Eat & Drink

During the pandemic, fine-dining restaurants that couldn’t pivot to takeout didn’t fare well, and all three of Brad Kilgore’s trendy, fine-dining restaurants — Alter, Ember, and Kaido — tragically closed. But, instead of languishing, Kilgore thrived personally and professionally. He took consulting jobs, worked on the menu for the exclusive, members-only Concours Club, and had a son with his wife, Soraya. Last fall, Kilgore partnered with BarLab’s Gabe Orta and Elad Zvi to open MaryGold’s Brasserie, a Florida-inspired restaurant offering modern American cuisine that highlights the many cultures Miami embraces. The restaurant in the Arlo Wynwood hotel has become a playground for Kilgore, who cooks with joy and tests the limits of his creativity. Dishes like oxtail beignets and his “Chicken & the Egg” are both whimsical and classic at the same time. When Kilgore pours flaming liquid onto his “Baked Florida” dessert, a tropical take on the cruise line staple Baked Alaska, he seems downright giddy. His happiness is not only palpable, it’s palatable.

Why settle for falafel when you have “falafish”? Why dine on shawarma when you can enhance that experience with a healthier “fishwarma”? Why settle for a salad when you can order “Tom[atoes] ‘n’ Tahini”? This inventive Israeli restaurant shines with light from both the stained-glass ceiling and the exuberant talent of chef Tom Aviv. Winner of MasterChef Israel, this self-taught culinary savant is out to teach Miamians how to eat, drink arak cocktails, and hang out in cool, vintage, artisanal surroundings.

A newcomer to the Fort Lauderdale dining scene, Evelyn’s seemingly has it all: a team of top chefs, a coastally influenced Eastern Mediterranean menu, and pristine beachfront views from the Ocean Sun deck of the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences. Named for Evelyn Fortune Lilly Bartlett, the original owner of the city’s historic Bonnet House, this poolside rooftop restaurant is a hidden gem amid the string of beachside establishments on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard below. For executive chef Brandon Salomon, each dish is about exploration and storytelling, right down to the breads, including chewy, stone-fired pitas and a savory buckwheat lavash — they pair perfectly with the house mezze. The menu traverses the Mediterranean, from small plates to soups and salads, wood-smoked skewers, and elegant mains. You might splurge on a vintage Champagne to accompany your meal, but it would be a shame to ignore the cocktail list. Try the “Rangpur Daiquiri,” a modern rendition of the drink crafted by Evelyn Fortune Bartlett herself. (The original recipe is displayed in the shell museum at the Bonnet House.)

Alexander Gilardi and Brandon Mesa started the Lazy Oyster as a delivery service, bringing fresh oysters to homes during the pandemic. The partners now host pop-ups throughout South Florida, shucking oysters at wine shops, festivals, and breweries. The Lazy Oyster also has a weekly pop-up on Saturdays and Sundays at Smorgasburg Miami in Wynwood. If you’re an oyster lover, you owe it to yourself to seek them out. Gilardi and Mesa obsessively choose the best oysters around. They also offer grilled oysters fired from a portable pizza oven. There are always at least a half dozen different oysters to choose from, and if you’re new to the oyster game, the staff can easily steer you to the perfect oyster for you. Plus, the Lazy Oyster’s oysters cost less than those at some schmancy restaurants.

Tucked away at the end of the Standard Spa hotel, the Lido Bayside Grill is perched directly on an oversized deck with a breathtaking view of Biscayne Bay. Enjoy the cool breeze as you sip a spritz and slurp on some oysters. The menu offers light but flavorful fare that leans healthier with oven-baked peri peri chicken and local daily catch. But that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in lobster ravioli or parmesan tots. The view is so gorgeous, the ambiance so relaxing, you can’t help but softly sing Otis Redding to yourself because you’re just “sittin’ on the dock of the bay,” tastin’ wine.

Having trouble finding a rooftop fine-dining spot that doesn’t come with a DJ-thumping party vibe? Allow us to suggest Bellini. Intimately nested atop the Mr. C Miami hotel in Coconut Grove, this chic space is perfect for a relaxing lunch or after-work drinks and a leisurely dinner. It might not be the city’s highest-altitude venue, but don’t let that deter you: This peaceful European-style oasis boasts views of Biscayne Bay and the Coconut Grove skyline. On the menu: classic Italian cuisine inspired by the travels of hotelier brothers Maggio and Ignazio Cipriani, fourth-generation members of the family whose great-grandfather, Giuseppe Cipriani, created the famed Harry’s Bar in Venice.

Located at the base of One Miami East condo tower, Il Gabbiano is an unexpected addition to the city’s waterfront dining game. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto an outdoor terrace, where a six-seat bar and covered dining patio overlook Biscayne Bay. Il Gabbiano has seen its share of special-occasion gatherings, but that’s not a necessary excuse for visiting. The views here are stunning — the surrounding open water is a mirage of dancing lights from the cruise ships from the port to the left and the Brickell Key skyline to the right — the menu equally so, with a robust selection of Northern Italian dishes. If you’re unfamiliar with Italian cuisine, by all means avail yourself of your server’s expertise, lest the depth and breadth — from antipasto, insalata, and verdura to minestra, pasta, and risotto to heartier fare in the form of veal, beef, chicken, and seafood entrées — overwhelm you. The star of the show might be the restaurant’s signature “Costoletta Alla Valdostana,” a massive bone-in veal chop stuffed with foie gras pâté, Fontina cheese, and prosciutto di Parma smothered in a rich cream sauce and served with sautéed mushrooms. Afterward, a stroll along Miami’s Riverwalk is the perfect nonalcoholic digestif.

Klaw might sound more like the name of a cartoon villain than a romantic restaurant, but we can assure you that it’s the latter. Take the golden elevator inside the historic Miami Women’s Club building in Edgewater, and you’ll encounter an elegant dining room with blue leather chairs and warm lighting. If you’re here to gaze into your lover’s eyes, opt for the candlelit rooftop with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay. Order succulent oysters, Norwegian king crab legs with melted butter, and dry-aged steaks. If you want to get even more intimate, Klaw has two private dining rooms perfect for planning the remainder of the evening or the rest of your lives together.

Set a bit away from the glare of neon clubland on historic Española Way, the Drexel is the ideal place for people to feel comfortable in their surroundings. The Mediterranean setting is romantic but not too secluded, especially for people who have never met in person. The coastal-inspired fare is simple and delicious without being too challenging, ranging from homemade pasta and pizza to whole grilled prawns and organic chicken, all easy to share if the evening’s going well. And it’s close to a valet, plus other restaurants filled with people, just in case you need to dip. It is a first date, after all.

Everything at Naoe is done with care, from the soy sauce that’s made at the chef/owner Kevin Cory’s family’s shoyu brewery in Japan to the sake, which is imported from the town of Kanazawa. Cory and manager Wendy Maharlika host ten weekly seatings in the intimate Brickell dining room, where guests are encouraged to dress casually to enjoy the meal. Service starts with a bento box of treasures before the sushi, barbecue, and even a special ice cream is brought out over the next two hours. This is a place to appreciate the zen and the art of sushi, which has led to Naoe’s Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award and AAA Five-Diamond Designation. But it isn’t cheap: Dinner costs $280 per person (before beverages, tax, and gratuity), making it the logical first suggestion when someone else is picking up the check.

“From Cuba, with coffee.” That’s Cortadito Coffee House’s motto, and this modern-day ventanita, with three outposts across Miami-Dade, has become a sort of Cuban Starbucks. Don’t worry, each location serves all the traditional coffees (americanos, cappuccinos, and lattes) but offers whimsical Cuban concoctions, like the caramel flan- and tres leches-flavored iced lattes; the Cafe Bon Bon, combining espresso and condensed milk; and the Ms. Eva, with espresso and evaporated milk. Stay tuned for a new location opening soon in Brickell.

When it comes to enjoying some ice cream on a scorching Miami day, your treat often resembles a milky, runny mess by the time you take five steps outside. Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream offers another way at their many outposts across South Florida (including Aventura, Coconut Grove, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and South Miami). The ice cream is flash frozen at -320 degrees Fahrenheit and keeps itself together longer than the traditional churn method. First, customers pick a base (cream, yogurt, tart yogurt, and dairy-free milk alternatives), add flavor (ranging from classics like vanilla and chocolate to more offbeat ones like biscotti and matcha), toss in the “Mix-N’s,” fun bits like cookie dough and fresh berries for taste and texture, and then the entire liquid-y concoction is flash frozen and transforms into creamy, solid scoops in a puff of vapor before your very eyes.

Shoma Bazaar gathers a multitude of tastes of Miami in a single convenient Doral location. This sleek culinary hub is where local restaurants and chefs come together to share their own unique dishes and flavors. Founded by the Shoma Group, the grand food hall breaks from the fast-food chains common in other food courts, instead welcoming more than a dozen indies, including Shahs of Kabob, Ash Parlor, and Trattoria Dal Plin. Shoma Baazar is rightly known for the Bar, a marble-topped counter where guests can order over-the-top cocktails for the perfect pre-sipping Instagram photo-op. Once the lights are dimmed and the night unfolds, the space transforms into a nightlife destination with live bands and DJs to shimmy off the calories.

At Sovereign, refreshing cold boba teas are prepared daily, using actual tea leaves. Whether you’re partial to tapioca balls, bursting fruity pearls, or flavored jelly, there’s no shortage of boba from which to choose. The list of flavors is extensive, including creamy milk varieties like cookies & cream and brown sugar, as well as fruit varieties like mango and kiwi. Customers looking to experiment are welcome to create their own concoctions. Note to Broward dwellers: Sovereign has a location in Plantation and another coming soon to Coral Springs.

