The Best New Restaurants in Miami [May 2025]

Miami’s dining scene never sleeps—and thank goodness for that. Just when you think you’ve tried it all, a fresh wave of culinary creativity rolls in, introducing flavors, spaces, and stories that ignite the senses.

This month, we’re spotlighting the city’s most exciting new restaurants—each one offering something special, whether it’s an homage to ancestral recipes, a bold twist on beloved classics, or a globe-trotting mash-up served with serious style.

From an Ecuadorian jewel in North Miami to a Tokyo-inspired izakaya in Wynwood, these newcomers are redefining what it means to dine in the Magic City.

Cotoa

Cotoa is a culinary gem in North Miami, offering a vibrant exploration of Ecuadorian cuisine with a modern twist. Helmed by Chef Alejandra Espinoza, the restaurant is a heartfelt homage to Ecuador’s rich culinary heritage, blending traditional flavors with global influences. The name “Cotoa” itself is a fusion of “Cotopaxi,” an iconic Andean volcano, and “Toa,” a legendary Ecuadorian princess, symbolizing the strength and beauty of the nation’s culture. 

The menu at Cotoa is a testament to Chef Espinoza’s innovative approach. Dishes like the Langostino Salsero, featuring tender Ecuadorian langoustines in a zesty passion fruit sauce with green mango and almonds, showcase the country’s diverse flavors. The purple corn dough empanadas filled with goat ragu and tamarind stew, served with creamy labneh, are a delightful nod to traditional ingredients presented in a contemporary style. For dessert, the choco pop—a molten chocolate lava cake made with 70% Ecuadorian fine aroma chocolate, accompanied by passion fruit and chocolate sorbet—is a decadent finale that pays tribute to the country’s renowned cacao. 

Cotoa’s ambiance is as inviting as its menu. The 24-seat dining room exudes warmth and joy, creating an intimate setting for guests to savor their meals. The beverage program complements the culinary offerings with a curated selection of wines and craft beers from local Miami brewers, enhancing the dining experience. 

Cotoa is located at 12475 NE 6th Ct, North Miami, FL 33161. For more information, visit their official website.

Bar Bucce 

Little River has a new culinary gem, and it’s got Macchialina’s signature magic written all over it. Bar Bucce is a market, pizzeria, and bottle shop rolled into one—a vibrant hybrid concept from Chef Michael Pirolo and the award-winning team behind one of South Beach’s most beloved Italian spots. With its inviting “bar format” layout, Bar Bucce delivers a lively all-day affair: think artisanal espresso and grab-and-go Italian staples by day, and a laid-back pizza-and-wine haven by night.

At the heart of the space, spanning over 4,600 square feet inside and out, is a charming balance of form and function. The interior exudes a vintage Italian vibe with cement floors, exposed rafters, bespoke woodwork, and a custom-tiled bar that pays homage to 1960s architecture. Out back, a sprawling 120-seat garden patio complete with self-serve wine stations sets the stage for relaxed outdoor dining.

Bar Bucce’s pizza is already generating buzz, and for good reason. Chef Pirolo’s poolish-based dough undergoes a 72-hour fermentation, resulting in ultra-light, flavor-packed pies that are crisp yet delightfully chewy. Come early for a slice, or call ahead for a whole pie—these are destined to become a Miami essential.

Beyond the pizza, the market tempts with baked ziti, eggplant parm, hand-sliced salumi, and Italian pantry goods galore. Don’t skip the house-made pomodoro sauce or Jacqueline Pirolo’s custom ceramic candles. And when it comes to wine and spirits, expect an approachable selection of over 100 bottles and 20+ offbeat spirits, including rare amaros and sake—perfect for pairing with your next slice.

Bar Bucce is located at 7220 North Miami Avenue. For more information, visit their official website.

Donatella

Tucked inside the new Donatella Boutique Hotel, Donatella promises a stunning journey through the vibrant heart of Southern Italy. Executive Chef Alessandro Morrone channels the spirit of his Napoli roots into every dish, celebrating the simplicity, freshness, and passion that define Neapolitan cuisine. Signature plates, such as polipo al insalata, carpaccio gambero rosso, and the decadent black truffle cacio e pepe, transport guests straight to the Amalfi Coast. Meanwhile, hearty offerings like rigatoni nduja and the golden veal Milanese add a soulful richness to the experience.

The restaurant’s design is as captivating as the menu. Upon entry, guests are greeted by a chic Mediterranean-inspired bar that seamlessly transitions into the lush dining area, where golden accents, hand-painted murals, and mirrored ceilings conjure an atmosphere of elegant indulgence. The open kitchen buzzes with energy, allowing diners to watch as Chef Morrone’s time-honored techniques bring cherished family recipes to life. Whether gathering in the intimate private room or soaking up the lively ambiance of the main dining hall, Donatella offers an unforgettable ode to Italy’s coastal splendor.

Donatella is located at 1350 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL.  For more information, visit their official website.

Double Knot Miami

Wynwood just got a serious dose of Tokyo-meets-Philly cool with the arrival of Double Knot Miami, the latest from chef-restaurateur Michael Schulson and his acclaimed Schulson Collective. Nestled in the iconic Wynwood Walls, this South Florida debut is a bold evolution of the original Philadelphia izakaya concept—one that quickly became a culinary landmark after launching in 2016.

At Double Knot Miami, diners are treated to an electrifying izakaya experience with Japanese small plates, premium sushi, and robatayaki skewers served in a series of beautifully designed spaces. Signature dishes include A5 wagyu beef, black cod fried rice, crispy Japanese fried chicken, and playful east-meets-west creations like the cheesesteak bao—a cheeky homage to Schulson’s Philly roots.

Designed by Rohe Creative, the space seamlessly blends Japanese seaside serenity with Wynwood’s industrial flair. Think vaulted mosaic ceilings, raw concrete pillars, and plush, low-slung seating wrapped in bold floral prints and vintage tones. The 13-seat marble bar is a showstopper in itself, serving cocktails with a Japanese twist—like The Splice Knot with shishito vodka and ginger honey, or the smoky, spice-laced Double Knot made with bourbon and rye.

An intimate sushi bar offers guests a front-row seat to the art of crafting seasonal nigiri and sashimi, while the lounge and main dining room invite groups to linger over shared plates, crisp wines, or cold sake, in true izakaya spirit.

Double Knot Miami is located at 2550 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127. For more information or to reserve a table, visit their official website.