Miami’s food scene is known and loved worldwide, but going out to a restaurant with your friends is about more than just the food. These local restaurants have the most Instagrammable photo-ops that will have your friends saying “you ATE” before you’ve even finished your meal.
Gianni’s at the Former Versace Mansion, Miami Beach
Stepping into Gianni’s means stepping into a piece of both Miami and luxury fashion history. Taking a 180-degree turn from the hustle and bright lights of the rest of Ocean Dr., Gianni’s is a pocket of Italy, with decades-old mosaic walls, statues and terrazzo and pebble stone floors. If you’re looking for a photo-op that works both for their brunch and dinner, head outside to the pool, where the shimmer of the mosaic waters does all the heavy lifting to give you the perfect pic.
Sexy Fish, Brickell
We couldn’t write an article about where a Miami student should go to post on Instagram without talking about Sexy Fish. For your photo-op, you’re going to want to head toward the fish, but not the one on your plate. Unlike its United Kingdom locations, Sexy Fish Miami location is known for its ocean-themed restrooms. With mirrors and sinks shaped like seashells, and the sunset-colored mosaic walls and floors, this post will have your followers thinking you’ve left school in pursuit of becoming a mermaid. Pro tip: Wear something with shimmer.
Giselle, Downtown Miami
If you’ve seen photos of the neon sign that says, “I’ll be there if by CHANCE you’ll be there too,” it’s from Giselle’s rooftop, and you need to be there. With theatrical purple lighting and skyline views, it’s an opportunity for a main character moment photoshoot like no other. And if you are 21+, you have your choice of after-dinner fun downstairs at E11EVEN or across the street at Club Space when you’ve finished. Combine your Giselle photos with ones from the club, and you’ve got yourself a photo dump that will give you FOMO just looking at the next morning as you embrace all your heart eye comments.
Amal, Coconut Grove
If “Aladdin” took place today, Amal is what Jasmine’s palace would look like. Amal’s vibes are a perfect mix of old-world Arabesque charm and modern Miami luxury. Whether you’re accompanied by their jazz band in the sunshine for brunch or belly dancers in darker mood lighting for dinner, Amal puts a classy twist on Miami’s party scene. Before or after your meal, go up the elevator for drinks and light appetizers at Level 6 Rooftop, overlooking Coconut Grove. By the end of the day, you’ll have a full stomach, a full heart and a phone full of Instagram notifications.
Joia Beach, Miami Beach
It’s easy to get caught up in Miami’s bright and bold city life, but Joia Beach is a reminder to enjoy the serene. With a restaurant, beach club and lounge overlooking the beach, this is your time to dip your toes in the sand and treat Miami the way that everyone who doesn’t live here does: a vacation. If you’re looking to add a beachfront or sunset pic to your feed, without an overwhelming pressure to post in a bathing suit, Joia is the place to EAT.
Amazonico, Brickell
After major success in Dubai, London and Monte Carlo, Amazonico hit the States in Miami last September with three floors of jungle-inspired beauty. The restaurant on the ground floor is full of lush greenery — take your allergy pill before arrival if necessary — with undertones of red, yellow and green, perfect for pics that give a sultry, mysterious vibe. On the second floor, a bar and lounge with more of a “Miami modern” aesthetic, accompanied by mirrored ceilings, in case you want to throw in a fun birds-eye view pic with your cocktail into the feed. And finally, Amazonico’s rooftop may just be the star of their Latin-American show, with a larger-than-life peacock statue built into the main bar and beautiful Brickell views. It’s your opportunity to show your followers your wild side.
Navi Coffee and Flowers, Coconut Grove
If you thought we were going to leave you without a coffee shop, think again. Navi is known for what’s in their name: coffee and flowers. While seating is limited, it’s still worth popping in for a honey tahini latte and a photo in front of their floral display. After you hit ‘Post,’ consider picking up one of their arrangements to make your home as aesthetic as your feed.
words_amanda mohamad. photo_ruby tavano, julia campbell & rosibel mercedes. design_charlotte deangelis.
This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2026 print issue.
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