Every now and then, it's important to get away. If jumping on a plane doesn't sound realistic, sneak away to Palmeiras instead. This restaurant and beach club is located a quarter-mile off Coconut Grove — and can be reached only by crossing a bridge. What makes this spot so special is its dynamic, Mediterranean-inspired menu paired with sweeping, unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay. The menu, crafted by former Seaspice chef Alfredo Alvarez, highlights Spanish, French, Italian, and Greek influence with dishes such as wahoo crudo drizzled in tangerine vinaigrette, and red wine linguine in truffle oil, a must-try for first-timers here. Prices range from $12 to $32, but plates can easily be shared among two or three patrons. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, both with picturesque views in the most peaceful atmosphere. After your meal, take advantage of the resort's amenities to justify the restaurant's prices.

Lavish decor, low lights, and romantic Italian cuisine. The Delano's resident restaurant, Bianca, gives diners a break from South Beach craziness for an evening of luxury and flavor. Chef de cuisine Jason Bamford, who joined the restaurant more than a year ago, has developed a menu featuring simple yet innovative plates with bits of sexy and savory along the way. Menu items include steak tartare ($24) with lavender and bone marrow, bigeye tuna pizza ($26) showered in a light truffle oil, branzino ($44) served with roasted potato and herb salad, and a variety of pastas ($25 to $45), including a risotto of the day, a unique creation crafted by Bamford. Plan to dine slowly to take advantage of the eatery's seductive and swank atmosphere, and pair dinner dishes with wine and cocktail selections presented on an in-house iPad. The restaurant offers a Sunday-brunch soiree too, adding a Mediterranean and boozy flair to the age-old meal with a buffet, drink selections, and a DJ.

When Scotty's Landing, the cozy outdoor restaurant in Coconut Grove, closed its doors in 2013, our hearts mourned. It was the charming spot for Grovites, tourists, and locals from across the county. But in late 2015, the space underwent minor restorations, got a new name, and — bam — we had Grove Bay Grill. Despite the changes, it still feels like the same old home away from home — or rather, backyard away from your backyard. (It's a new idiom — just go with it). White plastic chairs and flimsy tables are crammed beneath a wooden roof. And while the random guitar player sings strange cover songs from the '80s, the sound of barks and woofs and heavy breathing fills the joint. Careful where you walk, or you might just trip over a water bowl. At Grove Bay Grill, the pups — of all shapes and sizes — are treated just as well as the human guests. "Another Blue Moon for me and some water for Itchy," you tell your server. And right away, she returns with a refreshing bowl for your lapdog and gives Itchy a good scratch behind the ears. On a weekend afternoon, it's not unusual to see a dog curled up under nearly every table. The place may have a new name, but your friends will still text you to meet at Scotty's Landing for drinks Sunday afternoon. Don't forget your pooch.

When it comes to dumplings, Sang's is king. On weekends, you'll find a ravenous crowd of fanatics. And the dim sum is anything but standard. Sure, the tender, translucent-skinned har gow — shrimp dumplings — ($3.35) are pristine, but it's the hard-to-find other options you want. Litter your table with dishes filled with pyramid-shaped spinach dumplings ($2.95) dotted with cubes of slightly bitter bamboo shoots. And don't miss the springy beef balls wrapped in tofu skins ($2.75) or the crisp, pan-fried noodles tossed in XO sauce ($8.50) that take on an intense umami funk thanks to plenty of dried scallops. Finish with a sugary pineapple bun ($2.55). Yes, in Hong Kong, people use them for a sugar jolt to start the day, but here there's nothing wrong with using them to put you in a food coma all afternoon.

Apeiro Kitchen & Bar is named for the Latin word for "infinity," which also happens to be the amount of praise deserved by its lunch special. There are an uncountable number of options and pairings, with no plate exceeding $15. From bacon-wrapped dates ($9) to Moroccan-spiced chicken wings ($12) and forest mushroom flatbreads drizzled in truffle oil ($14), the midtown eatery offers choices galore. Portions are large, with plates like a lamb burger ($15) with tzatziki sauce and feta cheese or a prime rib gyro ($14) with shredded romaine and tomato bound to keep you full until happy hour. There's a ten-for-$10 menu too, where dishes such as chicken kebabs, crisp eggplant pitas, lamb sliders, and curry chicken salads are offered for $10 flat. Even with a drink, tax, and tip, this midday meal can be had for less than $20.

