4-Star Rated – South Beach Magazine

StripSteak by Michael Mina

AM Dreer — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 22:10:37 +0000

Taking the steakhouse experience to new heights, StripSteak by Michael Mina at the Fontainebleau Resort is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion in the heart of Miami Beach. Dazzling interior design, impressive ocean views and a spectacular presentation of the restaurant’s extensive wine collection make for an extraordinary first impression. While most of the resort property is seaside casual, StripSteak makes it easy to break out something special you might have been saving to wear on a romantic date. Service is prompt and unobtrusive. While the upstairs feels more lively, tables are well spaced throughout two separate levels making it easy to find your ideal dining atmosphere.

Choose from classic cocktails or an extensive selection of wines listed on an iPad and showcased in the glass tower that is the focal point of the dining room. The 500 plus bottles of world class wines can make every meal a special event. Select your steak (including Moyer Farms Angus, American or Australian Wagyu and Japanese Miyazaki) request your desired degree of doneness and be prepared for a delicious evening. Chef de Cuisine Derrick Roberts and Michael Mina craft a deeply satisfying dining experience.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	StripSteak by Michael Mina
Rating:	/ 4.3 stars based on 1,219 reviews across the Web
Address:	4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone:	(305) 674-4780
Cuisine:	Steakhouse
Price:	$$$$
Attire:	Casual Chic
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Valet parking
Chef:	Thomas Connell
Website:
Hours:	Mo-We 6pm-12am, Th-Fr 6:00pm-1am, Sa-Su 6pm-12am

Havana 1957

AM Dreer — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 16:54:15 +0000

Lincoln Road Mall’s busy sidewalk cafe scene fairly sizzles at Havana 1957, a Cuban restaurant that brings the vibrance of a popular Havana cantina to the streets of South Beach. Sample a classic cocktail at the richly appointed rum bar where the house signature mojito quenches the thirst even as it enhances your confidence. Sweeten the deal with pineapple, watermelon or guava flavors or have the bartender lead you through a tasting of the clear, dark, spiced and golden rums that make up the restaurant’s curated collection.

Once fortified at the bar, the kitchen’s special roast chicken in Cuban gravy and the slow roasted pork leg marinated in Cuban mojo are deeply satisfying. Served with rich black beans and sweet plantains, most entrees capture the hearty traditions of old school Cuban cooking. While a full meal is infinitely filling, be sure to leave room for the chef’s tres leches cake, a sweet treat that comprises rum soaked yellow cake topped with cinnamon, vanilla and mixed cream. Havana 1957 brings the best of Cuba to the heart of South Beach.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Havana 1957
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 363 reviews across the Web
Address:	405 Espanola Way & 819 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 503-3828
Cuisine:	Latin
Price:	$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	N/A
Website:	www.havana1957.com

Villa Azur

AM Dreer — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:49:24 +0000

An elegant Collins Park eatery offering the rich flavors of the Riviera, Villa Azur provides the perfect backdrop for the culinary stylings of Chef Erwin Mallet. Growing up in his family kitchen in Limoges France, Mallet credits his earliest inspiration to his mother and grandmother who encouraged him to become a chef. Traveling throughout France in pursuit of this dream, the chef’s menu at Villa Azul reflects his passionate desire to recreate the flavors he developed while working at Michelin star-rated restaurants all along the Côte d’Azur.

