Against that backdrop, we present our view of the top ten spots in SoFi for travelers coming to Miami Beach this season and wishing to sample the best dining the area has to offer. And in case you’re wondering, the hotels you’ll want to consider for your culinary excursion are: Hilton Bentley South Beach, Marriott Stanton South Beach, The Savoy and the Lord Balfour Hotel.

South Beach is a highly charged, highly competitive atmosphere and no place stands as far above the herd of pricey steakhouses as this sceney SoFi location where the celebrity and super model clientele is nearly more dazzling than the food. Order a juicy slab of beef and plenty of decadent sides like the truffled mac & cheese and the divine lobster bisque. Accept no substitutions – Prime 112 is the real deal.

If the lines are too long or you simply forgot to reserve a table across the street, you can relax in the knowledge that nearly every delicious entree served up at Prime 112 is also available at this pretty little sister spot where a hefty helping of red-sauced Italian fare fills out the entree list with garlicky aplomb. Try the giant Kobe meatball and be sure to leave room for dessert! Chances are the Miami HEAT players who are dodging the paparazzi are eating here too.

Set atop the Miami Beach Marina, this all-you-care-to-eat churrascaria serves tender cuts of beef, lamb, chicken and pork to hungry diners who patiently watch as gaucho servers slice the just-grilled meats from steel skewers directly onto their plates. Enjoy the huge soup and salad bar, but practice some discretion as the star of the show is searing away on that stunning Brazilian grill! Prices are per guest and larger parties can easily be accommodated at this friendly SoFi steakhouse with a million dollar view.

The smaller cousin to the Texas de Brazil chain, Fogo de Chao fills First Street with the succulent scent of just-grilled meat which is served by a prompt and professional waitstaff at this charming SoFi steakhouse. Enjoy the fine wine list and a 30 item appetizer selection and when you are ready for a parade of 15 different tender cuts, simply turn your placard to green and let the magic begin! The gaucho chefs slice and serve each grilled treat until you’ve had your fill.

Straight out of Cleveland and right to the top of Florida Foodies must-have list, RED the Steakhouse is one of SoFi’s finest. Restaurateur Brad Friedlander brought Chef Peter Vauthy to South Beach to craft a menu that is sizzling, sexy and stocked with Certified Angus prime beef, chops, lamb and Florida-fresh seafood. The wine list boasts over 700 pours which pair perfectly with the dinner menu or make a sparkling complement to some truly decadent desserts.

The oldest and truly one of the best restaurants to grace the SoFi shoreline, Joe’s has served Florida’s freshest seafood to happy visitors, celebrities and socialites since 1913. Enjoying a storied past which includes run-ins with Al Capone, Will Rogers, Amelia Earhart and Walter Winchell, one of the best things about the landmark restaurant is that the food is still more important than the particular pedigree of the guests. Don’t miss the spicy chowder, the crisp cole slaw or the creamy Key Lime pie.

Steakhouses are popular and plentiful on South Beach but none can boast the truly magnificent view offered at Smith & Wollensky where alfresco tables line the busy waterway where some of the world’s largest cruise ships slip slowly by on their way out to sea. Stop in at sunset for a drink at the back bar and then stay for a juicy steak, a hearty slice of tender prime rib or a huge slab of chocolate layer cake served promptly and politely under the rising Miami Beach moon.

Greek cuisine is all about fresh ingredients prepared with minimal fuss and maximum flavor which makes Estiatorio Milos the benchmark for upscale Greek dining in South Florida. Evoking a breezy vacation atmosphere, the white tables, gleaming stone work and ethereal sheer panels serve as the perfect backdrop for a truly memorable meal. Ideal for a prix fixe lunch or a romantic dinner, the lobster pasta and salt baked whole fish are delectable. Heads turn as the whip smart staff serves platters of pristine seafood to an appreciative, well-dressed crowd.

18001 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Vibe: Alfresco Delight
Dine indoors or alfresco at Neomi’s lovely seaside retreat on Sunny Isles Beach where early risers can enjoy a full buffet breakfast or a la carte options like Challah French Toast, Belgian Waffles and healthy Veggie Hash. Executive Chef Kurtis Jantz and his team start service at 7am with a roster of “Beach Body” organic options for diners looking to put a little extra pep in their step.