Finding parking in this crowded and popular Sunny Isles shopping plaza is extraordinarily annoying. Still, there’s the promise of a literal carrot dangling at the end of that ordeal — that is, fresh, organic carrot juice served in small, large, quart, or half-gallon containers at Miami Juice. Neither the parking, lines, nor wait has dissuaded devout fans of the Miami juice establishment that has been operating for decades. With a wide array of fruit juices (papaya, watermelon, and grapefruit), vegetable juices (carrot, celery, and beet), and smoothies, it’s never been easier to hit all your recommended servings of fruit and vegetables each day.

It might not be the biggest market in town or the least expensive, but thanks to Plum Market, we have a grocery store committed to organic produce and sustainability and dedicated to local farmers, makers, and artisans. The “Miles to Market” program is especially eye-opening, informing customers how many miles a product has traveled to get to the store (and it will be less than 350, an average tank of gas). We also love how Plum gives back via food rescue programs and a commitment to compostable and reusable packaging. Simply put: It feels good to shop at a place that does good for the community it serves.

Here is a grocery with the hometown sensibility of a local farmers’ market, the convenient inventory of any supermarket chain, and the sumptuous array of handmade pasta, artisanal cheese, and specialty deli meats that justifies the Golden Hog’s “gourmet” designation. From Échiré butter from France to Petrossian caviar, this Key Biscayne shop is globally sourced and committed to quelching all epicurean cravings, no matter how obscure. The prepared food section and deli are a sight to behold: shrimp the size of a toddler’s head and a diverse deli meat selection of prosciutto, jamón ibérico, and pancetta. Healthy salads and made-to-order sandwiches pair perfectly with a beachside picnic at nearby Crandon Park.

For true lovers of Asian food, a visit to Kimchi Mart can elicit that kid-in-a-candy-store excitement, except with shrimp crackers, Pocky biscuit sticks, and ramen instead of chocolates and lollies. Situated at the end of a strip mall in Palmetto Bay, the market boasts veggies like bean sprouts, baby bok choy, daikon radish, Korean pears, and shishito peppers. The refrigerators are filled with homemade kimchi, nearly two dozen types of frozen dumplings, and sushi-grade tuna. Need a last-minute gift? They sell beautiful assortments of sake and tea sets. In search of 40-pound bags of rice? They’ve got those, too.

The proof is in the produce. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Legion Park fills with folks eager to fill their zero-waste canvas totes with a bounty of farm-fresh produce, handcrafted soaps, artisanal dips, and more hyper-local goods before vendors sell out. If outdoor yoga is your thing, be sure to bring a mat because a free community class at 10 a.m. is held here beneath the oak trees, weather permitting.

There are many places to get an incredible meal in Miami if you’re ready to plunk down a credit card and maybe skip a car payment. But what if someone told you that you could eat the food of one of Miami’s best chefs without breaking the bank? Chef Michael Beltran is best known for his Michelin-starred Coconut Grove restaurant, Ariete. But just a few blocks away, you’ll find his more casual restaurant, Chug’s Diner, which received a Bib Gourmand in the 2023 Michelin Guide. Beltran, whose nickname growing up was Chug, pays homage to his Cuban-American roots. You won’t find fancy items, but you will enjoy chef-driven versions of filling classics like a burger, turkey club, short ribs, and a wedge salad. If you can’t decide, you can’t go wrong with Abuela’s plate, a heaping platter of lechón, pollo a la plancha, and masita that will instantly transport you to your own abuela’s house where she insisted on making you a heaping plate of with “a little of everything.” Sugar fiends flock to the sweet pastelito by Pastelito Papi and “Banana Carajillo,” a dessert drink made with rum, bananas, cacao, and café cubano.

The FDA recently amended its food code to “allow for pet dogs in outdoor dining areas, where approved.” And while most Miami restaurants allow well-behaved dogs to enjoy al fresco dining, only a few go above and beyond to welcome four-legged customers. Coconut Grove’s Lokal is an outstanding choice for hounds. The experience starts with a water bowl offering refreshments. Once seated, pups are greeted with an amuse-bouche of dog cookies, baked fresh daily, and then owners can order dishes for Fido from a dedicated doggy menu that includes the “Chichi Get the Meatloaf,” a mini meatloaf made with egg and tomato puree, and “Yeyo’s” chicken and rice. Pups can also get a refreshing “Bowser” beer, a non-alcoholic craft beer brewed in Tampa specifically for the canine connoisseur. If you bring your dog to Lokal, you never drink and dine alone.

The modern Japanese restaurant Zuma has 22 locations across the globe, some as far away as Istanbul and Phuket. But it’s here at the Kimpton Epic Hotel in Miami where the flagship Zuma opened in 2010. The appeal is easy to grasp on first bite, with signature dishes that include a spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, red chili, and sweet choy ($54) and black cod marinated in saikyo miso wrapped in a hoba leaf ($48). Over the past 13 years, a handful of Japanese eateries have opened up in Miami, but Zuma chef Rainer Becker continues to offer a modern take on izakaya dining to hotel guests and regulars near and far.

Miami is one of the nation’s sexiest cities, and E11even is among Miami’s sexiest club. So it makes sense that the venue would launch a rooftop restaurant that embodies that same sultry vibe. Giselle is more than a swanky rooftop restaurant and lounge. It’s everything a clubstaurant should be: an extravagant space with high energy and a menu to match. Like any good supper club, Giselle has all the elements for a night out on the town, from a fully retractable roof and a 14-seat marble-adorned bar and curated lounge spaces to a lineup of top DJs and a menu of elevated food and drink. To remind you that this is a bona fide restaurant, the menu provides a number of seductively titled sections, from “First Glance” (appetizers) to “Finer Things” (e.g., steak, seafood, Champagne, tequila pairings) to “Seaduction, Indulgence, and Desire” (say, a flaming Australian Wagyu tomahawk that serves two to four). The signature cocktail, “Head Over Heels,” combines sparkling rosé, raspberry, and lemongrass and is served in a stiletto-shaped glass for Insta-worthiness.

“Fresh from Scotland,” a Brasserie Laurel server confirms as he holds a platter of whole roasted guinea fowl with chanterelles and crème de champignons tableside before it’s whisked away to be carved. This is, of course, after you’ve consumed the stupendous seared foie gras dressed with a whole berry gastrique or the oxtail-stuffed squid. Even the simplest dishes, such as a bibb salad with vinaigrette or pommes Béarnaise (French fries that you can dip into the tart, rich sauce), are magnificently done and full of delightful surprises. One of the restaurants in the Ariete Hospitality Group constellation, Brasserie Laurel will no doubt be bringing chef Michael Beltran — and Miami — another Michelin star one of these days. Get a reservation before that happens and you still can.

Ever since Jeremy Ford enchanted us with his culinary prowess as executive chef at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Matador Room, the young chef became “the one to watch” in the Miami dining scene. The city was energized when he won Top Chef season 13 and brought the title home to Miami. When Ford opened Stubborn Seed in 2017, it offered an unapologetically ambitious tasting menu when Miami’s fine dining reputation was still nascent. But diners didn’t blink at the foams, truffle, or Wagyu, and appreciated Ford’s passion and precision with dishes that used local ingredients to tell a story. The risk paid off when Stubborn Seed earned a Michelin star last year for its food and drink. If you want to dip your toes in the culinary waters, the bar at Stubborn Seed offers an a la carte menu that ranges from a platter of snacks with warm olives, smoked duck, a heavenly chicken liver pate with Zak the Baker sourdough bread to truffle chicken and Waygu steak.

Within the chaos of Brickell’s traffic and drawbridge, Kaori offers a serene escape embellished with clean wood accents reminiscent of a modern art museum except with thought-provoking dishes in lieu of abstract paintings. The Asian-inspired menu is visually complex and ingredient-driven, including the wagyu and foie gras gyoza with doubanjiang sauce, goma sauce, and leeks, the beef tenderloin paired with Japanese sweet potato, and the bluefin tuna sashimi, which is served with crisp sunchoke, coconut-lime sauce, spiced coconut gel, and Thai basil oil. Come for the restaurant’s happy hour, which runs Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m., for elevated cocktails and $1 oysters served with a shiso mignonette.

Pastis, with its Parisian food and ambiance, has been one of New York City’s most beloved restaurants for years — and restaurateurs Keith McNally and Stephen Starr have brought the French bistro to Wynwood by way of the Big Apple. Step inside and be welcomed by its warm, golden lighting, patina mirrors, and white-tiled walls. The menu offers classic French dishes, including French onion soup, croque madames, and steak frites. Whether you order a burger and a beer at the bar or celebrate a birthday with friends, Pastis, both comfortable and stylish, is the little black dress of restaurants that goes with everything.

At his upscale Design District restaurant Tablé by Bachour, chef Antonio Bachour offers beautiful light fare perfect for quenching all cravings after a long day perusing Dior and Gucci. Everything on the Lebanese- and French-influenced menu is satisfying, but you know you’re really here for the dessert. The chef, who owns Bachour in Coral Gables and Doral, stayed true to his reputation at Tablé, pulling out all the stops when it comes to sweet treats. There’s a Camembert cheesecake with cherries and raspberry jam that toes the line between sweet and savory, a millefeuille with its seemingly thousands of layers of buttery puff pastry lovingly layered with vanilla bean creme in between each one, and a chocolate financier called “100 Percent Chocolate” that’s true to its name: Basically, it’s chocolate, filled with chocolate, topped with chocolate. Add a full bar to the mix and you’ve got all the decadent bases covered. So go ahead and get dessert for dinner. You’ve earned it.

