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BEST RESTAURANT IN SOUTH BEACH

BEST RESTAURANT IN SOUTH BEACH Barton G the Restaurant

1427 West Avenue

Miami Beach

305-672-8881 Barton G. Weiss made his name in catering grand events, and as such he understands that dining out is ultimately about more than great food and service, it's about having a great time -- which is just what people experience when they come to his eponymous South Beach restaurant. The outdoor garden and indoor room are absolutely lovely and arguably the only dining settings around where the cuisine is greeted with audible oohs, aahs, and whoops of delight; also the only place we know of where people pull out cameras to photograph their meals. That's because there's more creativity manifested on Barton G's menu and presentations than at other restaurants in town. Combined. Heck, they exhibit more creativity on their coffee menu alone (including a bean that gets soaked in animal enzymes for extra fullness). Macaroni and cheese is served in a giant mousetrap, with a wedge of cheddar as the "bait." Shrimp gets served in a giant glass vase with dry ice releasing a sweep of smoke across the table. Duck decoys, wooden chickens, miniature lounge chairs -- just about anything goes as garnish here (no need for karaoke nights when the entertainment is built into the food). There is so much fun per plate that it's easy to overlook just how fresh and delicious the contemporary American fare is; it would be among the best even if it didn't have a great sense of humor. Service is strong too, the wine list sophisticated, desserts so over the top they go through the roof -- almost literally in the case of the towering cotton candy treat. Dining at Barton G's is a trip -- and the best one you'll take in South Beach.

Readers´ Choice: China Grill

BEST RESTAURANT IN SOUTH BEACH

BEST RESTAURANT IN SOUTH BEACH Barton G the Restaurant

1427 West Avenue

Miami Beach

305-672-8881 Barton G. Weiss made his name in catering grand events, and as such he understands that dining out is ultimately about more than great food and service, it's about having a great time -- which is just what people experience when they come to his eponymous South Beach restaurant. The outdoor garden and indoor room are absolutely lovely and arguably the only dining settings around where the cuisine is greeted with audible oohs, aahs, and whoops of delight; also the only place we know of where people pull out cameras to photograph their meals. That's because there's more creativity manifested on Barton G's menu and presentations than at other restaurants in town. Combined. Heck, they exhibit more creativity on their coffee menu alone (including a bean that gets soaked in animal enzymes for extra fullness). Macaroni and cheese is served in a giant mousetrap, with a wedge of cheddar as the "bait." Shrimp gets served in a giant glass vase with dry ice releasing a sweep of smoke across the table. Duck decoys, wooden chickens, miniature lounge chairs -- just about anything goes as garnish here (no need for karaoke nights when the entertainment is built into the food). There is so much fun per plate that it's easy to overlook just how fresh and delicious the contemporary American fare is; it would be among the best even if it didn't have a great sense of humor. Service is strong too, the wine list sophisticated, desserts so over the top they go through the roof -- almost literally in the case of the towering cotton candy treat. Dining at Barton G's is a trip -- and the best one you'll take in South Beach.

Readers´ Choice: China Grill

BEST CROISSANT

La Provence

BEST CROISSANT La Provence 1627 Collins Avenue

Miami Beach

305-538-2406 Although he wouldn't reveal the exact recipe, the key to a good croissant, says La Provence owner David Thau, is the way the baker works with the dough, which should always be cold. Also, all the ingredients have to be fresh and the butter real. The result is a croissant that isn't too huge (bigger croissants tend to be airier and mushier) and boasts the perfect ratio of flaky crispness on the outside and warm, buttery softness on the inside. Right off Lincoln Road on Collins Avenue, pop in for one and a café au lait before heading to the Lincoln Road farmers' and antiques markets, which cover about ten blocks. Walk it twice -- only French women don't get fat.

BEST CROISSANT

La Provence

BEST CROISSANT La Provence 1627 Collins Avenue

Miami Beach

305-538-2406 Although he wouldn't reveal the exact recipe, the key to a good croissant, says La Provence owner David Thau, is the way the baker works with the dough, which should always be cold. Also, all the ingredients have to be fresh and the butter real. The result is a croissant that isn't too huge (bigger croissants tend to be airier and mushier) and boasts the perfect ratio of flaky crispness on the outside and warm, buttery softness on the inside. Right off Lincoln Road on Collins Avenue, pop in for one and a café au lait before heading to the Lincoln Road farmers' and antiques markets, which cover about ten blocks. Walk it twice -- only French women don't get fat.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR GRANDPARENTS TO DINNER

La Paloma Restaurant

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR GRANDPARENTS TO DINNER La Paloma Restaurant 10999 Biscayne Boulevard

