Miami never slows down when it comes to dining. The city's restaurant scene keeps evolving, and early 2026 has brought a wave of openings that range from intimate omakase counters to sprawling cultural hubs.
Whether you're a local looking for your next favorite spot or planning a trip south, these are the restaurants generating the most buzz right now. Let's dig in.
Fooq's Returns to Little River
Chef David Foulquier's Michelin recognized Mediterranean restaurant is back after a four year hiatus, and the comeback is bigger than anyone expected. The reimagined Fooq's now occupies a 14,000 square foot, two story space at 150 NW 73rd Street in Little River.
This isn't just a restaurant anymore. It's a cultural hub blending warm hospitality with global culinary inspirations. The menu stays rooted in Mediterranean flavors, but the scope has expanded dramatically.
If you missed Fooq's the first time around, this is your chance. If you loved the original, prepare to be impressed all over again.
Details: 150 NW 73rd Street, Little River. Reopened January 23, 2026. Mediterranean. $$$
BEYBEY Brings Live Fire to Sunset Harbour
This might be the most exciting debut of the year. BEYBEY is a live fire culinary concept in Miami Beach's Sunset Harbour neighborhood that blends the smoky traditions of Beirut's mashawi with Yucatan's cocina de humo.
The team behind it is stacked. Chef Roberto Solis, whose restaurant Huniik landed at #36 on the World's 50 Best list, is making his first U.S. venture here. He's joined by Chef de Cuisine Geoff Lee, who took home Miami New Times' Best Chef award in 2019.
The result is something you won't find anywhere else in Miami: fire driven cooking that draws from two of the world's most flavorful traditions.
Details: Sunset Harbour, Miami Beach. Mediterranean/Latin fusion. $$$
YASU Omakase in the Design District
For those who crave an intimate sushi experience, YASU Omakase is exactly what the Design District needed. This eight seat counter is led by Chef Yasu Tanaka, whose work has earned Michelin recognition.
The experience is rooted in Tanaka's heritage from Japan's Yamanashi region and follows the rituals of a traditional sushiya. Every detail matters here, from the fish selection to the pacing of each course. Reservations are essential and hard to come by.
Details: Design District. Omakase/Sushi. $$$$. 8 seats, reservations required.
Tokyo Tuna's Sushi River Arrives in South Miami
Tokyo Tuna's second location introduces something genuinely new to South Miami: a sushi river experience. Chef prepared dishes glide past you on small wooden boats along an interactive counter, making the meal feel like dinner and a show.
The restaurant has built its reputation over more than a decade on daily flown fish and a balance of traditional technique with crowd pleasing creativity. It's approachable enough for families but serious enough for sushi purists.
Details: South Miami. Japanese/Sushi. $$-$$$
Slim's Steakhouse at Bal Harbour Shops
Stephen Starr, one of America's most celebrated restaurateurs, is bringing his glamorous new steakhouse concept to Bal Harbour Shops this spring. Slim's Steakhouse leans into midcentury inspired design with leather banquettes, vintage murals, and an intimate dining room.
The menu is unapologetically classic: prime rib, martinis, and all the timeless favorites done right. If you're tired of reinvention and just want a perfect steak in a stunning room, this is your spot.
Details: 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour. Opening Spring 2026. Steakhouse. $$$$
Buccan Expands to Coral Gables
Palm Beach's beloved Buccan is heading south with a mid April opening at 100 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The space will actually house three concepts under one roof.
There's the flagship Buccan with its open kitchen and wood burning oven. There's Imoto, a Japanese sushi and small plates concept. And there's the Buccan Sandwich Shop, already famous for items like the beef carpaccio baguette and the legendary "Beef Steak Bomb."
Three restaurants in one location means there's something for every mood and budget.
Details: 100 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Opening mid-April 2026. American/Japanese. $$-$$$$
Canta Corazon Brings Theater to Wynwood
Dining at Canta Corazon is more performance than meal. Located at 2445 N Miami Ave, this Latin concept greets women with white roses, features a masked luchador character named El Santo who presents white cowboy hats, and includes pinatas and a boxing machine.
It's loud, it's theatrical, and it's a blast. The food holds its own too, with curated cocktails, taco specials, and a happy hour worth planning around. Open Thursday through Sunday.
Details: 2445 N Miami Ave. Latin/Mexican. $$. Thursday-Sunday.
How to Actually Get a Table
With this many exciting openings happening at once, competition for reservations is real. Here are a few tips.
Book early in the week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are always easier than weekends. For spots like YASU Omakase, check for cancellations regularly since the eight seat format means tables open up one at a time.
For upcoming openings like Slim's and Buccan, follow them on Instagram now. Most Miami restaurants drop their reservation links on social media before listing on third party platforms.
FAQ
Which new Miami restaurant is hardest to get into right now?
YASU Omakase in the Design District, with only eight seats, is currently the toughest reservation in the city. Plan well ahead and check for cancellations.
Are any of these restaurants open for lunch?
Tokyo Tuna and Bored Cuban offer daytime service. Most of the fine dining options like BEYBEY and Fooq's are dinner only.
What's the most affordable new opening in Miami?
Bored Cuban in South Miami and Canta Corazon near Wynwood are both in the $$ range, making them great options for a casual outing.
When does Slim's Steakhouse open?
Slim's Steakhouse at Bal Harbour Shops is expected to open in Spring 2026. An exact date hasn't been announced yet.
Is Buccan Coral Gables the same as the Palm Beach original?
The Coral Gables location will feature the same open kitchen and wood burning oven concept, plus two additional concepts (Imoto and Buccan Sandwich Shop) that make it a larger, more diverse dining destination.