The first time you drive to Rosie’s, you might miss it altogether. A small sign is the only clue that this restaurant exists. Once you pass the gate, you’ll find a charming little oasis of tables underneath shade trees and umbrellas. Chef Akino West offers a concise menu of Southern favorites like hot chicken and biscuits, shrimp and grits, and waffles. The menu might be simple, but the flavors are not. The chicken, for example, is spiced with hot Calabrian chili oil instead of the usual cayenne, giving the bird a delightful zing. The restaurant, which opened as a pop-up during the pandemic in an Overtown location, is solid proof that a restaurant need be neither glitzy nor even indoors to win the hearts of Miami — or some big-time recognition: Rosie’s received a Bib Gourmand in the 2023 Florida Michelin Guide and chef West was a semifinalist for a 2023 James Beard Award.

Midorie Miami is hard to find. The tiny Japanese eatery is tucked behind a courtyard, and friendly folks at neighboring establishments often instruct the lost and hungry to “walk past the bike store, take a right at the trash bin, and if you find yourself on the street, you’ve gone too far.” Once inside, you’ll encounter a sushi counter and not much else. Clay pots and a driftwood arrangement decorate the mint-green walls. There are six tables for al fresco dining. There’s no music whatsoever. But you’re here for the fish, flown in daily from Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market. With a simple one-page menu, art dealer turned restaurateur Alvaro Perez (Hiakawa, Wabi Sabi) has made Midorie a haven for sushi purists. A 12-piece chef’s choice sushi meal is a reasonable $90, but the restaurant also offers bowls of reasonably priced fresh fish and a choice of rice, salad, or noodles, along with a good selection of hand rolls.

Chef Michael Bolen moved to Miami from San Diego and opened Lion & the Rambler, a modern California restaurant highlighting offerings from some of the best farmers and purveyors in the country with an ever-evolving seasonal menu. What started as a tasting-menu-only concept was modified soon after opening by customers’ demand: They wanted a neighborhood joint with plenty of a la carte and small plates that could keep them returning for more. As a rule of thumb, if it isn’t seasonal, it’s probably made from scratch, like the finishing salts extracted from Miami’s waters, the housemade bread, and flavored butters.

Pla-Tu Sushi Thai Tapas doesn’t believe fast food necessarily means good food. That’s why each dish at the 40-seat South Miami restaurant is made to order and uses the freshest ingredients possible. “We don’t precook food,” restaurant partner Oui Pholasamee previously told New Times. “You may have to wait a bit, but the food will come out tasting good.” The Thai-Japanese fusion spot, voted number one on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in Florida this year, prides itself on its top-notch ingredients. Aside from preparing a selection of top-grade, melt-in-your-mouth sushi and a surprisingly affordable omakase dinner at just $40, the restaurant also serves up an array of authentic Thai dishes like moo nam tok (grilled pork salad) and chicken khao soi (coconut curry noodle soup). The staff is kind and attentive, the food is Instagram-worthy, and the spicy tuna crispy rice is immaculately crisp.

Reunion Kitchn Bar is next door to a pizza chain and a dentist, but don’t let the location fool you — this restaurant has some serious chops. First off, the bartenders know how to make an exceptional martini, and there’s an entire menu of “culinary cocktails” inspired by chef’s dishes, including a black truffle old fashioned. The menu is a global experience blending Peruvian, Cuban, Mediterranean, and Japanese dishes. It’s arguably one of the only places in the city where diners can find escargot, ceviche, tagliatelle, saganaki, and sushi, all under the same roof.

Some may know Rino Cerbone as the frontman for the South Florida band Stellar Revival. But if you’d like to taste his Italian heritage, head down to Heritage, a hidden gem nestled in an unassuming building on the southern outskirts of Flagler Village. As chef/owner, Cerbone showcases his family’s Italian heritage via a casual fine-dining experience. The Heritage menu is small but focused. Each dish comes from the Cerbone family recipes with Cerbone’s spin. Start with fried squash blossoms, delicate flowers stuffed with creamy mascarpone and bound by a thin and crispy tempura-like shell and paired with a sherry-spiked marinara or the black mushroom arancini, dense globes of rice set atop smoked garlic and tomato aioli and flavored with oyster, portobello, cremini, and shiitake mushrooms and held together by a trio of cheeses. Pizza takes up a good portion of the menu, an homage to his father’s pizzaiola background, a calling evident with just one bite of the classic tomato, a simple pie prepared with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. But it’s the mafaldine bolognese, a recipe crafted to impart influences from both Cerbone’s parents, that shines. The slow-cooked ragu is rich and hearty, with a blend of pork, veal, Wagyu beef, and smoked pancetta that goes perfectly with fat ribbons of handmade mafaldine pasta. Just one bite, and you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the legacy behind this Fort Lauderdale favorite.

Carmela and Fulvio Jr. Sardelli, owners of Hollywood favorite Sardelli’s, opened Carmela’s Italian Ristorante in the heart of downtown Hollywood without any signage. But you’ll know you’ve arrived when you encounter the crystal chandeliers and romantic lighting that give Carmela’s a more elegant vibe than the usual pubs and mom-and-pop restaurants in the area. The menu is small, but everything is fresh and delicious. Want a steaming dish of rigatoni alla vodka? Carmela’s version is toothsome, creamy, and with a hint of Calabrian chilies. The chicken parm has the proper crisp perimeter. Carmela’s also makes some of the finest cocktails in Hollywood, including a truffle-washed “Bee’s Knees” and an old fashioned with pistachio orgeat and bitters. Grab a seat at the bar with friends or ask the host for a seat at the secret back garden for a romantic date night.

Everyone needs a home away from home — a place where the weight of the world falls from your shoulders simply by walking through the doors. For many Miamians, BarMeli 69 (or, simply, BarMeli) was that place. The tiny wine bar served natural wines and Mediterranean and Greek-inspired small plates, but it was BarMeli’s proprietress, Liza Meli, infused the walls with magic. A former dancer, Meli is the kind of person that’s simply meant to be a hostess, gliding from table to table to ensure her guests were fed, happy, and never holding an empty wine glass. Bar Meli was much more than a place to have a drink and a bite; it was a place to make new friends, engage in conversation, and feel welcomed always. Sadly, Bar Meli closed, but this story has a happy ending. Liza Meli has opened an even more intimate wine bar called No Reservations just a few miles away that promises good food, good drink, and, of course, the magic of Meli.

Since 1982, Anthony’s Runway 84 (or “Runway” as it was called) garnered favor for its one-two punch of delicious Italian favorites like chicken parm and heaping platters of cold antipasto served in a kitschy, airport-themed restaurant. After four decades of service, the restaurant needed a good refresh, and it closed last year for a revamp. In January, partners Anthony Bruno, Pat Marzano, and Marc Falsetto unveiled their $5 million renovation, giving the restaurant new life and a shorter name: Runway 84. The restaurant has been updated with a stage, red-and-black wallpaper, and a supper club vibe that would make Goodfella’s Henry Hill proud. And, of course, the food is a resplendent homage to the red-sauce gods: meatballs, lasagna, and chicken-vodka parm are all winners. Runway 84 has added a selection of steaks and chops to the menu for those hankering for some good meat with a side of Sinatra. And, as plush as the dining room now is, the real action remains at the bar, where the barkeep will pour you a perfect vodka martini and provide witty banter as you enjoy your clams oreganata and bask in the atmosphere.

Hidden among the Cuban morsels on Calle Ocho, Sanpocho Restaurant is a Colombian eatery with a no-frills, wooden table set-up. The shelves feature Colombian goods for sale, and the menu offers staples, including the delightfully gooey tequeños ($1.50) and crispy empanadas ($2) that pair with a jolt of the homemade picante/ají sauce. The massive bandeja paisa dishes are served with rice, beans, plantains, a fried egg, arepa, chicharron, and your choice of protein.

Cheen Huaye in Mayan means “only here” — and only here will South Florida diners get to experience authentic dishes from the Yucatán peninsula. The brainchild of executive chef and Yucatán native Marco Velasquez, this Mexican eatery offers all the staples: complimentary chips and salsa, fresh guacamole, cotija-loaded elote, and gooey quesadillas. But it’s the heartier plates that stand out, such as the cochinita pibil (suckling piglet marinated in achiote and wrapped in banana leaves), chile relleño (chihuahua cheese-stuffed poblano pepper), and mole poblano (chicken drenched in mole sauce with a touch of bitter chocolate).

For as long as most Miamians can remember, Versailles has become synonymous with authentic Cuban flavors, solidifying its reputation as the go-to spot for locals and sunburned tourists alike. Since opening in 1971, Versailles has become an institution for anyone longing for a taste of Havana, offering authentic Cuban sandwiches and traditional Cuban staples like ropa vieja and picadillo that smacks of abuela’s cooking. Most folks merely hit up the ventanita for cortaditos and café con leche, but dining among the hexagon-tiled floors and glass chandeliers inside is a kitschy experience that continues to top so many must-do Miami lists for a reason.

It’s not hard to find classic Peruvian and Mexican versions of ceviche in the Magic City. That said, there’s something wonderfully decadent about Juan Chipoco’s glamorously chic Intimo, located in South Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. The menu’s “cold bar” features several creative renditions, offering everything from Nikkei-style tuna to an avocado-based leche de tigre. Non-pescatarians will welcome the vegetable ceviche, a medley of tender asparagus, hearts of palm, wild mushrooms, and baby corn, marinated in a vegetable-based leche de tigre&etilde;&etilde;. If you’re feeling fancy, pick what grabs you from the day’s fresh catch to create your own masterpiece. And you can’t go wrong with Intimo’s signature dish: a hearty dish of lobster, octopus, calamari, oysters, and the catch of the day, served with the chef’s “ganadora” leche de tigre.

