Dishin’ Out the Heat: Miami Spice Months 2024

During the slow months of summer, Miami can feel like an apocalyptic city, with only the brave venturing out in the high temperatures. Making a reservation to eat outside? Cancel it. You’d rather order UberEats and watch House of the Dragon, Love Island or Emily in Paris on the couch instead. But as the city gets back into the swing of things in August and September, there’s a glimmer of hope with the infamous Miami Spice Months. Yay for Leo and Virgo season—another reason why we’re the best birthday months!

Starting at the beginning of August and running until September 30th, if you’re a local or a visitor looking to try new restaurants or Miami staples you’ve been dying to visit, Miami Spice Months are the perfect time to do so without breaking the piggy bank in this insane economy! As someone in the biz and a bit of a restaurant aficionado (a fancy word for someone who loves to indulge in food!), I’m super excited about the stacked list of restaurants participating this season.

Here’s a little crash course on Miami Spice Months!

Miami Spice Months are great for people who love to try a bit of everything on the menu. The concept is simple: try what the restaurant has to offer through their tasting menus that typically cannot be changed or modified. Some restaurants may accommodate severe allergies, but it’s advisable to contact them ahead of time to avoid disappointment or missing out on the tasting menu altogether. Also note that the portion sizes are not the typical size of a regular dish. You’re tasting, not eating full courses, so don’t wait for this lunch or dinner date to be your first meal!

Higher-end restaurants may require reservations, especially toward the end of August and September. While the summer months can be slow for the hospitality scene in Miami, you might still need a reservation for those typically busy and popular restaurants you’ve been eager to try. In general, it’s always a good idea to make a reservation before going to any restaurant unless they have a walk-in policy only.

Sometimes the lunch deals are better than the dinner deals. No shade to any restaurants that only offer dinner deals, but sometimes the lunch menus provide a better selection! You can have a wider range of dish selections on the lunch specials and a more casual feel than the dinner vibes.

Check the Miami Spice website and the days of the week that the restaurant offers it. Thinking of trying a Miami Spice menu on a weekend night? Look again! Many restaurants do not offer this tasting menu during Friday nights or Saturdays, as these days can be typically busy for them. So check and make sure you’re going on the right days of the week.

Remember, patience and kindness are key! During the start of busy season for restaurants and bars, food and drinks may take longer than expected, especially during peak service times. Let’s be kind to those in the service industry—they’re doing their best!

Want some recommendations on which spots to hit this Miami Spice season? Here are some places I recommend trying (Don’t shoot the messenger!):

Chica

Chica Miami is bringing the heat this Miami Spice season with a menu that’s all about bold flavors and unforgettable bites. Start your culinary journey with their Taquitos Bañados, where crispy meets saucy in the most delicious way possible. Then, dive into the Quesa-Birria Empanada—think of it as the ultimate comfort food mashup, oozing with cheese and packed with tender, flavorful meat. And for the grand finale? Their Tres Leches is the dessert of your dreams, perfectly soaked and topped with just the right amount of sweetness. Restaurant Website

Fiola Miami

Nestled in South Miami/Coral Gables and a rising star in the Michelin guide, Fiola Miami is a must-visit. Usually reserved for special occasions, Fiola’s Miami Spice menu is a true treat. Start with their velvety corn and saffron soup, topped with a touch of crab for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Then, move on to their house-made ravioli, filled with tender veal and porcini mushrooms—a dish that perfectly captures the essence of Italian comfort food. For dessert, the pistachio olive oil cake is a standout: moist, flavorful, and topped with a delicate honeycomb. Restaurant Website

Casadonna Miami

Casadonna Miami is bringing the Dolce Vita to Miami with a Miami Spice menu that’s the perfect blend of bougie and delicious. Imagine starting with a refreshing Atlantic Fluke Crudo that’s practically begging to be ‘grammed, followed by pasta dishes that are a carb-lover’s dream come true. And for the grand finale? A decadent peach Fragipane tart that’s so good, you’ll want to keep it all to yourself. Restaurant Website

