Miami has fast-climbed the ranks of the country’s greatest dining destinations. An impressive selection of new restaurant openings around town has foodies flocking to the Magic City to taste what this cultural melting pot has to offer. From tried-and-true restaurants to trendy spots, explore the city and sample a few of our favorites that make for a delicious day of dining in Miami.
Breakfast
Tucked away in the heart of South Beach lies this hidden gem. With a casual, slow-paced ambiance, the oceanfront neighborhood hot spot offers a welcome laidback atmosphere to start your day. Portions are generous and the food is always fresh. Executive chef and Florida native Todd Webster carefully crafts an ever-changing menu centered on local, sustainable ingredients and highlights the area’s best in-season fruits and vegetables, and meats and seafood. Fresh-baked challah made with orange zest is topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon and powdered sugar. Front Porch eggs Benedict features juicy Canadian bacon and hollandaise, dressed with bright garden greens. Pizza receives a breakfast makeover with grilled prosciutto, a fried egg, sweet tomato basil sauce and a trio of cheeses.
1458 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Lunch
Chef Rainer Becker’s world-renowned Zuma delivers a sophisticated twist on the traditional Japanese izakaya (akin to a British pub) with flavorful cuisine and a vibrant environment. Located in the lobby floor of Epic – A Kimpton Hotel, the impressive cavernous space is dressed in modern style complemented by natural earth-toned décor. Square rice paper panels suspended from the ceiling divide the room, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Miami River. The menu features a variety of beautifully presented small plates. Look for signature selections of tataki, sashimi and tartare; grilled scallops, beef skewers, king crab and pork belly off the charcoal robata grill; and sweet notes of Earl Grey ice cream and lemon-yuzu sorbet.
270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Brickell Key
Dinner
Located inside historic The Biltmore Hotel, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Palme d’Or provides an excellent fine-dining experience with impeccable service. Chef Gregory Pugin’s authentic menu transports you to an evening in France. Order à la carte or opt for a nine-course tasting menu of traditional dishes with a modern twist. Highlights include seared foie gras to start; seared scallops atop butternut squash gnocchi or Maine lobster complemented by a sweet vanilla sauce from “La Mer;” Japanese Kobe beef with Bordelaise sauce, and foie gras-stuffed quail from “La Terre;” and delightful chocolate mousse cake with popcorn ice cream, and rice pudding with rice-jasmine ice cream under “Les Douceurs.” Don’t bypass the wine list, which is one of the finest in town.
1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables
Late Night
This well-known local staple on famed Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) caters to the late-night crowd, staying open until 1 a.m. during the week, 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and 3:30 a.m. on Saturdays. For a pick-me-up, order a cafecito (Cuban espresso) from la ventanita (the window). After the clock strikes midnight, the signature medianoche (midnight sandwich) — sweet ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles, all pressed in a buttered sweet Cuban roll — and a mojito on the side, hits the spot. To satisfy the late-night munchies, try the classic ham croquettes, beef and chicken empanadas, and fried plantains.
3555 SW Eighth Street, Little Havana
Photos Courtesy of James Shearer-Zuma, Bill Wisser and Palme d’Or at The Biltmore Hotel