There are fancier Peruvian restaurants in Miami and certainly more humble ones. Farolito is right down the middle, a white-tablecloth neighborhood spot on Coral Way perfect for a nice dinner. The menu is classic Peruvian, with all the ceviches and tiraditos you could ask for, plus seafood appetizers like jalea (fried breaded seafood) and pulpo al olivo (octopus in black olive sauce), along with all sorts of grilled meats and fish. Try ordering something in salsa agridulce, a sweet and sour tamarind sauce.

Nando and Valerie Chang’s take on the Japanese-Peruvian cuisine known as nikkei has earned Itaemae plenty of rave reviews — and the hype is warranted. The menu is constantly changing to highlight local and seasonal products. A recent visit featured ceviche mixto with black grouper and conch and a barred knifejaw tiradito. Even with all the buzz, Itamae is still unpretentious, with outdoor seating and surprisingly reasonable prices considering its location among the extravagant and luxurious Design District shops.

Miami is said to be a melting pot of cultures, and no two seem more compatible in this metaphorical cast iron than the like-minded sensibilities of Japanese and Peruvian. Case in point: Inari Sushi Fusion, where the raw sushi and savory marinades of one Asian country’s cuisine symbiotically pair with the spicy sauces and fresh seafood of a South American country’s cuisine. But like a mad scientist, the Cuban-born chef/owner Pedro González never tires of his ongoing curiosity for exploring testing flavors and cooking techniques outside Japan and Peru, especially in the assortment of hot and cold small plates, including the ceviche empanadas (the traditional fried pastry stuffed with a marinated fresh catch of the day) and the “Salmon Bites” (lightly-breaded pockets of fried salmon with cream cheese and scallion paired with a creamy bacon dipping sauce). Earlier this year, he debuted a new CBD menu, which includes a one-millimeter syringe of the flavorless cannabidiol for customers to customize specialty sushi rolls and cocktails.

Cooked Japanese fare has gotten lost in the omakase craze. Fortunately, Yakko Bistro offers more than raw fish (or fish seared with a blowtorch). This stellar eatery has been around for decades in a North Miami Beach strip mall but has reinvented itself more than once to keep up with the times. Today, it’s just as delicious as ever, with dishes like the signature fried whole fish, omurice (chicken-rice omelet with brown sauce), skewers of grilled quail eggs, and lotus roots kinpira, all equally as tempting. Get a group together and order plenty of izakaya to share, which, we’ll concede, includes the raw stuff, such as tiradito, carpaccio, tartare, maki, and nigiri.

You wouldn’t expect to find high-end cuts of sashimi in a food hall, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Sushi Yasu Tanaka, the tiny sushi counter at the back of the Design District’s Mia Market. Here, locally celebrated sushi chef Yasu Tanaka — formerly of the Den at Azabu — offers an intimate sushi bar that’s becoming known for its exceptional quality and attention to detail. The casual atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. You won’t find Americanized rolls here, but rather a short-and-sweet tasting menu of composed appetizers, nigiri, sashimi, and hand rolls that allow diners to experience various flavors and textures in a single meal. Order at the counter and watch as chefs prepare your selections with upmarket cuts of fish from melt-in-your-mouth toro to delicate Japanese uni. Items are plated with real fresh-grated wasabi, and nigiri is placed atop the chef’s specialty sushi rice (one version’s made with akazu red vinegar, and the other with rice-distilled yonezu) made fresh every few hours to ensure a delicious experience.

Sushi by Scratch is one of the latest omakase experiences to hit Miami, and its allure is thanks to the chef/owner team that boasts a California-based restaurant group with two Michelin-starred restaurants. At their Coconut Grove location, chef Phillip Frankland Lee and his wife Margarita Kallas-Lee channel the chef’s fondest memories growing up in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley with an ever-changing selection of nigiri. Those in the know may be familiar with the original Sushi by Scratch in Los Angeles. At one time, the restaurant didn’t have a name, a website, or a phone number. Instead, guests clamored for seats via a chalkboard system. It’s now seven locations strong, and thankfully, Tock makes it easy to nab one of the Miami restaurant’s ten bar spots offered during three nightly seatings, where diners can indulge in Lee’s unique approach to “new wave” nigiri. Each of his locations serves 17 courses, a half-dozen that stand as the chef’s signature creations, the star of which is a divine hamachi painted with sweet corn pudding and finished with a sprinkling of Kallas-Lee’s sourdough bread crumbs. The rest represent collaborations by members of each location’s talented team, often an array of outlandish but flavorful ingredients, many made from scratch, as the name implies. Think house-smoked peppers or beet-infused wasabi, which pair perfectly with expertly sourced fish and house-fermented soy sauce and vinegar.

At Ichimi Ramen Bar, each good old-fashioned slurp of warm, savory broth is followed by a satisfactory sigh. With a selection of nine broths, two noodles, more than five protein options, and even more veggies, toppings, and sauces, the ramen possibilities here are endless. The “Soul Ramen” is the signature broth, while the spicy “Black Dragon” is perfect for anyone looking to turn up the heat. There’s pork belly, beef, and shrimp for the omnivores, but tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and plenty of plant-based options make this a vegetarian-friendly space. Don’t skimp on the hanjuku egg. Like at any top-notch ramen shop, the soft-boiled egg is cooked just to the point where it’s a solid but still runny enough to create the ultimate golden yolk experience. The popular ramen house has opened a second location in Midtown and announced plans for a third outpost in Homestead.

So you say you like your Peking duck set on fire. Well, you’re in the right place. This inventive, well-run, high-end Chinese restaurant offers more than flaming fowl, however. Located in the former Tony Chan’s Water Club location in the Grand DoubleTree, Tanka features what it calls “izakaya-inspired” dishes. That’s shorthand for small plates like Wagyu dim sum, pork belly bao buns, grilled branzino with pickled mustard leaf, and fried rice with garlic miso butter and edamame. You can also indulge in sushi, which is fresh and delicious. But in a city where omakase abounds and Chinese-with-a-twist does not, we’re going here for the truffle egg drop soup and lamb chops with mango-yogurt sauce.

Located in a nondescript Sunrise shopping plaza, Ten Ten Seafood Restaurant is not only one of the latest dim-sim serving restaurants to open in the region but, with 80 options in all, one of the most prolific. You’re instantly greeted with a bevy of smiling servers eager to seat you and get you started on your Cantonese cuisine journey. The dining room’s red umbrella-adorned ceiling will instantly transport you to a shop in Hong Kong, but it feels even more authentic when the carts, stacked with steaming bamboo baskets, begin to roll out from the kitchen. Here, dim-sim is served all day, but it’s best when delivered hot and fresh for the busy lunch rush. From the delicate and savory to the adventurous and bold, each dish is made fresh and to order. You’ll start with traditional dumplings, siu mai, and buns before the servers bring out the rice paste, noodles, and congee — expertly crafted and bursting with flavor. Don’t skip the house specialties, which include crab meat dumplings in black rice paper wrapping (the meat is sourced directly from the live seafood tanks at the front of the house) and walnut buns, sweet chewy balls stuffed with a creamy nut filling. But the real treat just might be the black gold quicksand bun, a fluffy black sesame bao that holds a molten, velvety-smooth salted duck egg yolk paste at its core.

You can find Korean Kitchen in a North Miami Beach shopping plaza, but step inside, and its tarp-shielded outdoor courtyard is reminiscent of the country’s pojangmacha street stalls. The authenticity expands into the menu, which features classics like bibimbap and budae jjigae (army stew) and delicacies like silkworm larvae soup. Don’t forget the kimchi!

Basilic Vietnamese Grill serves dishes so fresh, simple, and authentic you’d think you were in Hanoi — not a North Miami Beach shopping plaza. The sleek dining room smells of ginger and lemongrass as crispy green papaya salads, fresh spring rolls, beef sauteed lemongrass vermicelli bowls, beef pho noodle soups, and other Vietnamese staples are prepared in the kitchen. The best part? No one will mind if you raise the bowl to your lips and slurp the last drops of pho.

Situated within a quiet strip mall off Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale, Larb Thai-Isan specializes in flavorful cuisine from Thailand’s northeastern region, particularly a meat salad known as larb (pronounced “lawb”). The menu includes longtime family recipes like duck curry, papaya salad, tom kha kai, and delectable desserts like mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream on brioche bread. The service is warm, and the restaurant has a relaxed vibe, with colorful Thai beer posters decorating the walls and a three-wheeled tuk-tuk taxi tucked in the corner. It’s a no-frills spot that doesn’t take reservations, so you might find yourself waiting for a table, but it’s worth it.

It seemed the never-ending pandemic would rob us of one of the guiltiest pleasures in life: the all-you-can-eat buffet. But thankfully, the lunch buffet at Bengal Indian Cuisine hasn’t gone extinct. Every weekday, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the downtown Miami spot offers a bottomless plethora of Indian delicacies for $15.95. Soup, salad, naan, a variety of rice and entrees, including three or four vegetarian options, are all to be had at your leisure. The food is made fresh and frequently replenished. If you’re not a glutton or prefer a more a la carte experience, you can’t go wrong with the samosas or the eye-watering chana saag, a medley of spinach and chickpeas. When they ask you how spicy you want it, be warned that “medium” packs a punch of heat.