1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Southern Fried SoBe
There’s nothing better than the downhome vibe of Yardbird Southern Table & Bar on the weekend when brunchtime extends all day long. Experience the delights of Chicken n’ Watermelon n’ Waffles served with sass by the friendly waitstaff. Tuck into a Cinnamon Apple Hand Pie, a Fried Green Tomato BLT or the Elvis Pancakes with banana compote, bourbon maple syrup and chocolate chips.

1825 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Rosè All Day
Sunday sippers will enjoy Rosè All Day at the fabulous poolside retreat at the Nautilus Cabana Club. Dive into a sumptuous Sunday buffet brunch service (including carving stations, salads, pastries and desserts), live music, direct access to the pool and beach plus the option to include bottomless pours of La Villa Barton Rosè for an additional $16.

220 21 Street, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Exclusive Enclave
Celebrate the weekend in true South Beach style at Bagatelle where Chef Matthieu Godard and his culinary team craft an elegant brunch service including Truffled Scrambled Eggs, Spicy Crab Benedict and Croque Madame with a runny sunny egg on top. With a passion for cooking learned in Normandy at his grandmother’s side, Chef Matthieu’s farm-to-table cuisine makes every meal memorable.

422 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL
Vibe: Sunday Funday
A popular Sunday destination on the Miami River, Seaspice offers a brand new brunch menu with Power Waffles topped with fruit, Black Truffle Egg Tart in puff pastry and Serrano Eggs Benedict with caviar and creme fraiche. New cocktails infused with fragrant teas and juices add to the mix. Make your entrance “Miami Style” onboard a yacht to dine in the heart of Miami’s trendy River District.

2000 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: MidBeach Chic
Dim Sum brunches bring friends closer together, or so you might think before fighting over the last pork dumpling at this Collins Avenue LatAsian restaurant where Chef Carlos Estarita crafts flavorful Shrimp Siu Mai, Beef Gyoza, Pork and Crab buns, and Crab & Corn Dumplings. Whether celebrating the weekend with your besties or sharing an intimate escape with someone special, DÔA is a welcome addition to the Collins Park District, day or night.

1787 Purdy Avenue, South Beach
Husband and wife Chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth bring their love of all things nautical to Sunset Harbour at their down-home seafood joint overlooking Biscayne Bay. Look forward to the launch of a second floor cocktail deck where locals can meet and mingle over sunset sips.

6801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Chef Stephen Ullrich’s new healthy dining outpost at the Carillon Miami brings classic American fare (with a calorie conscious twist) to North Beach. Sourcing South Florida’s growing list of organic purveyors, the menu includes both meat and vegetarian options.

50 NW 24 Street, Wynwood
Godfather to the South Florida dining scene, Chef Norman Van Aken introduces his New World Cuisine to Wynwood including a VIP 10-seat chef’s table and a popular cocktail lounge called No. 3 Social. Expect new takes on global cuisine mixed with a few old favorites for his longtime fans.

2341 Collins Avenue, South Beach
Pubbelly Chef Jose Mendin and Chef de Cuisine Angel Palacios launch a brand new culinary outpost at the 1 Hotel South Beach with gourmet offerings served throughout the day. Divided into Sea, Land, Fire & Air, the menu features fresh local seafood, grilled meat and a variety of craft cocktails you won’t want to miss at the 4pm-7pm happy hour.

143 NE 23 Street, Wynwood
Don’t call it a “food court,” South Florida enjoys the Food Hall explosion now spreading to Wynwood where a group of Asian inspired chefs serve up sushi, dumplings, noodle bowls and banh mi sandwiches to hungry hipsters late night. If you like loud music and funky crowds, you’re about to get Lucky!

336 21 Street, South Beach
Art Deco landmark hotel The Plymouth is home to a hot new sushi bar where Chefs Bruce and Eric Bromberg also offer Japanese style cooked dishes (and amazing fried chicken) alongside their Atlantic and Pacific raw bites. Popular in NYC and Los Angeles, this is Blue Ribbon’s first Florida location.

