Best Brunch Restaurants – South Beach Magazine

Best Brunch in Miami & South Beach

AM Dreer — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 00:31:33 +0000

Our roundup of Miami’s Best Brunches includes casual patio dining and elegant waterfront escapes. From the Southern-fried goodness of chicken and waffles to the healthful wonder of crisp avocado toast, Miami’s best restaurants make it easy to wake and wander on a weekend afternoon. Whether out with family or sharing a boozy rendezvous with someone special, our city wide guide makes it easy to find the perfect Eggs Benedict or bottomless Rosè Buffet to suit your mood.

Neomi’s

18001 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Vibe: Alfresco Delight
Dine indoors or alfresco at Neomi’s lovely seaside retreat on Sunny Isles Beach where early risers can enjoy a full buffet breakfast or a la carte options like Challah French Toast, Belgian Waffles and healthy Veggie Hash. Executive Chef Kurtis Jantz and his team start service at 7am with a roster of “Beach Body” organic options for diners looking to put a little extra pep in their step.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar near Lincoln Road

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Southern Fried SoBe
There’s nothing better than the downhome vibe of Yardbird Southern Table & Bar on the weekend when brunchtime extends all day long. Experience the delights of Chicken n’ Watermelon n’ Waffles served with sass by the friendly waitstaff. Tuck into a Cinnamon Apple Hand Pie, a Fried Green Tomato BLT or the Elvis Pancakes with banana compote, bourbon maple syrup and chocolate chips.

Nautilus Cabana Club on the ocean

Nautilus Cabana Club

1825 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Rosè All Day
Sunday sippers will enjoy Rosè All Day at the fabulous poolside retreat at the Nautilus Cabana Club. Dive into a sumptuous Sunday buffet brunch service (including carving stations, salads, pastries and desserts), live music, direct access to the pool and beach plus the option to include bottomless pours of La Villa Barton Rosè for an additional $16.

Bagatelle on South Beach

Bagatelle

220 21 Street, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Exclusive Enclave
Celebrate the weekend in true South Beach style at Bagatelle where Chef Matthieu Godard and his culinary team craft an elegant brunch service including Truffled Scrambled Eggs, Spicy Crab Benedict and Croque Madame with a runny sunny egg on top. With a passion for cooking learned in Normandy at his grandmother’s side, Chef Matthieu’s farm-to-table cuisine makes every meal memorable.

Seaspice and Modern Garden on the Miami River

Seaspice

422 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL
Vibe: Sunday Funday
A popular Sunday destination on the Miami River, Seaspice offers a brand new brunch menu with Power Waffles topped with fruit, Black Truffle Egg Tart in puff pastry and Serrano Eggs Benedict with caviar and creme fraiche. New cocktails infused with fragrant teas and juices add to the mix. Make your entrance “Miami Style” onboard a yacht to dine in the heart of Miami’s trendy River District.

Dim Sum Brunch at DÔA

DÔA

2000 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: MidBeach Chic
Dim Sum brunches bring friends closer together, or so you might think before fighting over the last pork dumpling at this Collins Avenue LatAsian restaurant where Chef Carlos Estarita crafts flavorful Shrimp Siu Mai, Beef Gyoza, Pork and Crab buns, and Crab & Corn Dumplings. Whether celebrating the weekend with your besties or sharing an intimate escape with someone special, DÔA is a welcome addition to the Collins Park District, day or night.

Mercadito Midtown

AM Dreer — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 22:27:25 +0000

Bringing upscale Mexican cuisine to the busy Midtown Mall, Mercadito Restaurant and Taco Bar offer seasonal menus, custom cocktails and a great place to party in the heart of Miami’s hippest neighborhood. Thriving under the watchful eye of Culinary Director & Owner Chef Patricio Sandoval, Mercadito’s main dining room is a prime spot for people watching at happy hour when busy professionals from the nearby Design District enjoy off-priced drinks and snacks weeknights from 4-7pm. Thirsty Thursdays bring a little extra dazzle to the afternoon with $5 specialty cocktails and $2.50 beers to sip indoors or alfresco.

