We set out Miami's must visit dining institutions representing Miami's unique cultural and diverse dining scene.

Traditional eats at Joe's Stone Crab

The most famous crab shack in town. Open since 1913, Joe's Stone Crab is a quintessential dining institution in Miami - having withstood the test of time - and is still family run. Wait in line to be amply rewarded with some of the best stone crab available, served alongside sides like hash browns and creamed spinach and the infamous Key Lime Pie - renowned as the best in town - by old-school servers and welcoming atsmosphere. If you’re looking for a quick seafood fix, just head next door to Joe’s Take Away. Joe's is open only during stone crab season, October to May. 

Classic brunching at Fontana at The Biltmore Hotel 

This luxurious National Historic Landmark Resort was established in 1926 and set on 150 acres of lush tropical land. Having housed guests as notorious as Al Capone and as noteworthy as Franklin D. Roosevelt, The Biltmore Miami Coral Gables has remained one of the country's most historic hotels for nearly a century. The landmark Biltmore serves up one of the country's most celebrated and lavish Champagne brunches. Served in the stunning Fontana restaurant, dine indoors or alfresco in the courtyard. The extravagant buffet features endless delicacies and culminates with a wall of desserts with fresh, local ingredients dominating the menu. 

Authentic Cuban dining at Versailles

Miami has rightfully earned the nickname “Capital of Latin America and one of the city’s most beloved Cuban culinary institutions is the Versailles restaurant - a throwback landmark eatery in (aptly) Little Havana. Opened in 1971 and, since then, has become a Calle Ocho staple for both locals and tourists alike. The dining room is illuminated by golden chandeliers and surrounded by mirrors mimicking Versailles Palace's Hall of Mirrors in France. Enjoy authentic and delicious Cuban cuisine at reasonable prices - such as their superb sandwiches - at this historic, must-visit restaurant. 

Epic views at Juvia 

Parked atop the parking garage by Herzog & de Meuron at 1111 Lincoln Road, Juvia (pioctured) doesn't skimp out on its views of the city, with every seat showcasing a pleasant sight of what Miami has to offer. Operated by the team behind the popular French restaurant Bonito St. Barth in France, this penthouse restaurant and lounge fuses Asian, Latin and French cuisine on its delectable menu of crudos, raw bar and Binchotan charcoal grilled entrees. A lush vertical garden designed by internationally acclaimed botanist Patrick Blanc creates offers impressive greenery in the dining area while pops of purple enhance the otherwise all-white decor. Floor-to-ceilings help showcase the view inside, while the outdoor patio/lounge puts the scenery on display right out in the open. Epic. 

Waterfront dining at Smith & Wollensky 

The local outpost of Smith & Wollensky is on the southern end of Miami Beach, serving both lunch and dinner, featuring a traditional Smith & Wollensky menu of USDA Prime dry-aged steaks served up alongside premium seafood and award-winning wines. Head here for sublime outdoor dining on the waterfront, complete with sweeping views of exclusive Fisher Island and the Government Cut channel to the Atlantic. You can watch the cruise ships head out as you dine. In addition to its Dec bar, the restaurant has a waterfront café, outdoor patio and two floors of restaurant dining. Reservations recommended.

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