Spending time in downtown Miami? Get to know the heart of the city by browsing its most popular local businesses, from Italian restaurants to a modern Japanese eatery.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit downtown, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Fratelli Milano
Topping the list is Italian restaurant Fratelli Milano. Located at 213 S.E. First St., it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 959 reviews on Yelp.
The family-owned restaurant serves up traditional Italian dishes, prepared by twin brother chefs Roberto and Emanuele Bearzi. The menu consists of pasta dishes, pizza, salads and desserts.
Try the veal Milanese with arugula, bruschetta tomatoes, basil and mozzarella; fettuccine with shrimp, scallops, calamari and mussels in a light tomato sauce; or the Rinascente pizza, made with prosciutto, arugula and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano.
On Oct. 15, Yelper Rebecca L. wrote, “I highly recommend the gnocchi, veal Milanese, calamari and lobster ravioli. You honestly can't go wrong with any choice. Finish off the meal with a good espresso.”
2. CVI.CHE 105
Next up is Latin American and Peruvian spot CVI.CHE 105, situated at 105 N.E. Third Ave. With four stars out of 2,348 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite and is led by chef and owner Juan Chipoco, who was raised in Lima, Peru.
The restaurant features several customizable ceviche dishes, gourmet seafood and classic Peruvian dishes like the lomo saltado. Try a traditional ceviche with marinated fish in fresh Chulucanas lime juice and mixed with Arequipan onions, cilantro and a choice of sauce.
Yelper Felicia Y. said, “I definitely recommend getting a few dishes to share. The ceviche is a must, with big pieces of fish and bright, robust flavors. The Causa Con Relleno De Pollo makes for a perfect pairing with creamy chicken salad to balance the acidic ceviche.”
3. CRUST
Italian spot CRUST, which offers pizza and more, is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 668 N.W. Fifth St., 4.5 stars out of 679 reviews.
CRUST offers carryout, dine in and delivery. Choose from a selection of pizzas, soups, salads, pasta and risotto dishes.
Take a bite of a specialty pie such as the Mediterranean pizza with eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, roasted garlic and feta cheese, or opt for the meat-layered pizza with pepperoni, ham, bacon, meatballs and Italian sausage.
Yelper Kristel K. wrote, “First, the service here was impeccable, our server was constantly smiling, welcoming us and ensuring that we had the best experience. She also recommended some great dishes for us to try. Move over crab cakes, these shrimp cakes were mouthwatering and amazing."
4. Meraki Greek Bistro
Meraki Greek Bistro is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 350 Yelp reviews. Head over to 142 S.E. First Ave. to see for yourself.
The restaurant has a gyro bar, skewer bar, salads, appetizers and family platters. Options include the lamb gyro platter with lemon roasted potatoes, tzatziki sauce, pita bread and salad, and the Greek nachos, made of crispy pita with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, yogurt sauce, lemon and extra virgin olive oil.
Yelper Andrea M. said, “My husband tried the lamb gyro, which was fantastic, and I had the eggplant-beef moussaka which wasn't salty and was perfect for me. We also shared some fries with rosemary that were delicious and crunchy.”
5. Zuma
Then there's modern Japanese restaurant Zuma, which has earned four stars out of 1,119 reviews on Yelp. You can find it at 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way.
On the menu, look for the Suzuki No Sashimi (sea bass sashimi, yuzu, salmon roe and truffle oil) and the Lobster No Oven Yaki (roasted lobster and shizo-ponzu butter).
“Whether it be lunch, brunch or dinner, this place is it! The hotpot of mushroom risotto is delicious and if you can, choose the second tier to get the truffle. It makes it that much better!” said Yelper Roberto S.
