Miami is full of glitzy restaurants and flashy food scenes—but secluded behind pretty boutiques, waterfront parks, and out of the way pedestrian streets are some truly special hidden gems. These under-the-radar spots offer unforgettable meals with a side of surprise: a European-style café in a luxury shopping bazaar, a stylish Latin American hideaway with bay views, and a speakeasy-style steakhouse where comfort food meets fine dining. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a matcha under the palms or A5 Wagyu with craft cocktails, here are three must-discover restaurants that feel like your own little secret.

CREMA GOURMET ESPRESSO BAR – Miami Beach

With 21 locations in Florida and New York, Crema Gourmet is not hard to find –with exception of its Faena Bazaar location on Miami Beach. Faena Bazaar is part of the Faena District which stretches north on Collins Avenue from 32nd to 36th streets. This expansive complex is comprised of hotels, a performing art center, theater, and more –with each building referred to as ‘Faena’. 

On the Westside of Collins at 34^th Street, Faena Bazaar serves as an intimate shopping destination of standalone luxury boutiques and brand pop ups. At the end of the retail center space opens up to a charming outdoor plaza with umbrella-covered seating and the European-style café.

On a typical beautiful, sunny day out on the courtyard, we recommend refreshing yourself with a grassy, yet slightly sweet Iced Matcha Latte. Or, better yet, order dessert first! 

The Affogato -vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel and topped with freshly whipped cream, arrives on a small silver tray. Also on the platter is a double shot of hot Italian-roasted espresso that is poured over the frozen dessert.

The café’s all day menu offers indulgent, yet health-conscious dishes, such as the Tuna Toast –bright pink ahi tuna over mashed avocado on multigrain bread. The rich brunch dish is drizzled with spicy mayo.

3400 Collins Avenue, at Faena Bazaar on Miami Beach

WEB:  Crema Gourmet IG: @crema_gourmet

AMARA AT PARAISO BY MICHEAL SCHWARTZ

From James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Michael Schwartz, Amara at Paraiso is a waterfront restaurant tucked away in the Paraiso District in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. Concealed among four luxury condo towers, the two-story restaurant has a main dining room and bar, with floor to ceiling windows offering dramatic Biscayne Bay views, as well as dog-friendly deck seating on the water.

It sits next to the dog-friendly and bay-fronted Paraiso Park with a scenic brick-paved promenade perfect for a stroll before or after your meal. This hidden gem blends bold Latin American cuisine using coastal ingredients, with a stylish, laid-back atmosphere.

To appreciate the natural beauty of this tropical waterfront environment, we recommend ordering delicious small plates all afternoon. Start with the Spicy Grilled Prawns in a Fresno chile marinade, but definitely save room for the decadent Dulce de Leche with hazelnut praline. 

Sip on the spicy and slightly sweet Jalisco By Night cocktail (reposado tequila, ancho reyes chile, nixta licor de elote, and tamarind agave), or the “All Day Rosé” lunchtime special, while you watch boats cruise by.

3101 NE 7th Avenue, Miami

WEB: Amara At Paraiso IG: @amaraatparaiso

THE JOYCE

Tucked away on Española Way, a charming pedestrian-only street designed to look like a Mediterranean village, The Joyce is an intimate steakhouse with a speakeasy vibe that feels like a well-kept secret. You might miss the discreet entrance if you’re not looking for it. 

Once inside, you're guided through dark green walls into a cozy, art-filled space that feels like a stylish private living room. Set in a 60-seat dining room that starts off as a quiet date spot and evolves into a lively hangout, The Joyce blends old-school nostalgia with modern flair. 

Kick off the evening with two great cocktails – the Clarified Lassi,(gin, absinthe, lychee), and the Magic City Margarita, (coconut mezcal, guava, smoked chile salt).

We always recommend the Hamachi starter on any Miami menu. This yellowtail, or Japanese amberjack, fish has a buttery texture, and is typically found prepared as a crudo or ceviche.  You can expect spicy, yet rich, succulent flavors, -and at The Joyce, the chilled Hamachi Crudo is simply dressed with Hatch chile and lime.

If you prefer a ‘comfort food’ appetizer, we suggest the warm Creamed Kale made with Saint Andre Mornay –a buttery and mild, yet slightly tangy cheese, and served with crunchy potato chip for dipping.

Treat yourselves to A5 Wagyu, which is the highest grade of Japanese beef, known for its intense marbling, exceptional tenderness, and rich, buttery flavor. The Joyce offers a 6 oz A5 Filet Mignon or 10 oz A5 Picanha – the famous Brazilian cut of top sirloin fat on steak.  Both reach perfection with the add-on side of hot frites, or hand-cut French fries, served with caramelized onion aioli for dipping.

Then, indulge on rich desserts, such as the decadent Dubai Chocolate Bar, or the luscious Sour Orange Pie - orange custard and Chantilly crème with a vanilla cookie crust.

448 Española Way, Miami Beach

WEB: THE JOYCE IG: @thejoycerestaurant