Basketball season is well underway, which means fans are making regular trips to Downtown again to watch the Miami Heat. If you’re one of the few Miamians who actually show up early to events, we’ve rounded up a list of restaurants near Kaseya Center to check out before a game.
Barsecco
Made it to Downtown Miami with a few hours to spare? Hop on the MetroMover and head to Brickell for fun pre-game vibes at Barsecco. The stylish eatery is the furthest spot on this list, but the trek is well worth it.
On the menu, guests will find a wide variety of bites and large plates like Sicilian arancini, tuna poppy tataki, baja chicken tacos and miso sea bass; it’s hard to pin down the cuisine here but one word does the job: delicious.
Appropriately, Barsecco specializes in an assortment of tasty cocktails topped with prosecco including the Ginsecco, Bourbon Secco and Black Ginger, all of which are signatures on the menu for good reason. The best part: The MetroMover stop is right next to the restaurant for a quick entrance and exit.
Café Americano Brickell
At Café Americano, you’ll encounter one of the best pre-game values in town. The Latin-inspired concept boasts a hearty selection of hearty dishes like molten chicken parm, ceviche sliders, double smash burgers, pepperoni hot honey pizza, and more.
Fill up here so you don’t spend money on overpriced food inside the arena. Better yet, come early for discounted bites and cocktails during happy hour; the offerings include Tommy’s Margaritas, Moscow Mules, homemade empanadas, and Cuban sandwiches.
Jaguar Sun
For a fast bite and cocktail before (or after) the game, few places are more convenient than Jaguar Sun. The beloved Downtown restaurant and bar is a stone’s throw away from Bayside Marketplace and Kaseya Center; you can chow down on some pasta, slurp some oysters, and throw back a few drinks with plenty of time to spare.
Try to come a little earlier than usual, though: The place is tiny and fills up very quickly. And if you only try one food item here, do the parker house rolls—they’re a classic for good reason.
Jaguar Sun is located at 230 NE 4th Street, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.
Motek
If you don’t mind walking a little, Motek hits the spot for Mediterranean-inspired fare. There’s an all-day brunch menu if you want some breakfast-y bites before the game, but we’re partial to items like the fried halloumi cheese, crispy chicken schnitzel, and babaganoush. Lighter bites include Greek and Israeli salads, hummus and pita, and a crispy cauliflower with spicy harissa honey glaze—it must be experienced.
Alcohol options are lacking, so if drinking is on the agenda, get something to eat here and get your drinks elsewhere.
Motek is located at 36 NE 1st Street, Suite 132. Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.
NIU Kitchen
Got time for a leisurely dinner? Pop into NIU Kitchen for some tasty Spanish cuisine. You can easily split some charcuterie and wine and call it a day, or go all out with a multi-course affair with bites like steak tartare, pan-seared foie, clams, and New York steak. The place is big on “ordering without thinking” and just trying new stuff—the flavors here are incredible.
While you’re at it, you should also take a peek at NIU Wine, the restaurant’s neighborhood wine bar and shop. That store has its own food menu and an even longer wine list. Needless to say, this is our favorite Downtown block.
NIU Kitchen is located at 104 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.
Toscana Divino
Toscana Divino is another one of those places that aren’t walking distance from the arena, but a short MetroMover ride away. Located in Mary Brickell Village, the restaurant has a reputation for exquisite Italian cuisine, with a menu that changes seasonally (and sometimes more frequently); no two visits are alike except in quality.
There are a few favorites that tend to stick around, though: the braised duck leg pasta is a must, as well as the restaurant’s signature lasagna. And getting a mushroom risotto for the table is always a good idea. Wine-wise, expect dozens upon dozens of bottles to choose from; try not to get too tipsy before the game.
