This Miami steakhouse was just named one of the best restaurants of 2025
The Miami steakhouse that can do no wrong was named one of the best new restaurants in the country (again).
In its latest issue, Esquire magazine announced its annual list of the best new restaurants in 2025, and Sunny’s Steakhouse in Little River was the only Florida restaurant to make the list.
The restaurant, which opened as an outdoor pandemic pop-up in 2020 and as a full-service restaurant in October 2024, is no stranger to accolades. Sunny’s was also recently named as one of the best 101 steakhouses in North America by World’s Best 101 Steak Restaurants, along with Daniel’s in Coral Gables. Shortly after its opening, it was named a “must try” spot by Bon Appétit and earlier this year it was added to the Michelin Guide.
The creation of restaurateurs Will Thompson and Carey Hines of Jaguar Sun fame, Sunny’s has been a hit with locals and tourists. A reservation here is one of the toughest to get in Miami, unless you don’t mind eating at 5:30 or 10 p.m. And you don’t mind. With Sunny’s, you take what you can get, and you are extremely happy for it.
Esquire was equally charmed, calling the restaurant “best party in town” in the introduction to its list.
“The vibes are impeccable, and the food is so good that you make that face between disbelief and disgust that somehow conveys ecstasy,” the story reports.
We have no idea what that face is that they’re talking about — we’re always pretty much smiling at Sunny’s, when we’re not eating, thanks to what comes out of Chef Aaron Brooks’ kitchen — but you get the idea.
After he gets a bit of snobbery out of the way — “For a certain kind of Northeast snob — me! — the words Miami and steakhouse can arouse a visceral fear response” — Joshua David Stein praises dishes that “simultaneously express maximalism and delicacy.”
(Note: we are unclear as to why someone from New York would be terrified by the words “Miami” and “steakhouse,” given that a significant portion of the diners at any popular restaurant in Miami at any given time are New Yorkers, but we are glad he survived his ordeal.)
“In the belly of a clam-shell platter: octopus ceviche with grapefruit, cucumber, and peanuts, as pleasing as a sonata. On each tentacle of a pewter octopus: tiny kouign-amann ice cream sandos,” he writes. “And, oh, the steaks. Leave the $258 Wagyu porterhouse to the valet-parking cologne mongers and find satisfaction instead in a thirty-nine-dollar ten-ounce hanger steak, perfectly charred and brightened by salsa verde. Eat it in the shade of the old banyan tree as another ice-cold martini arrives.”
Co-owner Thompson said he was thrilled with Esquire’s praise.
“We feel both lucky and grateful for the press and recognition we’ve received since opening, and are hugely appreciative of the support we’ve gotten from our community here in Miami, without which none of this would have been possible,” he said.
Sunny’s has also just released reservations for its New Year’s Eve dinners, with an early seating from 5:30-7 p.m. for $195 per person and an 8:30-10:30 p.m. seating for $245 per person. Both meals are four courses and will be served family-style, and beverages, tax and gratuity are not included in the price.
Sunny’s Steakhouse
Where: 7357 NW Miami Ct, Miami
Hours: 5:30-11 p.m. daily
Reservations: Resy
More information: sunnysmia.com