Mai Sushi Tapas & Bar

The new kid on the Coral Gables block is here to make a splash, and trust me, it’s not one to miss! This cozy bar and restaurant delivers vibes straight out of a laid-back Izakaya in Japan, but with a Miami twist. Just imagine a curated playlist of R&B or chill rap and anime playing in the background. For just $65, their Miami Spice menu is a total win, featuring generous portions and jaw-dropping presentation. Pair it with a refreshing cocktail—definitely try the lavender matcha sake—or a non-alcoholic drink, and dig into an amazing premium Mai box that’s so fresh and flavorful, you’ll wish it would never end. If you’re on the hunt for a chill, cool spot that’s perfect for a cozy date or catching up with friends, this place has got you covered. Restaurant Website

Casablanca on the Bay

Casablanca on the Bay is serving up a Miami Spice menu that’s just as vibrant as the view. Dive into crispy calamari, indulge in ceviche so fresh it’s basically ocean-to-plate, and don’t even get us started on their seafood paella—it’s the stuff dreams are made of. Perfect for when you want to feel fancy without breaking the bank. Restaurant Website

Zuma Miami

Zuma Miami’s Miami Spice menu is as lively and daring as Miami itself. Get ready to feast on miso-marinated cod that’s packed with flavor, robata grill dishes that are charred to perfection, and sushi so fresh it practically dances on your plate. With its sleek, modern ambiance and killer waterfront views, Zuma is where you’ll find style and top-tier Japanese cuisine in perfect harmony. Restaurant Website

Mamo Restaurant Miami

Mamo Restaurant Miami is turning Miami Spice into a glamorous Italian feast you won’t forget. Picture yourself enjoying their creamy truffle risotto, bursting with earthy flavors, or digging into a bowl of perfectly cooked Cacio & Pepe pasta that’s so good, you won’t want to share. Finish off with their rich, melt-in-your-mouth affogato alle fragole for a sweet end to your meal. Restaurant Website

Delilah Miami

Delilah Miami is turning up decadence for Miami Spice with a menu that’s both chic and indulgent. Savor their elegant take on classic dishes, like the burger, fresh seafood ceviche, and a rich chocolate slutty brownies that’s worth every bite. With its swanky, old-Hollywood vibe and delicious offerings, Delilah is the ultimate spot for a stylish night out. Restaurant Website

Eating House

At Eating House Miami, the Miami Spice menu is a wild ride of creative comfort food that’s anything but ordinary. Get ready to dig into their mouthwatering carbonara with a twist, savory fried chicken, and their famous Dirt Cup dessert—a playful take on childhood nostalgia with a grown-up flair. Restaurant Website

Joe’s Stone Crab

Joe’s Stone Crab is bringing its legendary flavors to Miami Spice, and it’s a seafood lover’s dream come true. Feast on their famous stone crabs, perfectly paired with their signature mustard sauce, try their juicy and savory fried chicken and don’t miss out on their iconic key lime pie for dessert. This legendary Miami Beach spot is a must-visit during Miami Spice, offering a taste of classic Florida in every bite. Restaurant Website

Ariete

Ariete Miami Spice

Ariete in Coconut Grove is taking Miami Spice to the next level with a menu that’s all about bold, Cuban-inspired flavors with a modern twist. Dive into dishes like their rich venison tartare, a juicy and succulent duck confit, and the indulgent flan with a coffee crumble. This is the perfect chance to experience Ariete’s innovative take on comfort food, all wrapped up in a special Miami Spice offering. Restaurant Website

Kyu

KYU – Miami Spice

KYU in Wynwood is the go-to spot for serious flavor and laid-back vibes. This trendy spot serves up a fusion of Asian-inspired dishes with a smoky twist, thanks to their wood-fired grill. Don’t miss their must-try crispy pork belly buns, succulent Korean fried chicken, or the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef brisket. KYU is where you’ll find bold flavors, cool ambiance, and a menu that keeps you coming back for more. Restaurant Website

Hakkasan

Looking for a spot that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious? Welcome to Hakkasan at the Fontainebleau Miami, where sleek vibes and epic flavors collide. This is where you’ll find the coolest Cantonese cuisine in town—think drool-worthy dim sum, mouthwatering mains, and cocktails that are basically a party in a glass. Whether you’re kicking off a night out or just vibing with friends, Hakkasan is the place to be for a taste of luxury with a Miami twist. Restaurant Website

For the entire list of restaurants and bars participating in Miami Spice Months, click the link here: https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/deals/spice-restaurant-months 

Miami Spice Months help showcase the underdogs and the high achievers of the Miami food scene. With such a large variety of restaurants and bars this year, you can definitely pick out a handful over the next two months and enjoy what the city has to offer! Happy Miami Spice!