Miami:
My Top 10 Restaurants
JAGUAR SUN
(& Sunnys Steakhouse)
This is the best of Miami, great food, fabulous cocktails and friendly service! If you are ever heading to a Heat game, make sure Jaguar Sun reservations are available *before you buy your tickets. The best reason to head to downtown Miami is this hidden away cocktail and pasta haven. Serving up familiar dishes with a little twist, and frankly they are just better then anywhere else around. Cocktails here are a total game-changer, the perfect combination of classic and inventive, artistic and precise — for a little extra fun, I highly recommend any drink in their skeleton cups (Cocktail glassware is listed on the menu!)
Happy Hour is a must! $1 Oysters, and solid drink deals.
Dish to Try: Parker House Rolls (pictured), Agnolotti w/ corn, blue crab, saffron, marcona almond
Special Shout Out: Sunnys Steakhouse, was the Jaguar Sun teams Covid brainchild that took over the Miami food scene. I don’t know that there is a more perfect venue, seemingly carved out of concrete and the rugged Miami warehouse district. Inside Lot 3, stands a majestic banyan tree who spreads her arms 20 yards in any direction creating a canopy over the most romantic and unique outdoor dining vibe in Miami! This spot was meant to be temporary, a pop up, but the reviews have raved so loudly that a bit of renovation is underway for a full time re-opening early 2023! An absolute must when open!
Zitz Sum
The Service and the Wagyu Tartare; these 2 things were the absolute standouts of our evening at Zitz Sum. The front of house team here was a great blend of friendly and efficient, always appreciate this type of solid service.
Now for the food, a tartare is typically not something I would fuss about, but the Japanese egg salad blanketing over silky pieces of Wagyu with a little the punch from their Gochujang sauce, and a little pop and crunch from the Tobiko and Nori ~ there was something divine happening while we ate this! Another must is the often written about Wonton in Brodo whose broth cotes your mouth with a rich, fatty layer followed by the silkiest, delightfully chewy, umami bomb of a wonton - a really stellar dish.
Dish To Try: Aside from the above favorites, there was 1 more that found its way deep into my heart - a version of bread and butter, aka Bing - A sour dough pancake with honey-miso butter topped with Furikake. If you’re a sucker for carbs and dairy like me, this is simple perfection right here.
Ariete
The gem of Coconut Grove. This newly awarded Michelin haunt serves a tasting menu ($145), as well as a la carte. Both are worth looking into, though I am partial to the $135 tableside Duck Service that comes with the a la carte menu! It is dinner and a show, capped off by the most succulent fat and crispy skin that all of us duck lovers dream of; they do sell out, so order early!
The dining space just outside of the open kitchen, was a entertaining space to be seated, enjoying the hum of a busy and well run hotspot is always something to behold. Service was wonderful, the space itself is wonderful, and of course the food and drinks are coming out with absolute delicious precision.
Dish To Try: My favorite Rohan Duck For Two (We had 3 and it worked) ~ 14-day dry-aged duck breast, pistachio dukkah
roasted calabaza duck tamal, wild mushroom and foie gravy, duck fricassée pastelitos, ariete salad.
Mandolin Aegean
(& sister restaurant, Mr. Mandolin)
One of my most beloved lunch spots sits just north of the Miami design district. The dining space is a quaint but large courtyard with several different areas for seating, all accented by Mediterranean blues and white stucco, hanging lights and hand painted dishware. If you are in need of a transportive escape to a Greek island, lapping up delicious plates of Ali Nazik, Grilled Octopus, Grilled Haloumi cheese, or Manti Dumplings (all of which are favorites of ours) Look no further then Mandolin! The food is stellar, the crowd is slightly boujee, and the vibe is rustic/chic ~ the perfect spot for an elevated afternoon bite.
We order 4-5 plates, a beautiful ceramic pitcher of Sangria, and always finish with a few slices of Baklava ~ There are few better ways to spend an afternoon! Highly recommend a reservation. (Valet, or parking garage 2 blocks away)
Dish To Try: Get the Ali Nazik, Manti Dumplings & all of the cooked cheeses.
Mr. Mandolin ~ The more casual little sister restaurant, sits 10mins north at the Vagabond Hotel (check out their Pool Bar). The Pita and other shaved meat wraps are all outstanding, we go out of our way just for these! With a laid back setting, Mr. Mandolin is putting out the best fast/casual Mediterranean classics in Miami.