The swank supperclub and romantic dining terrace bring the flavors of the South of France to South Beach including fresh seafood, meat and pasta paired with delicacies like caviar, foie gras and truffles imported from France. La Cave d’Azur Wine Bar offers more than 190 carefully curated wines and champagnes from small village appellations as well as the most important vineyards in Europe. Guests can enjoy half off select bottles on Sundays or join in a weekly wine tasting Wednesdays from 6pm -9pm when special selections are just $5 and passed hors d’oeuvres are $10. As an added incentive to wine lovers, the expert staff at La Cave can help customize any wine cellar with a unique variety of vintage pours to enjoy for years to come.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Villa Azur
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 622 reviews across the Web
Address:	309 23rd St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 763-8688
Cuisine:	Italian/Mediterranean
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Chic
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Valet, Private lot
Chef:	Erwin Mallet
Website:	www.villaazurmiami.com
Hours:	Mo-Su 18:30pm-12am

Juvia Miami

AM Dreer — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 21:49:22 +0000

Winner of the 2013 James Beard Award for restaurant design, Juvia Restaurant sits atop the edgy parking structure designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron at the western edge of Lincoln Road Mall and offers panoramic views of all South Beach. Crafted by restaurateurs Jonas and Alexandra Millan who also operate Bonito in St. Barth, Juvia is a luxurious destination for travelers and locals who want to drink and dine in a one-of-a-kind setting. Perfect for a sunset sip or a scenic supper, the Juvia kitchen is manned by a team of stellar chefs including Laurent Cantineaux (who trained under Daniel Boulud), Sunny Oh and Kaoru Chang (both former Nobu chefs) and Gregory Gourreau (who learned all about pastry from Francois Payard).

Working in concert, the global influences of this diverse culinary team make Juvia’s menu a clever blend of Asian flavors and French techniques inspired by the bountiful produce of sunny South Florida. Start with an ample selection of fresh seafood prepared sushi style or marinated in tangy ceviches, tiraditos and crudos. A sparkling raw bar offers seasonal oysters, crab and lobster paired with a variety of sauces and mignonettes including creamy garlic aji, wasabi cocktail sauce and caramelized onion soy. Popular entrees like Chilean sea bass and aji panka coated lamb chops are served just off the grill in portions perfect for a romantic dinner for two. On starry nights, a unique retractable roof makes alfresco dining possible year round.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Juvia
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 443 reviews across the Web
Address:	1111 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 763-8272
Cuisine:	Pan Asian
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual Chic
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Adjacent parking gagage
Chef:	Sunny Oh and Laurent Cantineaux
Website:	www.juviamiami.com
Hours:	Mo-We 12:00pm-3pm, 6pm-12am, Th-Sa 12:00pm-3pm, 6pm-1am, Su 12:00pm-3pm, 6pm-12am

Macchialina Taverna Rustica

AM Dreer — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 21:47:23 +0000

A cozy Italian eatery that feels more like New York than South Beach, Macchialina Taverna Rustica is a labor of love owned and operated by Chef Michael Pirolo and his partner Jen Chaefsky who bring rustic Italian cuisine to the residential west side of South Beach. “Mike is one of Miami’s most talented chefs,” declares Andreas Schreiner, Founding Partner and Managing Director for Pubbelly Restaurant Group who helped Chef Pirolo fund his restaurant before amicably dissolving their partnership in November 2013. Enjoy house-made pizzas, handcrafted pastas, or feast on a tender Veal Milanese topped with arugula, tomatoes and shaved parmigiano.

Fully owning and operating a restaurant on his own is a lifelong dream for the young chef who brings a passion for simple flavors, fresh ingredients and rustic Southern Italian fare learned in his grandmother’s kitchen in Avellino, Italy. The 60-seat neighborhood eatery displays daily specials on oversized chalkboards propped on weathered brick walls. Guests enjoy signature cocktails and a reasonably-priced Italian wine list curated from a group of boutique vintners. Serving dinner nightly from 6pm, Sunday brunch service (including the chef’s heavenly Panettone French Toast) is offered from noon to 4pm and happy hour Wednesdays from 6 to 8pm.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Macchialina
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 129 reviews across the Web
Address:	820 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 534-2124
Cuisine:	Italian
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	No
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	Michael Pirolo
Website:	www.macchialina.com
Hours:	Mo-Su 6:00pm-12am

Cavalli Miami Restaurant (closed)

