News Summary
Sunny’s Steakhouse, a new dining destination in Little River, Miami, has earned recognition as one of the 50 Best Restaurants in America according to the New York Times. Opened in October 2024, Sunny’s is the only Florida restaurant to receive this honor. With a unique ambiance, diverse menu featuring steak, pasta, and seafood, and an inviting atmosphere under a banyan tree, it has quickly become a standout in Miami’s dining scene.
Florida – Sunny’s Steakhouse, a newly established restaurant in Little River, Miami, has been recognized as one of the 50 Best Restaurants in America by the New York Times in its 2025 Restaurant List. The popular dining spot, which opened its doors in October 2024, is the only recipient of this prestigious honor in Florida.
The New York Times’ annual list highlights restaurants that offer exceptional food alongside a generous ambiance and a unique vision. This year’s selection reflects significant shifts in the dining landscape, with more than half of the featured establishments, including Sunny’s, having opened after the release of the 2024 edition. The Times’ editorial team meticulously sampled meals from hundreds of establishments across 33 states before settling on the final 50.
Sunny’s Steakhouse originated as a pop-up called Sunny’s Someday Steakhouse during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily operating at Lot 6. Its reputation grew quickly due to its outdoor dining options, which resonated well during the health crisis. This success encouraged co-owners Will Thompson and Carey Hynes to develop Sunny’s into a permanent fixture at 7357 NW Miami Ct.
The restaurant is noted for its inviting open-air courtyard, nestled under a banyan tree, providing guests with a cozy atmosphere. Its interior design embraces an industrial aesthetic, combining modern elements such as Murano glass fixtures and polished marble floors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Under the leadership of Executive Chef Aaron Brooks, Sunny’s menu boasts an impressive array of culinary offerings, including traditional steakhouse fare, pasta, and seafood. The steak selection ranges significantly, featuring options that vary from a 10-ounce hanger steak to a lavish 32-ounce Wagyu porterhouse. Enhancing these dishes are a variety of sauces, including classic Béarnaise and an inventive bone marrow vinaigrette.
The pasta menu includes enticing choices such as spicy rigatoni, corn and blue crab agnolotti, and mushroom chitarra, appealing to a wide range of palates. For seafood lovers, the menu presents delicacies such as oysters, razor clams, dorade, and octopus ceviche. Guests can also indulge in several side dishes, including Parker House rolls, pommes purée, and creamed spinach, while dessert options feature whimsical creations such as banana toffee cheesecake and a piña colada sundae.
In addition to its culinary offerings, Sunny’s Steakhouse also boasts a cocktail menu that features both classic martini selections and innovative concoctions like the “Guava Cosmopolitan.” Wine director Matt Whitney has carefully curated a robust wine list showcasing selections from renowned regions such as Bordeaux and Swartland, ensuring that guests have exceptional pairings for their meals.
Guests are encouraged to make reservations via Resy, though limited walk-in seating is also available for those seeking a more spontaneous dining option.
The rapid ascent of Sunny’s Steakhouse in Miami’s competitive dining environment illustrates the evolving trends in restaurants since the pandemic. The restaurant’s unique offering of high-quality dishes and an inviting atmosphere has resonated with both locals and visitors, establishing it as a standout destination in the culinary scene.
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
