Miami is a melting pot of international cultures, so it is no surprise that you will find an array of cuisines and restaurants inspired by other countries when you visit. Some of these restaurants are inspired by Europe, from the food to the decor, because the old continent continues to inspire many categories. If you want to switch it up and ditch the tropical party vibe of the city, here are eight restaurants in Miami that have an over-the-top European flair with delicious offerings.
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901 S Miami Ave / Website
Balan's Bar & Brasserie, located in Brickell, adds a sophisticated touch to a popular neighborhood. The restaurant opened in 1987 as a 24-hour family-run diner in London and is now owned and operated by second-generation husband and wife pair Keva and Jonathan Balan, son of worldwide restaurateur and entrepreneur Prady Balan. Balan's was re-envisioned, entirely refurbished, and returned to its beginnings in a more refined manner in 2018 to reflect the vision of Balan's second generation. Jonathan and Keva wanted to develop a sophisticated brasserie focused on European cuisine and handmade cocktails, a location they could be proud of as foodies. Balan's provides fresh European flavors, seasonal cuisine, and creative cocktails in a pleasant yet classy setting. Here you may enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night.
1022 Lincoln Road / Website
Issabella's, a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant in the center of Lincoln Road, offers a unique culinary experience that transports diners to the streets of Spain, the South of France, and Italy via traditional European foods from Spain, Greece, and Italy served as family-style entrees and tapas. The restaurant's menu is unlike any other in terms of Mediterranean food. Perfect for catching up with friends over dinner or a long lunch, people-watching, and swapping stories while enjoying wonderful food. Aside from the food, Issabella's beverage program is inspired by Europe, featuring a diverse selection of exotic gins and aperitif-style cocktails and a comprehensive wine list. With this in mind, the best way to enjoy the delectable food and handmade cocktails is to order various items to share with friends and family. Join Issabella's on a culinary journey where they combine traditional dishes with local ingredients to produce platters that are authentic to their roots and appropriate for the Miami context. This neighborhood gem has chic decor, a terrific atmosphere, cuisine, and drinks.
4312 NE 2nd Ave / Website
When you go through the blue gates and the bougainvillea at Mandolin Aegean Bistro, you are quickly taken to the tavernas along the Aegean coast towns where the Greek Islands meet the Turkish coast. Mandolin will welcome you with authentic Mediterranean hospitality while you enjoy the flavor and customs of the Aegean Sea. The traditional traditions and seasonality of Greek and Turkish seaside food bring the best of Europe to our very own city, located in the heart of the Miami Design District.
1200 Brickell Ave / Website
Dirty French Steakhouse's sumptuous, playfully irreverent, and utterly transportive atmosphere is divided into several dining rooms, each with its brilliant design. The setting references the neon glamor of the Magic City as well as the luxurious elegance of iconic institutions like Maxim's of Paris. It has been masterfully brought to life by veteran Major Food Group collaborator Ken Fulk for maximum lavishness.
1436 Drexel Ave / Website
The Drexel is reminiscent of the seaside riviera cities that make up the Mediterranean, with simple decor elements typified by earthy, rustic tones. The Drexel is located on the ground floor of the Esmé Hotel's Casa Matanza. This cultural gem, built in the 1920s and patterned after picturesque Mediterranean villages, is part of what drew founders Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis of Mandolin Aegean Bistro to the area. The Drexel is a casual yet classy modern Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Miami Beach that serves as a meeting spot for friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy elevated yet simple food.
309 23rd St. / Website
Villa Azur, Miami Beach's favorite French dinner club and entertainment venue, transports you to the French Riviera in cuisine and atmosphere. From the lovely dining room decorated in bright blues and gold to the enchanting secret patio, guests will forget they're in Miami while relaxing and sipping champagne. The food at Villa Azur is classic and authentic, featuring Mediterranean cuisine with a dash of local flavors, such as Tuna Tartare ($26) or Tomahawk Steak ($350), as well as an excellent beverage and spirits selection. Partygoers may enjoy a spectacular evening at the restaurant's weekly Thursday Night Dinner Party, which features some of the finest entertainment in town.
9700 Collins Ave #135 / Website
Le Zoo, a chic French brasserie on the first floor of the Bal Harbour Shops, is recognized for transporting diners to Parisian sidewalk cafes and the beaches of St. Tropez. The menu includes unique dishes ranging from Steak and Frites to Fruits de Mer, all of which celebrate the bright and fresh aromas of the Mediterranean. Le Zoo is the ideal European vacation, whether you're lounging in the lovely interior salon or dining on the lush palm tree-covered patio.
1300 Brickell Bay Drive / Website
LPM Miami is a French Riviera-inspired restaurant and bar that brings the authentic cuisine and legendary beauty of the French Riviera to the heart of Miami. LPM is located in Downtown Miami's Brickell district and features an informal entrance bar, an open-air terrace for up to 25, a covered dining terrace for 53, and space for 100 people.
Photography by: Courtesy jenifoto/Getty, 52 Chefs, The Louis Collection, Tato Gomez, KFI, Katie June Burton, Villa Azur, STARR Restaurants, LPM Restaurant & Bar
