South Beach (also known as SoBe) is one of Miami's top destinations for incredible food. The restaurants here range from upscale establishments to casual spots overlooking the beach or pedestrian walkways. Here are some of the must-try restaurants for excellent dining experiences in the heart of South Beach

Joe's Stone Crab

Location: 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Joe's is an iconic Miami restaurant located in South Beach. This upscale institution is famous for its stone crab claws, which are served chilled with mustard sauce from October to May during the stone crab season. Other specialties include lobster, snapper, and fried chicken if the stone crab isn't available. Expect a wait for a table at the popular restaurant.

The dining room has a charming old Florida vibe with white tablecloths. Joe's also offers outdoor patio seating. Enjoy a classic Miami experience at Joe's Stone Crab.

Prime 112

Location: 112 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Prime 112 is a contemporary steakhouse on Ocean Drive overlooking the beach. It offers USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and sushi. Standouts include:

• The buttery Wagyu filet mignon
• Whole Maine lobster with drawn butter
• Toro tartare.

The elegant atmosphere matches the exceptional quality.

In addition to fine dining, Prime 112 offers a bar menu with burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers like lobster mac and cheese. Sip on craft cocktails at the stylish bar or dine al fresco amidst South Beach's Art Deco scenery.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Location: 1600 Lenox Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Yardbird in South Beach's Lenox Avenue dining enclave dishes up modern Southern comfort food with flair. The changing menu features fried chicken prepared three ways, with options like shrimp and grits, biscuits, oysters, and plenty of sides. Brunch offerings include chicken biscuit sandwiches, waffles, and spicy bloody marys.

The indoor dining room has an upscale but rustic ambiance enhanced by Americana artworks. Yardbird also provides sidewalk and outdoor patio seating ideal for brunch people-watching. Make sure to take advantage of the restaurant's famous lemon mint tea.

Cubaocho Museum & Restaurant

Location: 1465 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

To taste Cuban cuisine, check out Cubaocho in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood near South Beach. Authentic dinner entrees include ropa vieja (shredded beef), vaca frita (fried steak), and slow-roasted pork shoulder. The Cuban sandwich is a top lunch choice. The full bar serves Cuban coffee, mojitos, and daiquiris.

The atmosphere immerses guests in Cuba's history and culture with vibrant paintings and live music. Cubaocho provides an indulgent, festive Cuban dining experience near South Beach's attractions.

Pubbelly Sushi

Location: 1424 20th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Pubbelly Sushi on quaint 20th Street serves innovative sushi rolls and shareable small plates. Highly original rolls like Tostones Roll with fried green plantains and Porky's Revenge with braised pork belly impress foodies. Other menu favorites include tuna pizza, ceviche, dumplings, and wagyu sliders.

The lively atmosphere encourages trying multiple dishes for the table to pass family-style. Pubbelly Sushi also features craft cocktails like the Grapefruit Saketini. The affordable prices make it a top choice for sushi in South Beach.

Big Pink

Location: 157 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Head to Big Pink in SoFi (South of Fifth area) for a classic greasy spoon diner vibe near the beach. This casual outpost is open 24/7 for breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and dinner. The decor feels straight out of the 50s and 60s, with retro tables, neon signs, and a counter.

Big Pink offers hearty comfort dishes like country-fried steak, chicken pot pie, and matzo ball soup. It also has one of South Beach's best pie cases filled with chocolate cream, key lime, banana cream, and other pies. The low-key ambiance and prices make Big Pink a neighborhood favorite.

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

Location: 4312 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149

Perched overlooking Biscayne Bay, Mandolin Aegean Bistro provides Mediterranean cuisine with a waterfront view. Savor flavorful shared mezze like hummus, falafel, grilled octopus, and halloumi cheese. Choose fresh fish, kebabs, moussaka eggplant, or lamb shank for entrees.

The relaxed ambiance of this Greek taverna encourages lingering for sunset drinks on the open-air patio. Mandolin Aegean transports diners to the Mediterranean through its quality food, hospitality, and scenic setting outside South Beach.

Conclusion

From steakhouses to diners, South Beach dining captures Miami's multicultural essence—Joe's Stone Crab and Prime 112 offer upscale experiences. Cubaocho, Yardbird, and Mandolin Aegean offer Cuba, the South, and Greece tastes. More casual spots like Big Pink serve comfort foods with character. With its beautiful beaches and varied restaurants, SoBe promises epicurean adventures.