Miami is home to some of the world's best chefs and the seafood here is insanely fresh - if you know where to go. Here are my top picks.
Watch the MIAMI SPOTLIGHT video to see my favorite places.
Cafes
PANTHER - not sure how the locals feel about this one, but I have to tell you the options here are standout. You want a pour over, French press, Japanese style slow drip or espresso? You got it. And was that with the West Coast or East Coast blend? They roast their own beans on site, serve freshly baked goods and sandwiches, and have 5 locations in Miami that all serve beer and wine if you want to get an early start on things.
VICE CITY - voted best coffee in Miami, they use madcap beans, have almond, soy and oat milk alternatives, as well as a wide array of pastries and sandwiches
ALL DAY - 'the best cup of coffee in Miami' according to vogue, so ahem, what more should I say.. this place is great because it sources most of it's ingredients locally and seasonally from farms that are dedicated to quality and sustainability. They get fresh bread daily from Zak the Baker and their honey from the nearby Garden of Ian. They have a full breakfast menu which they serve all day and make their empanadas, bagels and croquetas from scratch. I'm drooling. They also serve wine and beer. It's a no-brainer.
MIAM CAFE - Miam is French for 'yum' and considering they've been featured in Bon Appetit, Conde Nast, and The Window at Barneys New York among others, I would say it's living up to its reputation. Serving European style coffee and a full menu with some gluten free and vegan options. Milk alternatives include almond, soy and coconut.
Breakfast/ Brunch
LILIKOI ORGANICS - fresh juices, protein smoothies and protein bowls, as well as traditional brunch items, sourced from local, organic ingredients. Gluten-free, vegan options
CECCONI'S - this classical Italian restaurant features an impressive buffet and brunch served 7 days a week. Located in the stunning courtyard garden of the Soho Beach House MIAM CAFE - Miam is French for 'yum' and considering they've been featured in Bon Appetit, Conde Nast, and The Window at Barneys New York among others, I would say it's living up to its reputation. Serving European style coffee and a full menu with some gluten free and vegan options. Milk alternatives include almond, soy and coconut.
NIKKI BEACH - beautiful indoor/outdoor patio on the beach, with private cabanas, live dj and free wifi
STUBBORN SEED - top chef winner, Jeremy Ford, whipping up thoughtful creations based seasonal availability
AMARA AT PARAISO - bold latin flavors using coastal ingredients on the waterfront at Biscayne Bay
NAIYARA - Asian inspired sunday brunch menu including 'son in law eggs', matcha waffles, Chinese 5 spice biscuits and raw bar
ARIETE - gorgeous indoor/outdoor experience at coconut grove, serving brunch on Saturday/Sunday
PLANTA SOUTH BEACH - vegan brunch every Saturday and Sunday
ZAK THE BAKER - jewish deli unapologetically not serving avo toast with microgreens
DR SMOOD - organic boutique café offering a thoughtful selection of energy and health enhancing foods and clean juices
OTL - pretty little spot in the design district, complete with a photogenic menu selection, breakfast is served all day
JUVIA - rooftop bar serving brunch with a view
Dinner
STANZIONE 87 - authentic Neapolitan pizzeria, try the tartufo with white & black truffles
HIDEN - secret omakase restaurant serving some of the freshest fish in town. only 8 seats, reservations required ST ROCH MARKET - some of the best chefs in Miami all under one roof, swanky cocktail bar in the center
NIKKI BEACH - beautiful indoor/outdoor patio on the beach, with private cabanas, live dj and free wifi
ARIETE - gorgeous indoor/outdoor experience at coconut grove serving venison tartare, crispy eggplant & stracciatella and oxtail consommé
ALTER - try the five course tasting menu with wine pairing, creative flavors and presentation
BAZAAR MAR - seasonally inspired menu with the highest quality seafood, hand-crafted cocktails and raw bar
SOYA E POMODORO - beautiful old-world space serving authentic Italian dishes and live music
PRIME FISH - gorgeous outdoor garden patio for dining and people watching, menu is pricey but you get what you pay for
ROOFTOP BARS (21+)
JUVIA - incredible panoramic views are complimentary with food and drink, dressing up is required
WATR AT THE 1 - tropical ambiance with a Polynesian/Japanese influenced menu
LA COTE - panoramic views at the top of Fontaineblue, live dj and rooftop pool
AREA 31 - 16th floor of the Kimpton Epic, glittering views of the city, Biscayne Bay and Miami River, farm to table menu, innovative cocktails
REGENT ROOFTOP AT GALE - luxurious space with infinity pool, dj, cabanas and cocktails. open wed - sun
ABOVE MAYFAIR - intimate hideaway in a chic tropical, gaudi inspired lounge, live dj and private poolside cabanas
E11EVEN - open air night club with views of Miami skyline, live music and drinks, and a 3-course dinner offered wed-sat
C-LEVEL - 6th level views of the city and the ocean, free wifi and party vibes on the weekends with dj and dancing
WHISPER COCKTAIL LOUNGE - incredible views from the 50th floor of the W Miami, creative cocktails, pool & dj (only light snacks)
BOULAN - sky bar and loungy pool at the top of the Boulan hotel
SUGAR AT EAST - located on the 40th floor, this rooftop bar and garden offers cocktails and Asian inspired tapas
Click here to watch the video Spring in Miami