Stubborn Seed
Jeremy Fords famed South Beach outpost is one of the most special fine dining experiences you can have in Miami. There are plenty of overpriced glamorous places to wine and dine here, but then there are the truly exquisite kitchens putting out next level food and that is Stubborn Seed. Its a high price tag at $175 pp, or you can opt for a small menu of al a carte dishes; either way though your taste buds will be rewarded. The menu changes often, as most tasting menus do, but they keep a handful of ol’ faithful’s on the menu at all times; most notably the Cacio E Pepe Cheesy Puffs! These are the most affordable thing on the menu at just $8, but also might be the most simply satisfying - who doesn’t love a perfect cheesy biscuit sprinkled with freshly grated aged parm?!? They’re amazing.
Our tasting menu experience progressed wonderfully, left us excited for every plate and is well worth the hype. For me, best high-end tasting menu in town.
Dish to Try: The tasting menu changes often, so just enjoy it. But make sure you get those cheesy puffs and pickles! (Pictured)
Leku
(The Rubell Museum)
The Basque region of Spain, sitting on the northern coast just an arms reach from the French boarder, is the worlds most magical culinary destination in the world. Where food matters as much as the air you breath, Leku is an ode to this lifestyle that blends humble and glamorous. As you walk into the property a modern hallway is lined with art filled rooms on one side and an outdoor tropical courtyard on the other. The dining area is beautifully designed and blends an indoor/outdoor space perfectly. Whether you are here just for drinks in the garden or a full blown meal, the menu is full of mouthwatering bites. We love anything with Iberico, or a personal favorite is the Nsaladilla De Patatas Con Salmon Curado (a seafood potato salad of sorts that’s incredible!) The menu combines the wonderful Spanish meats (Veal cheak, Iberico) we all have come to love, with some of the most divine seafood in the city; There is somethin here for every palate!
Dish to Try: Carrillera De Ternera Wagyu, Braised Wagyu veal cheeks, sweet potato mash, crispy chips (pictured)
KYU
This sleek modern Asian eatery is top tier dining at its very best. The menu draws you in with beautiful light fish and vegetable dishes, but the true stars are in the smoke. As you stroll down a number of the graffiti filled Wynwood streets near KYU you will begin to wonder, “where is that coming from?”, referring to the absolutely intoxicating BBQ aromas wafting above. The use of smoked meats and a wood-fired grilling technique called Yakiniku, both bring a depth of flavor and Japanese artistry that you don’t often see.
Having enjoyed a couple of meals here, I can safely say that we have not ordered a bad dish. The standouts have been the Duck Breast ‘Burnt Ends”, all of the veggie dishes, the whole grilled Branzino and the Wagyu Beef Brisket. You can expect high level cooking, fantastic ingredients and friendly but efficient service.
Dish to Try: Try the Duck Breast ‘Burnt Ends’ (Pictured)
*This restaurant group has locations in both NYC and Mexico City, with upcoming locations in Los Angeles, London and Las Vegas.
Doya
Wynwoods new spacious and bustling dining room is serving up some of the best Aegean food in the city. Mediterranean food has been taking over food scenes across the country for years now, but this is one that sticks out for me. This team puts a large focus on using the highest quality ingredients and working with live fire. The cauliflower along with several other fire roasted vegetable dishes are some of my favorite meatless options in the city. The menu is vast, but make sure you get a combination of cold and hot mezze plates, everything is perfect for sharing.
The open kitchen and spit roasting lamb wafting intense meaty aromas into the dining space. Great indoor and Outdoor areas, and one of my favorite places for Lunch in the area.
Dish to Try: Make sure you get The Truffle Pide (so simple and so yummy) and a combination of classic Mediterranean “dips”. The Muhamara, Cretan Feta, Haydari, Nuraniye are all fantastic. Also be sure to try the Turkish Pastrami Humus, and the Doya Kebab. The menu is large, so come hungry and often!
Cote
The Miami area is severely lacking in quality Korean BBQ, but this New York transplant has changed the game. The entry is dramatic, the dining area and bar are sleek and moody, the service is as good as it gets in this city, and the food is outstanding. The best deal in town is the ‘Butchers Feast’, which includes an array of banchan (pickled/fermented little dishes), multiple salads, 4 different choice meats, a couple of stews, seasonal vegi’s and my favorite egg soufflé ~ all for $68 a person. Aside from that you have access to some of the most wonderful selections of dry aged meats in south Florida, and a red lit observation window that makes for a perfectly delicious & sexy picture moment.
