My Miami trip with one of my best friends (PS: it only takes two to make an iconic girls trip) was nothing short of dreamy — pastel buildings, palm trees, dramatic architecture, and of course… the food.

And if there’s one thing you know about me, it’s that I’m a foodie.

We didn’t just eat — we made mornings, evenings and everything out of it. Dressing up, doing our hair and makeup, calling the Lyft, stepping out into the warm Miami air, and dining in some of the most stunning, aesthetic restaurants the city has to offer. Every reservation felt like an event. Every table felt like a moment.

If you’re planning a trip — or you simply love romanticizing travel the way I do — here’s everywhere we dined and what each spot is truly giving.

1. Little Hen

This has been on my bucket list for as long as I’ve dreamed about visiting Miami — and for good reason. Little Hen feels like stepping into a perfectly styled storybook. In the era of Bridgerton, it gives exactly that energy.

This is where you wear the dress. And speaking of dresses — there is a dress code to be mindful of. I went full poufy sleeves and cancan because honestly… it was my late birthday wishlist moment, so why not?

The entire space is layered in florals, soft pastels, vintage-inspired details, and the prettiest table settings. Reservations are absolutely necessary (which we made ahead of time), and you can choose between outdoor or indoor seating.

I was obsessed with the outdoor setting — The Terrace — with its iconic pink tasselled umbrellas and faux wisteria lining the ceiling. It’s dreamy. However, Miami weather was completely unpredictable the week leading up to our trip (it literally almost snowed and dropped to 5 degrees), so to avoid any surprises, we booked the indoor Dining Room instead. It felt more formal than the terrace but still absolutely chic and beautifully styled.

Expect beautifully plated, insta-worthy dishes that perfectly match the aesthetic of the space. I had my heart set on their famous Rose Petal Pancakes (yes, they’re pink), but I was warned that the floral flavour is quite strong. So I opted for the avocado toast instead — and it was scrumptious.

Now let me tell you what you need to order: the Champagne Candy Cloud.

Divine.

It was easily my favorite drink of the entire trip. The presentation alone is a full experience — our waiter presented a bottle of Pommery Champagne and slowly poured it over a swirl of pink cotton candy filled with rose petals. Watching it dissolve into the glass? A moment.

The drama. The theatrics. Honestly — this is what I live for.

Little Hen is a must for your Miami trip.

2. Gianni’s At The Former Versace Mansion

Dining at Gianni’s is less about the meal and more about stepping directly into the glamour.

Set inside the former Versace mansion, the space is unapologetically opulent — intricate mosaic tiles, ornate detailing, dramatic Mediterranean architecture, and that iconic gold-lined pool at the center of it all. It doesn’t just feel luxurious… it announces itself. Sitting there honestly felt like being transported into a film scene — cinematic, theatrical, and slightly surreal.

We opted for the$39.50 lunch menu (don’t forget to factor in taxes), which makes the experience surprisingly accessible for such an iconic setting. I don’t think many people realize this option exists — but you know I’m here to spill the tea champagne. Dining in that courtyard, surrounded by so much design, history, and visual drama, feels absolutely indulgent.

A quick note: reservations are non-negotiable here. They’re quite strict about it, and I actually appreciated the attention to detail — they personally emailed a few days in advance to reconfirm our booking. It sets the tone before you even arrive but let me be real- you might still have a short wait time when you arrive because the place is always packed from what we saw.

Now, let’s talk about the food — because it absolutely deserves its moment.

I started with the Eggplant Parmigiana, which was rich, layered, and perfectly balanced — tender eggplant, savory tomato sauce, and just enough cheese to feel indulgent without being heavy. For my entrée, I chose Gianni’s Spaghetti Pomodoro. It sounds simple, but it was executed beautifully: fresh San Marzano tomato sauce, silky pasta cooked perfectly al dente, and a drizzle of olive oil that tied everything together effortlessly.

Rach ordered the lobster option — and let me tell you, it was doing the most. It required some serious cracking to get into, which quickly turned into a bit of a messy situation. If you’re not confident with lobster tools, you may want to opt for something else on the menu — because this one definitely requires some work.

