When you think of dining out on Miami Beach, what spots come to mind? Many people will gravitate toward more popular areas like Lincoln Road and Espanola Way, but those “in the know” stay away from the tourist traps and head to South of Fifth.
South of Fifth – aka SoFi – is a neighborhood that doesn’t get enough credit when it comes to dining out. It’s much more low-key than the rest of the beach, and parking isn’t too bad (emphasis on too). The next time you find yourself on SoBe, head a little more south and eat at one of these great concepts.
Catch
Step into the vibrant and stylish atmosphere of Catch, a seafood restaurant that has become a culinary destination for locals and celebrities. The menu is a celebration of exquisite, expertly prepared seafood. Catch classics include filet skewers, crispy shrimp, grilled Spanish octopus, and crunchy rice cakes.
Feeling fancy? Consider the wagyu hot rock selections cooked tableside; the A5 Kobe Beef is a must if you have the budget. Another splurge that’s worth it: the Cantonese lobster. Come prepared to spend a pretty penny because everything sounds so good.
Catch is located at 200 South Pointe Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
GAO
Gao Miami Beach has made a grand debut in the South of Fifth neighborhood, bringing authentic Vietnamese flavors to Miami Beach. The elegant outdoor entrance welcomes diners with an air of sophistication as they enter one of Miami’s most spectacular terrace settings. The masterfully planned menu offers an elevated take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine, blending bold, fresh ingredients with an elegant presentation. Guests can savor favorites like dim sum, Vietnamese Ravioli, and Organic Baby Back Ribs with Lemongrass—all crafted with high-quality ingredients. The minimalist, modern interior is designed to let the food shine, creating a relaxing setting perfect for intimate dinners. With attention to detail in both menu and design, this authentic newcomer represents the essence of Vietnamese cuisine in every bite.
GAO is permanently closed.
INTIMO
Embark on a culinary journey to South America at INTIMO, a lively restaurant that captures the essence of Peruvian cuisine. The menu features a diverse array of traditional and contemporary dishes, showcasing the rich flavors and unique ingredients of the country.
Start your meal with one of their many ceviches or tiraditos before proceeding to more substantial fare like seafood rice, short rib pappardelle, and the signature lomo saltado (beef stir fry). This menu is humongous, so you and your party should have no problem finding something that whets your appetite.
INTIMO is located at 840 1st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
Kissaki
This modern Japanese restaurant is a true culinary adventure, offering an extensive menu that takes you on a journey through the freshest, most seasonal ingredients. Each bite of their expertly crafted sushi is a masterpiece, showcasing the delicate flavors and textures of the protein.
Other highlights include the black cod, uni pasta, and wagyu fried rice. Signature cocktails are the perfect complement to your meal; we’re partial to the mezcal and sake-based Shiokaze and – of course – the espresso martini. The elegant ambiance, with its warm lighting and sleek design, sets the stage for a truly memorable dining experience.
Kissaki is located at 500 South Pointe Dr., Suite 160, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
The Lobster Shack
For fresh seafood on South of Fifth, look no further than The Lobster Shack. While South Beach has no shortage of seafood, The Lobster Shack goes above and beyond by providing something that other places fail to: tremendous value.
That’s not to say The Lobster Shack is inexpensive—your check can add up fast — but you get your money’s worth and then some.
This South of Fifth spot provides guests with seafood in all forms: raw bar, tacos, rolls, and platters. With such a varied menu, restaurants can sometimes risk doing too much. But at The Lobster Shack, that’s not the case.
Whether you opt for a monstrous lobster cocktail with delicious house sauce, a multi-cluster snow crab dinner, or a naked lobster roll (warm with butter), the quality is consistent across the board.
Fun fact: The place is family-friendly. If your child isn’t in the mood for king crab or lobster tacos, there’s a short-and-sweet Kids section with approachable fare like a PB+J sandwich and cheese quesadilla.
And if there’s that one random person in your party who doesn’t want seafood, burgers and hot dogs are also available (but honestly, that person is at the wrong place).
The Lobster Shack has multiple locations on Miami Beach. For more information, visit their official website.
PLANTA
Discover a new world of plant-based cuisine at PLANTA, a stylish restaurant that proves vegan food can be both delicious and satisfying. Their innovative menu features a wide range of creative dishes that make veggies fun.
Their sushi rolls, made with plant-based alternatives to fish, are bursting with flavor and texture. For something a little more indulgent, consider getting a pizza to split with the table; their take on a vodka pizza is worth a bite. PLANTA’s chic decor and vibrant atmosphere create a welcoming space for vegans and non-vegans alike.
PLANTA is located at 850 Commerce St, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
RED South Beach
If you want to ante up the game for a night and enjoy the finer side of life, stop by RED South Beach. The food served here is an aphrodisiac for the senses. Not only has it been titled a ‘top 10 steakhouse in America’ (among a myriad of other awards), but Chef Peter Vauthy has also been credited as a great influence toward the benefit of Miami’s food scene.
RED presents that classic steakhouse allure on a whole new level. One of the best perks about RED is the sheer depth of its menu: You’ll find everything from Certified Angus Beef prime rib-eye and veal marsala to lobster fra diavolo linguine to wild king salmon—it’s like American steakhouse meets Mediterranean seascape.
Plus, they have a bunch of the sides we love, like whipped potatoes and Florida creamed corn.
Moving on, the drinks are as fine as any steakhouse should be. Aside from the literal hundreds of available wines, some signature house-made cocktails include the Lychee Martini (fresh lychee, puree, and vodka) and The Ritz (Hennessy, pineapple, pomegranate, lemon). Did we mention they also have a lovely patio for outdoor dining?
RED South Beach is located at 801 South Pointe Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
