I have enjoyed fine dining in Miami, and the Amara at Paraiso is the best fancy restaurant here. It offers a high-end dining experience with its stylish decor, stunning waterfront location, and renowned chef Michael Schwartz’s Latin American-inspired cuisine. The restaurant has received critical acclaim for its inventive dishes, locally-sourced ingredients, and elegant presentation.
I’ve lived almost all my life in the South Beach area of Miami, and this region is known for its high concentration of fancy restaurants. But you don’t always have to come down here to visit Miami’s fanciest restaurant, especially if you currently reside in Brickell or Downtown Miami.
A fancy restaurant in Miami is typically defined by its exceptional cuisine, elegant decor, impeccable service, and upscale atmosphere. I have visited and reviewed seven of the fanciest restaurants in Miami based on affordability, location, cuisine experience, aesthetics, and average online reviews from other visitors. Here’s an overview:
Overview of the best fancy restaurants in Miami
| The best overall fancy restaurant in Miami | Amara at Paraiso |
| The most affordable fancy restaurant in Miami | Doya |
| The best fancy restaurants in the Miami Beach area | Jaya at The Setai, Miami Beach |
| Best Fancy Restaurants in Miami on Rooftop | Level 6 Rooftop |
| The most aesthetic restaurants in Miami | Little Hen |
1. Amara at Paraiso
- Address: 3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137
- Instagram username: @amaraatparaiso
- Telephone: 305-676-9495
- Website: amaraatparaiso.com
Amara at Paraiso remains one of the sleekest restaurants you can find in Miami today, especially if you’re around Wynwood, downtown, or the historic MiMo district. What makes this restaurant the best for being fancy? First, the attention to detail in the design of every corner—from the plush chairs and tables to the state-of-the-art lighting—and then the overall tranquil ambiance
The restaurant also boasts sweeping bay views, allowing you to soak up the Miami sunset as you enjoy your meal.
Chef Michael Schwartz deserves his flowers for the Amara at Paraiso. The waterfront gem features a menu of Latin-inspired fare. They also have a rooftop terrace during happy hour, whenever you forget to make reservations.
2. El Cielo at Brickell
- Address: 31 SE 5th St, Miami, FL 33131
- Instagram username: @elcielomiami
- Telephone: +1 786-694-9525
- Website: elcielomiami.com
El Cielo in the Brickell area of Miami is another fancy restaurant worth a shot. But I recommend it best if you’re looking to take your loved one on a unique, fine dinner date.
The Michelin-starred restaurant serves a 21-course dinner in one of the finest dining environments, worth every photo. The glitz and glam of the Elcielo restaurant match Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos’s innovative cuisine served in this restaurant.
3. CHICA
- Address: 5556 NE 4th Ct, Miami, FL 33137
- Instagram username: @chicarestaurants
- Telephone: +1 786-632-7725
- Website: chicarestaurant.com
Chica by chef Lorena Garcia also has its place among the fanciest restaurants in Florida’s most beautiful city. With the dim lighting, live music, and breeze flowing in from large opened windows, Chicago is a blessing to lovers residing in Miami’s Upper East Side.
The fanciness of these restaurants, in part, comes from the tall banquettes and ceilings, vibrant, jewel-toned furnishings, and specks of brass.
I also like the terracotta and mosaic tiles, which serve as a design nod to Latin American countries. The well-thought-out menu is the icing on the cake!
Fancy affordable restaurants in Miami
So if you want a fancy restaurant with a budget in mind, not all aesthetic restaurants will make it to your checklist. Here are a few of the best fancy restaurants in Miami you can visit without spending too much on the menu items.
4. Doya
- Address: 347 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127
- Instagram username: @doyarestaurant
- Telephone: (305) 501-2848
- Website: doyarestaurant.com
Located in Wynwood, Doya is perfect for big groups, first dates, patio situations, or if you want to eat in an Instagrammable restaurant. Of all the restaurants I’ve been to in Wynwood, Doya has to be the only one that’s super cute and reasonably priced. Of all the restaurants I’ve been to in Wynwood, Doya has to be the only one that’s super cute and reasonably priced. This is debatable, but that’s Wynwood for you.
From the lovely outdoor seating to the spacious dining room, this big Aegean restaurant has an impressive and neat appearance that will make you doubt the menu’s affordability. The menu predominantly features meze plates, but you won’t spend your monthly dining budget here. Very affordable.
