Mandolin Aegean Bistro

"Tables at Mandolin are sure to go fast, which makes sense since every vacationing New Yorker we’ve ever met seems to be obsessed with this lovely outdoor Mediterranean restaurant. However, you might get lucky (especially if you’re cool with eating at 11pm). The restaurant is walking distance from the Design District—and it’s such a beautiful, relaxing place to end (or start) the night with some wine, grilled haloumi, and manti dumplings. If dinner is already completely booked, try lunch. " - ryan pfeffer, mariana trabanino

"Verdict: Everyone loves Mandolin, and we’re including ourselves in that group. Not only is the Mediterranean food really good, but Mandolin has one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Miami. That's really the reason to come, but we've never been disappointed by anything we've eaten here. Plus, the service always runs smoothly. " - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino

"Though it’s always a difficult dinner reservation to find, a meal at Mandolin is still easier than buying a plane ticket and flying to Greece—which is what having lunch here feels like. Mandolin is technically in Buena Vista, but only a block from the Design District. The Mediterranean food is very good, but this place is always crowded because it’s one of the greatest outdoor restaurants in Miami. The tables are shaded by trees and canopies, and the grilled octopus, whole Mediterranean sea bass, and grilled halloumi are exactly the kinds of things we want to eat under the Miami sky. " - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino

"Miami’s best Greek and Turkish food is found in Mandolin’s intimate, understated courtyard. Transport to the Greek isles with a menu of elegant small plates, entrees like lamb and beef meatballs, and an exceptional grilled octopus. Any meal here can be paired with one of the refreshing Greek wines on the menu." - Olee Fowler

"If you’ve exhausted all your vacation days by Q2, then you might have to settle for a long lunch at Mandolin, which is the closest you’re coming to Mykonos this year. The beautiful (mostly) outdoor restaurant has lots of delicious shareable plates and a white sangria that’s appropriate to drink before 5pm. Between the baba ghanoush and the restaurant's blue and white color scheme, the only thing that’ll remind you you’re not vacationing in Greece is the notification on your phone to extend your parking. " - mariana trabanino, virginia otazo, ryan pfeffer