AM Dreer — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 18:21:20 +0000

Cavalli Miami

Cuisine: Italian
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 based on 13 reviews

Designer name-droppers finally have a stylishly appropriate place to dine in South Beach now that boldface luxury fashion icon Roberto Cavalli has launched a swank supperclub in the tony SoFi District. Decked in his signature animal prints and lit to flatter every diner, the celebrated couturier’s restaurant was developed in partnership with Miami impresarios Karim Masri and Nicola Siervo, the duo behind WALL nightclub and Quattro Gastronomia Italiana on Lincoln Mall. The two-story space features a downstairs dining room decked out like a luxurious Tuscan villa and a second level ultra-lounge where everyone can feel like a VIP.

Executive Chef Stefano Mazzi updates traditional Tuscan fare including an array of seafood antipasti, tender burrata and his signature lobster consomme topped with caviar and creme fraiche. House-made pastas like wild boar ravioli, chestnut pappardelle and gnocchi with jumbo lump crabmeat are said to be Cavalli’s favorite dishes. Heartier appetites will thrill to the lamb ossobuco, the massive Florentine steak and a roast Valdostana veal chop paired with a Cavalli family Tenuta Degli Dei red wine. Serving dinner nightly from 6pm, the restaurant and lounge are perfect spots for fashionable foodies to celebrate a special night.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Cavalli Miami Restaurant & Lounge
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 13 reviews across the Web
Address:	150 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 695-4191
Cuisine:	Italian
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Chic
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Valet & On-street parking
Chef:	Stefano Mazzi
Website:	miami.cavalliclub.com
Hours:	Su-Th 6:00pm-11pm, Fr-Sa 6:00pm-12am

Bulla Gastrobar

AM Dreer — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 18:45:42 +0000

After successfully launching Miami’s Por Fin Restaurant, Carlos Centurion set his sights on a more casual and traditional Spanish tapas bar that replicates his dining experiences in Spain and serves the best flavors of Spanish & Catalan cuisine. Bulla Gastrobar feels like a neighborhood hangout because Centurion wanted “to put emphasis on the culture’s great culinary practices and the social enjoyment which is part of the entire experience.” Guests gather at a central bar to enjoy drinks and tapas style plates who mixes traditional cured meats like Serrano and Iberico ham with Manchego, Mahon and Idiazabal cheeses.

The chef’s open kitchen lends the rustic dining room a welcoming vibe and offers a glimpse at the hard-working team crafting creamy gazpacho, crisp patatas bravas and the Chef’s favorite Huevos Bulla – a combination of eggs, potato chips, ham, potato foam and a hint of truffle oil. A selection of larger platters is served family style so guests can sample and share all the best flavors of Spain including tender suckling pig, arroz a banda (rice with fresh seafood) and braised short ribs in a rich red wine sauce. Serving lunch and dinner daily, Bulla offers a weekend brunch menu, a full bar and a variety of regional wines, craft beers and house-made sangrias.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Bulla Gastrobar
Rating:	/ 4.1 stars based on 299 reviews across the Web
Address:	2500 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone:	(305) 441-0107
Cuisine:	Spanish
Price:	$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	–
Website:	www.bullamiami.com
Hours:	Mo-Tu 12:00pm-10pm, We-Th 12:00pm-11pm, Fr-Sa 12:00pm-12am, Su 12:00pm-10pm

Bazaar by José Andrés

AM Dreer — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 20:42:50 +0000

One of the most exciting announcements for South Florida foodies in recent years was Sam Nazarian’s news flash that celebrated Chef José Andrés would bring his groundbreaking culinary pyrotechnics to town, overseeing food & beverage operations at the SLS Hotel in South Beach. Definitely a chef on the move, Andrés worked with the legendary Ferran Adria in the kitchen at El Bulli in Spain and went on to achieve celebrity status with his Spanish TV show, “Vamos a Cocinar” as well as “Made in Spain” on PBS. While dozens of TV chefs are popular in the United States, José Andrés is nothing short of a global icon. Dining at Bazaar offers tastes from the Old World and the New reinterpreted by a man who hopes to take guests on a sensory adventure.