Chef Sandoval amps up the fun at both the taco bar and the main dining room on Tuesdays when Taco Tuesday features a choice of any two gourmet tacos for just $5.50 including crispy beer battered fish, rosemary-marinated steak and chili-spiced pork. Pair a few of these tasty tacos with fresh seafood ceviche, a bowl of guacamole and a tangy margarita to turn any night into a party! Spice up your weekend at Mercadito Midtown’s Saturday or Sunday brunch when the kitchen kicks up a stack of pancakes with a swirl of cinnamon butter, fresh berries and maple syrup and updates eggs benedict by serving them on just-baked corn bread topped with a chipotle hollandaise sauce.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Mercadito Midtown
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 1,825 reviews across the Web
Address:	3252 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Phone:	(786) 369-0430
Cuisine:	Mexican
Price:	$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	Patricio Sandoval
Website:	www.mercaditorestaurants.com/midtown/‎
Hours:	Mo-We 4:00pm-11pm, Th-Fr 4:00pm-1am, Sa 11:30am-1am, Su 11:30am-11pm

MC Kitchen

AM Dreer — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 22:26:18 +0000

Expanding the culinary offerings in Miami’s Design District, Chef Dena Marino and her partner Brandy Coletta own and operate MC Kitchen, a farm-to-table Italian restaurant & mercato offering seasonal dishes with soulful flavors. Chef Marino moved from Colorado to Florida to build a restaurant that reflects her personal style and showcases her creativity. The double height dining room is sleek and sophisticated with entire walls of windows, dark wood paneling and endless sheer curtains that allow for plenty of unabashed people watching in the fashionable neighborhood.

With very little softness to absorb the noise when MC Kitchen is busy, the restaurant is a peaceful oasis at brunch service when the tinkle of glassware gently punctuates muted conversation. House made pastas are inspired by the recipes Marino learned in her grandmother’s kitchen. Start with crisp piadena flatbreads topped with spicy shrimp, a tossed “PLT” salad (pancetta replaces traditional bacon) or creamy fresh mozzarella with spinach and tomato. A honey-glazed pork chop with caramelized brussel sprouts or Niman Ranch braised short ribs are rich and satisfying entrees. Keep an eye on Chef Marino as she powers through the open kitchen; she’s the heart and soul of every plate.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	MC Kitchen
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 92 reviews across the Web
Address:	4141 NE 2nd Ave #101a, Miami, FL 33137
Phone:	(305) 456-9948
Cuisine:	Italian
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	No
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	Dena Marino
Website:	www.mckitchenmiami.com
Hours:	Mo-Su 11:00am-11pm

Oak Tavern

AM Dreer — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 21:10:50 +0000

Oak Tavern is a cozy watering hole in the heart of the Design District, a clubhouse for local showroom workers and visiting designers to relax an unwind at lunchtime or to celebrate the day’s success at happy hour seven nights a week. Miami’s short roster of elite chefs includes David Bracha who also owns and operates the popular River Oyster Bar in Downtown Miami. Bracha’s roots run deep in Miami’s culinary turf with successful ventures dating back two decades when the chef partnered with Norman Van Aken at the A Mano Restaurant at the Betsy Ross Hotel in South Beach. In a town where it seems only dogs have pedigrees, Bracha is the real deal!

Bracha knows just what the neighborhood craves – small plates, pizzas, trays of house-made charcuterie and snacks as a warm up to daily specials and delicious entrees. Stop in on a Wednesday night for Southern style fried chicken, collard greens and biscuits with gravy or feel like you’re at Nonna’s house on Sundays when the chef slowly simmers a pot of traditional spaghetti sauce to top meatballs and sausage. Weekend brunch service is as unfussy as it is delicious with house made sticky buns, fried chicken and waffles or a crab cake po’boy to soothe your Sunday blues. Sup inside the brick-lined dining room or enjoy the scene at breezy patio tables outdoors.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Oak Tavern
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 150 reviews across the Web
Address:	35 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137
Phone:	(786) 391-1818
Cuisine:	American
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	N/A
Website:	www.oaktavernmiami.com
Hours:	Mo-We 11:00am – 3:00pm, 4:30–10:30 pm, Th-Fr 11:00am – 3:00pm, 4:30–24:00 pm, Sa 16:30am-12am, Su 11:00am – 3:00pm, 4:30–10:30 pm

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink

AM Dreer — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 22:22:46 +0000

Once a quiet destination for local interior designers scouting exclusive furniture showrooms, Miami’s Design District owes much of its new-found popularity to Chef Michael Schwartz who opened his farm-to-table American bistro in the heart of the area and brought countless hungry foodies to Midtown. While other eager chefs soon followed, Schwartz remains the Godfather of Miami’s burgeoning culinary scene. Proving his commitment to the area, he has since opened The Cypress Room, an “Elegant American” restaurant along with Harry’s, a wildly popular pizza joint. Laid back and local, Michael’s restaurants give the Design District a more accessible neighborhood vibe.