101 Washington Avenue, South Beach
Top Chef Champion Jeremy Ford brings his obsessive drive for peak fressness and innovative flavors to his SoFi dining room where brunch and dinner service attract a who’s-who of Florida foodies. Enjoy his seasonally inspired dishes – designed to sample and share – including raw seafood, toothsome snacks, meat & shellfish plus visually compelling cocktails.

223 NW 23 Street, Wynwood
One of the brightest stars in Miami’s culinary firmament, Chef Brad Kilgore presents a unique chef’s tasting menu to friends and fans at this chic Wynwood eatery alongside his creative a la carte selections. Kilgore’s global travels likely fuel his evolving seasonal menus.

4312 NE Second Avenue, Miami
An off-the-radar Design District restaurant remains a local’s favorite. This cozy Greek and Turkish inspired alfresco terrace is breezy and charming by day and decidedly more romantic after dark when guests enjoy authentic flavors from Chef Roel Alcudia’s kitchen.

“Stiltsville Fish Bar will be a laid back, neighborhood restaurant where guests can enjoy a relaxing view of the bay and have an amazing meal with family and friends,” says Founder and Co-CEO, Ignacio Garcia-Menocal. “The menu, ambiance and fun nature of the restaurant will make the rich history of Stiltsville come alive in Sunset Harbour.” The menu features snacks and small plates like smoked fish dip and sweet corn spoon bread as well as larger shareable offerings like a lobster topped hamburger, a whole fried chicken and crispy Key Lime dusted snapper.

To add to the seaside charm, a curated beverage program takes its inspiration from Key West with party-ready cocktails, fruit infused mixes and plenty of down home appeal. The bar sits on one side of the nautically-appointed dining room. While the inviting sea blue and sandy beach color palette provides a welcoming atmosphere, guests eagerly anticipate the 2018 opening of the second floor sun deck where a cooling adult beverage will pair perfectly with views of the sunset over Biscayne Bay.

Florida foodies may recall that Chef McInnis took part in the launch of the popular comfort food restaurant Yardbird Southern Table and Bar before decamping to MidTown to launch GiGi and then moving to New York to bring his signature fried chicken to Manhattan at Root & Bone. He and wife Janine Booth opened the Sarsaparilla Club on South Beach before getting together with Grove Bay Hospitality Group to launch Stiltsville earlier this year.

All-day offerings include fresh and locally-sourced ingredients prepared simply. Starters of Green Deviled Eggs, Grilled Peaches with Ricotta and Pimento Cheese Croquettes bring a home made vibe to the table. Entrees like Shrimp n’ Grits, Bone Marrow Crusted NY Steak and BBQ Whole Fish will satisfy heartier appetites.

Stiltsville Fish Bar is located at 1787 Purdy Avenue on South Beach. Serving lunch and dinner daily plus brunch weekends.

The couple’s return to Miami quickened the pulse of area foodies who truly missed the soulful flavors the chefs once brought to the table. If James Beard is to be believed, Chef McInnis and Yardbird were worthy of recognition as Best Chef: South and Best New Restaurant the last time McInnis called Miami Beach “home.” While most folks hoped they might open another down home kitchen, Booth and McInnis defied expectations with an American Dim Sum concept on the shores of South Beach called Sarsaparilla Club at the Shelborne Hotel.

The Sarsaparilla Club menu combined flavors both innovative and familiar to fans of the culinary duo including Asian-style street foods, a terrific selection of vegetarian dishes and a surprising riff on classic fried chicken that takes a turn in a Thai curry marinade. Admirers of Miami’s Chef Bee (who runs NaiYaRa Restaurant in the Sunset Harbour District) may detect the influence of his Vietnamese and Northern Thai flavors that so enchanted Chef Booth when she helped him open Khong River House on Lincoln Road Mall in 2012. This unique fusion of McInnis’ homey inspirations and Booth’s bright notes made a meal at The Sarsaparilla Club a revelation.

That creative effort has now run it’s course and the pair will shutter the Shelborne dining room to relaunch the Sarsaparilla space as a Florida outpost of Root & Bone in early December. For the moment, their hearts are set upon perfecting the down home flavors of Florida seafood at Stiltsville.