Most Mediterranean restaurants offer fare from the Greek Isles and southern Italy and can overlook dishes from the Mediterranean Sea’s northeastern shore: Turkey. El Turco puts Turkish fare at the forefront of its menu and serves it al fresco under a giant Banyan tree. The restaurant offers many Mediterranean favorites you’re familiar with, including hummus, grape leaves, yogurt, and fresh fish. Still, there are dishes that are meant to be explored, like the eriste, a homemade pasta dish tossed with walnuts, feta, and parsley, and izmir kofte, a casserole of meatballs, carrots, and potatoes in a fragrant tomato sauce. Finish your meal with a cup of rich, potent Turkish coffee. El Turco doesn’t offer wine, but you can bring a bottle.

Calista Taverna’s white-and-blue storefront looks as if it were chiseled off a Santorini cliffside and magically transplanted onto Giralda, the popular pedestrian street in Coral Gables. The housemade moussaka is the eatery’s pride and joy, as is the Greek salad made with Greek-imported feta. Pescatarians can rejoice in the daily fresh selection of whole fish and seafood on ice in the back of the restaurant. But don’t skimp on the turf-based offerings, including chicken souvlaki and lamb chops.

Because Miamians are always chasing after the next big thing, too distracted with the shiny and the new, we forget, never learn, or don’t care about the truly terrific restaurants like Tim Andriola’s Timo that thrive in nontouristy neighborhoods and quietly celebrate 20 years of serving high-quality, inventive Italian fare to adoring fans. Well, now you know. Pass it on to the tech bro from California to whom you just sold your condo for three times what it’s worth.

Sure, Zeru Miami serves plenty of Basque cuisine, ranging from tasty pintxos (snacks) to socarrats (rice dishes that mimic the burned, stuck-to-the-pan part of paella). And we know how a separatist Vascongado might feel about getting lumped in with anything that says Spain, even for an award. But since Zeru offers a range of the country’s cuisine, with most of the main courses and side dishes cooked on a very Spanish Josper grill, we figure it fits within the parameters just fine. That said, while Zeru mines inspiration from Spain, it takes its cue from quality, and sources proteins from all over the world, including a don’t-miss Alaskan king crab with miso glaze, a Wagyu tomahawk, and Japanese Kobe striploin.

With a rolling wave of French places opening up in town, it’s becoming tough for Francophile culinarians to choose where to dine. Or is it? With fare that reflects the southern, sunshine-y aspect of the country, Bagatelle Miami serves plenty of dishes with fresh, explosive flavors, ranging from grilled octopus with blistered red peppers, tomatoes, and toasted almonds to steamed sea bass with Florida oranges and fennel. The art leans toward the pop culture side of things, and a DJ builds energy with bops leading into bangers, so you’ve got yourself a perfect Miami evening filled with a feast of entertainment.

Come to Niu Wine for its extensive natural wine selection and personalized recommendations. Located just a few doors down from its sister restaurant, Niu Kitchen, this industrial-chic space is just as intimate and romantic with narrow tables and candlelight. Rather than order off a menu, the staff will bring you some selections to try. Part of the experience is never knowing what to expect, whether it’s a glass of grenache/syrah blend from Ardèche or an Italian vermouth. It all pairs perfectly with an ever-changing tapas selection.

Imagine wearing rose-colored glasses. That’s what it looks like inside Lolita Dessert Club. In addition to displaying seemingly every shade of pink, this dainty tearoom is more than an Instagram backdrop. This intimate North Miami Beach space serves colorful macaroons and warm cookies. Opt for the chocolate-covered strawberries, or European sweets like dark-chocolate bonbons and homemade crêpes that come in a variety of flavors, including cheesecake, Nutella, and banana pudding.

In a town that’s way too comfortable demolishing its history to make way for luxury condos, it’s noteworthy that Matt Kuscher and his team have preserved the integrity of one of the oldest New York-style delis in Miami-Dade dating back to the 1950s. When you step inside, Kush by Stephens feels as if it were cast in amber with nostalgic wood paneling, stained glass lamps, plush booths, and antique swivel stools at the bar. Keeping its original hand-sliced promise, the menu highlights Hialeah’s Jewish-Cuban flavors with Bubbie’s matzoh ball soup, crispy latkes, and Newman’s Jewban, a sandwich marrying both cultures with pulled pork and corned beef. If you had any doubt that you were indeed in Hialeah — a city that boasts the largest population of Cuban and Cuban-American residents in the country — peek inside the men’s bathroom for a urinal cake with Fidel Castro’s face on it.

Etzel Itzik serves Israeli cuisine so authentic that each bite of hummus feels like it’s bringing you closer to Tel Aviv. From the schnitzel to the shishlik, the meats at this Aventura restaurant are proudly all kosher. But don’t miss the tahini, hummus, falafel, or daily specials. The menus are printed in English and Hebrew, and staff can understand and often speak both languages.

Inspired by his North Carolina roots, self-made chef Kevin Doherty has spent more than 30 years perfecting the art of barbecue. His restaurant’s new location inside an El Portal skatepark is an unexpected upgrade from his longtime outdoor operation from the Foxy Lady Laundry parking lot in North Miami Beach. As part of a collaboration with South Florida restaurant group Hip Hop Eatery, Bo Legs BBQ officially relaunched inside Skatebird Miami earlier this year. Don’t worry, there’s still classic oak wood-smoked meats like St. Louis-style spare ribs, beef brisket, turkey legs, and jerk chicken. Everything is designed to taste better when doused in Doherty’s signature sauces (the yellow-hued golden barbecue sauce is addictive) and paired with sides, such as the homestyle mac and cheese, tender collard greens, smokey and sweet baked beans, and butter-slathered corn on the cob.

The usual complaints arise when you tell urban-core Miamians that they simply must try Platea Miami, located in the suburban enclave of Pinecrest. “Too far,” they grumble. “Traffic is awful,” they gripe. But once diners get a taste of this Peruvian steakhouse’s innovative fried ceviche, appetizers like the aji amarillo-inflected “foie mosaic” with balsamic pearls, and main course meat and fish options that are surprisingly reasonable for the superiority of the product, those objections simply disappear like reservations do on “Tomahawk Tuesdays,” when you can enjoy a three-course meal for two, featuring a 64-ounce USDA Prime tomahawk, for $150.

When you’re craving fresh seafood, there’s no better spot than Coconut Grove’s Shore to Door. As the name implies, the fish is sourced directly from local fishermen, meaning the day’s menu is dictated by the day’s catch. While Shore to Door primarily operates as a fish market, the shop throws open its back patio on weekends and serves whatever’s available. The nugget-like wahoo bites ($17) are a must for any visit, but the minimalist whole-fried snapper ($39) might be the star of the show. Drinks are serve yourself; grab a glass of wine from the fridge out back or a beer from the ice-filled cooler and keep tabs of your count on the daily blackboard. You’ll want to call before heading out, as weather and other last-minute changes can affect hours. While you’re at it, get the scoop on any live music that day. The band starts most Saturdays around 6 p.m., turning the small patio into a casually festive backyard party.

Naomi’s Garden has been a community pillar of delicious and affordable Haitian food for three decades. The charming Little Haiti restaurant was founded by Yaron and Shula Yemini, initially serving Israeli foods. Eventually, it adapted its menu to the neighborhood. Amongst the usual Haitian eats like jerk chicken, oxtail, or curry goat, Naomi’s offers an impressive and unique list of vegetarian options, including tofu stroganoff, okra or spinach stew, legumes, curry jackfruit, all with a side of rice or baked mac and cheese, plantains, and spicy pikliz. Take your vegetarian meal to-go, or enjoy it in the restaurant’s lush garden.

If you never thought you’d be able to enjoy simple pleasures like a croissant, macaron, or even a croque monsieur again because you’re conscious about animal welfare, the environment, or your health, then you clearly haven’t been to L’Artisane, which claims to be the first full-fledged French vegan bakery-café in the nation. Thanks to chef-owner Caroline Molea, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu and at Michelin-starred restaurants, diners can nosh on astonishingly delicious French vegan (and often gluten-free) items to their bodies’ content. Not vegan? We swear omnivorous taste buds can’t tell the difference.

Franky’s Deli Warehouse promises “the best six inches” you’ll ever have. For more than 20 years, this Hialeah gem set among industrial warehouses steps from I-75 has been serving some of Miami’s best sandos for breakfast, lunch, and possibly even dinner. Just ask South Florida famous locals like Billy Blue and Flo-Rida, both listed among the establishment’s earliest steadfast patrons. Pass through the doors during a busy lunch rush, and you’ll be instantly recognized as a frequent sandwich shopper or cheerfully greeted as a newcomer. If the list of 27 sandwiches is overwhelming, owner Frank Diaz and staff are happy to help. Their top-sellers include the #1, a straightforward Italian sub that marries fresh-sliced ham, capicola, salami, and provolone; the #16 tuna salad, prepared fresh daily using 20 pounds of tuna; or the #20 cheesesteak, chopped and seared ribeye that can be gussied up with onions and sweet peppers. A frequent-buyer VIP punch card lets you work your way to a free sando the more you eat — and lets the staff know you’ve become a regular. With just one bite, you know it won’t be long before you’ve worked through all 20-plus menu options and a loyalty punch card or two.

