MIAMI BEACH
BAKEHOUSE BRASSERIE Menin Hospitality has gone Parisian at this French-style bistro dishing out breakfast and brunch daily. Nitro coffee cocktails, bacon-guava-chèvre pastelitos, and croissant French toasts are part of the happenings. 808 First St., Miami Beach, 305-434-8249; bakehousesouthbeach.com
THE BAZAAR BY JOSÉ ANDRÉS
Celebrity chef José Andrés’s whimsical and molecular dive into gastronomy results in an amalgamation of Spanish and new-world tapas reimagined. Think foie PB&J, frozen blue cheese sandwiches, and yucca churros, enjoyed in an indoor-outdoor space designed by Philippe Starck. 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-455-2999; sbe.com
BEACHCRAFT
From Top Chef host/judge and multiple-time James Beard Award winner Tom Colicchio, Beachcraft brings the chef’s farm-to-table Craft brand to Miami, and it’s sustainableseafood appropriate. Try the blue crab and sea urchin bucatini. 1 Hotel South Beach, 2395 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-6046700; 1hotels.com
BIG PINK
Peak time at Myles Chefetz’s retro South Beach diner is all day long, from 8 AM when surfers are trying to catch any wave till 5 AM on the weekends for revelers getting out of Story and craving fried chicken and waffles (one of the 200-plus menu items). 157 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-532-4700; mylesrestaurantgroup.com
BODEGA TAQUERIA Y TEQUILA
A stationary Airstream trailer slings Mexican street-style tacos, burritos, and fried jalapeño peppers. In the back (through the bathroom door), a speakeasy and spicy cocktails beckon. 1220 16th St., Miami Beach, 305-704-2145; bodegasouthbeach.com
BYBLOS
What is Middleterranean cuisine? Find out first-hand at this Toronto transplant that fuses flavors from Greece, Lebanon, Israel, and Morocco in a bounty of mezzes, freshly baked wood-fired pides, and fragrant pots of rice à la minute. Did we mention baklava ice cream? 1545 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-508-5041; byblosmiami.com
THE CONTINENTAL
Stephen Starr’s tropical midcentury eatery The Continental makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Mad Men episode, only Don Draper traveled to Miami on business. In which case, he’d enjoy tiki cocktails, cheesecake egg rolls, and pastrami fried rice. 2360 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305604-2000; continentalmiami.com
DRUNKEN DRAGON
Look for the tinted windows and MARKET sign at the nondescript strip mall and you’ll find the clandestine Korean-style barbecue joint revered by locals for its tableside cooking, Cuban banh mi, cracked spare ribs, hotpot ramen, and barbecued mushrooms baked in foil. 1424 Alton Road, Miami Beach, 305397-8556; drunkendragon.com
THE DUTCH
Andrew Carmellini’s Miami outpost of his craft American kitchen at the swank W South Beach serves up his notorious little oyster sandwiches, along with little lobster rolls. Pie wizard Josh Gripper handles the sweets. 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-
938-3111; thedutchmiami.com
ESTIATORIO MILOS
Costas Spiliadis has standards like serving only the freshest catch (flown in daily and available for viewing and choosing on a beautiful ice display) and ingredients at his fine Mediterranean eatery in South of Fifth. Grilled octopus, dorade, and Greek yogurt sums up a perfect meal here. INSIDER TIP: Get all three during prix-fixe lunch. 730 First St., Miami Beach, 305-604-6800; milos.ca
THE FORGE RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR
Shareef Malnik’s Miami Beach landmark is equally legendary for its fabulous guest list (everyone from Michael Jackson to Frank Sinatra) as it is for its incredible wine cellar (more than 25,000 bottles) and delectable steak dishes from Executive Chef Julia Doyne. 432 W. 41st St., Miami Beach, 305-538-8533; theforge.com
FUNG KÚ
Korean barbecue and sushi abound at this lively Asian-centric eatery inside The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club, featuring open-mic nights on Sundays. 1720 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-5347905; catalinahotel.com
HAKKASAN
Feast more than your eyes on the exquisite Chinese creations (think dim sum galore, jasmine smoked ribs, and Peking duck with Petrossian caviar) at London restaurateur Alan Yau’s inaugural US location, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-276-1388; hakkasan.com
HALVES & WHOLES
This New York-style deli proffers colossal sandwiches stacked with house-roasted meats, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked breads, secret sauces, and ice cream sandwiches for the finish. 1600 Alton Road, Miami Beach, 305704-3600; halveswholes.com
IL MULINO
From Abruzzo to Miami, Il Mulino New York brings its unforgettable, classic Italian cuisine to South of Fifth, complete with a sleek new setting and the same stellar service it’s known for. 840 First St., Miami Beach, 305-372-1221; ilmulino.com
JAYA
Enjoy five-star, trans-ethnic cuisine with a strong Asian influence from chef Mathias Gervais at the Setai Hotel. 2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-520-6402; thesetaihotel.com
JUVIA
What happens when you fuse French, Japanese, and Peruvian techniques and cookery? You get a trifecta of flavors. With striking views and a rooftop terrace overlooking South Beach, Juvia aims to impress. 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-7638272; juviamiami.com
KATSUYA
