NORTH DADE/ BROWARD
BOATYARD
Enjoy the nautical-chic vibe inside, outside, or dockside with an eclectic menu blending the freshest daily catch and premium cuts of meat prepared with locally sourced ingredients. 1555 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, 954525-7400; boatyard.restaurant
CARPACCIO
Stop at the Bal Harbour Shops’ upscale Italian eatery for a quick alfresco bite (and possible star sighting) between shopping. 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-867-7777; carpaccioatbalharbour.com
COUNCIL OAK
Take a break from the slot machines and hit the Seminole Hard Rock’s upscale steak and seafood restaurant, where you can enjoy prime beef and fresh fish while sipping vino from the extensive and award-winning wine list. 1 Seminole Way, Fort Lauderdale, 954-327-750; seminolehardrockhollywood.com
HYDE BEACH KITCHEN + COCKTAILS
Chef and culinary genius Danny Elmaleh does it again with contemporary American plates, guaranteed to become favorites with Hallandale Beach and Fort Lauderdale foodies. 111 S. Surf Road, Hallandale Beach, 954699-0901; sbe.com
KURO
Inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Kuro offers 9,500 square feet of respite from the slots and card tables in the form of sushi and sashimi straight from Japan, as well as a slew of cold, hot, and robata dishes. Not to mention 30 sakes, Japanese craft brews, and whiskey. Talk about winning. 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, 954-327-7625; seminolehardrockhollywood.com
LE ZOO
Forget you’re at Bal Harbour and feel instantly transported to a sidewalk café in Paris, thanks to this Stephen Starr brasserie that combines the spirit of France with the glitz and glamour of Miami. The result: decadent fruits de mer towers and hors d’oeuvres. 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-602-9663; lezoo.com
MAKOTO
Because one Stephen Starr restaurant inside Bal Harbour Shops simply isn’t enough, this one, helmed by chef Makoto Okuwa, dishes out pristine izakaya fare and happens to be one of the country’s highestgrossing eateries. And don’t forget to try Makoto’s eponymous sake. 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-864-8600; makotorestaurant.me
PALM RESTAURANT
Named one of Miami’s best restaurants by Zagat, this Old New York-style steakhouse is beloved for its prime rib, as well as hidden gems like the chicken parm and linguine with clam sauce. 9650 E. Bay Harbor Dr., Bay Harbor Islands, 305-8687256; thepalm.com
POINT ROYAL
With “cheflebrity” and restaurateur Geoffrey Zakarian at the helm, expect exceptional (and exceptionally delicious) coastal American-inspired dishes at the Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood’s latest eatery. 3555 S. Ocean Dr., Hollywood, 954-6028750; pointroyal-fl.com
ROK:BRGR
This Village of Gulfstream Park gastropub takes burgers to the next level with certified Angus beef covered in creamy Brie, maple bourbon bacon jam, and garlic aioli on a brioche bun, plus hand-cut fries smothered in gravy and topped with a fried egg. 600 Silks Run, Ste. 1210, Hallandale Beach, 954-3673970; rokbrgr.com
S3
Can’t decide if you’re in the mood for steak, seafood, or sushi? Get any of them (or all three) at this chic Fort Lauderdale hot spot featuring a lush outdoor patio with fire pits and ocean views. Good things do come in threes. 505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-5237873; s3restaurant.com
ST. REGIS BAR & SUSHI LOUNGE
Where can you sip some of the world’s finest Champagnes, eat sushi on top of sushi, and enjoy an afternoon tea service all at the same place? At the St. Regis’s bar and sushi lounge, where your every culinary and cocktail wish is their command. 9703 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-9933300; stregisbalharbour.com
TACO BEACH SHACK
Every day can be Taco Tuesday thanks to this Hollywood Beach Hotel joint, which serves up unusual twists on the Mexican staple, like tacos stuffed with Korean short rib or cilantro-infused butter lobster tail. Wash it all down with a Mexican beer or a sweet sangria. 334 Arizona St., Hollywood Beach, 954-920-6523; tacobeachshack.com