Miami is one of my favorite cities! As a Florida local, I love that you get the Florida feel with the big city vibe. My favorite area is the very walkable Coconut Grove, also known as Miami’s oldest neighborhood. I’m always immediately charmed by the tree-lined streets, peacocks roaming, sidewalk cafes, and the gorgeous marina. There are so many things to do and see within the city of Miami — this post will cover everywhere I’ve been within Miami, with a slight focus on The Grove since that’s where I spend most of my time.
Over the past few years, I have been fortunate to spend some time in Miami. Like I said, we spend most of our time in Coconut Grove when we visit, but we love venturing out to Wynwood and Brickell! Today, I wanted to share some of my absolute favorite spots in Miami with you:
A Florida Local’s Recs: Where to Eat
When we’re in Miami, we always eat the most AMAZING food. I’m seriously craving it as we speak – ready to go back just to eat! Here are some of my favorite restaurants in each area of the city, recommended specifically by Florida locals:
Coconut Grove
LuLu in the Grove: We eat at Lulu’s pretty much every other meal when we’re in Miami. It is by far my favorite brunch spot in the Grove. I ALWAYS order the pesto parmesan omelette with potatoes and a bagel on the side
Green Street Cafe: We never miss a brunch at Greenstreets when we are in Miami! Green Street Cafe is a Coconut Grove staple with a great atmosphere for brunch. I always order the caramelized banana pancakes but I’ve also tried out the ham and cheese omelet which did not disappoint! And their potatoes are amazing.
Fireman Derek’s: I have an absolute obsession with Fireman Derek’s pies – especially their Salty Monkey Pie. Their original location is in Wynwood so you can stop by there too if you’re visiting the Walls.
Taurus: Another great spot in the grove. My pizza here was delicious! It was spinach, lemon, and mozzarella cheese with sea salt. So tasty!
Bellini at Mr. C: Great spot for fun drinks and great eats! Views are top-notch.
Ariete: A great spot for brunch in the Grove – the Frida Benedict was fantastic!
Peacock Garden: One of my favorite spots for dinner in the Grove. They have fantastic cocktails – especially if you like a Moscow Mule. The garden is my favorite spot to sit – amazing ambiance!
Glass & Vine: Another great spot to outdoor dine in Coconut Grove! Another common theme – they have great cocktails. Last time I went, I had the Bay View Spritz – made up of Fos Greek Mastiha, Fresh Lemon, Mint, Prosecco – so refreshing. Their watermelon salad is also delish!
Sweetgreen: A fabulous new addition to the Grove! I’m obsessed with the kale caeser.
Planta Queen: Faves included bottomless sake sangria, bang bang broccoli, cauliflower tots, torched & pressed roll, spicy tuna roll, spinach shitake dumplings, and my personal fave, the truffle udon noodles.
Coral Gables
Bachour: Bachour is amazing if you love sweets! I love stopping by to grab some macaroons, a latte, and of course, chocolate croissants. They have a gorgeous flower wall that is very Instagram worthy!
Wynwood
Black Brick Chinese: Black Brick had such a great atmosphere and location in Wynwood! The food was delicious, especially the explosive chicken wings and fried rice!
Coyo Taco (also available in Brickell): Coyo Taco is our go-to spot in Wynwood! I got chicken tacos but I got to taste their burrito bowl and it was delicious. They also have a few other locations throughout the city!
Joe and the Juice (also in Brickell): I grabbed a refreshing green juice last time I was in Wynwood to help me power through as I visited the Walls! So good.
The Salty Donut: The Nutella donut changed my life.
Little Hen: The most aesthetic brunch spot in town & traditional afternoon tea. Highly recommend the rose petal pancakes!
Brickell
American Social: We have American Social in Tampa too but the location in Brickell is stunning. It is right on the waterfront and trust me, you’ll love watching all the yachts go by as you sip bottomless mimosas! Perfect boujee brunch experience.
North Italia: The yummiest Italian food and gorgeous interior atmosphere.
Casa Florida: Get the ultimate Florida local experience! The cutest spot for cocktails! Casa Florida has all the old-Florida vibes and even an old converted bus for the fun photo opps!
