Between Little Havana and Little Haiti, Miami has many eclectic neighborhoods, all of which serve their own, cuisine. Read our list to discover the best restaurants in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Miami, Florida.
With a warm and inviting atmosphere, NiDo Caffé is the perfect place to get your fix of delicious Italian cuisine. The quaint cafe serves brunch, lunch, dinner menu items, including panini sandwiches, antipasti, pasta, fresh fish, soups, salads, and various entree dishes and appetizers. But, the best thing about NiDo is that it’s two-in-one; the restaurant doubles as a mozzarella bar. Munch on the fresh mozzarella, accompanied by garlic marinated tomatoes, prosciutto, fresh vegetables, grilled ham, endives, and more. Sit out on the homey patio, which is nestled underneath lush trees and lit by cozy candles. Here, enjoy a mozzarella platter, freshly roasted Italian coffee, or tasty tiramisu.
Want to indulge, but don’t want all of the calories? The Gourmet Station prepares a menu of fresh, healthy, and delicious meals that are big in flavor, but small in calorie count. The restaurant’s specialty is sandwiches, including their popular steak sandwich, Waldorf chicken sandwich, and Italian club. In addition to sandwiches, The Gourmet Station offers include fresh fish, various meat and vegetarian entrees, pastas, salads, and wraps. Don’t forget about dessert. The double fudge brownies are to die for, as is the carrot cake. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delectable treat. The low calorie treats can be enjoyed guilt-free.
Getting off after a long day of work? Avoid the crowded, noisy bars and stop by Winewood instead. The neighborhood wine bar provides a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere to enjoy a refreshing drink, as well as delicious international grub straight off the grill. The restaurant is new to the area, but has gotten a lot of attention from the locals who love their gourmet dishes, including mussels, chicken marsala, and the famous Spanish tapas plate. Pair your meal with a premium glass of wine, direct from the onsite cellar, or try their delicious sangria. With rustic furniture, countless strands of twinkle lights, and heat lamps for the chillier nights, the outdoor terrace creates the perfect ambiance to enjoy food, wine, and conversation. Be on the look out for live musical performances.
First established as a wildly popular food truck, Ms. Cheezious has found roots in an Upper East Side restaurant. Now, customers always know where to find them. The Ms. Cheezious Restaurant serves gourmet, artisan grilled cheeses. Order signature sandwiches, such as the Grilled Blue & Bacon, Frito pie Melt, Mackin Melt, Crabby Cheese Melt, and Southern fried Chicken & Waffle Melt. If none of those, or the countless other sandwiches, strike your fancy, you have the option to build you own grilled cheese. Select your bread, favorite cheeses, and meat and vegetable additions. Pair your sandwich with a delicious side, such as tomato soup or chili, and then finish off your meal with dessert; the ‘S’mores Melt’ is a popular choice. Lastly, Ms. Cheezious still operates their food truck, so if you find yourself out on the road with a hankering for a grilled cheese, check their website for current locations.
Open for more than 10 years, this family-friendly restaurant serves delicious artisan pizza, which is prepared fresh daily in a deluxe brick oven. Their pizzas are available in three different sizes, ranging from 10-16 inches. They also come in a variety of styles. Try the ‘New Yorker,’ ‘Brooklyn Special,’ ‘Putanesca,’ ‘Ratatouille,’ ‘Godfather,’ and more. Andiamo features about 30 different signature pies on their menu, all with different cheeses, meats, vegetables, and toppings. If you have trouble deciding, you can always make your own pizza. Pair your pie with a crisp salad and refreshing beverage. Or, don’t order pizza at all. Andiamo also serves panini sandwiches, homemade meatballs, and other appetizers. Top it all off with a rich dessert, such as the fudge brownie with Italian truffle ice cream.
Miami may have South Beach, but that’s nothing compared to South America – so take a trip to Argentina when you visit Lo de Lea. The grill and steakhouse prepares authentic Argentinean meals, such as empanadas, cheese and chorizo platters, lomo, paraillada, and chim-churries. There are also pastas, salads, fish, and desserts available. Of course, the steak is delicious and a must try. Lo de Lea also has a kid’s menu, so your little ones won’t be left out. Order your food online and have it delivered right to your door, or order ahead and pick it up at the restaurant. You can also dine-in at Lo De Lea; the space is small, but provides a cozy atmosphere to enjoy the delicious food.
Located on the banks of Miami’s Little River, Big Fish is a fine-dining restaurant with a waterfront view. The ambiance melds Caribbean paradise with big city luxury. The menu features classic Italian dishes, including pastas, and signature soups and salads. However, being so close to the river, it’s no surprise that the restaurant’s real specialty is their fresh fish. Try everything from mussels to tuna tartare to baked lobster, to grilled salmon. The seafood is prepared perfectly, and can be paired with grilled vegetables, potatoes, or sautéed spinach. Top off your meal with a sweet dessert and hot Italian coffee. With its romantic setting, Big Fish is a great place for date night or to celebrate a special occasion.
Via Verdi Cucina Rustica is the place to go for authentic Italian cuisine, a warm and rustic atmosphere, and reasonable prices. Start off with an appetizer, such as the bruschetta or smoked proscuitto. Save money by ordering five appetizers for $20; the whole table will be happy. After your starters, fill up on the main dish. Order a large salad, featuring grilled octopus, calamari, smoked salmon, fried calamari, or grilled chicken. For the carb lovers, dine on fresh pastas, including the risotto, gnocchi, and lasagna. No matter what you order, there is guaranteed to be a nice glass of wine on the menu to pair your meal with. Save the best for last by ordering the gelato or tiramisu for dessert. Be on the look out for the lunch specials, as well as a brunch menu and happy hour specials.
LOBA is good at two things: making delicious food, and providing a creative dining space to enjoy that food in. The cute and cozy restaurant has a cafe vibe, with each wall lined with filled bookshelves, and the parts that aren’t covered with books are warm and rustic. Pop in for a quick bite and a good read. LOBA puts a twist on New American and Latin American fare, creating items such as grilled octopus, fresh fish, slow-cooked pork ribs, a signature burger, and chicken wings, in a modern way. The farm-to-table restaurant also serves craft beer and wine, and artisan cocktails during brunch. Be sure to sample ‘Frida’s Secret,’ a spicy Mexican chocolate brownie served with sweet corn ice cream and chocolate corn flakes.
Looking for some good old-fashioned American grub? Look no further than Dogma Grill. The casual restaurant serves hot dogs and burgers fresh off the grill. Pull up to their takeout window for carryout, or dine out on the patio under the big umbrellas. There are at least 15 specialty hot dogs on the menu, including a simple beef dog, turkey frank, smoked Polish sausage, Italian sausage, and bratwurst. Several signature burgers are also available, in addition to sandwiches, hoagies, and side orders. The chili cheese fries and golden onion rings are particularly delicious and pair perfectly with everything on the menu. This is a great place for kids as well as for late-night dining.
