with herbed lavash, apple slaw, and umami aioli, invite diners to indulge in a culinary adventure. Roasted chicken with herbed yogurt and Mediterranean sea bass with harissa sofrito marinade are perfect for those seeking comfort with a sophisticated twist. Save room for the baklava cheesecake, a sweet ode to the restaurant’s global inspiration.

Beyond the food, Habibi captivates with its Wes Anderson-inspired retro décor—a feast for the eyes with its pink and teal palette that evokes a Beatles-era Tangier. As night falls, the space transforms into an immersive dining experience complete with roving belly dancers, contortionists, and live percussionists, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.

The bar program at Habibi is equally alluring, showcasing North African and Mediterranean flavors through techniques like fat washing. Cocktails, like the “Ali” Fashioned and Moroccan Margarita, feature unexpected ingredients like harissa-infused reductions and roasted couscous salted rims, perfectly complementing the rich, bold dishes.

Habibi is set to redefine dining in Miami, delivering a royal feast for the senses in every visit.  

Set to open this fall, Habibi Miami is located at 452 Northwest North River Drive, Miami, FL. For more information, visit their official website.

Japon 

The Best New Restaurants in Miami [October 2024] - Gao Miami Beach, Habibi, Japon, new restaurants, Oro, Paya, Sunny's - October 2024

Opening this October within The Setai Miami Beach, Japón promises to be the latest dining sensation in Miami’s luxury culinary scene. This upscale Japanese restaurant will offer guests a truly immersive experience, combining the rich cultural heritage of Japan with a modern, refined setting. The ambiance is elevated by nightly performances inspired by an Asian Night Bazaar, adding a vibrant touch to the courtyard setting.

At the heart of Japón’s allure is ‘The Kyoto Room,’ an intimate private dining space for up to 14 guests. Adorned with traditional Japanese art, some pieces dating back to the 1800s, and featuring its own private bar and entrance; it offers a transformative dining experience that pays homage to Kyoto’s cultural depth.

Led by Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena, the menu showcases a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese flavors with a contemporary twist. Highlights include the Chilean sea bass with charred tomato miso and fresh seafood selections, all complemented by an impressive sake and cocktail menu. Signature drinks like the Fuji Blossom and Wasabi Martini add a modern flair to the traditional dining experience.

Japón’s exquisite indoor and outdoor spaces, adorned with hand-painted murals, a Japanese pagoda, and serene water features, make it a standout addition to Miami Beach’s dining landscape.

Japón is located within The Setai Miami Beach at 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. For more information, visit their official website.

Oro

The Best New Restaurants in Miami [October 2024] - Gao Miami Beach, Habibi, Japon, new restaurants, Oro, Paya, Sunny's - October 2024

Set to elevate Miami’s dining scene this fall, Oro brings a luxurious, rooftop experience to Lincoln Road in South Beach. Developed by Golden Era Hospitality Group, Oro merges vibrant global flavors with the glamour of a high-energy nightlife destination. Under the expert guidance of renowned Chef Victor Munoz, Oro’s menu is a celebration of sophisticated, avant-garde cuisine inspired by the world’s most stunning metropolitan cities.

Expect a tantalizing lineup of innovative dishes designed to spark conversation and joy. Highlights include the decadent bananas and caviar with Kaluga caviar, fermented banana peel butter, and plantain waffle, as well as the refreshing tom kha crudo featuring kombu cured hiramasa and Miami fruit finger lime. For those seeking hearty fare, the dry-aged rohan duck with sweet potato, lavender, and red rosebud jus promises an unforgettable feast. Oro’s craft cocktails further enhance the experience, showcasing the region’s freshest ingredients paired with an exquisite selection of fine wines.

The opulent venue is an aesthetic marvel, with golden arches, lush floral arrangements, and a sophisticated ambiance that transports guests to an enchanting haven. With over 300 seats, guests can enjoy premium cuts of meat, fresh crab, lobster, and caviar, all presented tableside for a visual and culinary delight.

Oro is located at 818 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their Instagram.

Paya

The Best New Restaurants in Miami [October 2024] - Gao Miami Beach, Habibi, Japon, new restaurants, Oro, Paya, Sunny's - October 2024

Set to debut this fall in South Beach, Paya is the latest addition to FEAL Hospitality’s dynamic portfolio. Helmed by the celebrated team of Chef Niven Patel and Mo Alkassar, Paya is a vibrant island-inspired, farm-to-table concept drawing from the diverse culinary influences of the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Spain’s islands. Located at 1209 17th Street, this new hotspot brings a sophisticated yet laid-back island vibe to Miami’s dining scene.

Paya’s menu, curated by four-time James Beard Award semi-finalist Chef Niven Patel, emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Rancho Patel in Homestead, FL, and other top purveyors. Diners can expect to savor dishes featuring green papayas, mangoes, and royal red shrimp from Florida, as well as specialties like Maine crab and Caribbean wahoo. The restaurant’s bar boasts tropical farm-to-glass cocktails and an extensive wine list that perfectly complements the vibrant cuisine.

Designed to transport guests to a colorful island escape, Paya’s interior features a lively, tropical palette. Accommodating 89 guests indoors with an additional outdoor seating area set to open in early 2025, Paya offers a dining experience that feels like a mini vacation.

Paya’s opening marks a personal milestone for Co-Founder Mo Alkassar, whose journey in Miami Beach began just blocks from the restaurant. Both Chef Niven and Mo see Paya as a love letter to Miami, blending their culinary experiences and deep connections to island life into every dish.

Paya is located at 1209 17th Street, Miami Beach. For more information, visit their official website.

Sunny’s

The Best New Restaurants in Miami [October 2024] - Gao Miami Beach, Habibi, Japon, new restaurants, Oro, Paya, Sunny's - October 2024

Opening this October, Sunny’s Steakhouse is the highly anticipated new venture from the celebrated team behind Miami’s Jaguar Sun and Sunny’s Someday Steakhouse. Located in Little River, Sunny’s seamlessly blends modern steakhouse fare with the tropical spirit of Miami, all set against the backdrop of a stunning banyan tree-adorned courtyard. Co-owners Will Thompson and Chef Carey Hynes have created a space that captures the essence of a lively, unforgettable dinner party.

Sunny’s menu, led by Chef Hynes and Executive Chef Aaron Brooks, features wood-fired proteins, a raw bar highlighting Florida’s finest seafood, and steakhouse classics with a twist. Guests can look forward to dry-aged USDA prime steaks, Australian wagyu, and house-made pastas like rigatoni with spicy pork sugo and duck lasagna. Signature dishes such as the corn agnolotti with blue crab and saffron and yellowtail snapper with chervil and caper vinaigrette are sure to impress.

The cocktail menu, helmed by Will Thompson’s award-winning team, offers meticulously crafted classics, large-format options, and a pick-your-path martini menu. Signature drinks like the Mangonada and Circus Permit will bring a fun, tropical flair to the steakhouse experience.

With its mix of mid-century modern design and outdoor charm, Sunny’s is poised to become Miami’s go-to spot for a sophisticated yet vibrant dining experience.

For reservations, visit Resy. Sunny’s is located at 7357 NW Miami Court. For more information, visit their official website.

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