DESIGN DISTRICT/ WYNWOOD
ALTER
James Beard Award nominee and Food & Wine Best New Chef Bradley Kilgore is elevating Miami’s culinary landscape one five- or seven-course menu at a time. Even world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura recently dropped by for dinner, and yes, he had the soft egg. 223 NW 23rd St., Miami, 305-573-5996; altermiami.com
FIREMAN DEREK’S
A fireman with a knack for baking pies started selling his version of Key lime for profit instead of compliments, and in little to no time, demand forced him to open a shop, where his offerings now include Oreo cheesecake, crack pie, and more. Find him here on his days off from the station. 2818 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 786-703-3623
KUSH
After the Lokal became one of Miami’s top burger joints, Matt Kushcher wanted to marry his love of buns and beer and bring both to Wynwood. The result? A curated collection of brews and rotating rare kegs, plus gourmet burgers with beef ground in-house from Cowart Ranch. 2003 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 305-576-4500; kushwynwood.com
KYU
What happens when two Zuma veterans decide to open a restaurant of their own? Woodfired Asian-inspired chow in the heart of Wynwood. Chef Michael Lewis was recently named a James Beard Award semifinalist, and we think it has something to do with his short ribs. 251 NW 25th St., Miami, 786-577-0150; kyumiami.com
MORGANS
Where can you get brunch all day every day, including a mouthwatering Benedict burger? Hint: It starts with “Mor”—as in “more than enough reason to head to Morgans.” 28 NE 29th St., Miami, 305-573-9678; themorgansrestaurant.com
PLANT FOOD + WINE
Vegan authority Matthew Kenney is infiltrating the 305 with raw goodness by way of completely vegan faux-cheese boards, kelp cacio e pepe, and naturally infused cocktails. 105 NE 24th St., Miami, 305-814-5365; plantlab.com
WYNWOOD KITCHEN & BAR
This Wynwood Walls hot spot offers creative tapas-style Latin cuisine. Fan favorites include the short-rib flautas, loaded sliders dubbed “Hamburguesitas,” and ropa vieja empanadas (of which they go through at least 1,000 on the weekends). Muy delicioso. 2550 NW Second Ave., Miami, 305-722-8959; wynwood kitchenandbar.com