The Kaseya Center, formerly known as FTX Arena, stands as a vibrant hub for exhilarating games and captivating concerts. As visitors anticipate the thrill of the event, they are met with an array of enticing dining choices conveniently situated just steps away from the arena.
These diverse culinary offerings cater to an array of tastes, spanning from Argentine delights to tropical tiki-inspired concoctions.
From the cozy pasta haven of Jaguar Sun to the spirited atmosphere of Esotico Miami, the dining landscape near the Kaseya Center promises an unforgettable fusion of flavors, ensuring a well-rounded experience that complements the excitement within the arena’s walls.
10 Best Restaurants Near FTX Arena
If you’re planning to catch a game or a concert at the Kaseya Center (formerly known as the FTX Arena and the American Airlines Arena), you might be wondering where to eat before or after the event.
Luckily, there are plenty of options within walking distance of the arena, ranging from casual to upscale, and from Argentinian to tiki.
Here are 10 of the best restaurants near the Kaseya Center that you should check out.
1: Jaguar Sun
Address: 230 NE 4th St, Miami, FL 33132, United States
Rating: Approximately 4.6/5 on review platforms like Google and Yelp.
Menu: Offers a diverse and creative menu that changes frequently, featuring dishes such as oysters, crudo, Parker House rolls, and unique pasta creations.
Distance from Kaseya Center: 3 min (0.6 miles)
Working Hours: 5 PM–1 AM
Amenities:
- Cozy and intimate setting, suitable for date nights and small groups.
- Attention to detail in food presentation.
- Friendly and attentive service to enhance the dining experience.
Cons:
- Limited seating due to the small size of the restaurant.
- Potential for higher demand during peak hours, making reservations advisable.
Key Feature:
- Creative and dynamic menu that changes frequently, ensuring a unique dining experience on each visit.
- Cozy and intimate ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a gathering of close friends.
2: Bunbury
Address: 55 NE 14th Street Miami, FL 33132 (305) 333-6929
Rating: Generally around 4.5/5 on review platforms like Google and Yelp.
Menu: Offers hearty and satisfying Argentinian cuisine, including empanadas, grilled meats, salads, and sandwiches. Live music often enhances the atmosphere.
Distance from Kaseya Center: Walking distance, around 10-15 minutes away.
Working Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Operating hours can vary; check their official website for the most accurate information.)
Amenities:
- Unique “secret lair” entrance through a sliding bookshelf.
- Lively and vibrant atmosphere, often accompanied by live music.
Cons:
- Potential for crowded times due to its unique concept and popularity.
- Live music might lead to higher noise levels during performances.
Key Feature:
- Intriguing and immersive entrance through a sliding bookshelf, setting the tone for a memorable dining experience.
- Hearty and satisfying Argentinian cuisine, from empanadas to grilled meats, captures the essence of Argentine flavors.
- Live music and a lively atmosphere contribute to a fun and entertaining dining environment.
3: NIU Kitchen
Address: 104 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132, United States
Rating: Generally around 4.6/5 on review platforms like Google and Yelp.
Menu: Offers dishes inspired by Catalan cuisine, such as pa amb tomàquet, cold tomato soup, poached eggs with black truffle, and squid ink paella.
Distance from Kaseya Center: 4 min (0.8 mi)
Working Hours: 6–10 PM
Amenities:
- Warm and professional service, creating an inviting dining experience.
- Modern and elegant decor provides a sophisticated ambiance.
Cons:
- Limited seating due to popularity and demand.
- Potential for higher traffic during peak hours, making reservations advisable.
Key Feature:
- Focus on authentic Catalan cuisine, offering a unique dining experience with dishes like pa amb tomàquet and squid ink paella.
- Warm and professional service in a modern and elegant setting, suitable for special occasions or memorable dining experiences.
4: Mignonette
Address: 210 NE 18th St, Miami, FL 33132, United States
Rating: Typically around 4.5/5 on review platforms like Google and Yelp.
Menu: Specializes in seafood, particularly oysters. Offers options like raw, Rockefeller, and “Frank” oysters, as well as lobster rolls, seafood towers, and unique dishes like lobster, deviled eggs.
Distance from Kaseya Center: 5 min (1.1 mi)
Working Hours: 5–10 PM
Amenities:
- Charming retro ambiance with tiled floors and red leather booths.
- Focus on providing fresh and flavorful seafood offerings.
- Offers a unique variety of oyster preparations.
Cons:
- Busy periods during peak hours might lead to longer wait times.
- Limited seating availability during crowded times.
Key Feature:
- Standout focus on fresh seafood, particularly oysters, offering various preparations to suit different preferences.
- Charming retro aesthetic that adds character to the dining experience.
- Unique dishes like lobster deviled eggs that showcase creativity and innovation.
5: Esotico Miami
Address: 1600 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33132, United States
Rating: Generally around 4.4/5 on review platforms like Google and Yelp.
Menu: The menu features ingredients like coconut, pineapple, and spices. Dishes include items like black truffle dumplings, Hawaiian pineapple fried rice, and octopus hot dogs.
Distance from Kaseya Center: 5 min (1.0 mi)
Working Hours: 5 PM–12 AM
Amenities:
- Vibrant ambiance with bamboo, palm trees, and flamingo decor.
- Offers a tropical escape with a playful and fun atmosphere.
Cons:
- Potential for higher demand during peak hours, leading to wait times.
- Vibrant atmosphere might be too lively for those seeking a quieter dining experience.
Key Feature:
- Playful and kitschy decor with bamboo, palm trees, and flamingos, creates a unique ambiance.
