Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive With Izzy's New England Weekend Brunch

There's something about cold weather, warm coffee, and New England-style food that ignites a feeling of holiday cheer. Though low temperatures seem to be a distant memory for Miamians, Izzy's Fish & Oyster offers an abundance of homey, traditional Northeastern food and lots of hot coffee to make up for it. Its newly launched weekend brunch, by chef and owner Jamie DeRosa, comes at a perfect time with the year's festivities going strong. 

Located on the corner of Washington Avenue and Fifth Street, Izzy's is a casual, laid-back seafood-centric eatery offering a much-needed breath of fresh air compared to many Miami Beach restaurants. The 40-seat locale, with almost 20 outdoors, is cozy inside and outside. Tables are situated close together, resembling a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant you'd find up north. You can't go wrong with seating, but if the weather is below 75 degrees, your best bet is to sit outside. 

Compared to most local brunches, Izzy's is fairly priced. Dishes range from $10 to $30, and many are large enough to share between two to three people. 

For starters, order the sugar-snap salad. Made with grana padano cheese, mint, and marcona, it's a close cousin to a Caesar salad but has a bit more crunch. Or try the steak tartare, with lemon and pickled turnips. If the weather happens to be chilly, warm up with a New England clam chowder with oyster crackers. With any appetizer, make sure to order a few oysters for the table too.

For the main course, the menu offers breakfast and lunch-focused dishes. Traditional brunch-goers should order an egg dish, like the egg white frittata and two eggs any style. Both are served with either toast or waffle fries, and a small salad. On the sweeter side, try the challah French toast, topped with berries, cream, and salted almonds. For something heavier, order the steak and eggs or the fried oyster rancheros. 

It might sound like a lot of food, but if it's your first time at Izzy's, order the warm Maine lobster roll to share too, along with your main. It's served in a buttery bread roll drizzled in cheese, with waffle fries, and worth every bite.

In true New England fashion, end brunch on a sweet note with a Boston cream pie. It's made with vanilla, dark rum, citrus, and chocolate ganache. 

Brunch runs Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For reservations, call 305-397-8843. 

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