Thereâs a truth about Miami that maybe you didnât know, something thatâs developed over the last few years, pretty much out of nowhere: We now have a die-hard contingent of folks who will do whateverâbrave the heat, long lines, uncomfortable seating and those daily hurricane-like rainstormsâjust to eat something delicious. Because of this, pop-up restaurants now thrive here. Those responsible for the pop-ups (both experienced chefs and young upstarts with no training) credit these people, the ones going above and beyond to discover Miamiâs next best foods, with allowing them to do what they do. Thereâs proof by the dozen across town, with many of Miamiâs best restaurants growing out of pop-ups or humble food trucks. Among our favorites, Boia De, now a Michelin-starred restaurant, launched as a food truck serving fried chicken sandwiches; Zitz Sum, one of the cityâs most awarded restaurants, started with a chef making dumplings in his home kitchen; Old Gregâs, some of the best pizza in town, began as a pandemic side project; and the new QP Tapas, technically still a pop-up, is among our favorite new restaurants this year. The growth of these experimental, temporary restaurants and their committed followings has fundamentally changed the restaurant industry in Miami in ways that make it entirely better. How? Why? We spoke to the teams behind many of Miamiâs pop-up success stories to find out. RECOMMENDED: Why is it so damn hard to open a restaurant in Miami? Photograph: Cou
Hi Miami!
Itâs a whole new world out there. Weâve seemingly made it through the worst of it and are seeing our city continue to open back up and thrive. As shops and restaurants regain their footing, itâs important to double-down on our efforts to support Miamiâs businesses like never before.
Thatâs why this year, weâre putting our effort into supporting local.
Whether itâs dining at one of the best restaurants in Miami or buying flowers from your favorite florist, every day is an opportunity to show up for local businesses.
And weâll be there to guide you through. Our editors have been seeking out the best of city life since 1968. We know that our cities are nothing without their restaurants, cafĂ©s, bars, theatres, music venues, nightclubs, cinemas, art galleriesâand all the other local, independently run places where people come together to eat, drink, laugh, think, create, cut loose and fall in love.
You can now vote for your favorite spots for the awards here! We want to hear from you! We need your help to decide Miami's favorite restaurant, bar, independent store and more. Vote now and vote often.
Our ongoing Love Local campaign shines a light on the people, places and establishments doing their best to survive during these difficult times. Weâre using our platform to share their stories and all of the ways you can support them.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about the incredible things that Miami local businesses are doing. Below, check out our Love Local campaign in action.
Virginia Gil
Time Out Miami editor