- Focus on offering a tropical escape with innovative dishes like black truffle dumplings and Hawaiian pineapple fried rice.
6: The Corner
Address: 1035 N Miami Ave #101, Miami, FL 33136, United States
Rating: Typically around 4.5/5 on review platforms like Google and Yelp.
Menu: Offers a variety of pub-style food options, including classic items like burgers, wings, and nachos, as well as more adventurous choices like duck confit tacos and lamb sliders.
Distance from Kaseya Center: 5 min (0.7 mi)
Working Hours: 4 PM–5 AM
Amenities:
- Casual and relaxed atmosphere with a jukebox and a pool table.
- Impressive selection of snacks.
- Open late, making it an ideal post-event hangout spot.
Cons:
- Potential for crowded times during peak hours, leading to wait times.
- A casual atmosphere might not be suitable for those seeking an upscale dining experience.
Key Feature:
- Ultimate post-event hangout spot, open late into the night.
- Wide selection of beverages and pub-style food, including both classic and adventurous options.
- Relaxed ambiance with a jukebox and a pool table, creating a laid-back environment for gatherings.
7: Eleventh Street Pizza
Address: 1035 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33136, United States
Rating: Typically around 4.2/5 on review platforms like Google and Yelp.
Menu: Specializes in NY-style pizza, offering both slices and whole pies with classic and inventive toppings. Also serves salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
Distance from Kaseya Center: 5 min (0.7 mi)
Working Hours: 4 PM–12 AM
Amenities:
- Quick and casual dining experience, perfect for grabbing a quick bite.
- Diverse range of pizza toppings to suit various preferences.
- Cozy and comfortable atmosphere for a straightforward pizza experience.
Cons:
- Potential for crowded times during peak hours, leading to longer wait times.
- Limited seating availability during busy periods.
Key Feature:
- Focus on authentic NY-style pizza, offering a variety of classic and inventive toppings.
- Option to order slices or whole pies, catering to different dining preferences.
- Casual and straightforward dining environment, ideal for a quick and delicious meal.
8: Black Market Miami
Address: 168 SE 1st St, Miami, FL 33131, United States
Rating: Generally around 4.5/5 on review platforms like Google and Yelp.
Menu: Offers a range of bar staples including burgers, tacos, onion rings, and wings
Distance from Kaseya Center: 5 min (1.0 mi)
Working Hours: Operating hours can vary; check their official website for the latest information.
Amenities:
- Sports bar atmosphere with multiple TVs for catching game highlights.
Cons:
- Potential for crowded times during major sports events, leading to limited seating.
- Vibrant atmosphere might be too lively for those seeking a quieter dining experience.
Key Feature:
- Sports setting with ample TVs to catch game action and highlights.
- Focus on beverages, making it a great choice for a relaxed hangout.
- Convenient location for pre- or post-event
9: CVI.CHE 105
Address: 105 NE 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33132, United States
Rating: Generally around 4.8/5 on review platforms like Google and Yelp.
Menu: Specializes in Peruvian cuisine, particularly ceviche dishes. Offers a variety of ceviche options, along with other Peruvian specialties like lomo saltado, aji de gallina, and causa rellena.
Distance from Kaseya Center: Walking distance, around 15-20 minutes away.
Working Hours: 12–10:30 PM
Amenities:
- Modern and elegant decor with white tablecloths and colorful artwork.
- Focus on delivering authentic Peruvian flavors and dishes.
- Warm and professional service creating a refined dining experience.
Cons:
- Potential for crowded times during peak hours, leading to longer wait times.
- Limited seating availability during busy periods.
Key Feature:
- Focus on authentic Peruvian cuisine, particularly ceviche dishes that showcase fresh and marinated seafood.
- Elegant and modern ambiance with attention to presentation and decor.
- Wide variety of Peruvian specialties beyond ceviche, providing a comprehensive culinary experience.
10: Fratelli Milano
Address: 213 SE 1st St, Miami, FL 33131, United States
Rating: Generally around 4.6/5 on review platforms like Google and Yelp.
Menu: Offers authentic and homemade Italian cuisine, including pasta, pizza, salads, and soups.
Distance from Kaseya Center: 5 min (1.0 mi)
Working Hours: W11 AM–10 PM.
Amenities:
- Cozy and inviting ambiance with brick walls and wooden tables.
- Outdoor patio seating is available for a charming al fresco dining experience.
- Suitable for casual dining and people-watching.
Cons:
- Potential for crowded times during peak hours, leading to wait times.
- Limited availability for outdoor seating during busy periods.
Key Feature:
- Focus on authentic and homemade Italian cuisine, with a menu that covers pasta, pizza, salads, and soups.
- Cozy and inviting atmosphere with a touch of Milanese charm, making it ideal for gatherings and casual dining.
- Outdoor patio option for al fresco dining, great for soaking in the local atmosphere.
To Recap
In the heart of Miami’s entertainment scene, the Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena) serves as a dynamic canvas for games and concerts. As the cheers and melodies echo within its walls, the nearby dining landscape adds a layer of culinary delight to the overall experience.
From the artistic flair of NIU Kitchen’s Catalan cuisine to the lively ambiance of Bunbury’s Argentinian fare, each restaurant weaves its unique tapestry of flavors.
Whether savoring ceviche at CVI.CHE 105 or sipping tropical cocktails at Esotico Miami, visitors find themselves immersed in a world of tastes just moments away from the arena.
With every dish, this vibrant culinary enclave completes the narrative of a memorable day or night at the Kaseya Center.