Diners can start the evening at Bar Centro, a tapas & cocktail lounge featuring innovative libations dreamed up by the chef using fresh herbs, local fruits and seasonal vegetables. The dinner menu at Bazaar includes an Asian-inspired selection of “Singapore Connection” small plates (spring rolls, dumplings, bao) plus “New Generation Nigiri” seafood dishes (Japanese tacos, Cuban Escabeche, Dragon Fruit Ceviche). Andrés playfully incorporates local Latin flavors in his menu creating upscale riffs on Peruvian potatoes, yuca churros and slow-cooked Cuban-style Pollo al Ajillo. Enjoy a mix of cultures and cuisines as you travel around the world without ever leaving the table at this dazzling South Beach restaurant.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Bazaar by José Andrés
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 86 reviews across the Web
Address:	1701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 455-2999
Cuisine:	Spanish
Price:	$$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Valet
Chef:	José Andrés
Website:	www.thebazaar.com
Hours:	Mo-We 6:00pm-11pm, Th-Sa 6:00pm-12am, Su 6:00pm-11pm

Momi Ramen

AM Dreer — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:27:04 +0000

Films about Japanese handicraft often show a Young Apprentice repeating a seemingly menial task over and over again until the result satisfies his ancient Master. This sort of dedication to excellence is nowhere more apparent than at Miami’s Momi Ramen where Chef Jeffrey Chen labors to develop the perfect Tonkotsu stock over the course of 18 slow, simmering hours until the broth takes on a silky texture and a deep and soulful flavor. Once the soup meets his expectations, he crafts a tangle of bouncy hand made noodles using flour imported from Japan. The broth speaks of his meticulous labor, the noodles are made fresh all day long. Together they form a masterful mouthful!

Miami is decidedly behind the culinary curve when it comes to dedicated noodle parlors, but for devotees of authentic artisanal fare, Momi Ramen more than makes up for the wait. This fusion of noodle and broth gets a choice of toppings which the chef often varies. Most popular is the roast pork belly sliced and draped over the slippery noodles with a just-poached egg and a tangy dice of green onions. Chen also offers steamed greens, kelp and mushrooms atop the ramen which may make the dish a little lighter than roast meat but still offers an appealing taste and texture. Truly destination dining, Momi Ramen delivers a singular dish made nowhere else in town.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Momi Ramen
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 258 reviews across the Web
Address:	5 SW 11th St, Miami, FL 33130
Phone:	(786) 391-2392
Cuisine:	Japanese
Price:	$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	Jeffrey Chen
Website:	www.momiramen.com
Hours:	Mo-Su 11:00am-5am

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

The Dutch (closed)

AM Dreer — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 01:18:08 +0000

The W South Beach Hotel attracts a sophisticated traveler who is not likely to be wowed by run-of-the-mill hotel dining, so Miami party pros Karim Masri & Nicola Siervo tapped hot New York restaurateur Andrew Carmellini – who spent childhood summers in Florida – to develop The Dutch, an American bistro & bakeshop serving “roots-inspired dishes for big-city palates.” What this means to the hungry diner is a dazzling display of house made sweets and fresh breads, pristine selections from the raw bar and plenty of local produce transformed into Florida yellowtail crudo, mahi-mahi tagine and steamed red snapper in a coconut curry broth.

