Biscayne Time's Favorite Openings of 2021

It’s crazy that 2021 is already coming to a close! This whole year has flown by, and a big reason for that is the pandemic. It’s twisted everyone’s perception of time, which just doesn’t seem to have any meaning anymore.

But 2021 has absolutely demonstrated the resilience of Miami's food scene. While this year was rough for restaurants, things did get a bit better. Fewer eateries closed and many more restaurants opened their doors for business. Things seem to be looking up, and 2022 will hopefully be better, especially with the arrival of the Michelin Guide in the 305. Miami restaurants – and those in Tampa and Orlando – are finally able to earn those coveted stars.

Before we look too far ahead, let’s take a look back at some of our new favorite spots from this past year.

The highlight of 2021: Osteria Morini (1750 Alton Rd., 305.918.1037). This lauded New York restaurant brought its talents to South Beach near the beginning of the year and became an instant hit. With specialties like the prosciutto and mortadella meatballs, veal Milanese and the mouthwatering cappelletti pasta (truffled ricotta ravioli), how could it not? And don’t get us started on the negroni menu, which boasts the classic cocktail alongside tasty variations like the Boulevardier and Hell’s Bells (for those who love spice). If there’s one restaurant you need to visit right now, it’s this one.

Speaking of adult beverages, we need to talk about our new after-work hangout: Margot Natural Wine Bar (21 SE 2nd Ave.). The downtown Miami shop features dozens of wines that are sure to impress even the most discerning drinker. Red, white, skin contact, bubbles … there’s no shortage of selections that will fit your palate. All of these delectable choices are complemented by a small yet mighty selection of bites. Think crudos, country ham, tapenade and more. The place is experimenting with more substantial fare, too – a sardine banh mi sandwich blew our minds during one of our last visits.

Just a little north, Eleventh Street Pizza (1035 N. Miami Ave., 786.536.2749), is pumping out some of our favorite pies in town. Now open for dine-in after starting out as takeout only, guests can nosh on Japanese milk bread garlic rolls, three-meat lasagna and signature pizzas like The Brooklyn Cheese, Wild Shroom and, of course, pepperoni. Don’t feel like a whole pie? Slices are available, too, and honestly, one or two is more than enough; these are some hefty wedges.

Looking for something a little lighter? Set your sights on Wynwood’s DOYA (347 NW 24th St., 305.501.2848), an Aegean meze bar that’s a gorgeous addition to the area. The menu at this spacious venue pulls influences from Greece, Turkey and other Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. Expect to find cold and hot bites galore; highlights include roasted eggplant, the Cretan feta, zucchini and spinach pancake, grilled Turkish meatballs and butter shrimp. It just opened, and it’s already one of our go-to spots.

Coming Soon

Those are just a few of the notable openings this year, and many more are on the way. Set to open any day now, Tacombi (3930 NE 2nd Ave.) is bringing its tasty tacos from New York City down to the Design District. Offering a breath of fresh air from the higher-end offerings in the area, Tacombi’s selections like seared fish tacos and roasted chicken quesadillas will be easy on the bank account and an absolute delight for your taste buds. It’s nice to see a place in the neighborhood that won’t cost an arm and a leg.

And in big news for next year: Downtown Miami will welcome Julia & Henry’s (200 E. Flagler St.), a multilevel complex that will house dining options from notable local chefs like Michelle Bernstein (Cafe La Trova), José Mendín (Pubbelly Sushi) and Karla Hoyos (The Bazaar by José Andrés). Niu Kitchen’s Karina Iglesias will be curating the venue’s wines, and Boxelder Craft Beer Market will reopen here after shutting down shop in Wynwood this past Halloween. It’s going to be a who’s who of the food scene. Needless to say, Miami is in for a treat.

Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Rubin-Anderson are co-founders of Miami Food Pug, an award-winning South Florida food blog that fuses the couple’s love of dogs and food.