In a city where restaurants can rise and fall with the tide, a select few have stood strong, becoming more than places to eat — they’re Miami institutions. These 22 restaurants, many of which have been feeding generations for over half a century, are the foundation of Miami’s culinary identity. Long before pop-ups and celebrity chefs arrived, these pioneers were dishing out croquetas, hot dogs, stone crabs, and bistec empanizado with a side of heart and history.
To dine at one of these legendary spots — from the legendary seafood restaurant Captain’s Tavern to the buzzing counters of Steve’s Pizza — is to taste the evolution of Miami itself. They’ve witnessed the city transform into an international metropolis, all while serving up the same beloved dishes that earned them a loyal following. Whether it’s a box of square-cut slices from Frankie’s Pizza, the smoky ribs at Shorty’s Bar-B-Q, or a sizzling plate of vaca frita from Versailles, these places connect us to the flavors, hospitality, and history of Miami’s past that are the foundation of the food culture we’re so lucky to have today.
Miami’s dining scene wouldn’t be what it is today without these enduring restaurants. They taught the city how to eat: boldly, passionately, and always with flavor. So, as new culinary trends come and go, we pay tribute to the 22 oldest restaurants still thriving today — the cornerstones of Miami dining that have defined and continue to inspire our ever-changing food culture.
94th Aero Squadron Restaurant – Opened in July 1977
1395 NW 57th Ave., Miami…