
Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita
If the literary reference alone doesn't pique your interest, the eclectic menu and open rooftop terrace will. Located in a repurposed 1920's firehouse, the downstairs portion ("Lolita") is cafe and deli by day, lounge by night. Upstairs, "Dolores" offers indoor and outdoor dining, with a constantly-changing menu sure to appeal to any taste.

Whether you're looking to take in some of the best eats Miami has to offer or just a quiet place to grab a drink and do some networking, we've got you covered. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Mignonette
Good seafood is not hard to find in Miami, but Mignonette is one name that you'll find time and again amongst the best-of-the-best rankings. Don't let the simple, laid-back atmosphere fool you; Mignonette serves up an extensive selection of fresh oysters, lobster and other local seafood--all simply prepared but sure to leave you wanting more.

Fooq's
Not sure what cuisine you're in the mood for but know that you want it to be good? Fooq's is your best bet. The menu is a delightful mix of Persian, Mediterranean, Italian offerings--international flavors made with locally sourced ingredients. If you're not feeling quite so adventurous, no one will blame you for ordering a burger, described in one review as "short rib, brisket, and skirt steak so juicy its savory drippings soak the toasty brioche."

Versailles
Okay, this one borders on touristy, but there's a reason! Located in the heart of Little Havana, Versailles has been serving up authentic Cuban staples for nearly 50 years, earning it a reputation as "the world's most famous Cuban restaurant." Get up early and head over for a croqueta and cafecito, or stop in for lunch and order one of the best Cuban sandwiches you'll ever experience.
Advertisement

The Broken Shaker
Any cocktail is made better by the atmosphere in which its enjoyed. The Broken Shaker's laid-back vibe has earned it plenty of praise, including a ranking of No. 1 Best Bar in America 2018 by the Daily Meal. "It's not the velvet slipper and smoking jacket type of cocktail club some out-of-towners may be used to," writes Miami Eater. "Patrons sip their drinks scattered around the pool and beneath the over-growth."

Joe's Stone Crab
In operation for more than a century, Joe's is a South Florida staple for locals and tourists alike. The only thing you need to know about the menu is that it's stone crab season from mid-October to mid-May. They don't take reservations, so the waits can be long. Maybe stop in for lunch before your flight out? Or, try your luck with one of the locals' list of rumored tricks and tips to get past the Maitre D'.

GG's Waterfront
Want to get away from the crowds downtown and truly unwind? Grab an Uber and head up the coast to GGs Waterfront, located on Hollywood Beach. GG's overlooks the Intracoastal waterway, where diners can enjoy not only a beautiful waterfront view but also the traffic--in this case, luxury yachts. If you can peel your eyes away, check out the award-winning wine list and extensive menu of fresh seafood.

Jaguar Sun
It may be located in the lobby of an apartment building, but Jaguar Sun is more than just a convenient watering hole for residents. It's combination of creative cocktails and stellar menu has earned it Miami Eater Awards "Bar of the Year" honors, as well as a place on multiple "Best Restaurants of 2018" lists.

Seek + Find
From alligator corn dogs to bison and boar bolognese, Seek + Find'sexotic meu is coupled with an equally adventurous cocktail list (enjoy one or two in the speakeasy upstairs). Located in Coral Gables, you'll want to catch a Lyft or Uber, but it's well worth the trip. Need more convincing? How about this poetry from their website: "Ours is a place to take your time and savor each bite of an enchanting dinner, to tease your evening from the moment you step in. We invite you slink into the late night among the crumbling grandeur of our urban landscape, and spoil yourself in every single way."
Advertisement

Sugar
Have an appetite for amazing views? You can't go wrong with any of Miami's rooftop bars, but Sugar, sitting 40 floors above street level atop EAST hotel in Brickell, might dwarf them all. From the top, you can see Hard Rock Stadium, South Beach, and as far west as the Everglades. The atmosphere and cocktail menu share an Asian theme--how about a refreshing Thai iced tea spiked with whiskey?

Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita
If the literary reference alone doesn't pique your interest, the eclectic menu and open rooftop terrace will. Located in a repurposed 1920's firehouse, the downstairs portion ("Lolita") is cafe and deli by day, lounge by night. Upstairs, "Dolores" offers indoor and outdoor dining, with a constantly-changing menu sure to appeal to any taste.

