The restaurant scene in Miami is going through a transformation, but not everyone is getting what they want. Even as many old Miami restaurants have closed, the new ones that are opening around the city are still face some of the same issues that previous ones encountered. Specifically, price and am appeal more tourists over residents continues to be an issue in the ever-evolving gastronomic scene in the city.
In Coral Gables, Daniel’s Miami is serving high-end steaks. Coconut Grove’s Si Papa has only one dish, homemade lasagna, which some feel is just gimmicky to justify price. And in Wynwood, Presidente is drawing crowds with cocktails and small plates, yet looks like a tourist destination as some critics have said.
These places are busy, seem like they are flourishing, but for residents what most stands out are the high prices.a
Senior, Mateo Gomez said he enjoyed trying one of the new spots, but the bill surprised him.
“I liked Daniel’s a lot. The food was really good. But when I saw the total, I knew I can’t make it a regular thing,” he lamented.
Another senior, Renata Vadala agreed that the city feels alive with openings but said the costs are tough.
“Si Papa is fun because it’s different, but when dinner for one is close to $50, it makes you think twice. People who live here need affordable options too,” she said.
For senior Zoe Maseri, the concern goes beyond prices.
“Presidente is cool, but it feels more like a place for tourists than locals. I miss the smaller family restaurants that felt like home. I just hope the new ones don’t forget Miami’s culture.”
As rents, food costs, and staff pay rise, most new restaurants are opening with higher priced menus. Some Miami residents see the changes as exciting, others feel left out. The challenge is whether new places can offer both creativity and comfort without losing the community feel that made Miami’s food scene special.
