Between jewel-green walls, velvet curtains and plush seats, The Joyce, a 45-seat steakhouse on Española Way, which we visited last year, offers an intimate dining experience that feels like being let in on a local secret.
Beyond its impressive art collection and flame-grilled cuts, The Joyce has earned multiple accolades following the rapid expansion of its wine program, which now includes more than 500 labels and roughly 1,200 bottles. Led by beverage director Andrew Herron, the Miami Beach steakhouse has secured major recognition at the state, global and industry levels, placing it among a small group of restaurants gaining attention for the depth and rarity of its selection.
Star Wine List, a global guide to wine-focused restaurants and bars, named the program Best Medium-Sized Wine List in Florida, awarding a Gold Star as the category winner. That distinction places it among the strongest curated lists in the state.
“Building a world-class wine program isn't about chasing accolades; it's about creating something with integrity that genuinely enhances the guest experience,” Herron says. “To have that recognized by organizations that are so respected within the industry is both humbling and rewarding.”
On a broader stage, Star Wine List also granted a Global Silver Star for Best Medium-Sized Wine List. That honor recognizes the program among leading wine lists worldwide and makes The Joyce one of only four U.S. restaurants in the category, including Kitchen Istanbul in San Francisco and New York City–based restaurants Peasant and The Four Horsemen.
Of the 195 restaurants and bars competing from 28 countries, the U.S. earned 27 stars across the 10 categories. Other Miami winners include COTE, Boia De, Bourbon Steak, Sexy Fish, Ezio’s, Laurel, Krüs Kitchen and Mandolin Aegean Bistro, plus Casa D'Angelo in Fort Lauderdale, all of which earned Silver Stars.
“More than anything, these awards put The Joyce on the map as a serious wine destination,” Herron says. “My hope is that when people think about the best places to drink wine in Florida, or anywhere in the country, The Joyce is part of that conversation.”
Wine Spectator also recently announced its 2026 Best of Award of Excellence. Considered one of the publication’s most respected distinctions, the award highlights restaurants with thoughtfully constructed lists that show both breadth across regions and vertical strength.
In the past six months, The Joyce has expanded its wine list from about 300 selections to more than 500, representing roughly 1,200 bottles.
“My goal was to build a wine list that felt more like what you'd expect to find at the great restaurants of New York or Europe than a traditional South Florida program,” Herron says.
French producers anchor the collection, with emphasis in Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne, alongside selections from the Loire and Rhône Valleys. Reds dominate, reflecting both menu pairings and guest demand, though the program maintains range across styles and formats.
“We're fortunate to offer some truly extraordinary bottles,” Herron notes. The collection includes rare bottles from renowned Burgundy producers, along with selections from Italy, Spain and the United States.
Herron says he looks for wines that bring something unique to the list, focusing on hard-to-find producers and bottles diners may not encounter elsewhere. For guests navigating the extensive list, Herron says choosing a bottle starts with understanding personal taste.
“The first thing I do is learn about the guest rather than the food,” Herron says. “I'll ask what they typically enjoy drinking, which regions or producers they gravitate toward, whether they prefer red or white, and what they're comfortable spending. Those conversations tell me far more than simply asking what they've ordered from the kitchen.”
It’s that balance of rare selections, thoughtful curation and a guest-focused approach that has helped The Joyce’s wine program earn recognition on a larger stage.
The Joyce is located at 448 Española Way in Miami Beach. For more information, call 786-960-4769 or visit thejoycerestaurant.com.