Whether you're looking to take in some of the best eats Miami has to offer or just a quiet place to grab a drink and do some networking, we've got you covered. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Mignonette
Good seafood is not hard to find in Miami, but Mignonette is one name that you'll find time and again amongst the best-of-the-best rankings. Don't let the simple, laid-back atmosphere fool you; Mignonette serves up an extensive selection of fresh oysters, lobster and other local seafood--all simply prepared but sure to leave you wanting more.

Fooq's
Not sure what cuisine you're in the mood for but know that you want it to be good? Fooq's is your best bet. The menu is a delightful mix of Persian, Mediterranean, Italian offerings--international flavors made with locally sourced ingredients. If you're not feeling quite so adventurous, no one will blame you for ordering a burger, described in one review as "short rib, brisket, and skirt steak so juicy its savory drippings soak the toasty brioche."

Versailles
Okay, this one borders on touristy, but there's a reason! Located in the heart of Little Havana, Versailles has been serving up authentic Cuban staples for nearly 50 years, earning it a reputation as "the world's most famous Cuban restaurant." Get up early and head over for a croqueta and cafecito, or stop in for lunch and order one of the best Cuban sandwiches you'll ever experience.
Advertisement

The Broken Shaker
Any cocktail is made better by the atmosphere in which its enjoyed. The Broken Shaker's laid-back vibe has earned it plenty of praise, including a ranking of No. 1 Best Bar in America 2018 by the Daily Meal. "It's not the velvet slipper and smoking jacket type of cocktail club some out-of-towners may be used to," writes Miami Eater. "Patrons sip their drinks scattered around the pool and beneath the over-growth."

Joe's Stone Crab
In operation for more than a century, Joe's is a South Florida staple for locals and tourists alike. The only thing you need to know about the menu is that it's stone crab season from mid-October to mid-May. They don't take reservations, so the waits can be long. Maybe stop in for lunch before your flight out? Or, try your luck with one of the locals' list of rumored tricks and tips to get past the Maitre D'.

GG's Waterfront
Want to get away from the crowds downtown and truly unwind? Grab an Uber and head up the coast to GGs Waterfront, located on Hollywood Beach. GG's overlooks the Intracoastal waterway, where diners can enjoy not only a beautiful waterfront view but also the traffic--in this case, luxury yachts. If you can peel your eyes away, check out the award-winning wine list and extensive menu of fresh seafood.

Jaguar Sun
It may be located in the lobby of an apartment building, but Jaguar Sun is more than just a convenient watering hole for residents. It's combination of creative cocktails and stellar menu has earned it Miami Eater Awards "Bar of the Year" honors, as well as a place on multiple "Best Restaurants of 2018" lists.

Seek + Find
From alligator corn dogs to bison and boar bolognese, Seek + Find'sexotic meu is coupled with an equally adventurous cocktail list (enjoy one or two in the speakeasy upstairs). Located in Coral Gables, you'll want to catch a Lyft or Uber, but it's well worth the trip. Need more convincing? How about this poetry from their website: "Ours is a place to take your time and savor each bite of an enchanting dinner, to tease your evening from the moment you step in. We invite you slink into the late night among the crumbling grandeur of our urban landscape, and spoil yourself in every single way."
Advertisement

Sugar
Have an appetite for amazing views? You can't go wrong with any of Miami's rooftop bars, but Sugar, sitting 40 floors above street level atop EAST hotel in Brickell, might dwarf them all. From the top, you can see Hard Rock Stadium, South Beach, and as far west as the Everglades. The atmosphere and cocktail menu share an Asian theme--how about a refreshing Thai iced tea spiked with whiskey?

Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita
If the literary reference alone doesn't pique your interest, the eclectic menu and open rooftop terrace will. Located in a repurposed 1920's firehouse, the downstairs portion ("Lolita") is cafe and deli by day, lounge by night. Upstairs, "Dolores" offers indoor and outdoor dining, with a constantly-changing menu sure to appeal to any taste.
➤➤ For more information on the 2019 BenefitsPRO Broker Expo, be sure to read Editor in Chief Paul Wilson's thoughts on this year's show.
If you haven't already, don't forget to check out our list of 10 non-expo things to do in Miami. Check out more of our Expo coverage:
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
Emily Payne

Emily Payne is director, content analytics for ALM's Business & Finance Markets and former managing editor for BenefitsPRO. A Wisconsin native, she has spent the past decade writing and editing for various athletic and fitness publications. She holds an English degree and Business certificate from the University of Wisconsin.