Omakase, robata, kanpai hour, rare sake, and more await at Uechi Katsuya’s Japanese temple at the SLS South Beach. 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-4552995; katsuyarestaurant.com
LARIOS ON THE BEACH
Musical moguls and too-many-tocount Grammy Award winners Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s traditional Cuban restaurant, too, is award winning, and a go-to destination for anyone craving barbecued guava ribs. 820 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, 305-532-9577; lariosonthebeach.com
LEYNIA
Never had Japanese-argentine fusion before? Change that with a visit to Leynia, where the woodburning grill is the star of the show and eggs Benedict beef empanadas with hollandaise and guava dulce de leche French toast are what’s for breakfast. 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305674-6400; morganshotelgroup.com
THE LIDO RESTAURANT & BAYSIDE GRILL
Where else can you watch the sunset, hang by the pool, and have a vegan eggplant and nut “cheese” lasagna? Only at The Standard’s low-key, flavorful bayside grill. 40 Island Ave., Miami Beach, 786245-0880; standardhotels.com
LURE FISHBAR
Josh Capon’s shrine to seafood features fresh oysters and local catch cooked by chef John Iatrellis, along with pristine sushi. There’s also surf and turf and an awardwinning burger that’ll light up your tastebuds. 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-695-4550; lurefishbar.com
MACALUSO’S
Straight outta... Staten Island? The third-generation eatery serves homemade Italian food and old-school red sauces in the comfort of Miami Beach. 1747 Alton Road, Miami Beach, 305604-1811; macalusosmiami.com
MAXINE’S
Maxine’s Bistro at the Catalina Hotel & Beach Club is something of a gathering place for international travelers on Collins Avenue, serving American bistro fare with a global twist, 24 hours a day (for when you’re jet-lagged), seven days a week. 1756 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-3527; catalinahotel.com
MEAT MARKET
Chef Sean Brasel’s sexy steakhouse is a carnivore’s dream
thanks to its signature steaks, reserved cuts, and house creations like American-style Kobe meatloaf. Top your meat with one of Brasel’s rich butters (like lobster or chorizo) or impressive steak sauces that include peppercorn Cognac. 915 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-532-0088; meatmarket.net
MORENO’S CUBA AT THE RIVIERA SOUTH BEACH
Expect pastelitos, fritas, guava martinis, and of course Cuban coffee at Latin Grammy Awardwinning Cuban recording artist Jorge Moreno’s ode to Havana and the speakeasy his uncle owned during the Cuban revolution. 318 20th St., Miami Beach, 305-538-7444; morenoscuba.com
MR CHOW
Never mind the 123-foot gold lead and Swarovski crystal chandelier designed by Michael Chow himself; locals and tourists alike flock to this sophisticated Chinese restaurant at the W South Beach for a taste of Beijing. 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-695-1695; mrchow.com
NAUTILUS CABANA CLUB
Southern France and Miami come together at this poolside cabana club located inside Nautilus, a SIXTY Hotel, dishing out modern Mediterranean cuisine (mezzes galore!) made with Florida ingredients. 1825 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-483-2650; sixtyhotels.com
NOBU
Legendary Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s empire spans 40 locations across the globe, including the one at his namesake Nobu Hotel Miami, where you can find old classics like his signature artichoke salad and new creations such as Japanese-style fish and chips with triple-cooked fries. 4525 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-695-3232; noburestaurants.com
PIZZA & BURGER BY MICHAEL MINA
Award-winning chef Michael Mina does burgers and pizza justice at this casual yet elevated subterranean joint at the Fontainebleau. Case in point: Korean barbecue salmon topped with kimchi, cucumber, jalapeño, and cilantro; beef and chorizo patty with smoked paprika and crispy potato; or butter-poached lobster and charred cauliflower pie. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305674-4636; fontainebleau.com
PRIME FISH
Fish shack meets fine dining at renowned restaurant owner Myles Chefetz’s oceanic venture equipped with an impressive and well-stocked raw bar and vast menu that’s sure to please seafood lovers. Come for brunch when booze and comestibles are both bottomless. 100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-532-4550; mylesrestaurantgroup.com
PRIME ITALIAN
What started with a one-pound Kobe meatball turned into Myles Chefetz’s upscale interpretation of modern Italian cuisine and sister restaurant to Prime One Twelve (for when the wait next door is insufferable). 101 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, 305-695-8484; mylesrestaurantgroup.com
PRIME ONE TWELVE
A Miami institution for years, Myles Chefetz’s claim to restaurant fame is still one of the toughest tables to secure in town, probably because of the generous portions, celebrity clientele, loyal pro-athlete fanbase, and fried Oreos. 112 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, 305-5328112; mylesrestaurantgroup.com
QUATTRO GASTRONOMIA ITALIANA
Chef Luciano Sautto brings two decades of experience to the award-winning eatery to stir up traditional Northern Italian cuisine (plus a seasonal truffle menu) on frenetic Lincoln Road. 1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-531-4833; quattromiami.com