South Beach Magazine took some time to find out what life is like for the dynamic duo as they work through the first season of this brand new seafood restaurant in the former Joe Allen space in trendy Sunset Harbour. McInnis is calling upon his formative years cooking and fishing along Florida’s panhandle to inspire this more casual venture where the team hopes to build a rooftop sundeck to host nightly happy hours. Whatever happens next, you can be sure South Floridians will be listening for the dinner bell whenever it rings for these camera-ready craftsmen.

We were big fans of your work in South Florida before you moved to New York to open Root & Bone. Please tell us what it is like returning to Miami – living and working as chefs here once again.
We absolutely love this city and everything it has to offer. The sunshine, blue skies and beaches makes for the perfect atmosphere for us to be as creative as possible while allowing us to find a little more balance in our lives.

What is your favorite thing about being a chef in Miami right now?
We are so thrilled to be back here in Miami, especially at a time when the culinary scene is really developing and chefs are so inspired. We are seeing so many amazing restaurant concepts popping up, and we are proud to be part of this growth and transition.

If you hadn’t decided to become a chef, what would you be doing?
Jeff: I have always been good at two things – cooking and fishing – so I think I am in the right place!

Janine: I have always been very creative and one of my favorite parts of opening restaurants is concept development. I think I would go into brand and concept development.

What made you decide to go into business together?
We are both equally passionate about our business and work really well together. We both have our strengths and areas of the business where we flourish so we make a really great team.

It must be tough to find a sense of balance in life and work while running successful restaurants for you two. How to you make it work? Do you find the dynamic of taking on so much responsibility changes the way you work together?
Living in Miami makes life a dream! This city, the ocean, the air here does wonderful things for both of us. We make sure we schedule time to spend as a couple, so we are able to completely switch off from work. We love checking out new restaurants, swimming at the beach and going paddleboarding. Scheduling time for us helps us find balance and calm in our work as well.

Obviously you’ve thought a lot about creating a new approach to our local restaurant scene. What do you think the Miami food scene needs most and what would you like to see go away?
Janine: The food scene here has expanded so much and chefs are slowly filling the gaps in the market, but Jeff and I find ourselves constantly hunting for Indian food and local seafood!

When you’re not at work, where do you like to dine in South Florida?
We love little local spots like Macchialina where they make our favorite pastas, Visa-01 and Lucali serve up our favorite pizzas, Byblos for Mediterranean is amazing and NaiYaRa for our Thai fix.

When you are cooking at home for yourself or your friends & family, what’s your go-to dish?
Jeff: We love focusing on vegetables and getting experimental with whatever is in season. Although we love meat, it is the side dish in our house. Janine also has a really sweet tooth, so she loves making awesome healthy desserts.

How has cooking in Florida changed or inspired you as a chef? Do you find your menu is influenced by the produce available in Florida?
The seasons in Florida are so unusual and we love it! Getting heirloom tomatoes in January and strawberries soon after is amazing. The accessibility to farmers in Florida has developed hugely in the last few years and we are sourcing a huge amount of our produce, honey and dairy from local farms.

What’s one thing you want diners to know about the menu at your restaurant, perhaps your favorite dish, an unexpected entree or the inspiration behind one of the dishes you decided to include on the menu?
We are really proud of our fried chicken. In each of our restaurants we have a version of fried chicken but each one is particularly special.

South Florida diners are eager to discover new local restaurants for the first time. What do you hope they discover about your South Beach eatery?
We are incredibly excited for our project in Sunset Harbour, where the focus is Florida seafood. We will be building out the rooftop of our space so our guests can enjoy their meal while watching the beautiful sunset over Biscayne Bay.