5. Dreamer Acai Juice Matcha
- Address: 1225 20th St Ste1, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Address 2: 500 South Pointe Dr Miami Beach 33139
- Address 3: 480 NE 31st St Unit CU-1, Miami, FL 33137
- Instagram username: @dreamer_miami
- Telephone: +1 305-521-9703
- Website: dreamermiami.com
Dreamer Acai Juice Matcha is another great option for those looking for a fancy restaurant in Miami on a budget.
Their menu features a variety of healthy and delicious options, including acai bowls, smoothies, and matcha drinks.
The restaurant has a trendy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends or a date.
They have fresh and high-quality ingredients, unique flavor combinations, and friendly staff. But remember that this restaurant primarily focuses on healthy, plant-based options, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for more traditional or meat-heavy dishes.
The best fancy restaurants in Miami Beach
Are you looking for an upscale dining experience in Miami Beach? Here are my top recommendations:
6. Jaya at The Setai, Miami Beach
- Address: 2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Instagram username: @thesetaimiamibeach
- Telephone: +1 305-720-2125
- Website: https://www.thesetaihotel.com/miami-beach-restaurants/jaya
Jaya’s elegant and stylish decor and beautiful courtyard seating make for a memorable dining experience.
The extensive wine and cocktail list complements the food, and the knowledgeable staff will help you select the perfect pairing.
I also love the red-tinted interiors and courtyard that allow you to have the best dinner under the stars.
7. Byblos Miami
- Address: 1545 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Instagram username: @byblosmiami
- Telephone: +1-786-864-2990
- Website: https://byblosmiami.com/
Byblos’ modern take on Mediterranean cuisine and bold flavors set them apart from other fancy restaurants in the Miami Beach area.
The restaurant’s interior boasts an opulent and elegant atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or celebratory dinner. You’ll also love the creative cocktail program, which features exotic flavors and ingredients.
My favorite at this restaurant is the black truffle pide, branzino, and then the Rose Gulab cocktail.
This restaurant offers private dining options for a more intimate setting. It remains a wonder how they’ve been able to combine exceptional cuisine, luxurious ambiance, and attentive service.
Fancy Rooftop Restaurants in Miami
8. Level 6 Rooftop
- Address: 3480 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133
- Instagram username: @level6mia
- Telephone: 786-800-2080
- Website: https://level6miami.com/
It would be a surprise if you’re a diner in Coconut Grove and haven’t heard of Level 6. Anyone who has spent enough time in Coconut Grove will agree that a serious party atop a building is hard to find.
So it makes sense why Level 6 has quickly found its way as one of the best fancy restaurants in Miami on the rooftop.
If you want matchless Spanish tapas with expansive views out to Biscayne Bay, here’s your spot.
9. Juvia
- Address: 1111 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Instagram username:@juviamiami
- Telephone: (305) 763-8272
- Website: https://www.juviamiami.com/
The bespoke offering of Juvia as one of the best fancy restaurants is that it offers diners a wonderful view of central Miami, but this is not at the expense of delicious and creative fusion dishes.
Where you will sit in this restaurant is furnished with comfort and style in mind.
I love the wooden deck on the outdoor terrace. The floor-to-ceiling windows also add to the overall fanciness and aesthetics.
10. Watr on the Rooftop
- Address: 2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Instagram username:
- Telephone: 833.625.3111
- Website: https://www.1hotels.com/south-beach/taste/watr-at-the-rooftop
Hardly will you find a list of the best rooftop restaurants in Miami without an establishment representing the Miami Beach area. Watr at the 1 Rooftop is more often than not securing the spot.
Here, you overlook the ocean and soak in the breeze while enjoying delicious Peruvian-Japanese fare.
Aesthetic restaurants in Miami
11. Little Hen
A lady having her meal at the fancy Lady Hen restaurant Miami
Address: 3451 NE 1st Ave., Suite 100/102, Miami, FL 33137
Instagram username: @littlehen_
Telephone: +1 305-677-0584
Website: https://www.littlehen.com/
The outside space of this Little Hen restaurant is where the real aesthetics are. I like the floral arrangements around the dining environment; the benches also feature scattered floral cushions to sink into.
The restaurant has a serene environment that is Instagrammable, thanks to the ringed pale blue umbrellas.
Any picture you take at the bar stalls will nail it. The environment there is sophisticated. But the sinking chairs are perfect for selfies.