The nattily appointed dining room and breezy patio attract a well-dressed crowd enjoying selections from the chef’s snack menu paired with a roster of signature cocktails infused with seasonal berries, muddled watermelon or even bacon-infused bourbon. During steamy South Beach summers, the chef rolls out his smoker to host a series of Bourbon, Beer and BBQ Wednesdays featuring All-American, St. Louis, Korean and Hawaiian-style prix fixe menus. Limited duration specials like late-night pizza parties and all-you-can-eat Fried Chicken Sundays have also proved very popular. At the W Hotel, The Dutch makes comfort food fashionable.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	The Dutch
Rating:	/ 4.1 stars based on 131 reviews across the Web
Address:	2201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 938-3111
Cuisine:	American
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	Andrew Carmellini
Website:	www.thedutchmiami.com
Hours:	Mo-We 7:00–11:30 am, 12:00–4:00 pm, 6:30–11:30 pm, Th-Sa 7:00–11:30 am, 12:00–4:00 pm, 6:30–11:30 pm, Su 7:30–11:30 am, 12:00–4:00 pm, 6:30–11:30 pm

La Cote

AM Dreer — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 18:04:37 +0000

Watch the sun sparkling over the Atlantic Ocean at La Cote at the Fontainebleau Resort which offers a panoramic vista that can’t be found anywhere else on Miami Beach. Serving lunch and dinner poolside, this two-level Mediterranean restaurant was inspired by the Cote d’Azur with it’s alfresco terraces and healthy seafood menu. Perfect for an afternoon cocktail paired with selections from the raw bar, La Cote provides the kind of elegant respite you dreamed about when planning a Miami Beach vacation.

Couples celebrating a romantic night should book a seaside table or private cabana during the full moon when the restaurant crafts a special three course supper to celebrate this majestic celestial event. Lunch and dinner menus at La Cote focus upon the freshest ingredients from the sea including butter poached lobster tail, spicy seafood fra diavolo and lighter options like ceviche, steamed prawns and crispy flatbreads. Share a pitcher of mojitos or a chilled bottle of champagne, feel the sea breeze in your hair, and enjoy one of the most iconic views in the Magic City.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	La Cote
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 78 reviews across the Web
Address:	4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone:	(305) 674-4710
Cuisine:	Mediterranean
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Valet parking
Chef:	N/A
Website:	www.fontainebleau.com/web/dining/la_cote/‎
Hours:	Mo-We 11:00am-7pm,Th-Sa 11:00am-9pm,Su 11:00am-7pm

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

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

GrillFish

AM Dreer — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:54:15 +0000

Escape the hub-bub of Ocean Drive and discover one of South Beach’s favorite casual eateries. GrillFish has served fresh, simply-prepared seafood to appreciative crowds for nearly 20 years! Located in the heart of the Art Deco District, the dining room is often a little noisy with servers rushing about tending to happy diners. Start with the clam chowder and then order any local catch, kissed by the flame and served with a sweet onion sauce, linguine & a cob of sweet corn.

Chalkboards list specials & affordable wines and the bar features a variety of tropical cocktails. Fans of spicy food should opt for their seafood served “Fra Diavolo” with a peppery red sauce that’s tossed over clams, mussels and calamari Italian style. House made desserts are large enough to share with the tropical Key Lime Pie a seasonal standout. Much more serene at lunchtime, GrillFish is a popular oasis for families and friends to sample the best of Florida’s waters.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Grillfish
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 520 reviews across the Web
Address:	1444 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 538-9908
Cuisine:	Seafood
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Recommended
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	N/A
Website:	www.grillfish.com
Hours:	Mo-Su 11:30am-11pm

Joe’s Stone Crab

AM Dreer — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:17:10 +0000

South Beach’s landmark seafood destination for 100 years, Joe’s Stone Crab is a part of the very fabric of the community and remains one of the most important items on any foodie’s To-Do List. Famous for the seasonal hard shelled crab claws that are available October through May, the kitchen’s standout dishes also include spicy chowder, oniony Lyonnaise potatoes and tart Key Lime pie

While stone crabs are a pricey treat, the rest of the seafood menu is fresh, simply prepared and reasonably priced. Avoid long lines to get a table in the no-reservations dining room by visiting at lunchtime when the menu is just as tantalizing and there is rarely a wait.

