Sunny’s, the beloved Little River steakhouse, has officially stepped onto the global stage. Known for its dreamy banyan tree patio and custom martinis, Sunny’s has been named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2025 Hot List, a highly anticipated annual roundup celebrating the best new restaurants around the globe. Spanning cities from Mexico City to Melbourne, the list highlights standout culinary destinations, and Sunny’s earned its place for transforming a humble pandemic-era pop-up into one of the most exciting dining experiences in the United States.
An Instant Classic
Kate Kassin of Condé Nast Traveler captured the restaurant’s meteoric rise, writing, “It’s hard to imagine a time when Sunny’s Steakhouse didn’t exist in Miami. It instantly took on the air of a classic institution despite debuting in its permanent iteration in only October 2024.”
Sunny’s effortlessly blends nostalgic steakhouse fare with a contemporary Miami sensibility. Whether dining beneath the towering banyan tree outdoors or seated inside the mid-century modern space with windows opening onto a lively courtyard, guests find no bad seat in the house. As Kassin notes, “Whether you’re outdoors encircling the tree or inside the midcentury modern space with windows open to the courtyard, there’s not a bad seat in the house to enjoy the steakhouse-style fare and sip on a ‘pick-your-path’ martini.”
Signature Dishes and Memorable Moments
Sunny’s menu reflects the traditional steakhouse charm but with a modern twist. Some of the standout dishes include warm, fluffy Parker House rolls, in-house pastas—such as the signature blue crab agnolotti—and wood-fired proteins such as dry-aged ribeye finished either with a flourish of potato butter sauce or chimichurri.
The interior design of the restaurant perfectly complements this traditional steakhouse vibe with a subtle touch of contemporary architecture. It strikes the right balance between mid-century elegance and Florida whimsy. Elegant tablescapes, illustrated menus, and an open-air courtyard create a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Outside, string lights weave through the banyan tree, casting a fairytale glow that enhances the dining experience, making Sunny’s one of Miami’s most memorable destinations.
Recognition Beyond Condé Nast
Sunny’s inclusion in the 2025 Hot List is the latest in a string of accolades that have cemented its reputation both locally and nationally. In March 2025, the Michelin Guide added Sunny’s to its recommended Miami spots, citing its nostalgic-yet-modern appeal and standout wood-fired proteins. Shortly thereafter, Food & Wine named Sunny’s one of the “15 Best U.S. Restaurants of 2025,” where it ranked 13th.
Such recognition builds on the momentum the restaurant has enjoyed ever since its permanent reopening in October 2024. The restaurant has received critical acclaim for its ambiance, culinary offerings, and smooth transition from being a pop-up in the parking lot to being a nationally recognized and celebrated 220-seat restaurant.
The Journey From Pop-Up to Powerhouse
Sunny’s began as a pandemic-era experiment, a temporary pop-up that quickly captured Miami’s attention. Within a few years, it now stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the world’s most buzzworthy openings. This remarkable growth has earned it a spot in New Times’ “9 Biggest Miami Restaurant Openings of 2024” list.
Today, Sunny’s continues to celebrate its Jaguar Sun roots while carving out a unique identity. Its extensive cocktail list, with an entire section devoted to gin and custom vodka martinis, offers guests the chance to craft their perfect pairing for a night under the banyan lights or inside the stylish dining room.
With a place on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Hot List, a Michelin Guide recommendation, and high national rankings from Food & Wine, Sunny’s is not just a Miami favorite anymore; it’s a bona fide destination for food lovers around the world.
