Alisa’s Painted Bistro

This dual-purpose spot is a bistro and pottery workshop, so artists of all ages can get their paint on while inhaling eye-candy cupcakes and homemade baked goods. In fact, Alisa’s Painted Bistro cupcakes were such a hit, they even branched out into a food truck dubbed Alisa’s Cupcakery. The Aventura joint also serves up savory […]

Ankarr European Pastry Shop

In a city swamped with antiseptically lit cafeterias and overcrowded cafecito counters, it’s a luxury to find both the ambiance and space where you can lounge comfortably while feeding your caffeine habit. For that reason, the discovery of a quaint European-style café such as Ankarr should be considered nothing less than a major coup for […]

Bubble Cafe & Tea Lounge

In a hidden corner of a far-flung strip mall, Manny Sulbaran serves a thoughtful, concise list of fare that won’t send you away in a coma. Perhaps you know Sulbaran. He was once chef de cuisine at Michael Schwartz’s Harry’s Pizzeria in the Design District. It may seem odd to find him all the way […]

Cafe Papillon

The menu boasts a mixture of cuisines (some decidedly Italian, while others have more of a French feel). The Italian influence is undeniable in the perfectly seasoned “bruschetta” ($8.95), and the two caprese options — the traditional salad (tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil), or the sandwich version ($8.50). But don’t stop in Italy, or you’ll […]

Cafetto Coffee and Cocoa

Opened in 2006, Cafetto is a French-style coffee shop with a local flavor. On any given morning, owners Anne-Marie and Oliver can be found behind the counter serving freshly roasted java while chatting up the mostly local clientele. There are eight coffee flavors to choose from, including Jamaican rum, tiramisu, and cinnamon. There’s also an […]

Chocolate Fashion

True Francophiles swoon when the words “Chocolate Fashion” are uttered. Just one look into the lighted pastry case is enough to make them sob. There are glazed super-size fruit tarts, delicate cakes and cookies as big as a baby’s face, and shot glasses of chocolate mousse topped with chocolate macaroons. Had a bad day? Your […]

Crumb on Parchment

TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS. Step into the soaring atrium at 3930 NE Second Ave. in the Design District, and the first thing you notice is the sunlight. The second thing you sense is the smell of delicious baked goods. The source: Crumb on Parchment. The restaurant has a steady following thanks to its tasty caf

Ella Cafe

Hidden inside Palm Court, you’ll find Ella Cafe, a collaboration between Michael Schwartz and his daughter Ella. Here you can try avocado toast, Greek yogurt, salads, sandwiches, and juices in a bright, industrial space. But beneath the outpost’s seasonal menu is something even sweeter: a rotating doughnut special. Depending on the day, expect flavors such […]

Epicure Gourmet Market & Cafe

In the bad old days, prior to the advent of the digital universe and 24/7 connectivity, we barely had time to grab something at the store after work, rush home, and cook it before falling into bed like a sack of dead cheese. Today we barely have time to grab something at the store after […]

The Grove Spot

Clean design characterizes this simple joint’s appeal. During the day, sunlight fills the two room interior. At dusk, the comfortable porch is the perfect place for a cool drink. And at night the small bar is a good place to grab a seat, chat up your neighbor, or watch the game on the flat screen […]

Lost & Found Saloon

The welcome is warm at this small, casually cowboy-cool restaurant/wine-and-beer bar. Decor and food are Southwestern-theme, and prices are superbudget. A significant natural foods component accompanies many items, with a menu of five kinds of salads. Breakfast omelets are made with free-range eggs, and tacos or burritos are available with a range of add-ons: pinon-/pepita-crusted […]