10 Of The Toughest Restaurant Reservations To Get In Miami

Landing a table at some of Miami's most sought-after restaurants has turned into a bit of a challenge for those looking to eat on the fly. As a global gateway city with thriving arts, nightlife, cultural, and culinary scenes, Miami draws millions of visitors each year who are eager to taste its offerings. With a busy in-town clientele and a steady stream of outsiders, competition for the best tables is fierce, with some reserving weeks or even months ahead. 

Several factors can push a Miami restaurant into this top-demand category. Sensationalized menus create instant word of mouth. Creative concepts and hints of secrecy also play an important role. Small capacities and tasting-menu-only seating arrangements create sizeable buzz, and people feel as though they're part of a members-only club. Add celebrity patronage and glowing influencer reviews, and an overnight reservation at a new hot spot can be nearly unattainable. 

For travelers, scoring a reservation at one of these dining rooms feels like an essential part of the Miami experience. For locals, it is a point of pride to get in before the next big thing dominates the city's food scene. Whether it is a glamorous supper club in South Beach or an intimate omakase counter in Wynwood, Miami's toughest reservations are about much more than just the food. They are a chance to tap into the city's energy and participate in its ever-unfolding cultural moment.

Carbone Miami's reservation system opens exactly 30 days in advance. Reservations go live on Resy at 10 a.m. Eastern, but some diners have stated that the open spot for a new day doesn't appear until around 10:15 a.m. By this point, it's already completely stacked, which makes booking a sprint the minute the clock strikes 10. Some insiders even say that prime time slots, especially on weekends, are reserved for VIPs before they're even open to the general public. 

The experience itself is part of the draw. Carbone has an in-your-face attitude and movie-set atmosphere that people just can't seem to get enough of. Reviews always comment on just how packed it is and add that the staff operates at a high speed to keep up with the energy of the room. For locals, securing a reservation is a badge of honor that signals you are in the know. For visitors, it fits right into Miami's theme of having to seek out the city's most high-end experiences. If you're looking for a reservation here, set an alarm, be in front of your computer by 10 a.m., and assume that there is absolutely no leeway for lateness.

carbonemiami.com

49 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Located behind a striking blue door and whitewashed storefront, Mandolin Aegean Bistro feels like sunshine on a plate. Its courtyard boasts wood tables, glossy chairs, an outdoor bar, trees, and colorful landscaping that make it feel like a hidden garden amidst Miami's bustle. It has earned Bib Gourmand recognition from the Michelin Guide for its heartfelt Greek and Turkish mezze. 

Reservations for the dining rooms can be made up to 60 days in advance through Resy. The real gold is an outdoor courtyard table, which is much harder to get when it's nice out and demand is at its peak. The good news is that all reservations are guaranteed an outdoor table, weather permitting.

Walk-ins are accepted, but are almost always seated indoors. To improve your odds, try going at the stroke of noon to make it for lunch, which is generally much easier to get than dinner. It's not just the meal that keeps the fans returning. Getting a table in Mandolin's courtyard, which feels like a garden paradise, is like stepping into an oasis of tradition and tranquility in the midst of a frenetic city. It's a spot to catch your breath and revel in the light and seasonal foods.

mandolinrestaurant.com

(305) 749-9140

4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Boia De is unforgettable, deliberate, and intimate. Tucked away under a neon pink exclamation mark in Little Haiti, the restaurant serves Italian-inspired dishes that earned it a Michelin star. It began as a 24-seat restaurant and still has that cozy feel. It's built to seat slightly fewer than 30 people today, depending on how much people mingle freely. Reservations unlock on Resy at noon, exactly 30 days before the intended date. But here is the real challenge: Reservations often disappear that same day. Often, only the earliest or latest time slots linger into the next day or two. 

Boia De does reserve a few tables back at the wine bar or for walk-ins, so arriving at opening time, usually around 5:30 p.m., offers a chance (albeit a long shot). People even line up before opening in hopes of a last-minute chance. 