What do you get when you cross Miami's most beloved and creative pastry chefs with an innovative expert on savory stuff? You get a Miami win. Bachour Bakery + Bistro just opened and is already serving lunches that are both delicious and gorgeous. Chef Henry Hané is in charge of the savory side, and his dishes include gazpacho ($9), which is made creamy with olive oil powder and garnished with edible flowers that provide a fresh bite. It's vegan, but you'd never know it. A slaw consists of a rainbow of fresh veggies on a bed of carrot-ginger purée ($14), and a smoked salmon tartine ($17) is garnished with roe, crisp capers, and egg snow in a tribute to the iconic lox and bagels. The only warning is to save room for dessert because Antonio Bachour's creations are simply out of this world. A one-person mojito cake ($7) starts with mint cake and lime mousse, topped with Bacardi rum gelée. There are also macarons and Nutella croissants and freshly baked bread to take home — everything almost too beautiful to eat. Get over yourself and demolish these exquisite offerings. This art was meant to be viewed — and then consumed.

Both a shrine to the Miami Dolphins and to sliced deli meat, the Football Sandwich Shop has been churning out sports-themed sammies since 1972. Subs on amazingly soft hoagie rolls are named after players and positions. Think of it as a sportier version of New York's Carnegie Deli and its famous Woody Allen sandwich. Instead of a nosh named for a comedian, go for the the Zonker (or simply the #39), named for Dolphins running back Larry Csonka. It's piled high with ham, salami, and provolone, and at $6.29, it's large enough to feed a professional athlete. Other sandwich tributes include the Submarino ($8.79) and a turkey sub named for Mercury Morris ($8.69). Although not named for a Dolphin, the Superstrami — a hot sub filled with what seems like 20 pounds of pastrami, turkey, Swiss, tomato, and Thousand Island dressing ($10.49) — is one hearty meal. Add a side of homemade macaroni salad ($1.70) for a touchdown of a lunch.

Thanks to people like Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, and Liam Hemsworth, the prestige factor of a plant-based diet has seen a surge in recent years. (When Queen Bey gets onboard, everyone straps on their stilettos and follows suit.) Full Bloom, with its waterfront view and impossibly colorful, internationally inspired menu, might be Miami's Sasha Fierce-worthiest eatery. Owned by three passionate, gracious Italian gentlemen — with utterly charming accents — this elegant Miami Beach establishment was made for the sexy, the fashionable, and the Instagram-famous. Try the rich, savory cheese platter ($20.50); the fresh, spicy wasabi ginger nori rolls ($16.50); the buttery cashew ricotta and spinach ravioli ($24); and the decadent mocha salted caramel chocolate lava cake ($13.75). Gaze out at the glistening bay, dive headfirst into cruelty-free cuisine, and see and be seen alongside Miami's most compassionate, well-heeled residents. Vegan or meat-eater, you'll find lots to love here. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. weekdays and noon to 11 p.m. weekends.

Decades before hummus became as American a condiment as guacamole or salsa, the Oriental Bakery & Grocery was serving the chickpea tahini treat in South Florida. The Middle Eastern market off Coral Way goes at least as far back as 1954 (though one of the store's workers believes a version of the business began in 1939). Past the aisles of za'atar and jarred olives is a lunch counter serving food prepared onsite. You can have the hummus generously dabbed onto a falafel or shawarma sandwich, but it is flavorful enough that you will demand to take home a container of hummus to spread on loaves of bread or use as a dip for chips or carrot sticks. Made fresh every day, it sells for $6.99 a pound. You'd be wise to take them up on a sprinkling of olive oil and paprika on top.

Eating cow's flesh might be an American tradition, but when you consider the added hormones, fats, ammonia, and antibiotics common in a standard meat patty (not to mention it's literally a corpse) — the McDonald's-esque burger of yore doesn't sound so appetizing. Enter Plant Theory's sun burger ($14). This raw (yes, raw) alternative is everything that dead food isn't. Nuts are soaked and sprouted and then mixed with carrots, sweet peppers, beets, celery, and fresh herbs. The patty is dehydrated, turned, and dehydrated again (call it the raw, vegan alternative to flipping a burger). The result is piled onto onion flax bread; layered with cashew mayo, sprouts, and supergreens; and served with a fresh, crisp salad on the side. It's surprisingly filling and teeming with necessary nutrients — your bod will thank you for the boost. Sure, it's a nontraditional burger choice, but this is the year of the underdog.