Anyways, back to the Egg Soufflé ~ this is something I never knew I needed until it hit my mouth. Truth be told I wasn’t sure how I felt when it was set down in front of us. and then WOW; velvety pillow like eggs with a deep rich stew underneath, wafting with aromatics; it is just unbelievably tasty!
Dish to Try: Aside from the Butchers Feast, make sure you try out the Korean ‘Bacon’, and the Steak & Eggs. This spot is for the Meat lovers.
Boia De
One of the absolute hottest tables in town, and one of the hardest to get as well! This tiny strip mall spot, next to a busy laundromat is the stuff an LA girl dreams of. Strip mall masterpieces are an LA thing, and this grittier, less fussy storefront gives you a feeling of authenticity. There is something special happening as you cross the threshold into this cozy enclave of American/Italian bites with a funky and fantastic wine list. Funny thing is, these guys don’t consider them selves an Italian restaurant; meanwhile they are serving some of the best pastas in the city.
Our favorites are the Tagliolini Nero which has chunks of King Crab and Truffle, its absolutely divine. Also, the Saffron Tagliatelle Alla Vongole is something altogether different and delicious ~ I was sold at saffron.
Dish To Try: Pictured are the famous Potato Skins w/ Stracciatella, Caviar, and Hard Egg
Walrus Rodeo: Had to mention this new powerhouse. Owned by the same group and in the same stripmall as their big brother Boia De. This slightly more rustic spot is the new hottest thing in Miami!
Hiyakawa (& Wabi Sabi)
There is so much good sushi in Miami, its hard to know where to start. Well not really, start at either one of these! ~ Hiyakawa is the higher end big brother of Wabi, but both are absolutely fantastic, and the fish quality is second to none.
Hiyakawas dramatic design is something magical to experience, the dining room alone is worth a visit. But as artists go, the sushi kings at this establishment produce some of the finest bites you will ever eat. The tasting menu here combines several sushi and other raw fish preparations, followed by cooked fish and a meat course.
Dish to Try: Of course its sushi - try as many pieces as possible and be a little adventurous, every bite you take will be fantastic even if not familiar!
Wabi Sabi is a bit more of a casual spot up in the Little River neighborhood, but is equal in quality of fish; melts in your mouth! We also had some of the absolute best service here from the gal that regularly works upfront, cannot remember her name but she is wonderful.
Surf Club (& Lido)
Thomas Kellers Miami outpost is inside the Four Seasons and oozes sexy, cool, and fresh. The plates are works of art, and the flavors are bold! I have eaten at all of Kellers other restaurants (The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se) and this is a solid attempt to emulate these culinary giants. Though it is not quite to that level, this kitchen is still cranking out wonderful food.
The moments I notice Chef Kellers cooking the most is in the sauce work. Most dishes are centered around a nuanced sauce that can only be executed with real talent. Either deep and rich, or light and aromatic, these are the flavors I still think about. Everything is house made, so there are no bad dishes, come hungry and eat up!
PS. the bar area is one of my favorite places to relax with friends; it has this charm of ‘old Florida’ wood details and tropical prints, with all the class and sophistication you expect from both Four Seasons and Thomas Keller.
Dish To Try: The Wild Mushroom Soup w/ Ricotta & Black Truffle is other worldly - the depth of flavor and silky richness ~ Chefs kiss!! And then the Key Lime Pie, which is exactly the dash of sugar that you need on a warm Florida night.
INTIMO
There are a lot of places to enjoy Peruvian food in the Miami area, but few do it as well as INTIMO in south beach. A combination of the highest quality fish, inventive preparations and a bustling dining room that is often accompanied by a live musician roaming the isles. I dined here with my partner and mother and had one of the most enjoyable dinners all year. The food is light and fresh and packs a punch of flavor, and the service was truly wonderful!
Expect Ceviche’s and Tiraditos, (which are all exquisite) made with the highest quality fish and prepared with absolute precision. They are creating dishes here that take classics and amplify them to a more glamorous and high end level. Every single bite we took here surprised and impressed, one of our favorite stops in south beach, highly recommend for the raw fish lovers. The range of prices here makes it really appealing as well; you can go all out with delicious (but pricey) lobster dishes and Wagyu, or stick with great quality Hamachi/salmon/tuna and still have some truly special dishes.
Dish To Try: We love the Ceviche Nikkei and the Hamachi Tiradito, But one of my absolute favorite things is the Tartar De Otoro - really any dish or piece of sushi with Otoro and I am sold, Tuna belly is life. Also, the Sushi Bombs are delightful little bundles of joy.