There's a huge expectation that builds from the moment you land a reservation to when you finally get to eat. Dishes like tagliolini nero with king crab taste that much better because it feels like you earned them. Boia De remains one of Miami's most coveted seats because it makes the search worthwhile with something truly remarkable.

boiaderestaurant.com

(786) 209-6310

5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Delilah Miami blurs the line between fine dining and nightlife — think art-deco glamour meets live jazz and bottle service. While its Los Angeles counterpart established that mood, Miami's version brings that roaring '20s vibe with an upscale-casual dress code, plush lounge areas, and surprise performances that make it feel like a party wrapped around a meal. 

In contrast to other eateries, Delilah holds its reservations for release times, especially on high-energy nights when entertainment is the draw. If you're hoping for one of those marquee nights, you'll want to plan well in advance — not a few days, but frequently weeks. For less strict alternatives, weekday meals or earlier service hours are usually simpler to schedule. 

What still compels people to want reservations at Delilah is glamour and spectacle. Chandeliers, jazz bands, VIP tables, and the excitement of arriving dressed for an occasion as much as for dinner fuel the momentum of getting that reservation. It's less about timing a meal than it is about gaining access to the city's most upscale evening environment.

delilahrestaurants.com/location/miami

(305) 400-4657

301 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33101

Opened in early 2021 in the Design District, COTE Miami quickly became one of the hardest tables to get in town. The eatery is a Michelin-starred spot that brings Korean barbecue and an American steakhouse concept together, coupled with high-end beef and a complete wine and cocktail menu. The dining room is designed with grill-top tables, lantern-style lighting, and an edgy look that creates a club-like but upscale atmosphere. This combination of theater and quality has seen COTE Miami become the most popular dinner destination in Florida. 

Reservations for COTE Miami become available 30 days in advance at 10 a.m. on Resy and fill up quickly, especially Thursday to Saturday evenings. The most in-demand slots are during the busiest dinner times, around 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and those get booked very quickly. If you're late for the release window, weekday lunches and the bar can offer last-minute access, though that's limited as well. 

What drives demand so strongly is the level of food quality and immersion. Customers sear perfectly marbled beef on the table, sample dishes like Korean-style sides and seafood, and pair everything with well-chosen wines. COTE also receives celebrities and special occasion diners, which raises competition even further. Reserving a table at COTE is a declaration that you have attained one of Miami's most superior dining experiences.

cotekoreansteakhouse.com/locations/cotemiami

(305) 434-4668

3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Hiden is one of Miami's most exclusive omakase counters. Hidden behind a casual taco shop in Wynwood, it accommodates only eight guests at a time. The intimate sushi bar is accessible through a code-protected door, and its secrecy adds to the restaurant's mystique. The tasting menu changes frequently and emphasizes seasonal ingredients flown in from Japan as well as local seafood and produce. Each night typically has two seatings, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., which closely limits availability. 

Reservations are managed through Tock, and the limited capacity means tables are taken almost as quickly as they are posted. If you find yourself desperate for a table, it's worth checking Tock frequently for cancellations or attempting weeknights over weekends. 

Aside from the exclusivity, Hiden's appeal is brought about by the craftsmanship. Customers sit face-to-face with the chefs, observing how they construct nigiri, sashimi, and raw dishes with accuracy. The service is coordinated so that a guest gets to enjoy the same sequence of courses at the same time. The atmosphere is that of an exclusive performance and dinner combined. This intimacy, paired with fresh seafood and meticulous presentation, is what makes Hiden one of the hardest tables to get in Miami. Coming in isn't so much about dining as it is about getting into one of the city's most elite culinary experiences.

hidenmiami.com

(786) 580-4955

313 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33127

Sadelle's Coconut Grove brings New York's all-day dining tradition to one of Miami's most charming neighborhoods. It opened in 2022 and is already a destination for everything from casual brunches to mid-day catch-ups and casual lunches. The space is bright and airy with plenty of terrace seating that invites you to enjoy al fresco dining when the weather is fine. 

