20 February 26 - March 4, 2026 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | Café Panisse South Miami This tiny French bistro is the definition of a neighborhood treasure. Handwritten re- ceipts, baguettes served in brown paper bags, and a bell rung for birthdays set the tone for a charming, old-school dining experience. Cozy, classic, and fiercely beloved by regulars who have been coming here week after week for years. 7310 SW 57th Ave.; South Miami; 305-665-3322. Cotoa North Miami Chef Alejandra Espinoza rei- magines Ecuadorian cuisine through a global lens at this vi- brant North Miami standout. Rooted in tradition but driven by technique and creativity, each dish tells a story of Ecua- dor’s diverse culinary heritage. It’s soulful, progressive, and deeply personal. 12475 NE 6th Ct.: North Miami; cotoa.rest. Fiorito Little Haiti Brothers Cristian and Maximiliano Alvarez bring the warmth of an Argentine family kitchen to Little Haiti. Expect expertly grilled meats, comforting pastas, and straightforward flavors that let quality ingredients shine. It feels like dinner at a friend’s house… if your friend happens to make one of the best steaks in town. 5555 NE Second Ave.; Little Haiti; 305- 754-2899; fioritomiami.com. Los Félix Coconut Grove One of Joe Jonas’ favorite restaurants in Mi- ami, this Michelin-starred Coconut Grove hotspot blends sustainability, vinyl-fueled en- ergy, and serious culinary craft. The open kitchen and late-night DJ sets give it a mag- netic vibe, while the menu showcases deeply rooted Mexican flavors with refined precision. It’s nostal- gic, vibrant, and unmistak- ably Miami. 3413 Main Highway; Coconut Grove; 786- 391-1598; losfelixmiami.com. Niu Kitchen Downtown This intimate Downtown spot has built a devoted following for its refined take on Catalan cuisine. Niu Kitchen delivers bold Spanish flavors through thoughtful small plates, a standout wine list, and an effortlessly chic dining room. It’s trans- portive without being theatrical, just deeply good food done with precision. 104 NE Second Ave.; Downtown; 786-717-6711; niukitchen.com. Shaddai Fine Lebanese Cuisine Pinecrest Shaddai brings the warmth and generosity of Lebanese hospitality to Pinecrest. Expect vibrant mezze spreads, charcoal-grilled spe- cialties, and fragrant spices that anchor ev- ery dish in tradition. Elegant yet welcoming, it’s a destination for both celebratory din- ners and leisurely family-style feasts. 9519 S. Dixie Highway; Pinecrest; 786-401-7714; shaddaimiami.com. Tropical Chinese Restaurant Westchester A Miami institution, Tropical Chinese has evolved over the years with tasteful aes- thetic upgrades, expanded dining space, and a more developed bar and cocktail pro- gram. What hasn’t changed is the food. From what many consider the best dim sum in Miami at brunch or lunch to a Peking duck that never disappoints, the flavors re- main as authentic and satisfying as ever. 7991 Bird Rd.; Westchester; 305-262-7576; tropicalchinesemiami.com. [email protected] Cotoa Photo by Monica Varela T O P RESTAURAN TS