Tourists might flock to La Sanguich and Versailles, but locals (and their abuelitos) are endeared to Bella Cuba, a longtime, family-owned establishment in South Beach. The first Bella Cuba opened in Ireland, but when owner Omar Jimenez’s family relocated to Miami when he was a kid, they brought their restaurant with them and opened it a stone’s throw from Lincoln Road and the Miami Beach Convention Center. Since 2005, the kitchen has consistently churned out some of the city’s best Cuban fare, a perfect union of Afro-Caribbean and Spanish dishes from tender ropa vieja and indulgent crema de malanga soup to frita sliders and seafood paella. But you’re here for their generously portioned Cuban sandwich. It starts with fresh-baked Cuban bread pressed to perfection and layered with slices of salty ham, a mountainous pile of fragrant house-roasted pork, and the requisite trio of Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. The result is a mouthwatering combination of savory, sweet, and tangy. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also available as a wrap that’s equally loaded with all the ingredients and delivers a burrito-style Cubano experience with everything but the bread.

With a name like Le Chick, this Wynwood eatery has essentially declared itself the reigning ruler of Miami poultry. Fortunately, the restaurant’s chicken sandwich is as close to perfection as you can get for golden-fried goodness. There’s nothing fancy about this sandwich, and it starts with the basics: The buttermilk fried chicken breast is crunchy on the outside, and plump, juicy, and flavorful on the inside. It’s topped with homemade ranch, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles and rests on a brioche bun that won’t deflate into a soggy mess during the meal. The sandwich can be gussied up with add-ons like applewood smoked bacon, avocado, and truffle aioli. (A fried egg on the sandwich is divisive but ultimately rewarding for those who love a runny yolk.) Le Chick also has a great cocktail program and a robust selection of wines by the glass. Dine on the garden patio for an elevated chicken sammie experience.

Miami-born chef Jeremiah Bullfrog has an impressive culinary resume. He’s worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world, towed one of Miami’s first food trucks with Gastropod, and created two popular food events with Duck Duck Goose and P.I.G. He even starred in the Complex Networks reality series Jeremiah Bullfrog Forks It!, eating and cooking his way through U.S. cities. These days, however, Bullfrog has discovered a new passion for pizza, channeling his own riff on one of Detroit’s most iconic foodstuffs, the deep-dish square pie. Earlier this year, his pop-up turned permanent restaurant opened in the Design District, where pizza lovers can find Bullfrog’s most popular red and white pies with the option for vegan or gluten-free substitutes. Prepared using the chef’s 72-hour, double-fermented dough, the thick base is first topped with cheese before it’s smothered in a layer of sauce and baked to form the style’s quintessential crispy edges. You can’t go wrong with the “Classix,” a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan beneath a layer of Bullfrog’s proprietary marinara “dat sauce.” If you like it spicy, go for the “Red in the Head, Fire in the Bed,” which gets its heat from the chef’s Calabrian chili-infused oil. Thin crust pies are a new addition to the menu, available during dinner service and sold as whole pies for dine-in or takeout. They’re made using a malt-kissed, low-hydration dough that cooks into a flavorful, crispy crust thanks to the high temperature of the in-house wood-burning oven and are a must for any thin-crust lover. But the best part of Square Pie City might be the ambiance, with its casual slice shop vibe and walk-up counter, making it easy to grab and go with some of the area’s best slices for lunch or dinner.

FatBoy’s Wings & Tings founder Sean Burke began cooking out of his home in 2012, and more than a decade later, his frying prowess has made his brick-and-mortar North Miami Beach establishment (opened in 2018) a fixture on the South Florida chicken-wing map. The secret is a unique blend of spices, seasonings, and cooked-to-order freshness, making these wings perfectly crisp and succulent with tender meat that falls from the bone. More than 20 exclusive FatBoy sauces are available, including the usual barbecue, teriyaki, and garlic Parmesan. But it’s the Caribbean-flavored sauces that harken back to Burke’s native Jamaican roots, with top sellers like the pineapple jerk, honey orange, and mango habanero. But it’s the lemon pepper you can’t miss — a butter-infused sauce that combines creamy, tangy, and sweet with each bite.

Coney Burger’s recent ascent from a humble pop-up tent at Smorgasburg Miami to a standalone brick-and-mortar restaurant is a testament to the brand’s burger prowess. The powerhouse couple behind this culinary sensation, Pedro and Vanessa Lara, emerged from the pandemic eager to showcase their combined culinary creativity in a way that could satisfy both omnivorous and plant-based patrons alike. While the menu has expanded to include a smash burger, their pride and joy remains the two top sellers: the eponymous “Coney” burger, a made-from-scratch, mushroom-based patty that combines Japanese maitake and oyster varieties with sweet potato, black beans, carrot, and a special seasoning blend before it’s outfitted with vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, vegan cilantro aioli and Coney sauce, and “magic” fried onions. The “Champ” is the go-to for the meat-eating crowd, a beyond-juicy Wagyu patty procured from a local, family-run ranch in Homestead. Each seven-ounce, hand-shaped patty is seared to perfection, oozing with fatty goodness before it’s topped with a thick-cut slice of tarragon-seasoned, pickled green heirloom tomato, a schmear of the chef’s egg yolk-based “happy sauce” (a tangy-sweet housemade yuzu mayo), and a sprinkling of chopped chives. While both burgers offer different flavor profiles, they share a vegan brioche bun that’s made from scratch and comes from a recipe fashioned after Japanese milk bread that’s squishy and buttery, like a brioche bao, creating the perfect carby bookends to contain an unforgettable juicy patty.

There’s no denying that the hot dog is an all-American treat. Lots of folks think that only applies to the United States of America. But those of us in Miami — the hinge that swings wide open the multicultural door — know that means all of the Americas. You can find delicious proof of that at Mr. Pancho in the International Mall (with a second location in Cutler Bay’s Southland Mall). Here, these huge all-beef dogs are designed as everything from Cuban sandwiches to tacos to nachos. Enjoy them Venezuelan- or Colombian-style. Or try them with high-end ingredients like truffle oil or creamy spinach and mushroom dressing.

Don’t let the “stone crabs” in Joe’s Stone Crab overshadow one of the true stars of this historic, 100-year-old restaurant. At under $10, the fried half-chicken is one of the cheaper menu items, but don’t assume the price point justifies a dish that’ll come out too salty or dry. The fried chicken is drool-worthy, with crispy skin and juicy meat that melts right off the drumstick.

Don’t dismiss this common barbecue side. A successful mac & cheese requires the perfect ratio of cheese-pull, tender pasta, and a thick, creamy sauce to tie it all together. At her MiMo eatery, Chica, chef Lorena Garcia checks all these boxes with her poblano mac & cheese. This indulgent dish is baked (and served) in a cast-iron dish, combining a classic Mornay sauce infused with poblano peppers and topped with a crisp chorizo crumble.

As one of the first on the taqueria scene with birria tacos (stuffed with stewed meat and served with its braising liquid for dipping), El Primo debuted during the pandemic and spent the first two years of its life as a pop-up. Then, much to local taco aficionados’ collective delight, it became a permanent fixture last fall. With its trademark red color and a choice of soft or crisp corn, flour, or even keto-friendly cheese tortillas, these birria tacos are crunchy, juicy, drippy, and messy. In short, they’re delightful chaos for the palate, simultaneously satisfying all textural and taste requirements. Signature menu items include the ultra-rich huesitaco (birria taco with bone marrow) and the super-fun birriamen (birria, ramen noodles, and birria broth). If you’re still hungry after indulging in the taco offerings, round out your meal with a birria smash burger (birria, beef patty, cheese, and consommé) and birria fries (birria, cheese, guacamole, onion, cilantro, and morita aioli). Some of these might sound like missteps, but trust us — you can’t order wrong here.

Every year we try to ignore the 800-pound croqueta in the room. While others have tried to claim the title of best croqueta, only one has reigned supreme in this city since 1977. In the heart of Tamiami, Islas Canarias boasts a golden nugget of deep-fried heaven filled with a proprietary blend of ham and cheese. The Cuban Andrade family founded the restaurant in Little Havana, but it’s been in its current spot since 1987. It’s become so beloved by the community that the Miami-Dade Commission even proclaimed that corner of Southwest 137th Avenue and 26th Street “Islas Canarias Way.”

Richard Ortega hails from a small Venezuelan town, and it was memories of his grandmother’s cooking that inspired him to embark upon the Maíz Project. What began amid the COVID-19 lockdown as pop-ups in parking lots and weekend markets ultimately evolved into a stall inside Time Out Market Miami. Like his abuela, Ortega hand-grinds his maize with the traditional wooden mortar and pestle known as a pilón, then boils, steeps, and rests the concoction before using the resultant flour to form the arepas, which are grilled over the open flame of a parrilla. For the steak arepa (Ortega’s best seller), the chef douses long, thick-cut ribbons of meat in a fragrant house-made chimichurri, tops them with a fat slab of queso blanco, and stuffs them into grill-marked arepas delivered hot from the flames. Blue, red, yellow — the type of corn is seldom the same from visit to visit, which all but guarantees that no two meals will ever be the same. Editor’s note: As this year’s Best of Miami issue was being assembled, Time Out abruptly announced it would close its Miami Beach food hall at the end of June. Initially, Ortega believed he’d be out on the street again. But when we followed up with him, he said the facility’s landlords will keep the food hall open. Check the Maíz Project’s Instagram for updates.

If you like a cold drink at a dark bar, there’s no place darker and no martini more chilled than Fox’s Lounge. A Miami fixture for decades until it closed in 2015, Fox’s was fortunately and lovingly recreated by Chris Hudnall and Randy Alonso of Lost Boy & Co. It reopened last year with everything you want in a bar — a jukebox in the corner, inviting bar stools, and some solid, unpretentious drinks and grub. If you’re looking for cocktails made with dry ice or food covered in gold leaf, you won’t find it here. There are no Instagrammable flaming rainbow sundaes — the place is so dark you wouldn’t get a decent picture anyway. Instead, you’re here for stick-to-your-ribs food like fried chicken and thumb bits (steak pieces on French bread rounds). Pair these with a perfectly made martini, complete with a sidecar on ice. There’s nothing better than escaping Miami’s unrelenting sun and heat than walking into a cool bar. And Fox’s is the coolest in town.

