Barton G. Miami Beach’s Pasta-Stuffed Maine Lobster. Credit: Barton G. Miami Beach
The next time you find yourself dining out in Miami, impress your local foodie friends by ordering something so good, so bold and so amazing that it’s not even on the menu. There’s a reason why these items are kept under wraps — the hush-hush casts a mouthwatering aura that makes these dishes even more enticing.
In some cases, these coveted bites are such tightly kept secrets that some of the staff doesn’t even know about them. But, if you know just how and what to order — with a wink and a nod — the chef just might make it for you.
Barton G. Miami Beach
The iconic restaurant known for its fanciful theatrics, swank surroundings and alluring cocktails makes every effort to wow with one eye-popping dish: stuffed lobster trap mac and cheese. We’re talking a five-pound Maine lobster stuffed with creamy pasta cooked in a three-cheese lobster sauce and topped with shaved black truffles. This secret signature dish starts at $195 (based on availability) and must be ordered 48 hours in advance.
Quinto La Huella’s Faina. Credit: Quinto La Huella
Quinto La Huella
At this upscale steakhouse perched atop Brickell City Centre’s East, Miami hotel, it’s not the meat that’s the secret standout — it’s a simple flatbread. The Faina, a chickpea flatbread popular in Uruguayan pizzerias, started as a dish that was offered on occasion to guests and is now only available upon request.
The chickpea flour batter is cooked in iron pans in a wood oven. Over time, the iron pans warp into a concave surface that creates the coveted “edge” (think pizza crust) that everyone craves, according to chef Nano Crespo. We won’t argue with that.
The Burger. Credit: The Workshop Collective
Bourbon Steak, Miami by Michael Mina
At this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended American steakhouse from celebrity chef Michael Mina, you’ll find an impressive array of succulent burgers, duck fat fries and adult milkshakes at the bar, but the real standout is The Burger.
Made of brisket and short rib, the eight-ounce patty (which is also served in the dining room) is cooked over a wood-burning grill to perfection, then served with farmhouse cheddar, balsamic red onions, shredded romaine and secret sauce.
If you’re looking for a slightly more upscale experience at the dinner table, ask for the Secret Steak — a 40-ounce prime tomahawk and 8-ounce American wagyu rib cap (available seasonally at market price).
Mason Eatery’s Latke Burger. Credit: Mason Eatery
Mason Eatery
Opened earlier this summer in Miami’s burgeoning Midtown neighborhood, chef Brian Nasajon’s latest venture has quickly grown a cult following. It’s easy to see why when you feast your eyes on the Latke Burger, a prime patty packed between two super-crisp hash browns.
A fun twist on the classic bar bite, the Latke Burger is made with two 3-ounce wagyu patties, crispy bacon, pickles, lettuce and housemade ketchup, all artfully placed in between two golden fried latkes — shredded potatoes mixed with grated onion, garlic, egg and flour.
NaiYaRa’s Sushi Doughnut. Credit: NaiYaRa
NaiYaRa
This Miami Beach hot spot for high-end Thai street food serves an off-menu sushi “doughnut” that’s the ultimate in Instagrammable eats. The restaurant swaps the sugary fried dough for rice and seaweed formed into that familiar circular shape that’s decorated with edible flowers, wasabi, ginger, avocado and spicy mayo.
All doughnuts have a round bed of sushi rice as their base with a selection of accoutrements, from salmon, tuna and caviar to crisp rice balls, truffle flakes and cashew mayo — it includes your choice of unlimited toppings. Order this photogenic favorite during weekend brunch or dinner.