Stiltsville Fish Bar 1787 Purdy Avenue South Beach 786-353-0477

Dinner Sunday -Thursday 5pm – 11pm, Friday & Saturday until midnight. Brunch Friday through Sunday 11am – 3pm. Happy Hour weeknights 5pm-7pm

More info on Stiltsville Fish Bar

Start your morning at this elegant oasis with a three-course $49 prix fixe meal including two items from the appetizer menu along with a sweet or savory entree. Choose from starters like Avocado Tartine with radish and pickled shallots, Tuna Poke with ponzu and hazelnuts or Lobster and Crab Steamed Buns followed by Cuban-style Eggs Benedict, Brioche French toast with warm nutella or an 8 ounce Wagyu Burger and fries. After your meal, add to your bliss with chilled towels and hand-crafted cocktails like “The Esther Williams,” a mix of Lillet Blanc, raspberry, blackberry, basil, lemon juice and sparkling wine served over ice at the pool bar. #SundayFunday

The Restaurant at the Raleigh
1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Brunch served Sundays from 12-4pm.
Pool closes at dusk.
Reservations are suggested – please call 305.612.1163

404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
An exciting addition to the South Beach scene, Lobster Bar Sea Grille celebrates their grand opening on Washington Avenue with a $39 three-course dinner menu that includes guest favorites like stuffed lobster, grilled whole fish and a combination surf & turf platter with Nova Scotia lobster tail and filet mignon. Stop in for happy hour at the bar or patio weeknights for specially priced wine and cocktails ($10-$12) plus freshly shucked oysters, fried calamari, ceviche and Maryland crabcakes served from 5:30pm -7:30pm.

255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami
A Mediterranean bistro in the heart of Downtown Miami, Boulud Sud showcases the talents of Chef Daniel Boulud and his team who bring seasonal ingredients and classic French techniques to the airy dining room at the JW Marriott Marquis. Stop in to sample Chef Clark Bowen’s coastal cuisine inspired by flavors from the Côte d’Azur Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Turkey and beyond. A prix fixe lunch menu is served weekdays from noon until 2:30pm and a weeknight oyster happy hour delights from 5pm – 8pm.

801 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL
Stylish and swanky, KOMODO Miami is a three-story dining and nightlife destination in the heart of the Brickell Financial District combining a Southeast Asian menu with an upscale Florida vibe. With three bars and an outdoor “birds nest” lounge space, the kitchen serves weekday lunches, dinner seven nights and also hosts a popular Lucky Nine Happy Hour weeknights from 4pm-7pm with $9 appetizers and crafted cocktails. Enjoy chef specialties like Peking Duck, Tuna & Toro Rolls and the truly addictive Lobster Dynamite.

1453 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL
A popular Argentinean restaurant near Brickell City Center, PM Fish & Steak House brings the delights of Buenos Aires to the heart of downtown Miami. Using an exclusive grill that combines charcoal and wood stoked to high temperatures, the kitchen prepares prime beef and seasonal, fresh seafood including Grilled Jumbo Lobster Tail served with a soy and butter sauce simmered with onions and a touch of garlic. Stop in for happy hour weeknights from 4pm-7pm in the bar or on the lushly appointed patio where drinks are half off and bar bites start at $4.

112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
A local’s favorite South Beach lunch spot, Prime 112 offers all the delights of their stellar kitchen without the daunting nighttime crowds that make the SoFi steakhouse such a scene. Pop by daily from noon until 3pm to enjoy a breezy patio table or chill out in the dark recesses of the cozy dining room. We’re still wild about the classic Lobster Bisque spiked with sherry and the equally intoxicating Lobster Cobb Salad layered with roasted corn, summer fresh tomatoes, chunks of avocado, and crispy applewood-smoked bacon.

1874 Bay Road, Miami Beach, FL
A popular Sunset Harbour eatery with a casual vibe, La Moderna is the sister restaurant to Fratelli La Bufala on Washington Avenue on South Beach. Check out the 5pm happy hour and stick around to sample the perfectly charred pizzas, grilled meats and tender house made pastas. We’re wild about the Tagliolino all’Astice, a knife cut wide noodle tossed with cherry tomatoes, thyme and shallots and topped with a halved Maine lobster. The kitchen deftly captures all the flavors of summer on the Amalfi coast in just one plate.

