MIAMI: The new dining scene and chic boutique hotels
What's new and noteworthy—where to book a table now
if you haven’t been to Miami lately, it’s time to make a return visit, as the restaurant scene is changing faster than you can say “cheers!” From celebrity owned restaurants to culinary gems inside hotels, here are some new spots to tickle your palate.
Gone are the days when the hotel restaurants lacked quality and panache, today they are home to some outstanding new additions to the Miami dining scene. Take for example, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Already home to a fantastic line-up of restaurants, this oceanfront resort hotel recently teamed up with Chef Michael Mina to open Stripsteak, a sophisticated, modern steakhouse. The restaurant features an innovative menu of a la carte cuts of meat, locally sourced seafood dishes and Mina’s famous duck fat fries. 4441 Collins Ave.
Also on Collins Avenue is Dolce Italian, a contemporary Italian restaurant located inside the Gale Hotel in Miami Beach, which earned the title of “Best New Restaurant” this year by BRAVO. Chef Paolo Dorigato offers a fresh take on Italian cuisine, exquisite service and a fresh mozzarella bar. 1690 Collins Ave.
In Mid-beach, you will discover Jeans-georges Vongerichten’s Matador Room. Guests will enjoy his interpretation of Caribbean, Spanish, Latin and South American cuisines in both small and large plates and oceanfront views. 2901 Collins Ave.
La Mar by Gaston Acurio is another noteworthy addition. Located at the Mandarin Oriental, Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio takes adventurous diners on a tour of the vivid flavours of Peru by offering a classic Cebiche bar, an Anticuchos bar with reinvented Peruvian street food and other specialty dishes. 500 Brickell Key Dr.
Local chefs are also making their rounds, including Miami’s sweetheart, Michelle Bernstein. This ballerina-turned-chef has reinvented her namesake Michy’s restaurant in Miami’s Mimo District into Cena by Michelle Bernstein. Cena, meaning “the most important meal of the day,” offers a simple menu of small plates featuring seasonal vegetables, meat and seafood dishes, along with modern comfort dishes. 6927 Biscayne Blvd.
Brad Kilgore, who instantly became a favourite to the locals while working at J & G Grill under Jean-georges Vongerichten, has now opened Alter in Wynwood. Offering a fine dining experience in a casual atmosphere, Alter offers a seasonal menu highlighting Florida ingredients and a 5-course tasting menu. 223 NW 23rd St.
In addition, Miami has some mouth-watering events on the radar including a pop-up by Grant Achatz’s three-star Michelin restaurant Alinea in early 2016.