For dessert, I had the pavlova — crisp on the outside, soft and marshmallowy in the center, topped with fresh fruit that added the perfect touch of brightness. Paired with a glass of Prosecco, it was one of those little travel moments I knew would stay with me long after we left Miami.

Now, if you’re planning to take photos by the pool (and you absolutely should), just know: you will not be alone. It’s a full courtyard. People are watching. But here’s the truth — no one actually cares. My friend Rach had to firmly remind me, “You’re never going to see these people again.”

And she was right.

So consider this your permission slip from yours truly:
Get. The. Shot.

Because moments like that — dressed up, sun hitting the mosaic tiles, standing in front of one of the most iconic resturants in Miami — those are the memories you’ll look back on.

And trust me, it’s worth it.

3. Café Bastille

Café Bastille has that charming, Parisian-inspired warmth that instantly makes you slow down. It truly hits every category — brunch, breakfast, a full French bakery, and even a juicery — all wrapped into one beautifully designed space.

The location itself is spacious, with both indoor and outdoor seating and those quintessential checked patio chairs that make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a European café. We were genuinely blessed by the vacation gods because the weather during our four-day Miami stint was perfect — so of course, we chose to sit outside.

Even though it’s technically right by a main road, it somehow doesn’t feel chaotic or congested. The atmosphere completely transforms once you’re seated. With the greenery, the chic green accents, and the relaxed energy, it genuinely feels like dining al fresco somewhere in France.

Obsessed.

This one was actually on Rach’s list — and she did not miss. The green tones throughout the space are swoon-worthy. I happened to be wearing the cutest green and cream set, and it unintentionally matched the entire aesthetic. The photos? Some of my favorites from the trip.

Now let’s talk about the food — because it deserves its moment.

I ordered a mango foam matcha, which was creamy, lightly sweet, and perfectly balanced.

For my main, I had Stella’s Fave Bowl — lentils, short-grain rice, peppers, tomatoes, avocado, onions, lemon, and cilantro aioli. It was hearty without being heavy. The lentils were perfectly seasoned and the cilantro aioli tied everything together with a fresh, zesty finish. Every bite had texture and flavour. I genuinely may need to recreate it at home.

And because I am who I am… I have to mention the napkins. They were some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. Naturally, I slipped not one but two into my bag — strictly for scrapbooking purposes. I do collect napkins, and they look so beautiful layered into my journals.

It’s the little details that make a place memorable — and Café Bastille understands that assignment.

4. Earls Kitchen + Bar

This spot is stunning — effortlessly Instagrammable from every angle. Both the indoor and outdoor settings feel intentional and beautifully styled, with a forest-meets-boho aesthetic. Think lush greenery, warm lighting and natural textures.

We chose to sit outdoors — which will surprise absolutely no one because I will always pick al fresco dining if given the option. As the night went on, it did get a little chilly, but thankfully I wore a cropped sweater I bought earlier that day.

The menu is extensive in the best way. It’s one of those rare places that works perfectly for a group because everyone can order something completely different and still feel satisfied.

I started with oysters and the salmon crispy rice — and let me tell you, that crispy rice had the perfect golden crunch on the outside with tender, flavorful salmon layered on top. The contrast in textures? Elite. The oysters were fresh and clean, exactly what you want to pair with a good cocktail.

Rach ordered dumplings along with guac and chips, while one of our friends went for steak and fries. From light bites to something more indulgent, it truly covers every craving at the table.

Now let’s talk drinks.

I stepped out of my comfort zone and swapped my usual spicy mango margarita for a strawberry spicy margarita — and it was easily one of my favorite drinks of the entire trip. It had that sweet-heat balance done perfectly. Not overly sugary and not overwhelmingly spicy and the of course the peachy-pink colour was perfect.

We went during Happy Hour and the value for the quality, the portions, and the atmosphere? Absolutely worth it.

5. Miam Cafe

Miam Cafe is your cool-girl morning. A soft, aesthetic start to your day.

No exaggeration — this is exactly where you go after your hot girl walk or reformer Pilates class. Lucky for us, it was barely a street away from the Grayson Hotel in Biscayne where we were staying. Waking up, throwing on something effortless, and strolling over for a croissant and matcha? Such a Miami moment.