Crafting his menu with seasonal selections from area farmers, the kitchen sets out snacks, small plates and larger entrees for lunch and dinner and serves a top-rated Sunday brunch. Menu standouts include the wood roast double yolk egg served with gruyere cheese and a sourdough crostini and the tender grilled pork chop served with tart plum chutney. Partnering with James Beard nominated Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith, Chef Schwartz ensures that each meal dazzles from start to finish. Locals gather for half priced cocktails, wine & beer at happy hour weeknights from 4:30-6:30pm. Dine indoors or book a table out on the breezy patio where table hopping and people watching is tops in town.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink
Rating:	/ 4.3 stars based on 2,711 reviews across the Web
Address:	130 NE 40th St, Miami, Miami, FL 33137
Phone:	(305) 573-5550
Cuisine:	American
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	Michael Schwartz
Website:	www.michaelsgenuine.com
Hours:	Mo-Th 11:30am-3pm, 5:30–11:00 pm, Fr-Sa 11:30am-3pm, 5:30–11:00pm,, Su 11:00am-2:30pm, 5:30–10:00 pm,

Florida Cookery (closed)

AM Dreer — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:15:26 +0000

Update: It was announced this week that Chef Kris Wessel will no longer be associated with Florida Cookery at the James Royal Palm Hotel. He will pursue his own project in Greater Miami soon. Details to follow.

Following a multi-million dollar renovation of the James Royal Palm Hotel, management tapped local Chef Kris Wessel to oversee food & beverage operations for the busy seaside resort. Describing his farm-to-table restaurant as “my love letter to the state of Florida,” Florida Cookery brings the authentic flavors of Wessel’s childhood to the sleek new dining room including slow roast Everglades wild boar, summer sweet mango pie and briny local lobsters. While many South Beach eateries dazzle local diners by cultivating a party atmosphere, this chef evokes memories of a bygone era and serves them lovingly on every plate.

Using treasured recipes his grandmother penned on file cards, Wessel crafts his own interpretation of her favorite dishes using locally-sourced ingredients and a great deal of family pride. Dine indoors or find a spot out by the pool to enjoy spicy conch chowder, sticky guanabana glazed ribs or seared Florida frog legs finished in tangy citrus. Savor pecan dusted local grouper with cheese grits and red snapper fresh from the day boats served over coconut rice. Wessel’s flavors are unique and tropical but at the same time deeply satisfying. No one else in town is showcasing Florida produce with such reverence which makes Florida Cookery a destination restaurant worthy of any foodie’s to-do list.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Florida Cookery
Rating:	/ 3.5 stars based on 102 reviews across the Web
Address:	1545 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(786) 276-0333
Cuisine:	American
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Parking Garage across the street
Chef:	Kris Wessel
Website:	www.florida-cookery.com
Hours:	Mo-Th 8:00am-11pm, Fr-Su 8:00am-12am

Cecconi’s

AM Dreer — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 17:36:40 +0000

The Soho Beach House is an elegant hideaway in the heart of Miami Beach offering hotel, pool and beach club service to members of an exclusive club based in the UK. The central courtyard opens to the public where Cecconi’s Restaurant serves a romantic alfresco dining experience awash in the glow of thousands of tiny tivoli lights. Executive Chef Sergio Sigala’s menu showcases a passion for rustic Italian cuisine learned at his mother’s side in a small village in northern Italy and perfected at Michelin-starred restaurants throughout Europe.

Serving happy guests all day long, Cecconi’s offers a Garden Lunch, $10 Old Fashioned Cocktails on Wednesdays and a popular alfresco Sunday brunch called the “Sunday Feast” from 11am – 3pm featuring live music and a sumptuous buffet. Meals in the romantic garden can be paired with one of over 230 wines or specialty cocktails inspired by Italy, Miami and Latin America. The chef’s cicchetti appetizer menu works perfectly for an impromptu happy hour any time of day with wood oven baked pizzas, house made pastas and selections from the grill readily satisfying any appetite 7 nights a week. A retractable roof unfolds in inclement weather, but Cecconi’s truly shines when there’s a gentle ocean breeze.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Cecconi’s
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 59 reviews across the Web
Address:	4385 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone:	(786) 507-7902
Cuisine:	Italian
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual Chic
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Valet parking
Chef:	Sergio Sigala
Website:	www.cecconisrestaurant.com/
Hours:	Mo-Th 7:00am-11pm, Fr 7:00pm-12am, Sa 7:00pm-12am, Su 7:00am-11pm

Hakkasan

AM Dreer — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 21:38:38 +0000

Hakkasan at the Fontainebleau Resort is an unexpected gem of a restaurant tucked quietly within the heart of a busy, Las Vegas style property. While so much of the hotel is glitzy, bright and glamorous, this elegant Asian eatery is designed in subtle shades of deep blue and glowing indirect lighting that evokes a sense of the quiet reaches under the sea. Framed in dark, intricately cut woodwork panels the long turquoise banquettes make a perfect setting for an extended evening with friends or a romantic date. Navigating the menu is quite easy with the help of an eager waitstaff who talk about each dish with confidence and make great suggestions.