Calle Ocho
- Versailles: The most amazing Cuban food! Versailles is very famous and for good reason. The guava pastries are some of the best I’ve ever had! And you have to try the Cuban coffee – just don’t drink too much, it’s strong!
A Florida Local’s Recs: Where to Drink
Coffee
Panther Coffee: I love Panther Coffee mostly for their cold brew! If you are a coffee enthusiast, this is definitely the place to be.
Mr. Baguette: The most Instagram-worthy coffee shop in Wynwood!
Beer
- Butcher Shop and Beer Garden: A great place to grab a beer – did I mention they have beer towers?
- Concrete Beach Brewery: An awesome local brewery – I love to get beer flights here and try a bunch of different drinks!
Cocktails
- Astra: Astra is a great rooftop bar located in Wynwood! It is the perfect Miami experience with gorgeous tropical decor.
- Area 31: Area 31 is a fun rooftop bar in Brickell! I’ve heard they have a great happy hour too.
A Florida Local’s Recs: What To Do
Wynwood Walls: One of the most iconic spots in Miami, Wynwood Walls features murals by artists from around the world. A hugely popular tourist destination, the Walls are a stunning display of art. What I love is that the walls extend far past the boundaries of the “exhibit.” The entire Wynwood area is full of street art!
Fairchild Botanical Gardens: A gorgeous spot full of Miami’s most lush, tropical greenery. I love to walk around here and see all of Miami’s nature. There is a great butterfly garden and Chihuly art on display!
Check out the Design District! There’s lots of cool spots, great food, shopping, and murals!
Grab an Icee from A.C. Icee’s – A.C.’s Icees is a local favorite for cooling off on a hot day! The food truck has been stationed in Kennedy Park for years! One thing to note is that it is cash only. This is THE Florida local experience in Miami!
A Florida Local’s Recs: Where to Shop
Brickell City Centre: Brickell City Centre is a whoooooole experience. Highly recommend bottomless mimosas at AmSo and walking over to Brickell City Centre for a little buzzed shopping – not speaking from experience or anything 😉 They have all the luxury department stores, a huge Zara, Kendra Scott, and of course, Sephora!
Coconut Grove: FP Movement, LoveShackFancy, and lots of cute local boutiques!
The Shops at Merrick Park: Merrick Park is probably my favorite place to shop in Miami. I love the outdoor shopping experience and the fact that they have a huge Nordstrom that is, wait for it, DOG FRIENDLY!
Lincoln Road: The quintessential Miami Beach shopping experience!
Sawgrass Mills: Sawgrass Mills is a little outside of Miami, located in Sunrise. However, in my opinion, it is well worth the trip if you love a good deal! The entire place is outlets. The most memorable for me was the Lululemon Outlet (deals like I’ve never seen before) and the Tory Burch Outlet.
Dadeland Mall: A classic – if you’re looking for a traditional shopping experience with every store you could ever think of, Dadeland is your place!
Where To Stay
Miami has tons of awesome AirBNB’s. Get $65 towards your first stay with AirBNB by clicking here to sign up! I would recommend staying in Coconut Grove, Wynwood, or Brickell.
We always drive by the Mr. C Hotel in Coconut Grove and it looks lovely. I’ve heard they have a great brunch and rooftop pool! I stayed at the Fontainebleau once in Miami Beach and it was absolutely stunning. All the Art Deco vibes – definitely a great spot for the Miami Beach luxury experience.
Where I’d Like to Visit Next Time
While this is definitely a more extensive guide, there are still so many amazing restaurants and things to do in Miami that I haven’t gotten to try yet! Here are a few spots still on my list of places to visit:
Versace Mansion: Just once, I want to have a super boujee dinner or drinks experience here. I am fascinated by both fashion and history, so I think this would be an awesome experience!
Vizcaya: Vizcaya is a historical museum and gardens dating way back in 1916 on the waterfront in Miami. We always drive past it – but we’ve never made it there! Maybe next time.
Making Plans?
I hope that you all will make it to Miami and enjoy the city as much as I do! Drop your Miami recommendations for here – I’d love to check them out next time I’m in town!
Bit by the travel bug?
Check out some of my past vacay posts here:
