The best restaurants for dining alone in Miami

Feel like a solo traveler at Freehold Miami, Wynwood’s novel hotel-inspired concept without any rooms. Enjoy the cool looby vibes, grab a coffee at the bar and park yourself by the "pool" for a productive day of remote work. To think, all those years you loitered in the common areas of properties like the Standard when you weren’t a guest, you could’ve just been hanging out at the Freehold instead. There’s a full menu available and a stocked bar to keep you satiated while you toil away and people watch.

Despite what you may have thought, ramen is one of the few dishes best savored alone. That way, you can achieve a Zen-like focus on the many flavors at work in a typical bowl: the savory pork broth, the chewy menya noodles, the carefully placed hard-boiled egg. Here in Miami, there’s no better place for that than this Brickell spot. The menu is relatively expensive and cash-only, but no price is too high for a truly outstanding bowl of ramen.

This food hall in the Design District’s Palm Court doubles as being one of the cheaper places to eat if you find yourself in an extremely pricey luxury neighborhood. Thankfully, you get what you pay for, and MIA Market’s vendors offer a delicious variety of international eats. Try the kusshi oysters at Ruby Dee’s or one of the pasta dishes Dal Plin, among other delicious offerings. Aside from being affordable, MIA Market has adorable loungers where you can go and swing post solo meal.

Yes, this is the Moonlight diner, but it’s not on this list for that reason alone. As the greasiest spoon in Miami, Jimmy’s Eastside Diner is cherished for its commitment to breakfast classics. It’s the perfect place to crawl to after a long night out, where all you need is plenty of ham, eggs, and fried potatoes at a price that says “I blew it all last night.”

One of the best cheap eats in Miami, Dogma serves up classic Chicago-style hot dogs, plus burgers and fries, with a Miami twist. You probably won’t look very good trying to stuff that big ‘ol bratwurst or chili dog in your mouth, but you can be reassured that everyone else looks just as ridiculous. Hot dogs: the great equalizer.

Why should carnivores have all the fun? This Coconut Grove institution is the perfect spot for vegans and vegetarians looking for a quick bite, with all the salads, wraps, smoothies and juices one could possibly need. It’s mostly counter service, meaning you’re probably not going to be staying awhile, whether you’re getting takeout or eating in.

Pizza is usually best enjoyed with a group, but the by-the-slice servings at Gramps’ Pizza Tropical mean you won’t have to buy a whole pie if you’re craving some cheesy goodness. The most authentically Florida bar in Wynwood also happens to be a great place to meet people thanks to its excellent cocktails (read: liquid courage) and robust programming, both of which make it easier to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Whether you’re into indie music, record collecting, drag shows or anything else, you’ll find friends with a shared interest here.

There’s truly nothing like soaking up the Wynwood atmosphere with a bowl of ice cream from Dasher and Crank in your hand. Watch the tourists scope the street art and listen to music played by street musicians echo from the sidewalk as you beat the heat with flavors like smoked almond, chocolate bomb and the punny salty beach, among others.

There’s usually a long line at this beloved local chain’s Wynwood location, but that’s an opportunity to savor the street scene during the day and at night. If you’re posted up elsewhere in the city, there are also locations in Coral Gables and Brickell, meaning you can enjoy Coyo’s delicious tacos, chips, and street corn throughout Miami.

Just east of Wynwood, this tiny sandwich spot has held out against gentrification in the neighborhood. People from all walks of life come in to savor its affordable takes on Cuban classics. Order your pan con bistec and cortadito inside or at the ventanita to take it with you wherever you may need to go. Just don’t expect to find parking right away.

The upscale takes on classic Cuban food at James Beard-winning chef Michelle Bernstein’s Little Havana hotspot is reason enough to stop in, as is the excellent cocktail menu. But the restaurant’s festive atmosphere and bar seating ensure that you’ll have fun even while flying solo. You might arrive alone, but you’ll probably be singing Celia Cruz with new friends in no time.