Totally Unique Restaurants in Miami & Ft. Lauderdale
Southern Florida is known for its delicious food offerings. But diners in search of something with a little unique twist to a restaurant in the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale areas have plenty of places to choose from if you want something different! Favorite places to eat here have always been internationally-minded while still reminding diners of the flavors and feel of Florida. We’ve rounded up the most unique spots you need to visit for a deliciously different meal experience in south Florida’s hottest towns.
Grails – Miami Restaurant and Sports Bar
2800 N Miami Ave Miami, FL 33127
(786) 673-6961
The sneaker craze has hit the Florida food scene with the popular sports bar, Grails. Guests can take a shot in a mini sneak while checking out some of the rare famous shoes on the wall. But the food here is so outstanding you won’t even remember it’s a sports bar. Diners nosh on BBQ ribs and the loaded yucca fries while enjoying the three drink Grails “Sneaker” cocktail. Locals love to hit up the happy hour here to watch the big game or order a hookah to enjoy on the Miami Vice-themed patio.
El Cielo
31 SE 5th St Miami, FL 33131
(305) 755-8840
photo credit: twiceremovedftl.com
Twice Removed
3301 NE 33rd St FT Lauderdale, FL 33308
(754) 701-1997
This gorgeous spot is known for its outstanding Poutine dishes like the duck or the ropa vieja. But the atmosphere is hard to beat with the swanky yet comfortable feel of the spacious dining and bar areas. Guests settle into the bar or grab a street-side table to enjoy creative elixirs like the Snow Bird or the tropical Ku Lono that arrives in a flaming tiki head. Guests wanting a unique dining experience in Ft Lauderdale will love Twice Removed’s atmosphere, food and the way they treat everyone like family.
photo credit: timeout.com
House of Food Porn
197 NW 62nd St Miami, FL 33150
(305) 788-0137
While the name is unforgettable, House of Food Porn’s unique mixture of sushi and Cuban flavors is guaranteed to be a taste diners won’t be able to stop thinking about. This reservations-only spot offers 6-, 8-, or 11-course dining experiences. Adventurous eaters will love the “Shushi” created by the award-winning chef here and dinners come with perfectly paired wines, cocktails and desserts to finish off a spectacular meal.
photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Shooters Waterfront
3033 NE 32nd Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
(954) 566-2855
Beachfront dining is not unusual in southern Florida cities but an upscale restaurant that not only provides yoga sessions during brunch but also caters to dogs is certainly unique. Order Fido, one of the three doggie dining options, sized for big or small pups, while you nosh on Hollywood shrimp tempura rolls at lunch or baked seafood pasta for dinner. Brunch is popular here too for their huge buffet offerings full of sushi, waffles and a host of delicious breakfast foods.
photo credit: stpeterising.com
Bacon Bitch
1001 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 900-7371
This casual spot uses its unique name at the start of every dish name as well as most drink offerings. But the quirky homage to bacon and strong women tells the tale of the robust flavors this restaurant churns out to guests. Favorites here are the Queens and the OG while healthier options like the Fit white omelet are popular. Snag a crispy stuffed hash brown or add in bacon to any main or side here to customize your dining experience.
photo credit: usarestaurants.info
PANI Aventura
19501 Biscayne Blvd Ste 940 Aventura, FL 33180
(877) 568-7264
This chic restaurant interior is a surprise at every turn with florals, fun patterns, trendy lighting and a welcoming feel. Visitors here order the full tea service or the two hours of bottomless cocktails to soak in the gorgeous atmosphere with friends. Small plates like the halloumi love or the meatpanandas appetizer are a perfect warmup to the rich Argentinian flavors that characterize the food at PANI. The dining experience is on the menu here as well, and guests regularly return for a taste of this Instagrammable, stunning space with crazy good food.
photo credit: charlotte.axios.com
Serena Rooftop
915 Collins Ct Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 306-0776
This South Beach restaurant has a sultry, sexy rooftop bar modeled after al fresco spaces in Oaxaca, Mexico. Diners at this social scene hotspot enjoy cocktails like the Frozen Palomarita under a warm neon glow and lush, flowering landscaping that transports you south of the border. Authentic Mexican desserts like the tarta de camote taste just a little sweeter while relaxing on one of the many hip seating options underneath the beautiful south Florida night sky.
photo credit: opentable.com
Batch New Southern Kitchen
525 N Federal Hwy FT Lauderdale, FL 33301
(754) 757-0000
This scratch kitchen focuses on traditional southern food, Florida micro-brews and garden-to-glass cocktails. Southern classics like burnt ends, shrimp ‘n grits and Carolina smoked brisket are on the menu here along with watermelon sweet tea. Cocktails like The Garden incorporates red bell peppers, lemon and fresh thyme so guests can enjoy the freshest garden ingredients in their drinks as well as in their meals at Batch.
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