1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
One of South Beach’s most luxuriously appointed dining destinations, Gianni’s at the Villa Casa Casuarina offers guests a chance to ogle the elegant interiors of Fashion Icon Gianni Versace’s former residence in the center of the Art Deco District. Executive Chef Thomas Stewart and his team have created a truly memorable menu showcasing seasonal ingredients prepared with an Italian flair. Feast upon house made pastas, grilled beef and seafood, plus tender lobster removed from the shell and presented over pasta with olives, green peas and micro greens.

1784 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Serving Japanese classics, creative nigiri and signature cocktails, Sushi Garage in the Sunset Harbour District is an ideal spot for summer fresh seafood. Built in a former auto body shop in what was once the west side warehouse district, the popular restaurant now attracts a loyal local following who thrills to Chef Sunny Oh’s innovative riffs on Asian fare. Perfect for the season, a tart ginger-dressed salad of romaine lettuce, heirloom tomatoes and chunks of freshly shelled lobster tossed with creamy avocado.

1690 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Bringing “La Dolce Vita” to South Beach, Dolce Italian restaurant serves crisp pizzas, house made mozzarella, seasonal salads, and classic recipes with a twist at The Gale Hotel. Chef Paolo Dorigato and his team conjure authentic flavors of Trento, Italy where he got his culinary inspirations before traveling the world in pursuit of the magic that informs his menu. Summertime specials include a Lobster Mezzelune, a delectable pasta topped with corn, mushrooms and fresh lobster tossed in sauce armoricane.

9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL
The best reason to visit the Shops at Bal Harbour this summer is Makoto, a sleek Japanese dining room where Chef Makoto Okuwa’s kitchen inspires an army of fierce local fans. Bringing a wealth of experience as head sushi chef for Iron Chef Morimoto, Chef Okuwa opened his namesake South Florida restaurant to much critical acclaim. Be sure to order his seasonal Lobster Maki, a signature roll filled with fresh Maine lobster, crunchy ginger pickled jicama, asparagus, tobiko and creamy avocado. The combination of flavors and textures is awesome.

309 23rd Street, Miami Beach, FL
Chef Erwin Mallet brings all the flavors of the South of France to South Beach at Villa Azur, a chic supperclub in the Collins Park District. Specializing in seafood and caviar, the kitchen also prepares a delightful variety of lighter sharing plates including Warm Asparagus Salad with truffle pecorino, Baby Artichoke Carpaccio dressed with a tangy lemon aioli and a summer-fresh heirloom tomato tart with bright basil pesto and creamy burratina cheese.

4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Celebrity Chef Scott Conant brings his classic Italian flavors to the Fontainebleau Resort at Scarpetta, a popular showcase for his beloved family recipes now available in both New York and Las Vegas. While the kitchen deftly crafts both meat and seafood entrees, the chef’s signature spaghetti is a simple blend of noodles, fresh tomato and basil paired to perfection. This elegant dish is so flavorful, the name “Scarpetta” derives from the practice of using a crust of bread to sop up all the extra sauce.

730 First Street, Miami Beach, FL
One of the most breathtaking dining rooms in the SoFi District is Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliades, a Greek inspired restaurant with impeccable credentials. Enjoy a sunny lunch or romantic dinner with swift, white-linen service and some of the freshest seafood in town. In addition to raw bar classics and meticulously prepared fish, the Milos Classic dishes include colorful grilled Holland Peppers with garlic and oil, Grilled Mushrooms with Halloumi cheese and towers of crispy fried zucchini and eggplant.

450 NW North River Drive, Downtown Miami
Discover all the delights of modern Greek cuisine at Kiki on the River, Miami’s newest riverfront hotspot where Executive Chef Steve Rhee prepares classic and updated dishes that honor the Mediterranean kitchen. While seafood takes pride of place on the menu with flavorfully grilled octopus, shrimp and whole fish, the house signature fries topped in lemon and feta cheese are truly addictive. Enjoy seasonal grilled veggies, garlicky dips with pita and a crisp Greek salad topped with tart feta cheese.

1120 15th Street, Miami Beach, FL
A hidden gem on the residential west side of South Beach, Via Emilia 9 is a local’s favorite regional Italian eatery where Chef Wendy Cacciatori hand crafts pastas each day in the breezy open kitchen. Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner specials or take home the chef’s best efforts from the restaurant’s charming marketplace. Vegetarians will thrill to house made Piadine flatbreads, tart Eggplant Parmigiana and the chef’s special cheese filled tortellini, tender tagliatelle or potato dough gnocchi.

