Here at Time Out, our mission is to bring you the very best of Miami, and that very importantly includes Miami’s best restaurants. Of course, on that mission, we editors find ourselves dining out quite a lot. Whether we’re trying out the latest buzzy concept from one of the city’s homegrown star chefs, hunting down the most delicious new smash burger in a tidal wave of Miami smash burgers or suiting up to make it past the velvet rope at South Beach’s hottest new clubstaurant, it’s all in day’s work to present you with our findings.
Though we don’t give full, rated reviews to every Miami restaurant, bar or venue we visit, we take a lot of time and care with the ones we do. These writeups represent our honest impressions of the place, regardless of whether we were invited to experience it as a media guest or if we paid our own way. Our editors and contributors are committed to helping you decide where to go out in Miami and what to do with your time (and money), because we know it’s precious.
That said, we’ll be recapping all the new Miami restaurants we review each month in one easily digestible post. Here are the new restaurants Time Out Miami editors tried in December—and what we thought. Bon appétit!
Mother Wolf
Rating: ★★★★ (4 out of 5 stars)
“Is it worth splurging your hard-earned (or not) bitcoin profits here? The answer comes with an asterisk. Mother Wolf is a visually dazzling space with Italian classics that range from stellar to slightly uneven. Even with its flaws, it’s one of the most special-feeling spots in Miami right now. The experience begins with a foyer fountain, a guy playing an ivory grand piano and a pasta lab where chefs cut noodles in controlled humidity. Beyond ornate curtains lies a massive, dimly lit dining room buzzing with energy. It feels important, like a pivotal movie scene in progress.”
Read our full review of Mother Wolf by Time Out contributor Eric Barton for more.
Cowy Burger
Rating: ★★★★ (4 out of 5 stars)
“The signature Cowy Burger is everything you want from a smash patty: lacy, caramelized edges, a juicy center and just nearly too much melty American cheese. But it’s the accouterments that elevate it: bacon jam so smoky it could moonlight as barbecue, caramelized onions that melt into the burger like butter and the Cowy Sauce, which strikes a delicate tangy-creamy balance. The bun is soft but sturdy, managing to hold its fluffy integrity right down to that final cheesy, saucy bite.”
Read our full review of Cowy Burger by Time Out contributor Eric Barton for more.
Sumak Restaurant
Rating: ★★★ (3 out of 5 stars)
“The first thing that arrives on the table at Sumak is a downright marvel: too-hot-to-touch pita bread that’s fluffy, pleated and dotted with sesames. I knew I’d want it later for the eggplant dip, but I also just couldn’t help tearing off pieces, ignoring burning fingers for pita that could solve all a day’s problems. That bread is a shining star at Sumak, a Miami Beach spot where otherwise dishes can be uneven but still worthy of a drive over the causeway.”
Read our full review of Sumak by Time Out contributor Eric Barton for more.
Ensenada
Rating: Not rated*
Lauded Brooklyn mariscos and mezcales restaurant Ensenada quietly opened a Miami outpost in mid-December, partnering with Ahmet Erkaya of Mandolin Aegean Bistro to open in MiMo’s hip and historic Vagabond Hotel. Though the space has had a revolving door of tenants, Ensenada fits right into the airy, effortless mid-century dining room and garden with a menu and vibe that calls to mind the likes of Contramar in Mexico City. My favorite dishes were the pescaditos fritos, tostada de atún and the aguachile verde, and I could also easily see this spot becoming a go-to for happy hour (who can deny $9 margaritas and espresso martinis?).
*Our team is still gathering information for an official rating of this restaurant. A full review has not yet been published for Ensenada.
Casa Madera
Rating: Not rated*
Casa Madera is a coastal Mexican fine-dining concept from Noble 33, a flashy global hospitality group that recently expanded to Miami with the opening of Sparrow Italia in Wynwood. Spanning two levels (floors 7 and 8) above Sparrow, Casa Madera plays up the supper club vibes with extremely dim lighting and ambient Tulum-esque entertainment, like the DJ accompanied by a live guitarist who jammed throughout our visit. This is the sort of place where your elaborate tableside drink presentation can easily steal the show, so make sure to dress accordingly. The food itself feels celebratory and familiar, with a nice variety of raw bar options and plenty of dishes designed for sharing—good for groups looking for a sexy escape without too much adventure.
*Our team is still gathering information for an official rating of this restaurant. A full review has not yet been published for Casa Madera.