The reservations are available exactly 30 days ahead of time for parties of 10 or fewer. There are set menus for parties of 11 to 15, which can be coordinated via email with the reservations team. Booking begins via Resy or email at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Weekend patio or outdoor tables are most sought after. And peak brunch hours — late morning to early afternoon — tend to go quickly. 

The menu is unabashedly rich. Signature dishes include bagel towers with smoked fish, the Triple Decker sandwich, salads, and French toast. Dessert offerings, caviar service, and upscale drinks also draw people in. The restaurant is celebratory, friendly, and reliably full; it's a festive spin on comfort food in a stylish setting.

sadelles.com/coconut-grove

3321 Mary Street, Miami, FL 33133

Shingo, in Coral Gables, is a 14-seat omakase experience run by chef Shingo Akikuni. It's located in the La Palma building that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers two seatings per night, usually at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Each guest enjoys a seasonal tasting menu that incorporates ingredients locally sourced from Florida as well as Japan. The cost is $275 a head, putting it in the higher stratosphere of Miami dining. 

Reservations open each month on Tock, so a complete four weeks of seats are released at once. Since only 14 seats are offered per service, the whole month can sell out quickly. The restaurant encourages timeliness since there is not much leeway for being late. 

One of Shingo's attractions is its coziness. Guests watch the chef up close, making sushi and other dishes, often chatting about technique and procurement. Courses are served in a planned sequence so the table moves as a single entity, adding to the sense of a shared experience. This combination of restricted table numbers, dedication to detail, and mounting critical awareness, like its Michelin star, creates passionate demand. Dining there is more akin to having a private performance than dining at a typical restaurant, and this is why getting a seat is a small triumph among Miami foodies.

shingomiami.com

112 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Renowned for its patio under a banyan tree, surrounded by foliage, pendant lights, and a casual yet upscale atmosphere, Sunny's Steakhouse in Little River is one of the most buzzed-about dining destinations in Miami. A toasty wood-paneled interior awaits diners inside, mirroring the outdoor appeal. The kitchen specializes in premium steaks, complete raw bar, pasta, and cocktails that are classic in style but with contemporary flair. 

Reservations are released 30 days in advance on Resy and popular times are snatched up quickly. Patio tables and Saturday nights are most popular. There are only a handful of walk-in spots available at the bar, and arriving early is a must. 

Sunny's current popularity stems from word of mouth and increased coverage in national and local newspapers. As the buzz continues to escalate, tables become even harder to come by. Regulars recommend reservation alerts on Resy, hoping for weekday or early evening, and being open to taking indoor or outdoor to improve your chances. Part of Sunny's charm is the atmosphere. It is a hidden oasis in the midst of city chaos, where you can dine under a giant tree and enjoy tenderly grilled steaks. Add ambiance to the mix, and Sunny's becomes one of the tougher tables to reserve in Miami, rather than a neighborhood eatery.

sunnysmia.com

7357 NW Miami Ct, Miami, FL 33150

Mediterranean ingredients meet Asian-influenced techniques in a stylish, high-energy setting at MILA Miami. Located in the midst of downtown Miami, the restaurant attracts locals and visitors alike who crave a cosmopolitan night out on the town that combines refined eating with a lively atmosphere. Its fashionable interior features dim lighting, a fire show, and an open kitchen that adds a further element of spectacle to the dining experience. 

Reservations here are in high demand, particularly on Friday evenings at prime time, which peaks around 8 p.m. Walk-ins are occasionally accepted for the bar, but there is no guarantee of being seated. To secure a reservation, you're advised to plan ahead, monitor online release times, and, of course, consider weekday evenings if flexibility allows.

The menu revolves around shareable small plates like sushi rolls and seafood grilled with Mediterranean flavor profiles featuring Asian twists, so it's a great choice for social eaters and groups. Signature cocktails and a wine list complement the food to complete the whole experience. The combination of cuisine, electric vibes, and downtown core nightlife makes MILA a destination for diners looking for a packaged scene. As with many of the aforementioned spots, demand at MILA underscores how a cool concept with good execution can turn a restaurant into one of Miami's toughest tables to book.

mila-miami.com

(786) 706-0744

1636 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139