12 February 5-11, 2026 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | in New York or Japan, and some of the best pizzerias in the U.S. (The pizza scene in Mi- ami is so good that the world’s No. 1 pizzeria from Italy has just opened in Miami.) According to Tripadvisor, Miami earned its top-five ranking thanks to its eclectic mix of culture, nightlife, and globally influenced cuisine. “Miami is hot hot hot!” the site notes (and not just because of the weather). From sultry salsa-fueled nights and celeb- rity-owned restaurants, like Gekko in Brick- ell, to daytime beach strolls and pastel Art Deco architecture, the city offers a full sen- sory experience. Add a Cuban sandwich in Little Havana (check out this list of where to find the most iconic Cuban dishes in Miami), a stroll through Virginia Key Beach Park, and the city’s endless Latin, Caribbean, and inter- national fla- vors, and you’ve got a food destina- tion that’s impossible to pin down — in the best way. Miami’s dining scene thrives on contrasts: old-school Cuban ventanitas serving Cuban coffee next to sleek tasting menus, Haitian griot sharing the spotlight with omakase counters, and late-night croquetas holding their own against white-tablecloth fine din- ing. It’s chaotic, delicious, and deeply Miami. But here’s the plot twist no one saw coming. Joining Miami in the top five is another major tourism hub in the Sunshine State, but it isn’t Tampa, West Palm Beach, Naples, Delray Beach, or even Fort Lauderdale — it’s Orlando. The theme park capital of the world landed the fourth-best food destination spot on TripAdvisor’s list, proving that Florida’s culinary reputation now stretches far beyond areas that are close to the coast. Two Florida cities in the top five? The rest of the country might want to come hungry. As for the top three cities? They are New York City at No. 1, Las Vegas at No. 2, and Maui at No. 3. Every year, Tripadvisor analyzes millions of traveler reviews to determine which desti- nations, hotels, restaurants, and experiences truly rise above the rest. The Best of the Best designation represents the highest level of excellence on the platform.” Out of more than 8 million listings worldwide, fewer than 1 percent make the cut,” states the site. The 2026 awards celebrate everything travelers ate, drank, and discovered through- out 2025, spotlighting destinations that in- spire visitors to say “yes” to new flavors and unforgettable meals. And if eating your way through a city sounds like the perfect vaca- tion (hi, hello, same), Miami’s placement on the list makes perfect sense. NICOLE LOPEZ-ALVAR ▼ CORAL GABLES NEW MEXICO When Mario Bernal decided to open his first restaurant, he did not go looking for a flashy high-rise or a local strip mall. Instead, he found a house. Casa MX, which opened on January 24 at 2345 SW 37th Ave., occupies a former Coral Gables residence that has been converted into a 150-seat spot inspired by Mexico City. Executive chef Kevin Acosta has put together a menu that explores the diverse influences on cuisine in Mexico’s capital city, from its indigenous roots to global flavors. The kitchen splits the menu between small plates and large-format entrees. To start, the menu begins with duck confit flautas and queso fundido made with mezcal and rajas. The raw section includes options like ceviches and aguachile de pulpo with ci- lantro and jalapeño, as well as scallop tosta- das served with salsa cruda. A variety of tacos, ranging from confit pork shoulder to beef tongue, are served on house-made tortillas. For larger plates, the kitchen serves a pollo arabe kebab — a Mexican shawarma mari- nated chicken dish that’s a nod to the Middle Eastern influences found in Mexico City — served with bean hummus and Mexican tzatziki. Other options include costilla y cha- yote, featuring beef ribs with a guajillo beer glaze, and a whole pescado a la talla. The beverage program, led by Anthony Sanchez, is focused on agave spirits. While you can find a classic “Casa MX Margarita” topped with salt espuma, the bar also shakes up options like “Tigers Milk,” a blend of pisco, St. Germain, and clarified citrus. After a decade with the José Andrés Group and stints at The Setai and Barcelona Wine Bar, Mario Bernal is pivoting to a hospi- tality model rooted in home life. “The name Casa MX is really intentional,” Bernal says. “We really want our guests to feel at home the moment they step into the restaurant.” To nail the aesthetic, Bogotá-based archi- tect Manuel Lizarralde spent a month in Mex- ico City before transforming the 2,800-square-foot former residence. The re- sult is rooms decked in greens, earth tones, and rattan lighting. The design emphasizes a “fem- inine energy,” with floral art and portraits of women preserving culinary traditions. The layout boasts a 52-seat patio and an 86-seat dining room carved into several smaller spaces. “From the decor to the service style, and approachable price point, we want everyone to feel cozy and comfortable when they come into our house,” Bernal says. Casa MX. 2345 SW 37th Ave., Miami; casa- mxmiami.com. OLEE FOWLER Salar Creative photo Rosa Sky Rooftop photo Casa MX’s menu is inspired by the diverse flavors of Mexico City. Miami has been ranked among the best food destinations in the U.S. for its diversity, Latin influences, and nightlife. MIAMI’S DINING SCENE THRIVES ON CONTRASTS: OLD-SCHOOL CUBAN VENTANITAS SERVING CUBAN COFFEE NEXT TO SLEEK TASTING MENUS.
