The best restaurants in Midtown Miami you might have missed

What is it? A super-authentic Italian spot serving pasta you’ll want to climb inside and live in. The stracchino cheese is imported weekly and the pesto and focaccia are made just like they are in Genoa where they came from.
Why go? Did you hear us? Imported cheese, mouthwatering dishes and fresh, authentic pasta! If that doesn’t have your attention, we don’t know what else to do.

What is it? Modern Chinese Sichuan cuisine with a few crowd-pleasing American Chinese plates. This is for sure one of your best dining options within the Midtown Mall.
Why go? The quality of this place has not gone down since it gained some serious buzz when it opened in 2013. Midtown really doesn’t have any Chinese options—and especially none this good.

What is it? A contemporary diner serving breakfast and brunch bites with some serious oomph. This concept comes from the Wynwood pros over at Beaker and Gray—so you know it’s good.
Why go? It’s a snazzy breakfast/brunch option in an area without a lot of them. The fun menu includes a pancake challenge few have managed to beat—plus, just take a look at those “bagel bites.” How cute?

What is it? Korean comfort food with a twist. Sakaya’s food truck roots are evident in the simple, easy-to-eat dishes that waste no time blowing your taste buds.
Why go? Because not only is the “Cracklin’” sous vide duck herb sandwich very worth the trip, but it comes with a side of tater tots. When’s the last time you had tater tots? You’re overdue for some tater tots.

What is it? A slice of Mykonos in Miami. Skorpios’ does Greece’s best dishes from the sea (octopus, branzino, langoustines) and, of course, has some tasty lamb options.
Why go? Skorpios has a really pretty outdoor patio and is nice enough to bring a date you want to impress or a client you need to woo (just, maybe, go easy on the garlic either way). Happy hour Monday through Sunday also provides half-price cocktails and $5 light bites.

What is it? Simple but damn-yummy Venezuelan food. The affordable arepas are the main draw here.
Why go? La Latina is a perfect spot for lunch or a casual dinner. On more than one night, we have sat in bed craving the bacon, avocado and cheese “La Latina” arepa—and we suspect you will too after you’ve had one.

What is it? One hell of a burger and beer combo. Tap 42, a gastropub of sorts, keeps things relatively simple but delicious. It’s always a safe bet for dinner and drinks.
Why go? For the weekend bottomless brunch or half-off burger nights on Monday. Tap 42 is a lively spot, so it’s great for big (and potentially loud) groups of friends.

What is it? A vegan spot sporting a plant-based menu and a clean, modern space that lives up to its name.
Why go? Generally more affordable than your average vegan spot, GLAM is an obviously healthy choice but also boasts a decent happy hour Monday through Friday from 4pm to 6pm with beer, wine, cider and sangria.

What is it? Three kitchens—a fire grill, raw bar and regular kitchen—churning out globally inspired plates. The restaurant has been around for nearly eight years, making it an elder statesman of Midtown.
Why go? Because your party can’t seem to agree on anything. Luckily—between the sushi, crudo, goat cheese croquettes, flank steak, squid and so much more—everyone should be able to find something for their stomachs.

What is it? Gatsby vibes in a flashy venue. The cocktails are the usual suspects: old fashioned, sazerac, Tom Collins—but there are also some newcomers like the hibiscus caipirinha.
Why go? Because you’re feeling like Bugsy Siegel and want to drink like Frank Sinatra (and can afford the $14.50 cocktails).