Española Way might be in the middle of Miami Beach, but the vibe at Tropezón is more romantic, European village — nothing like the beach, booze, and clubs surrounding it. Tropezón, a small bar that pays tribute to the gin and tonics of Spain, fits into the block perfectly. There, gin and tonics are far more intricate than the American version that serves the spirit and a soda in a tall glass. At Tropezón, gins are infused with fruits, herbs, florals, and other eyebrow-raising flavors like buttered banana and sour cherry, which can be made into a countless number of bespoke gin and tonics served in large balloon goblets reminiscent of the Iberian peninsula. With a rich tapas menu, the entire experience can feel like a visit to Spain, minus the jetlag.

The Green Hat is a legit speakeasy hidden inside Xtreme Action Park, and it’s not what you probably imagine. Make your way to the back corner of the indoor theme park. It might seem like you’re entering the Evolution Escape Rooms, but a green door is a clue to the clandestine space. You’ll need a code to open it (check the website). Once you’re in, a short hallway leads to a dimly lighted den where you can belly up to a six-seat bar and choose from a menu of high-end cocktails expertly crafted by the Hat’s talented mixologists. The name is a homage to rum smuggler James Cassidy, AKA the rum pirate of the Bahamas, and his lucky green fedora. You can’t go wrong with the “Green Hat Grog,” a tiki-inspired libation that marries Bacardi, Coconut Cartel, and Plantation Pineapple rums with guava syrup, orgeat, lime juice, and Angostura bitters. For a picture-perfect drink, try the “Birds of Paradise,” a pousse-café made with Bar Hill gin, Lo-Fi sweet vermouth, cherry syrup, and lemon juice, crowned with a froth of blue curaçao and aquafaba. Note: The secret door won’t open on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Inconspicuously nestled inside a North Dade shopping plaza, the Bend Liquor Lounge has all the makings of a great neighborhood haunt: a great happy hour, Star Wars memorabilia, and, of course, weekly karaoke. Cozy up to the lounge’s massive bar and indulge in one of the Bend’s signature cocktails. That’s right: signature cocktails at a neighborhood bar. A suburban neighborhood bar.

Freddy’s isn’t your average hotel bar — it’s a bona fide speakeasy nestled away in the InterContinental Miami. Accessible by reservation only, this secret hideaway offers guests the rare opportunity to step back in time to the Prohibition Era and immerse themselves in the intimate atmosphere of a hidden cocktail club. It’s named after the famed 19th-century Polish composer and virtuoso pianist Frédéric François Chopin, whose name graces both the street the hotel is located on and one of its ballrooms. True to speakeasy form, this tiny lounge accommodates just a dozen guests at a time who are escorted to the hidden location in a seemingly abandoned wing of the resort where a secret knock guarantees admission beyond a paneled door for a two-hour journey into 1920s cocktail culture. Amid the historic ambiance of vintage furnishings, plush seating, and a candlelit bar, a team of dedicated mixologists meticulously craft a short and sweet menu of house libations, offering plenty of theatrical entertainment by way of lore along the way. The “Four Ballads” welcome toast is a refreshing entry, made with a blend of Casa Noble tequila infused with cilantro, Cointreau, lime, and simple syrup. From there, guests are invited to choose from a concise list of signature cocktails, including the exclusive housemade Maker’s Mark cask cocktail, a potent libation infused with Italian liquor and Heering cherry liqueur before being barrel-aged for six weeks.

Playing tourist in Miami is almost as fun as playing hooky. Sipsip, a rum bar on the rooftop of Coconut Grove’s newly renovated Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, has created the kind of paradisiacal vibe that locals often remember to experience only when hosting out-of-town guests. With views of and breezes from Biscayne Bay, almost any drink would do, but Sipsip’s cocktails are well-balanced and served up by friendly bar staff. The menu offers Caribbean-inspired concoctions like a “Goombay Smash” ($16) as well as tiki-style drinks like a “Zombie” ($16), with a handful of frozen options. It also thoughtfully includes appealing non-alcoholic beverages, like the Switcha lemonade ($6) or the “Goombay Punch” ($6).

It’s not just because this site has a ton of history under its barstools, including serving as the base for Pan American World Airway’s flying boats (AKA Clipper planes). It’s not just because the décor brings to bear that golden age of burgeoning global travel. It’s not just because you can watch boats being brought from dry storage to the water and vice versa, a fascinating process that goes on all day. It’s not even because of the terrific sunsets you can view over the bay with a drink in hand. Of course, all of these things together make Bayshore Club our favorite place to toast each other while the salty breezes coat the rims of our cocktail glasses with the scents of old and new Miami.

Some people think a good wine bar is one where there’s a great selection of vino. That’s Vinya. But we also appreciate wine bars encouraging their clientele to try new pours via tastings, workshops, seminars, food pairings, and festivals. That’s Vinya, too. Get started by ordering a sommelier-recommended glass of bubbly, white, rose, or red — or by grabbing any bottle from their vast retail selection, which they’ll open and serve for a $20 corkage fee. Then order from chef Mariano Araya’s terrific menu to complete the experience.

Don’t let Florida legislators fool you; drag night host Karla Croqueta continues to “say gay” at the weekly Thursday drag night at Gramps bar in Wynwood. Though Gramps’ orange exterior prominently advertises air conditioning, cold beer, and cocktails, the space has been a consistent haven for the queer community since its opening more than a decade ago. Gramps doesn’t need the “gay bar” label — its queerness is in its ethos as a truly accepting place (so long as patrons are wearing shirts and shoes of some kind). This February, the drag arts and music festival Wigwood returned to Gramps after a two-year hiatus with former RuPaul Drag Race contestant Tammie Brown as host and many of the city’s best drag performers fiercely taking the raised catwalk.

There are enough $20 cocktails in Miami Beach. Ted’s Hideaway is the refreshing foil to South of Fifth’s glitz. It’s perfect when you’re tired of the mandatory dress codes and just want a damn beer to sip while watching the Marlins lose again. Other spots along Ocean Drive might charge as much as $15 for a domestic brew, but Ted’s Hideaway has a killer daily happy hour, where domestics run $4.75 and imports are $6. There’s grub, too, including taquitos ($9) and a homemade thin-crust pizza ($11).

Between its scenic waterfront setting, extensive menu, and immaculate bathrooms, it almost seems unfair to categorize American Social in Brickell as a regular ol’ sports bar. That’s not to say the spot is too stuffy or pretentious to hang out and let loose. The game-day watch parties here rival parking lot tailgates, and the atmosphere during the World Cup is incomparable. The doughnut holes and deviled eggs make American Social the second-best option to attending the game itself.

How many people have gone to Taco Bell after a night out with friends? There’s a natural symmetry between tacos and tequila — and beer, wine, and vodka (you get the point). While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a midnight run to a fast-food chain after some cocktails, the Anderson, a Miami lounge that’s been around for decades in one form or another, now has a built-in taco shop. El Toro Tacos offers a range of tacos from mushroom to pork belly priced for a taco shop and not a schmancy cocktail lounge. There’s also fresh guac, chilaquiles, queso fundido, and a gringo menu with burgers, steak frites, and fish sandwiches. And, of course, the Anderson has an amazing cocktail program, so you can pair that juicy birria taco with its best friend, a freshly shaken margarita.

Margot Natural Wine Bar is a sanctuary from the towering scaffolding and never-ending downtown construction. Inside the old Ingraham building, this quaint little spot offers an “Aperitivo Hour” in lieu of a happy hour, featuring $8 wines and $5 beers from 5 to 7 p.m. every day. It’s the brainchild of the folks behind Bar Lab (The Broken Shaker, 27 Restaurant) and the perfect place to pop in on a weekday evening for light bites, great cocktails, and, of course, glasses of globally sourced, natural wine.

At Gibson Room, chef and restaurateur Michael Beltran ensures that the same level of care and intricacy that earned him a Michelin star is applied to every item on the food and cocktail menus. And, as at his restaurants, the Gibson Room’s cocktails take classic concepts and put a subtle and intriguing spin on them. Here, the banana daiquiri isn’t a silly frozen blender drink but a sultry, sippable tipple. The gin Rickey is brightened with a hint of mint, and a Gibson, typically made with gin and dry vermouth, is enhanced with a touch of sherry. Add live music and lit candles, and you’ve got the hottest little cocktail lounge in Miami.

Inside Miami Beach’s National Hotel, the reimagined Martini Bar serves some of the city’s most sophisticated tipples. Earlier this year, the Art Deco hotel relaunched its beloved bar, a nostalgic sanctuary tucked away from the lobby with views of the grownups-only property’s infinity pool, rumored to be the longest in South Florida. The new and improved boozeatorium still boasts the original marble floors paired with Gatsby-esque décor, providing an intimate setting to gather and mingle while indulging in the beloved signature cocktail. While the menu changes seasonally, martini staples include the famed “Pear With Me,” a well-shaken martini that combines pear vodka with amaretto, lemon, pear syrup, and foam bitters; and the “Hibiscus Beauty,” which blends infused hibiscus vodka with St. Germain, lemon, ginger syrup, and sage. Espresso martinis tend to present as unctuous, but the Martini Room’s hits perfectly, with a base of Caffè Borghetti liqueur and nitro cold brew. For an even more refined experience, try the bar’s new afternoon tea service, which invites you to sample an array of teas and coffees alongside homemade finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones (and a martini, or two) for a social hour that channels the sophistication of a Bridgerton novel.

