When it comes to dining out, Miami knows how to bring the drama. In a city where flash and flavor go hand in hand, fine dining is as much about the spectacle as it is about the cuisine. In Miami, extravagance isn’t just a lifestyle—it’s an art form, and no place is this more evident than in its fine dining scene.
New research from international food magazine, Chef’s Pencil as reflected in the Miami New Times, reveals Miami ranks as the seventh most expensive city in the world for fine dining, with the average cost of a Michelin-starred meal clocking in at $257 per person on the mainland, and an even higher $265 on Miami Beach. (The priciest city, Copenhagen, tops the list at $443.)
Miami’s culinary scene isn’t just about high price tags though; it’s about delivering unforgettable experiences. And this is where Miami restaurant-goers are spoiled for choice, with dining options that transcend the plate to deliver something far more immersive. From Michelin-starred Korean barbecue to waterfront Mediterranean escapes, these restaurants curate not just meals, but memories.
Whether you’re indulging in flame-charred South American asado, hand-carved Norwegian king crab, or gold-dusted otoro, the city’s finest establishments transform ingredients into artistry and meals into theater. For those ready to splurge, these are Miami’s most extravagant dining experiences—each a masterclass in creativity, opulence, and the unique flair that defines this culinary capital.
The Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt
The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort isn’t just a hotel—it’s a piece of Miami Beach’s glitzy, golden history. Back in its heyday, this MiMo masterpiece played host to the Rat Pack, cocktail-sipping revelers, and anyone who could pull off a sharp suit or a little black dress. After a $450 million glow-up and another $25 million polish, the Carillon is shining again. With it comes the Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt, a 12-seat, Michelin-starred dining room that’s as extravagant as it is exclusive.
Chef Tristan Brandt, a Michelin magnet with accolades in Germany and Switzerland, teamed up with chef de cuisine Timo Steubing to create a tasting menu that’s as dazzling as the Carillon’s restored Art Deco glamour. And, priced at $285 per person, it’s a splurge. The menu is a testament to Brandt’s philosophy: the better the product, the less it requires. Each dish is a tiny work of art, blending modern French techniques with playful Asian influences. Case in point: the Royal Miyagi oyster, paired with liquid ice cream pearls and wasabi; and the Hawaiian shrimp with salted lemon skin, Parmesan cream, citrus gel, and a luxurious dollop of caviar.
Inside, the mid-century modern dining room is drenched in deep ocean blues with gilded details, serving as a cozy, yet glamorous space where the synchronized service feels like a dinner theater performance. While the food steals the show, the staff’s glove-clad, in-unison presentations add a little extra drama.
For those looking to elevate the evening, or just show off, the wine pairings ($135) add a new dimension to each dish. Alternatively, whiskey lovers can dive into the Macallan Experience, a curated flight of rare pours ranging from $34 to a jaw-dropping $2,375.
The Tambourine Room is the kind of place where you don’t just mark a special occasion—you make it. Is it pricey? Sure. Is it worth every penny? Absolutely. 6801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, carillonhotel.com
Ogawa Miami
At Ogawa Miami, the meal is more than food—it’s a gastronomic journey, a sensory immersion, and a love letter to Japan. Steps from the train tracks in Miami’s up-and-coming Little River neighborhood, this 10-seat omakase experience invites diners to leave the city behind and step into a tranquil Japanese retreat. With every detail steeped in tradition and intention, Ogawa is a portal to the heart of Osaka.
The brainchild of Master Chef Masayuki Komatsu, a culinary luminary handpicked by chef Morimoto himself, and co-owner Alvaro Perez-Miranda, Ogawa honors the sacred traditions of Edomae sushi while infusing the warmth and charm of Osaka’s kappo dining style. Kappo, which translates to “cut and cook,” isn’t only about technique, but about connection. Diners watch as the chefs deftly slice fish, grill delicacies, and craft artful nigiri while engaging in conversation that turns the meal into a dialogue, not just a service.
The omakase menu, priced at $350 per person, is a curated odyssey of seasonal ingredients, flown in directly from Japan’s famed Toyosu market. The experience begins with a quartet of appetizers that sets the tone for what’s to come: baby sea eels paired with a soy-cured quail egg, bigfin reef squid dressed in shiso-miso sauce, and wild yam tempura served with a rich langoustine-shell reduction. From there, the meal crescendos with eight to 10 impeccable nigiri pieces—think creamy ebodai, anago dusted with sansho pepper, and kisu as bright as a Tokyo morning— before closing with a hand roll, miso soup, and dessert.
It’s not just the food that captivates. Every inch of Ogawa has been designed to transport: from the private Japanese garden, meticulously tended by Ikebana artisans, to the stunning nihonga artworks by Ryota Unno, created with traditional pigments and rabbit-skin glue. Even the soft strains of Japanese jazz and lo-fi hip-hop on the speakers add to the ambiance, subtly blending refinement with relaxation.