If witnessing the hubbub of the dinner rush is part of your plans, arrive before prime time at 7pm or after 8:30pm to avoid peak crowds. Locals often opt for Joe’s Takeaway which sits just north of the main entrance and prepares the same menu items to cater an impromptu picnic. The takeaway serves all day long, offering truly affordable entrees like southern fried chicken and crispy oysters.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Joe’s Stone Crab
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 5,211 reviews across the Web
Address:	11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 673-0365
Cuisine:	Seafood, Stone Crabs
Price:	$$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Parking lot adjacent
Chef:	–
Website:	www.joesstonecrab.com
Hours:	Monday: 5:00–11:00 pm Tuesday: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00–11:00 pm Wednesday: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00–11:00 pm Thursday: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00–11:00 pm Friday: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00–11:00 pm Saturday: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00–11:00 pm Sunday: 5:00–11:00 pm

Smith & Wollensky

AM Dreer — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 01:40:40 +0000

This popular chain steakhouse enjoys some of the most coveted waterfront real estate on South Beach, so locals and travelers flock to the alfresco bar in the afternoons to enjoy an unobstructed view of the busy waterway that connects the Port of Miami to the sea. Ideal for a breezy lunch, the just-seared sirloin burger makes a perfect repast while massive cruise ships steam right by your table and thousands of eager tourists wave bon voyage on their way to a Caribbean adventure.

South Pointe Park was renovated to include a waterfront promenade that passes right behind the restaurant so the people watching includes plenty of folks enjoying a stroll with their dogs and kids. Stop in for drinks at sunset to experience the perfect end to a South Beach day. In March and September the restaurant hosts Wine Week where guests can sample 10 different wines for just $10 when paired with lunch. Few local restaurants offer this kind of breezy outdoor experience so come toast your good fortune at the southernmost edge of the Magic City.

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Smith & Wollensky
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 1706 reviews across the Web
Address:	1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 673-2800
Cuisine:	Steakhouse
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-site parking
Chef:	–
Website:	www.smithandwollensky.com
Hours:	Mo-Th, Su 12pm-11pm, Fr 12pm-12am, Sa 11am-12am

Fogo de Chão

AM Dreer — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 00:58:09 +0000

Comparable in price to nearby Texas de Brazil but offering a more intimate setting, Fogo de Chão takes the all-you-can-eat business model of the most popular Brazilian churrascarias in Miami and dresses things up a bit. Ideal for group dinners and hungry dates, the restaurant offers a tantalizing array of starters, salads and appetizers you’ll want to dive into, but do so at the risk of filling up before the chef’s work their magic on a rich variety of grilled meats. Light eaters and vegetarians (who don’t mind all the beefy fanfare) can opt to sample items from the salad bar alone for half the cost of a full meal which makes Fogo de Chão welcoming to members of the non-steak set.

Popular at lunchtime (especially if you’re able to take a late afternoon nap), Fogo offers all their most popular entrees at a considerable discount. Selections from the grill include steaks & beef ribs, New Zealand lamb leg & chops plus chicken, pork and sausage. Wines from South America, California and Europe earned Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine, but to truly experience the flavor of Brazil you’ll want to try at least one Caipirinha, South America’s answer to the Margarita. Enjoy welcoming, friendly service and a truly enormous feast on South Beach!

Restaurant Information:

Name:	Fogo de Chão
Rating:	/ 4.2 stars based on 319 reviews across the Web
Address:	836 1st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 672-0011
Cuisine:	Steakhouse, AYCE
Price:	$$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	–
Website:	www.fogodechao.com
Hours:	Monday-Thursday: 12pm – 2:30pm, 5:30–10:30 pm Friday: 12:00–2:30 pm, 5:30–11:00 pm Saturday: 5:00–11:00 pm Sunday: 3:00–9:00 pm