You won’t find a mojito on the menu at Finka Table & Tap, but that shouldn’t stop you from ordering one. While a classic mojito calls for rum, soda, mint, and lime, Finka elevates its off-the-menu version, using two types of rum (Havana Club Blanco and the classic Havana Club Añejo) for an added kick. Too many mojitos are overly sugary, but Finka bartenders concoct a balanced, sophisticated, and tart cocktail — one that pairs perfectly with an order of croquetas for the complete Miami experience.

William Rivera and Paul Lombardozzi are friends with a craft beer habit that inspired them to add one more title to their resumes: entrepreneurs. The pair joined forces earlier this year to bring their hoppy aspirations to life with the 6,000-square-foot Dream State Brewery. The 20-barrel system provides an endlessly rotating selection of house-brewed beers, and the bar’s 32 taps provide an astonishing variety of out-of-state beers from some of the most sought-after breweries in the country. The comprehensive lineup is made possible by Rivera’s and Lombardozzi’s mutual connections, and it covers the full spectrum of styles from IPAs, lagers, pilsners, and fruited ales to stouts and barrel-aged sours. Opt for a flight to sample as many as your blood-alcohol levels can handle.

From the eclectic and artsy décor to the fruity, funky beers on tap, Yeasty Brews offers a unique departure from the South Florida brewery norm. Founded in 2021 by head brewer Dan Pfaffenbach and his girlfriend, Denielle Mizrahi, this quaint Lauderhill spot serves small-batch brews and innovative in-house fare. The business started with Pfaffenbach’s popular home brew, a milkshake-style hefeweizen called “Banana Slinger,” which emits banana aromas from the yeast used to make it. Today, yeast is the still name of the game at Yeasty Brews, where they endeavor to help craft beer novices brave uncharted territory. A three-barrel system produces a variety of unique experimental beers, many you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Although the brewer’s love of IPAs and hefeweizens shines, his recipe book is globally inspired, including a Norwegian-style strawberry imperial blonde ale, Belgian pale ale with watermelon, dragon fruit-infused tripels, and a key-lime vanilla cream ale. Pfaffenbach’s creative genius even dreamed up a vegan version of the popular milkshake-style IPA, offering guests a piña colada-inspired take that uses coconut instead of lactose to create a creamy, full-bodied brew. The 3,000-square-foot taproom also has an in-house kitchen that offers easy eats like flatbreads, grilled cheese, paninis, and vegan empanadas. Like the beer, everything is made and prepared in house.

Prison Pals Brewing Co. began making beer in March 2020 without a taproom but has gone on to cement Miami’s position on the craft beer map. Earlier this year, the Doral brewery made national headlines when it was awarded a bronze medal in the 2023 Beer World Cup for its Nelson Hazy IPA, a smooth and easy-drinking IPA brewed with seven pounds of Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops per barrel. It’s a significant achievement for the two-year-old brewery that began as a passion project by Argentine friends CEO Juan Pipkin and brewmaster Diego Setti. Today, Prison Pals offers a growing list of experimental brews and true-to-style lagers and ales, including the La Colorada amber ale, Dorada Pampeana blonde ale, Cielito Lindo Mexican lager, and Born to Be Free pale ale. The original Doral taproom and its sister taproom in Oakland Park provide an ever-changing selection of Setti’s experimental one-off brews, including Setti’s smoothie series: high-ABV sour ales treated with 35 to 40 percent fruit. Among the most popular is Aloha, a nod to one of Setti’s favorite smoothies in Argentina, which blends pineapple, ginger, and mint.

It’s 4 a.m., and you crave turkey and brie on a fresh French baguette or prosciutto and mozzarella on a toasted croissant. Anywhere else, you might be hard-pressed to fulfill that craving at that hour. But since 1988, La Sandwicherie has been serving gourmet and custom-made sandwiches to Miami’s night owls and partygoers until 5 a.m. Originally in Miami Beach, the sandwich haven has expanded to Brickell, Wynwood, Coral Gables, and North Beach. You can choose from various deli meats, smoked salmon, pate, and cheeses on a baguette or buttery croissants to cure your midnight cravings. If you are in the mood for antioxidants, don’t worry; La Sandwicherie has fresh fruit smoothies, too.

Royal Palm Grill is worth the journey to Homestead. It’s located in a former drugstore that once had a soda fountain counter in the ’50s. Today, it offers traditional diner food, with three-egg omelets, pancakes, and biscuits & gravy. Sometimes the chef/owner will offer some fun, off-menu items, like Cap’n Crunch french toast. Bypass the open dining room in front and head to the classic diner counter, where you can watch the specials roll out of the kitchen. It’s the perfect way to start any visit to the Redlands, Everglades National Park, or the Florida Keys.

If a coffee cup filled with feathery scrambled eggs topped with peaks of Hollandaise foam and offered with points of Cuban tostada for dipping sounds like the ideal way to begin a Miami morning, then make like Gianni Versace, who used to walk to News Cafe every morning. Reopened after the pandemic shut it down, this historic café offers inventive breakfast fare — think piña colada pancakes with grilled pineapple — and trendy items, ranging from avocado or ricotta toast to chicken and waffles. For thirst-quenching, freshly made juice blends and mocktails abound, as do bubbly and bloody concoctions that hit just right before a day on the beach.

R House takes the brunch experience to new heights with drag queens in six-inch stilettos. R House owners Rocco Carulli and Owen Bale curate one of Miami’s most electric experiences every Saturday and Sunday and have even refurbished their restaurant with a huge outdoor patio and rearranged the indoor dining room so everyone can have a prime viewing spot of show producer Athena Dion and her queens being fierce and fabulous. R House offers prix-fixe meals served family-style (with some vegan options) to anyone 18 and older and bottomless mimosas, mojitos, soft drinks, or sangria to the 21 and up crowd. Now more than ever, it’s important to support the art of drag, and there’s no more enjoyable way than by bringing all your friends to dance, twerk, eat, and enjoy the incredible talent of these fierce performers.

When Mitch Shidlofsky relocated to South Florida from New York, the idea was to make a better life for his growing family. After operating a series of delis in Broward County, Shidlofsky created his concept, Mitch’s Westside Bagels, which opened in Weston in 2002. The place would become a local institution, offering locals his take on classic deli dishes, many of which were built on fresh-baked bagels. Nearly 20 years later, Shidlofsky’s son Adam joined his dad in the bagel-making arena with the 2021 debut of Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Cafe. Here, the Shidlofsky father-and-son duo features an all-new spin on the traditional New York-style bagel shop, with an expanded menu that highlights all-day breakfast sandwiches built on an assortment of fresh-baked, handcrafted bagels that include gluten-free options as well as bialys.

When you ask Robert Sandler, the mastermind behind the Outrageous Bagel Company, what makes his bagels “outrageous,” his answer is simple: it’s the selection. His Kendall establishment boasts an impressive collection of 25 flavors made from scratch and baked fresh daily. While you can find traditional toppings like sesame, garlic, onion, or that wonderful amalgamation of all three in “everything,” bagel aficionados come here for inventive concoctions, like the savory sundried tomato, fruity guava, cheesy cheddar herb, or the indulgent triple cinnamon bagels. But the DIY bagel adventure doesn’t end there: Dozens of housemade spreads expand flavor potentials exponentially, including the garden veggie and scallion cream cheese to the more novel flavors like honey almond, strawberry, and decadent honey butter.

Miami native Max Santiago cut his chops helping to open the Salty, but his drive to push the doughnut to the max motivated him to pursue his aptly named venture, Max’d Out Donuts. After years of consulting, pop-ups, and plenty of R&D, Santiago opened the bright and cheery shop earlier this year in North Miami Beach, pedaling nothing but coffee, tea, and the chef’s pastry-inspired doughnuts and doughnut holes made from a proprietary 24-hour raised brioche dough that took years to perfect. While the menu offers an endlessly rotating selection of Santiago’s ongoing recipe creations, there’s always a vegan and gluten-free option to please every palate. You can’t go wrong with his “O.G.” glazed, prepared with whole vanilla bean and rich buttermilk. Come early for regular menu favorites like the café con leche roll, a deep-fried cinnamon roll with layers of espresso grounds and a glaze made with café con leche topped with a cream cheese glaze, or the key lime pie doughnut, a homage to Florida’s unofficial dessert, complete with tangy key lime custard and a key lime glaze-topped torched meringue.

Jesus and Manuel Brazon might be related, but their passion for bread bonded the father and son together with the launch of Caracas Bakery. In 2020, their disparate paths merged when they opened a business allowing them to deliver Doral’s Venezuelan community with baguettes and ciabattas that combine the best French baking techniques with Venezuelan recipes. Today, alongside head chef Valentina Rodriguez, the team continues crafting some of Miami’s most sought-after baked goods. The menu, which has grown considerably with the opening of its MiMo café location (7283 Biscayne Blvd., Miami), features a variety of bread, pastries, and a list of breakfast- and lunch-inspired sandwiches or small toasts served on fresh-baked baguettes with chewy slices of campesino. But it’s the bakery’s pastry program that showcases the Venezuelan spin. While the usual suspects like the guava and cheese Danish, apple turnovers labeled as pastel de manzana, and Nutella or pastry-stuffed cruffins are stellar, don’t miss their take on the sweet, Latin American-style sticky buns known as golfeados, often accented with tropical fruits, raw sugar, or cheese. Try the popular cachitos, flaky pastries filled with ham, cheese, or both for a savory option. (Note: A third location in Aventura is said to be in the works.)