Ogawa’s magic lies in the details: vintage Suntory whiskey bottles, calligraphy scrolls gifted to the chefs’ families, and a carefully curated sake list that pairs flawlessly with dishes like the buttery A5 Hitachi Wagyu. After dinner, step outside into the serene garden and sip a rare Suntory whiskey under the stars.
Rarely does a meal feel this moving, this personal, and this perfect. Ogawa Miami redefines fine dining, proving that luxury isn’t simply about the price tag, but the feeling you take with you long after the last bite. 7223 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, ogawamiami.com
Cote Miami
Cote Miami isn’t your typical steakhouse—it’s a Michelin-starred mashup of sizzling Korean barbecue and classic chophouse elegance. With accolades in both its New York City flagship and its Miami outpost, Cote has earned a reputation as America’s first Korean steakhouse, offering a dining experience where flavor and theatrics collide.
From the moment you step into the neon-lit hallway, pulsing with bass and ending in a mirror made for selfies, you know you’re in for a treat. A sleek dining room boasts state-of-the-art charcoal grills embedded in every table, a glowing red dry-aging room showcasing marbled masterpieces, and an oval bar well suited for a martini-fueled people-watching session.
The menu is a carnivore’s playground. For newcomers, the Butcher’s Feast ($72) is a must: four premium cuts of beef served with banchan, stews, egg soufflé, and a soft-serve finish. Feeling indulgent? The Steak Omakase ($225) delivers seven hand-picked cuts, from USDA Prime to Japanese A5 Wagyu, paired with vibrant sides. And for a major splurge, add on the Petrossian Royal Beluga Hybrid Caviar ($870) or the Grand Plateau seafood tower to elevate your evening.
Beyond the beef, dishes like the Kimchi Wagyu Paella ($34) and the playful Steak & Eggs appetizer ($62) — filet mignon tartare crowned with Kaluga Hybrid caviar on buttery milk toast—showcase the kitchen’s creativity. Add a cocktail, like the flamingo-garnished frosé, and you’re set for an unforgettable evening. 900 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, cotekoreansteakhouse.com
Casa Neos
For a slice of the Mediterranean dream on Miami’s burgeoning riverfront, Casa Neos offers a full-blown escape that feels plucked from the Aegean coast. This sprawling 30,000-square-foot waterfront retreat combines high-end dining, a members-only beach club, and boutique accommodations, all set against the shimmering Miami skyline. Add in a Dock & Dine option for arrival by boat, and you’ve got one of the city’s most glamorous destinations.
Casa Neos is the latest masterpiece from Riviera Dining Group, the team behind Michelin-starred Mila in South Beach. Designed by Barcelona-based visionary Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the restaurant feels like a Mediterranean villa brought to life. Think Venetian plaster walls, rustic furnishings, hand-painted ceramics, and Moroccan rugs, all bathed in the glow of the sunset reflecting off the river. Glass doors open to sweeping views of yachts gliding along the river, while the rooftop lounge, Noora, offers a sultry Moroccan-inspired escape with hand-crafted cocktails.
The menu, helmed by the illustrious chef Michaël Michaelidis, whose résumé glows with an astounding 26 Michelin stars, pays homage to sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean. His French-Greek roots shine in dishes that celebrate the flavors of the Mediterranean. Standout starters include the Whole Seabream Sashimi ($56), a dish dressed in amazu ponzu and basil calamansi sauce and the Vitello Tonnato ($35), a veal tenderloin with quail egg, tonnato sauce, capers, lemon, and crispy sage. For the main course, consider the Lobster Pasta ($70), featuring twirled spaghetti topped with grilled Maine lobster and a decadent bisque emulsion. For a true showstopper, the Whole Turbot ($325) is fileted tableside and served with a classic aioli, or a 52-ounce Wagyu Porterhouse ($350).
It’s a perfect reflection of the Miami River’s renaissance—a place where sunsets paint the skyline, the clinking sounds of wine glasses fill the air, and the dining room buzzes with a crowd that’s as stylish as the surroundings. The dress code is business casual, but expect fashion-forward diners fresh from luxury boutiques, blending effortlessly into the space’s elegant Mediterranean-meets-modern aesthetic. 40 SW North River Dr., Miami, casa-neos.com
Klaw
Surf meets turf in a setting as grand as the cuisine at Klaw, perched inside the historic Woman’s Club building. With Spanish Renaissance architecture, waterfront views of Biscayne Bay, and a menu that’s both indulgent and innovative, this Edgewater hotspot is redefining Miami’s steakhouse scene.
