TasteTwenty Chef Aaron Brooks’s Miami Dining Guide
Ahead of the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America Miami event, Sunny's owner shares his picks for classic Cuban sandwiches, amazing cocktails, and destination-worthy pizza.
Chef Aaron Brooks (Photo: Michael Pisarri)
Fri, October 24, 2025
Editor’s Note: The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® culinary series presented by Capital One brings together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. The Taste America TasteTwenty cohort, comprised of 20 exceptional chefs and changemakers, will showcase their talents and represent their city’s independent restaurant community at walkaround tastings and dinners nationwide.
These chefs are not only creative dynamos in the kitchen, they're also avid diners, so we’re introducing a special city guide series where each TasteTwenty chef will share what they love about their city’s food scene.
Next up in our series is Aaron Brooks, chef/owner of Sunny’s in Miami, a modern steakhouse featuring raw bar selections from Florida waters and beyond. Here, Brooks shares his favorite places to eat, drink, and shop in Miami, including a calm oasis with stunning views, a classic spot with the best Cuban sandwich, and his go-to haunt for a nightcap and late-night empanadas.
The chic menu at Sunny's spans steaks, pastas, seafood, and more. (Photo: Cleveland Jennings)
What does it mean to be part of the JBF Taste America TasteTwenty cohort?
It feels so special to be recognized for all the amazing work our team is doing. Being able to represent on the national stage is a huge honor.
What do you love about the food scene in your city?
Having lived in Miami for over 10 years now, I have witnessed the city's evolution and continued growth. Each year, several exceptional restaurants continue to pop up and bring amazing things to our magical city. It’s all the homegrown concepts and chefs that I am always excited to check out, and the people and culture of Miami that make it so special.
Go-to spot to take visitors:
Gramps Getaway on Key Biscayne for the brews, bites, and quintessential Miami views. Tucked away in the marina, surrounded by boats and mangroves, it’s somewhat of a calm oasis that looks back on the cityscape of Brickell and downtown Miami. We simply love taking out-of-towners there.
The outdoor dining space at Sunny's. (Photo: Jeanne Canto)
Must-try dish in your city:
A Cuban sandwich at Sanguich. They really do the classic right. My kids love to grab a batido shake while they're there—the Timba, a mix of guava and cream cheese, is lights out! After lunch, walk down Calle Ocho and experience the vibes of Miami's main street.
Best special occasion restaurant:
That would have to be Sunny’s! Getting a night off and celebrating with my family is always a treat. Having them enjoy the full Sunny's experience is extremely special to me. For a special occasion with my wife, we enjoy going to Palma. It's right in our neighborhood, and chef Juan Camilo changes the menu monthly. He is doing an amazing job of artfully creating dishes that are visually appealing, while also spotlighting hyper-local ingredients. They've also got a great wine list!
What does an ideal night out in your city look like?
Of course, I’d start at ViceVersa for pizza! Our bar downtown is run by beverage maestro Valentino Longo and the uber-talented chef Justin Flit. Valentino is known for his killer Negronis, but don’t sleep on the Martini Doppio, Valentino's take on a Gibson and slightly Dirty Martini. I'll take mine with gin, please! For pies, I am completely in love with Justin’s white clam pie, hands down the best. Insider tip: order the Caesar Salad and fold the leaves of dressed romaine into your slice—it's truly next level! After that, we’re definitely heading to Cafe La Trova for live music, a nightcap, and maybe some sneaky croquetas and empanadas from chef Michelle Bernstein.
Sunny's boasts an extensive martini service. (Photo: Michael Pisarri)
What restaurant are you most looking forward to checking out?
I'm excited to check out Daniel's in Coral Gables! It's nice to have chef Danny Ganem in the neighborhood, and to have the Fiola space put to good use.
Restaurant dish you’d cry over if they took it off the menu:
Though I love our OG beef tartare, I would be devastated to see Boia De's beef tartare go. The beef tendon chip is the perfect scoopable utensil for the tartare.
Favorite food/drink specialty shop:
Having great neighbors is the best, and we’re lucky to have the finest just next door! At Bar Bucce, everything is delicious, from the freshly sliced charcuterie to the pizzas and antipasti. On the way out, don’t forget to grab assorted provisions for the pantry and home bar from the carefully curated selection of wines, spirits, and grocery items.
Who is another chef you admire in your city (and why)?
The team at Recoveco is doing an amazing job. Nico Martinez and Maria Teresa Gallina are not only artfully creating dishes to please the eye and palate, but they also lean heavily into a respect for the flavors and ingredients of Miami. Every bite I’ve had there has been absolutely delicious! Be sure to get chatty with their wine expert, Shannon Gable. If it were me, I wouldn’t even look at a list—just ask for whatever she’s currently excited about!