If you are like us, then you know that planning your trip around where you are going to eat is of the utmost importance. We’re here to make your life easier and present you with a local’s guide to the hot new places in the city and what to order at each
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a trip to Jean-georges Vongerichten’s South Florida outpost, where pastry chef extraordinaire Antonio Bachour creates show-stopping masterpieces that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Pick up a copy of Bachour’s latest cookbook, Bachour Simply Beautiful, to create his desserts in your own kitchen. Must try dish: Anything from the dessert menu will do. We have yet to be disappointed. The St. Regis Bal Harbour, 9703 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles;(305) 993-3333; stregisbalharbour.com
Offering a menu of rustic Italian cuisine in a comfortable, yet sleek setting, we find ourselves returning to Cibo frequently. To pair with their enticing cuisine, Cibo has an incredible wine selection that is often lauded as one of the best in the city, which features nearly 4,000 bottles on their floor to ceiling wine rack. Must try dish: Order a bottle of wine and you’ll get quite the show, as Cibo’s wine angel is raised up with a rope and harness to retrieve your selection. 45 Miracle Mile, Miami; (305) 442-4925;cibowinebar.com
Enjoy oceanfront dining in a warm and inviting setting at AQ, where renowned Chef Dewey Lososso serves up a menu of creative Mediterranean-inspired fare that highlights fresh from Florida ingredients. Must try dish: Herb seared yellowfin tunaAcqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, 17875 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles; (305) 918-6816;acqualinaresort.com
Food becomes art at SHIKANY, where adventurous diners can enjoy a creative play on colours, flavours and textures in every dish. In addition to the a la carte menu, SHIKANY offers a 10-20 course degustation menu, available on Friday evenings. Must try dish: Butter Poached Maine Lobster Mac251 NW 25th Street, Miami; (305) 573-0690; shikany.com
Spanish taperia meets hip, urban eatery at Taperia Raca, the latest venture by Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli of the Eating House. Chef offers a menu of small plates and tapas where classic and contemporary Spanish flavours are given a whimsical flair. Must try dish: Patatas Bravas 7010 Biscayne Blvd, Miami (Mimo District);(305) 751.8756; taperiaraca.com
An authentic Cuban cafeteria meets a chic gastropub at Bread + Butter, where Chef and owner Alberto Cabrera blends together classic Cuban recipes with modern American techniques and ingredients. Must try dish: The Media Noche Croquettes 2330 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables; (305)442-9622; breadandbuttercounter.com