RED, THE STEAKHOUSE
For the ultimate experience at this contemporary steakhouse with a “yuge” locals scene and floor-toceiling wine racks, call ahead and try to get yourself and your friends a seat in the 16-person glassenclosed private VIP dining room. 119 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-534-3688; redthesteakhouse.com
SCARPETTA
Celebrity chef Scott Conant serves mouthwatering Italian fare (creamy polenta and spaghetti and basil, anyone?) in a maritime setting complete with a side of water views, at the Fontainebleau. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-4660; fontainebleau.com
SMITH & WOLLENSKY
What defines a classic Miami steakhouse? One that has been around 20 years and is still consistent in food and service. Picturesque South Pointe views and a revamp that includes a second-floor overlook deck for even more alfresco dining add to the pizzazz. 1 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-2800; smithandwollensky.com
THE SOCIAL CLUB
Fresh juices, pimento mac-andcheese, lamb empanadas, and
96-hour St. Louis ribs are just a few of the unexpected offerings at this hotel-lobby restaurant on Collins and premier pool party spot. Surfcomber, 1717 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-6041800; socialclubatsurfcomber.com
STK MIAMI BEACH
Nightlife and dining meet at this high-energy steak lounge serving up its signature Lil’ Wagyu Brgs and cowboy rib steaks with a side of live beats. 2305 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-604-6988; togrp.com
STRIPSTEAK
Leonardo Dicaprio christened Stripsteak its opening weekend. Since then, Michael Mina’s popular and sultry modern steakhouse has consistently drawn numerous celebrities. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-4780; fontainebleau.com
SUSHISAMBA
People-watching on Lincoln Road is so much fun when you’ve got Japanese-brazilian fusion cuisine, a DJ, a bustling bar scene, and an energetic crowd. 600 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-673-5337; sushisamba.com
TALDE
If you’re lucky, you might just catch Top Chef alum Dale Talde at his namesake laid-back Asian-american eatery on Miami Beach. And he might just make you what Food & Wine dubbed the best chicken wings in the country.
INSIDER TIP: Weekends here are made of late-night noodles and hip-hop. 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-605-4094; taldemiamibeach.com
TAQUIZA
The hip Collins Avenue walk-up taqueria serves authentic Mexican tacos wrapped in housenixtamalized and -pressed corn tortillas. Fan favorites include al pastor and chorizo tacos and the mouthwatering vegetarian options like the rajas and huitlacoche. 1506 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-748-6099; taquizamiami.com
UMI SUSHI & SAKE BAR
A communal yet intimate, first-come, first-seated sushi and sake experience in the lobby of the Delano. If the setting doesn’t woo, the poached Maine lobster or spicy tuna caviar roll certainly will. Then, head to FDR for post-sake cocktails and dancing. 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-5752; morganshotelgroup.com
Nonna’s secret meatballs. 2426 NE Second Ave., Miami, 305-6405507; jacksmiami.com
LAGNIAPPE
Offering over 150 wines and beers and a variety of grilled basics, cheeses, and charcuterie along with live music every night makes this a favored hangout for young professionals and hipsters alike. 3425 NE Second Ave., Miami, 305-576-0108; lagniappehouse.com
MANDOLIN AEGEAN BISTRO
Enjoy authentic countryside cuisine from Greece and Turkey at this Aegean bistro complete with its own vegetable garden out back. On clear nights, ask them to roll back the rain cover for a clear view of the Miami-terranean sky. 4312 NE Second Ave., Miami, 305-576-6066; mandolinmiami.com
MC KITCHEN
From famed TV chef Dena Marino, this Miami Design District vibe-y table scene with modern Italian cuisine uses green-market sensibility to offer seasonal dishes with ingredients selected on the basis of quality, harvest maturity, and farming integrity. 4141 NE Second Ave., #101a, Miami, 305-456-9948; mckitchenmiami.com
MICHAEL’S GENUINE FOOD & DRINK
The restaurant that started Michael Schwartz’s empire, and the first place to eat in the Design District, the eatery still upholds its reputation as the perfect spot for a celebrity sighting, lunch meeting, or local salad. 130 NE 40th St., Miami, 305-573-5550; michaelsgenuine.com
MIGNONETTE
At this raw oyster bar with an inviting New Orleans feel, seafood lovers can share a bottle of bubbly (after a pink-peppercorn aperitif) while slurping a dozen (or two) of rotating East and West Coast bivalves, some of the freshest in the country. Plus: Danny Serfer’s magical veggies and must-have Maine lobster roll. 210 NE 18th St., Miami, 305-374-4635; mignonettemiami.com
OTL
The Miami Design District café from nightlife guru Dave Grutman is the perfect spot to recover from a night at LIV, with coffee, superseed toast, sandwiches, salads, and plenty of Snapchat and Instagram action. 160 NE 40th St., Miami, 786-953-7620; otlmia.com
SUGARCANE
There’s never a dull moment at this Midtown hot spot from the same guys behind Sushisamba and helmed by Timon Balloo, especially when you’re sipping on beet mojitos and noshing on bacon-wrapped dates with manchego. 3252 NE First Ave., Miami, 786-369-0353; sugarcanerawbargrill.com