The space itself is clean, bright, and impossibly chic. Natural light floods in through large windows, bouncing off marble tables and black-and-white tiled floors- it feels effortlessly curated without trying too hard.

It’s the kind of café that makes you want to linger. Journal a little. Read a few pages. Pretend you live there.

Now, menu-wise — I’ll be honest — it isn’t the most vegan or vegetarian-friendly spot. So I kept it simple with an avocado croissant and a pink coconut smoothie.

The croissant was buttery and flaky with that perfect outer crisp that shatters slightly when you bite into it. Paired with creamy avocado, it felt indulgent but still light. The pink coconut smoothie was refreshing, subtly sweet, and the perfect complement — especially in that Miami heat.

I will say, the pancakes and featured croissants they are famous for, looked absolutely magnificent. Towering, dramatic, and very camera-ready. But the portions were massive. There was truly no way we would’ve been able to finish them — especially since one visit was a quick stop before heading to Gianni’s, and the other was right before catching our flight to the airport.

6. Casadonna

Oh. My. God.

Casadonna is full-glam, luxury Miami.

We went on our last night, and it was another one of Rach’s wishlist spots — and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I was genuinely gobsmacked the moment we walked in. At night, the entire space transforms into something sultry and magnetic. There’s this “anything could happen” energy in the air.

That said… I truly mourned not seeing it in the daylight. From photos, the daytime aesthetic is all pink and green tones — almost giving Beverly Hills Hotel energy — which would have absolutely blessed my Instagram feed.

But the night? The night was cinematic.

Dim, moody lighting. Floor-to-ceiling mirrored arched windows and doors. It feels both grand and intimate at the same time and definitely feels expensive.

Now let’s talk about the food.

I had what might genuinely be the best asparagus of my life — perfectly tender with just enough char, seasoned simply but flawlessly.

I also ordered shrimp cocktail and oysters, both incredibly fresh and beautifully presented. The shrimp were plump and chilled just right, with a sharp, punchy cocktail sauce that cut through the richness perfectly. The oysters were clean, briny, and elegant — exactly what you want.

And then… dessert.

The portion sizes were so much that we physically could not finish it — which almost felt criminal. The star? The Tiramisu Affogato. Rich mascarpone, bold espresso, silky texture — indulgent without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of dessert that lingers in your memory long after the table is cleared. And truth be told- to this day, I think about it.

In fact, I’m fairly certain it’s calling me back — not just for another dinner, but to experience the entire place again in the sunlight. Because something tells me Casadonna in the day is a completely different kind of magic.

7. Lupita Tacos y Tequila

Lupita is bold, vibrant, and full of personality.

From the moment you walk in, the space feels alive — colorful décor, lively music, and that unmistakable “this might turn into a long night” energy. We actually stumbled upon it on our first night while strolling through Bayside Marketplace. There were so many chic little restaurants to choose from, but after a long travel day (and a mandatory shopping detour), we wanted somewhere fun, easy, and immediately vibey.

The tacos were flavorful and generous, packed with well-seasoned fillings and fresh toppings and the spicy mango margs? Sweet, tangy, with just the right kick of heat at the end.

This isn’t a quiet, intimate dinner spot. It’s vibrant, loud, and full of movement. Boats glide past on the water while music spills out into the walkway. There’s constant energy around you — laughter, people celebrating, servers weaving through tables with trays of margaritas.

After dinner, we wandered through the rest of Bayside, soaking in the nightlife. Rach grabbed a gelato, of course. There’s also the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel — a giant Ferris wheel overlooking the water. That, however, was a firm no for both of us. The last time I was on one, I was quaking in the corner praying for it to stop.

The entire Bayside area has a playful, nightlife-forward atmosphere. If you’re looking for something casual, energetic, and right in the middle of the action — this is your first-night-in-Miami kind of spot.

Miami is a main character city.

And if there’s one thing I learned — it’s that experiences like this are meant to be fully enjoyed. No holding back. No skipping dessert. No being camera shy.

So here’s your sign to plan the trip, make the reservation, and romanticize every single aspect of it.

Save this list.
Book the reservation.
Be a little extra.

Because you’ll never regret leaning into the moment.

And PS — for the love of all things glamorous… order the Champagne Candy Cloud.