The star of the show is the Norwegian King Crab ($125 per pound), flown in live from the Barents Sea and housed in Klaw’s rooftop tanks. With the average male crustacean weighing around 6.4 lbs, and assuming the restaurant rounds up, that’s around $800. Served tableside with lemon garlic butter, these colossal crustaceans transform dinner into a spectacle. For those looking to sample a bit of everything, the Klaw Tower ($265) stacks oysters, chilled Australian prawns, bluefin tuna, along with the coveted king crab.
Klaw doesn’t stop at seafood. The steak program is a global affair, with cuts sourced from Nebraska, North Carolina, and even Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture. The Florida Cracker Cattle Striploin ($85), a nod to the state’s rich ranching heritage, offers a tender, juicy taste of history; while the Bone-In Ribeye ($255) and A5 Kobe Beef ($38 per ounce) cater to the most discerning carnivores. All steaks are dry-aged in-house and cooked over a live fire, paired with sauces like truffle and peppercorn.
The restaurant’s design, by Martin Brudnizki, marries rustic charm with luxury. Think dark woods, arched windows, and floor-to-ceiling views of Biscayne Bay. Across three floors, guests can explore the theater kitchen, private dining spaces honoring Miami’s founders, and Edgewater’s only rooftop bar. 1737 North Bayshore Dr., Miami, klawrestaurant.com
Gekkō
The moonlight-inspired name says it all: this is a restaurant made for the night. Housed on the ground floor of the SLS LUX Brickell, and brought to life by hospitality guru David Grutman and superstar Bad Bunny, this Japanese steakhouse is where elegance and extravagance collide. From the jewel-toned velvet booths to the eight-foot dragon mural and ambient red glow, Gekkō is pure Miami glamour.
The menu is just as showstopping as the space. Start with shared plates like the dramatic “Lava and Ice” Kumamoto Oysters ($34) topped with watermelon granita and spicy Fresno chiles; or the Wagyu Crispy Rice ($34). Sushi and sashimi include the flashy 24K Otoro, featuring fatty tuna topped with edible gold. When it’s time to go big, the A5 Kagoshima Ribeye (42 oz., $950) or the Wagyu Experience ($598) is the way to indulge. If you’re not in the mood for steak, Gekkō’s creamy and spicy lobster, or Dover sole meunière ($85) are equally luxurious.
Don’t sleep on the cocktails. Sip on a Cafecito con Leche ($24), a mix of vodka, Cuban coffee, and coquito; or the playful Love You Long Time ($55), a tropical blend of tequila, orgeat, and pineapple. For dessert, the $175 Signature Dessert Platter doubles as a centerpiece.
At Gekkō, Bad Bunny’s influence brings the star power, while Grutman’s hospitality expertise ensures every bite and sip feels unforgettable. It’s a restaurant where the line between dinner and nightlife blurs, making it a quintessential Miami experience. The vibe is pure celebrity allure, and the crowd lives up to it—David Beckham, Eva Longoria, and Kim Kardashian have all been spotted here. 8 SE 8th St., Miami, gekko.com
Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann
At Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann, fire is the soul of the experience. Fire takes center stage at this glamorous restaurant inside the Faena Hotel, where the celebrated Argentine grill master transforms the primal art of flame-cooking into an unforgettable culinary spectacle. The crackle of embers and the wafting aroma of charred herbs set the stage for a dining experience that feels like stepping into a Patagonian dream.
The open-air fire kitchen, designed exclusively for Mallmann, is a theater of wood and flame. From the eight-foot iron dome to the planchas and ash pits, every element amplifies the intensity and drama of live-fire cooking. Watch as chefs command the roaring flames to craft dishes like the 48-ounce Hanging Tomahawk Steak ($320); or the Wood-Fired Mixed Parrillada, a grand platter of skirt steak, ribeye, Mediterranean branzino, and Australian prawns. Vegetables get the same treatment. Imagine roasted cauliflower infused with smoky depth; and beets buried under coals for hours, while their sweetness gets intensified by the flames.
Every week, the Sunday Asado ($115 per person) transforms the Veranda terrace into a sensory haven. Guests feast on slow-cooked meats, flame-licked seasonal vegetables, and crispy domino potatoes while sipping unlimited Perrier-Jouët champagne and Faena wines. The ocean breeze carries the scent of wood smoke, live music drifts through the courtyard, and laughter mingles with the clink of Malbec glasses.
The setting is equally stunning. Beneath the shadow of Damien Hirst’s gilded mammoth sculpture, and surrounded by coral-encrusted columns and tropical motifs, the dining room’s red-and-gold opulence feels like stepping into an Argentine fairy tale. Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin’s dramatic touch is evident in every detail, from leopard-print banquettes to chandeliers that flicker with the energy of distant lightning strikes on the pampas. Whether you’re savoring buttery empanadas or marveling at the roaring flames, every bite feels imbued with the spirit of Argentina. 3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, faena.com
