By: Charlotte Trattner By: Charlotte Trattner | December 13, 2022 | Food & Drink Eat Drink Guide
Miami's culinary community continues to thrive, offering locals and visitors alike the chance to travel the world through a gastronomy experience. However, few do it better than Miami's growing Mediterranean scene. Pulling inspiration from Greek, Italian, Israeli and the Middle East, these Mediterranean restaurants are the perfect way to indulge in the new year.
Estiatorio Ornos
Escape to Greece this holiday season without leaving Miami. At Estiatorio Ornos, a Michael Mina restaurant, you can experience a sensory pleasure full of delicious fresh fish and beloved Mediterranean specialties. The restaurant serves genuine Greek dishes and offers indoor and outdoor dining areas perfect for Miami's winter months. Featuring a thoughtfully curated menu, Estiatorio Ornos will also be home to South Florida's first fish sommelier. 19565 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura / Website
Doya
Featuring a modern Aegean menu, this Wynwood hotspot and Michelin Guide ‘Bib Gourmand’ recipient celebrates the Meze culture while taking inspiration from the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Created by the co-founder and former executive chef of Mandolin Aegean Bistro with Cecconi's general manager Jerry Bock, Doya's dishes are prepared over a wood fire and coals with simple ingredients and bold flavors. Offering an upscale but unfussy approach Doya's vibe is all about enjoying delicious food with those you love paired with chic interior designs with a variety of seating options for every type of diner. Serving a variety of shareable dishes from vegetables, meat and fish, Doya brings classic Greek flavors to Miami's artistic neighborhood. 347 NW 24th St., Miami / Website
Motek Café
With locations in Downtown Miami and Aventura, this Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurant delivers wholesome, fresh and kosher options. Motek, which means sweetheart in Hebrew, has a menu serving must-try staples, including hummus, Moroccan fish, and matboucha. The family-owned business elevates Miami's fast-casual dining culture, all while delivering delicious and fresh Mediterranean options. 36 NE First St., Miami, 19565 Biscayne Blvd., Aventure / Website
KAÏA Greek Restaurant
Featuring exceptional Greek dishes, this new concept brought by SP Hospitality Group introduces a casual and elevated dining experience centered around mouth-watering Aegean dishes made with quality ingredients. KAÏA, which translates to "from the earth," features fresh and farm-to-table classics, all embodying beautiful things the Earth provides. Also serving specialty Greek cocktails and wine, all curated by a Greek sommelier, this conceptualized concept brings a piece of Greece to Coral Gables. 232 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables / Website
TUR Kitchen,
This chic Coral Gables restaurant takes you on a world tour, drawing inspiration from Southern France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Lebanon, Israel, Turkey and North Africa. Dedicated to honoring the flavors and cultural history of these regions, TUR Kitchen delivers sustainably-driven ingredients combining a mix of textures from across the Mediterranean. Employing classic and modern culinary techniques, this restaurant continues to excel with a range of dishes, including seasonal root vegetables, crispy saffron rice, leg of lamb and even goat. 259 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables / Website
Estiatorio Milos
With over eight locations, Estiatorio Milos is known for delivering authentic and elevated Greek cuisine to its patrons. Serving Greek traditions paired with classic techniques and premium ingredients, Milos goes above and beyond, providing an unparalleled culinary experience. Located in Miami's South of Fifth neighborhood, Milos specializes in fresh fish seafood found by local fishermen while also serving classic Greek dishes. 730 First St., Miami Beach / Website
KÓMMA Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar
Inspired by the idyllic Mediterranean, KOMMA's unique garden is the perfect place for a light dinner, casual get-together or elegant occasion. Providing an unparalleled celebratory culinary experience, this Miami Beach dining destination offers a diverse menu that transports you to Greece without leaving the beach. Ranging from whole fish to plates of pasta and traditional Greek cuisine, you cannot go wrong at KOMMA. 560 Washington Ave., Miami Beach / Website
The Drexel
Set to transport you to the glitz and bygone era of Miami Beach, The Drexel is built on the corner of the historical 1920s village. The characterized restaurant transports you to the Mediterranean coast while serving elegant and uncomplicated European dishes. Chef Nano Crespo perfectly masters rustic cooking that honors his home. Serving fresh and innovative recipes, some must-try dishes include mussels with saffron broth, fennel and tomato; lamb chops with tzatziki and cucumber salad; the Heirloom Tomato Salad with avocado, hearts of palm, and kalamata olives; wild prawns with fresh herbs and lemon complete with a well-curated cocktail list. 1436 Drexel Ave., Miami Beach / Website
Fabel
This all-new rooftop restaurant and lounge feature an Israeli and Greek-inspired menu curated by executive chef Ian Fleischmann. Brought to Miami by Matthew Rosenberg's award-winning M-Rad Architecture firm, Fabel Miami draws inspiration from the beaches of South France and Greek islands, culminating in a beautiful sanctum that combines old-world glamour with the high energy of its Wynwood location. While there, make sure to feast on menu highlights such as roasted chicken, crispy cauliflower tagine, beet salad and, of course, the world-class cocktail program and wine list. 50 NW 23rd St., Miami / Website
Avra Estiatorio
This highly acclaimed and newly-opened Greek restaurant at The Estates at Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach is truly more than a restaurant. As the fifth location, with its first behind in Manhattan, the culinary oasis transports diners to Greece's idyllic landscape through its setting and cuisine. Inspired by seaside tavernas that dot Greece's coastal islands, the chic restaurant features an extensive menu composed of fresh seafood, vegetables and hand-pressed extra-virgin olive oil; Avra is a perfect addition to Miami's culinary scene. Pro-tip, indulge in the lobster pasta made with Maine lobster, light tomato sauce and delicious linguini. 17945 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach / Website
Joia Beach
Photography by: Photo By: Edgar Castrejon