If your only experience with Chinese food is the neighborhood takeout, Hakkasan will be a revelation. Familiar dishes are crafted with the finest ingredients and creations you’ve never heard of will have you ready to return again soon. Pair a variety of appetizers, dumplings and BBQ meats with any of the tropical cocktails crafted at the bar. Conspire with your dining companions to sample and share a few entrees so everyone can experience an array of the kitchen’s innovations. Popular for weekend brunch, Hakkasan takes dim sum to new heights Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Hakkasan
Rating:	/ 4.5 stars based on 929 reviews across the Web
Address:	4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone:	(305) 276-1388
Cuisine:	Chinese
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual Chic
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Valet parking
Chef:	Ho Chee Boon
Website:	www.hakkasan.com/miami/‎
Hours:	Mo-Th 6pm-11pm, Fr-Sa 6:00pm-12am, Su 6:00pm-12am

Khong River House

AM Dreer — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 15:23:33 +0000

Expanding upon a successful franchise of fast-casual Mexican restaurants into the world of upscale dining would seem a daunting task for most restaurateurs, but the team at 50 Eggs, Inc has launched Yardbird Southern Table & Bar and now a second Pan-Asian restaurant just off busy Lincoln Road Mall called Khong River House. Named for a particular stretch of river where the regional Thai menu takes it’s inspiration, Chef Sudarat Loasupho’s kitchen prepares some traditional and some updated recipes redolent of lemongrass, curry and fiery red chilies. Serving weekend brunch, lunch and dinner, the restaurant buzzes day and night.

What distinguishes the creative effort to launch such particular culinary experiences starts with the unique dining room design which transformed a defunct Chinese cafe into a breathtaking double-height space lined with reclaimed wood and vintage market handicrafts. A second floor lounge space hosts a weekend house party called Patpong Road, a cheeky reference to the notorious red light district. The new lounge offers Asian street food and spicy tropical cocktails Fridays and Saturdays.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Khong River House
Rating:	/ 4.1 stars based on 472 reviews across the Web
Address:	1661 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 763-8147
Cuisine:	Asian
Price:	$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Parking lot adjacent
Chef:	Sudarat Loasupho
Website:	www.khongriver.com
Hours:	Mo-Th 12:00pm-11pm, Fr 12:00pm-12am, Sa 11:30am-12am, Su 11:30am-11pm

Yardbird Southern Table

AM Dreer — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 14:30:01 +0000

South Beach may be one of the most body-conscious cities in the world, but carb phobia hasn’t slowed business at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar where Chef Clay Miller’s crisp fried chicken and flaky biscuits fill the air with the aromas of grandma’s kitchen. Pair your shrimp & grits with a bourbon cocktail and a plate of fried green tomatoes and you’ll be tempted to speak with a Deep South twang in no time! Located just off Lincoln Road Mall on a once-quet side street, Yardbird is just the first of many restaurants launching in this area.

Founded on the principle that everyone loves soul food, the dining room exudes country charm without drifting into kitsch. Waitstaff move quickly through the vaulted space creating a friendly clatter that’s charming and casual, though often overwhelming to intimate conversation. Popular with families and packed for Sunday brunch, Yardbird has more date night appeal as the hour grows late when the bar attracts a crowd of regulars who all seem to know one another. Fridays at midnight the kitchen hosts a popular Chef’s Series, a pop-up special supper prepared alongside a visiting chef who crafts a set menu for a few lucky guests.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Rating:	/ 4.7 stars based on 1,726 reviews across the Web
Address:	1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 538-5220
Cuisine:	Southern
Price:	$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	Clay Miller
Website:	www.runchickenrun.com
Hours:	Mo-Th 11:30am-11pm, Fr 11:30am-12am, Sa 10:00am-12am, Su 10:00am-11pm

LT Steak & Seafood

AM Dreer — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 01:35:16 +0000

Ocean Drive is the heart of the Art Deco District with landmark properties and buzzing neon lights, but only a few restaurants are as charming and popular as Chef Laurent Tourondel’s LT Steak & Seafood at the Betsy Hotel which serves as the primary food & beverage source for the property and turns out perfectly grilled meat and fish. Dine indoors or alfresco on a front porch overlooking the South Beach scene and you’ll be charmed from the start by the chef’s signature popovers which come to the table steaming hot from the oven. If you’re a Sunday bruncher, these same popovers are topped with a twist on eggs benedict and are not to be missed!

Service is both polished and professional—a welcome anomaly in this busy tourist area—and the bar specializes in classic cocktails served in an environment conducive to quiet conversation among friends. The restaurant comprises most of the hotel’s public lobby space so the dining room and the lounge blend seamlessly into one another. While many South Beach steakhouses pump up the volume to create a scene, LT Steak & Seafood is far more relaxed with a dress code that flexes from resort wear to business casual for many patrons.

LT Steak & Seafood / 1440 Ocean Drive, South Beach, 305-673-0044.