North Miami

305-891-0505 La Paloma caters to an older crowd. That's their niche and they're sticking to it. It's evident in all the details. Early seating begins at 5:00 p.m. Complimentary valet service is offered from the (wheelchair accessible) main entrance. The décor harkens back to another era, a time before Modernism, Minimalism, Art Deco, and all the rest. Deep colors, rich fabrics, dark woods, and antique collectibles dominate the ornately appointed spaces. Huge chandeliers hang from the ceiling in the grand dining room, which, you can't help but notice, is filled with patrons of a certain age. Polite waiters dressed in black provide quiet, attentive service, delivering thoughtfully executed Swiss Continental fare to the tables. Classic cuisine served with Old World charm. This is the formula that has made La Paloma a success for 28 years. Your grandma and grandpa will be so impressed they'll be bragging about you at bridge club for weeks.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR GRANDPARENTS TO DINNER

La Paloma Restaurant

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR GRANDPARENTS TO DINNER La Paloma Restaurant 10999 Biscayne Boulevard

North Miami

305-891-0505 La Paloma caters to an older crowd. That's their niche and they're sticking to it. It's evident in all the details. Early seating begins at 5:00 p.m. Complimentary valet service is offered from the (wheelchair accessible) main entrance. The décor harkens back to another era, a time before Modernism, Minimalism, Art Deco, and all the rest. Deep colors, rich fabrics, dark woods, and antique collectibles dominate the ornately appointed spaces. Huge chandeliers hang from the ceiling in the grand dining room, which, you can't help but notice, is filled with patrons of a certain age. Polite waiters dressed in black provide quiet, attentive service, delivering thoughtfully executed Swiss Continental fare to the tables. Classic cuisine served with Old World charm. This is the formula that has made La Paloma a success for 28 years. Your grandma and grandpa will be so impressed they'll be bragging about you at bridge club for weeks.

BEST CUBAN SANDWICH

Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop

BEST CUBAN SANDWICH Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop 186 NE 29th Street

Miami

305-573-4681 Abuelita is going to lay the smack down if she finds out about this guilty pleasure. It will most certainly break her frail heart to learn about the culinary adultery that will ensue once you bite into the orgasm-inducing pressed bread, ham, cheese, and pork this tiny shack serves up. They pile it on. A super-thick, hearty portion makes the sandwiches here almost two inches thick. What really makes it special is the juicy butter they dab on the bread that leads to a moist mouthful of heaven. Note: The fact that this place is located across the way from the New Times building may lead to speculation that we've been compromised. Bring abuelita and try one before casting any stones.

BEST CUBAN SANDWICH

Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop

BEST CUBAN SANDWICH Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop 186 NE 29th Street

Miami

305-573-4681 Abuelita is going to lay the smack down if she finds out about this guilty pleasure. It will most certainly break her frail heart to learn about the culinary adultery that will ensue once you bite into the orgasm-inducing pressed bread, ham, cheese, and pork this tiny shack serves up. They pile it on. A super-thick, hearty portion makes the sandwiches here almost two inches thick. What really makes it special is the juicy butter they dab on the bread that leads to a moist mouthful of heaven. Note: The fact that this place is located across the way from the New Times building may lead to speculation that we've been compromised. Bring abuelita and try one before casting any stones.

BEST SUSHI

Siam River

BEST SUSHI Siam River 3455 NE 163rd St

North Miami Beach

305-945-8079 In a town where sushi is served everywhere, from normal Japanese restaurants to kosher tea rooms, it's hard to pick just one as the best. If it's fashionable elegance you're after, Bond Street and Nobu can't be beat. If you put your faith in native Japanese chefs, head for Matsuri or Sushi Deli at the Japanese Market in North Bay Village. And if you're looking for "white tuna," head anywhere but Siam River, where chef Kevin Cory, a sushi stickler, refuses to serve the unaccountably popular faux fish. (It's not tuna at all; most often it is escolar, a fish that causes an allergic reaction in many people.) What you will find at Cory's sushi bar (several years old but still something of an insider's secret owing to its location in an out-of-the-way Thai restaurant) is something hard-core sushi mavens most crave: our town's freshest seafood. Local catches of the day, straight from the docks at Haulover, were swimming just hours earlier; exotics are flown in fresh. What you'll never find here is frozen fish being passed off as fresh, an unethical practice all too common in Miami.

BEST SUSHI

Siam River

BEST SUSHI Siam River 3455 NE 163rd St

North Miami Beach

305-945-8079 In a town where sushi is served everywhere, from normal Japanese restaurants to kosher tea rooms, it's hard to pick just one as the best. If it's fashionable elegance you're after, Bond Street and Nobu can't be beat. If you put your faith in native Japanese chefs, head for Matsuri or Sushi Deli at the Japanese Market in North Bay Village. And if you're looking for "white tuna," head anywhere but Siam River, where chef Kevin Cory, a sushi stickler, refuses to serve the unaccountably popular faux fish. (It's not tuna at all; most often it is escolar, a fish that causes an allergic reaction in many people.) What you will find at Cory's sushi bar (several years old but still something of an insider's secret owing to its location in an out-of-the-way Thai restaurant) is something hard-core sushi mavens most crave: our town's freshest seafood. Local catches of the day, straight from the docks at Haulover, were swimming just hours earlier; exotics are flown in fresh. What you'll never find here is frozen fish being passed off as fresh, an unethical practice all too common in Miami.

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Best Of Miami®

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