Do you crave the sun-drenched glow of Santorini? Or prefer the moody shadows of a Marrakech riad? According to some, ambiance can make or break a Mediterranean meal. But then, it depends what your expectations are. Some people want vibrant, bustling tavernas, others seek serene, white-washed elegance. Whatever your ideal Mediterranean vibe, there’s a North Miami Beach restaurant that delivers it.
Issabella’s
$$$ | (305) 397-8040 | WEBSITE
A great restaurateur knows great atmosphere, and Issabella’s certainly delivers. This Mediterranean gem appears effortlessly elegant but is meticulously crafted, from the stunning classy environment that glows with warmth, to the $45 Miami Spice dinners that make every bite feel like a celebration. Beautiful but perfectly balanced, it’s a restaurant that’ll please any dining preference.
Pastinos Pastas & Vinos
$$ | (954) 404-6505 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of Italian spots, but what about one that actually makes everything from scratch? Pastinos Pastas & Vinos smiles in the face of pre-made pasta critics by serving homemade Mediterranean classics in a North Miami Beach setting. It’s relaxed, it’s intimate, and you can taste if that tiramisu you were eyeing up is worthwhile.
Pita Shop
$ | (954) 391-7821 | WEBSITE
One of North Miami Beach’s most welcoming Mediterranean spots, Pita Shop has just the right amount of warm hospitality. Which is to say, an abundant amount. Whether seated at a booth or at a table in this clean, pleasant space, your attention will only focus on what matters: the aroma of chicken Shawarma and the freshness of Greek salad.
Sea Grill Restaurant
$$$ | (305) 945-7555 | WEBSITE
Sea Grill Restaurant in North Miami Beach is lit like a Mediterranean jewel. It’s got a gorgeous glow to it and when you’re sitting at one of the outdoor tables on a balmy evening, you’ll be happy to indiscriminately dip bread into whatever’s in front of you, knowing that you’re always going to be very satisfied with the result.
Zelda’s Kitchen
$ | (786) 925-0669 | WEBSITE
Zelda’s Kitchen’s main dining area is a cozy, warmly lit space with a charming mixture of Mediterranean décor that feels straight out of a family home. The counter area of this North Miami Beach restaurant is where it gets really good though. A display of fresh ingredients that shifts from vibrant vegetables to perfectly seasoned meats. There is simply no better place to demolish an entire gyro platter.
Garden Diva Hummus
$ | (954) 914-5856 | WEBSITE
Can you imagine the first bite of truly exceptional hummus? It’s hard, isn’t it. Worry not because you can also swing by Garden Diva Hummus for an adjacent. The glow of their cilantro jalapeño hummus has brightened our day on more than one occasion. In any other setting, this kind of flavor would be overwhelming, but in this reliable Mediterranean food truck it becomes comforting.
Perl Restaurant by Chef IP
$$$ | (786) 654-2854 | WEBSITE
A favourite among food enthusiasts and discerning diners, Perl Restaurant by Chef IP is the closest most of us will ever get to experiencing Michelin-quality cuisine in a minimalist sanctuary. The clean lines and unadorned surfaces give the energy of a space where culinary artistry takes center stage and, given its North Miami Beach location, more than a few locals likely savor it for just that.
The attentive service ensures every detail is handled with care, from the excellent hearts of palm to the seared tuna that arrives perfectly prepared. While the delicious rigatoni pasta and NY stripe satisfy completely, the charred broccoli could perhaps use a moment longer on the flame. Yet the seabream and branzino shine as particularly delicious highlights, and the mushrooms stand out as a rare delicacy worth every bite of their $28 price point.
Whether you’re a local regular or a curious visitor, this intimate atmosphere with friendly, courteous staff delivers a culinary delight that simply will not disappoint.
Lido Restaurant at the Surf Club
$$$$ | (786) 482-2280 | WEBSITE
When it comes to fine dining, the line between stuffy formality and genuine elegance is a fine one. But Lido exists in its own realm. The Mediterranean restaurant at the Surf Club has a sophisticated way about it, and its penchant for understated luxury matches the flavors of what’s presented on your plate. The stunning ambiance makes it feel like home from arrival to departure, with a relaxed atmosphere that’s especially noticeable in the private dining room.
While the menu offers limited options, dishes like the medium-sized divinely-prepared raw oysters, yellow tail, tuna tartare with pistachios, wagyu carpaccio, and veal Milanese showcase exceptional quality. The knowledgeable and attentive staff, including Fabrizio, Carlo, and Emanuele, aim to provide a memorable dining experience, though service can be slow at times. Cocktails and exceptional wines further enhance what becomes an outstanding evening for all.
Kalypso Beach
Kalypso Beach has a coastal glow to it that only perfect oceanfront spots with sublime branzino can have. It’s a Miami Beach Mediterranean favourite that masters the correct lighting for lingering as well as it does vibrant cocktails and skewers of chicken.
Lique Miami Waterfront Restaurant and Lounge
$$$$ | (305) 705-2425 | WEBSITE
Supposedly the premier waterfront spot in North Miami Beach, this bayside lounge feels like the backdrop for a never-to-be-forgotten vacation memory from the 2020s. The atmosphere is vibrant and it should be somewhere a romantic couple will celebrate their anniversary, but you’ll more likely overhear someone from a lively family table talking about their optimum number of spicy passion fruit margaritas.
Motek Aventura
$$ | (305) 974-2626 | WEBSITE
Stepping into Motek Aventura’s garden oasis can be a welcome escape from the Aventura mall bustle outside. A functional Mediterranean restaurant with highly functioning outdoor lighting, Motek is a place that we love, hummus and all, just as you should with the person you come with. The attentive staff—knowledgeable about dietary restrictions—makes you feel like a VIP, and the superb, efficient service matches the delicious vegetarian options like salads and baba ganoush.
The interior design is equally attractive, and the Israeli cuisine and amazing vibe have us planning our next visit already. Convenient parking at the mall adds to the overall positive experience, and we’ll be recommending this spot to everyone.