1784 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Set in a former auto body shop near tony Sunset Harbour, Sushi Garage is a foodie’s dining destination run by the team behind Juvia restaurant on Lincoln Road Mall. Chefs Sunny Oh and Gregory Gourreau offer upscale riffs on classic Japanese flavors like noodle bowls, sushi rolls, and stone pot fried rice. Vegetarians will enjoy the lightly fried avocado tempura, steamy bok choy, eggplant caviar and seasonal veggie hand rolls in crisp black seaweed wrappers.

1103 Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami
Downtown diners thrill to the sweeping views of Biscayne Bay during lunch service at Verde at the Perez Art Museum where Chef Kaytlin Brakefield swaps seasonal watermelon for the traditional beef used in carpaccio, fills house made ravioli with calabaza squash puree and pipes creamy goat cheese into vibrant squash blossoms topped with a tart tomato sugo. While the kitchen can satisfy any Miami carnivore, this chef has a knack for flavors so bright you won’t even miss the meat.

2200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
An exciting French bistro concept in Collins Park, Paris 6 serves meat and vegetarian diners with equal aplomb. A South American based endeavor inspired by the all-night brasseries of France makes it’s American debut in Miami Beach with classic Bruschetta topped with tomato, basil and garlic oil, Rice and Brie Croquettas served with spicy pepper jelly, and Vol-Au-Vent puff pastry topped with cheese and apricot jam. In a nod to the Florida location, the chef crafts a crisp hearts of palm salad in a tangy vinaigrette.

161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
After a day at the beach, finding lighter, flavorful fare is a priority easily achieved at Lolo’s Surf Cantina, a Baja-inspired poolside eatery at the Marriott Stanton Hotel on Ocean Drive. With a talented chef like Richard Ampudia who was born in Mexico City, the kitchen makes fresh, seasonal fare designed to satisfy any appetite. Try the Vegan Aguachile with hearts of palm, avocado and cilantro, the housemade guacamole, and the delightfully unexpected Mayan Dip made with pureed pumpkin seeds.

2000 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Asian Persuasion
Looking for a brand new spot to fuel your foodie passions? Check out DÔA in Collins Park where the dim sum menu pairs perfectly with signature cocktails like the Asian Mule (vodka, yuzu & ginger beer), ShisoRumi (Flor de Cana, lime & shiso) and Sensi’s Apprentice (tequila, honeydew, cucumber & lime). Stop in from 6pm-8pm for the daily happy hour when craft cocktails are $7 and bar bites including crispy squid, pork belly buns and spring rolls are $5.

450 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL
Vibe: Waterfront Taverna
Downtown Miami’s haute new Friday happy hour destination is Kiki on the River, a waterfront taverna with a twist. Starting at 5:30pm at the bar, guests can share Greek mezze appetizers, an innovative cocktail menu and buy one get one free drinks served until 7:30pm. Enjoy custom blends like the Spicy Mule (vodka, mango, cayenne pepper, lime and ginger) or The Pink Panther (vodka, watermelon juice, and a hint of lime).

1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Cabana Classic
South Beach swizzles at Nikki Beach Club where the sumptuous “Amazing Sunday” brunch includes a variety of serving stations with breakfast classics, custom cut prime rib, hand-rolled sushi and seafood paella. Adding an extra lift to the afternoon feast are Craft Bloody Mary mixes and a DIY Mimosa Bar featuring customizable champagne cocktails with fresh fruit juice, rock candy swizzles, ice cold sherbet and so much more.

1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Southern Comfort
South Beach sippers gather at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar where bourbon is the name of the game. Choose from the classics or opt for a crafted cocktail like the Yardbird Old Fashioned with Buffalo Trace bourbon infused with a hint of smoky bacon, bitters and a dash of maple syrup. For something sweet and spicy, order the Chica Fresno Watermelon, a mix of tequila, fresh lime juice, fresno chili, orange bitters and a sprig of fresh cilantro.

161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Baja Fresh
The SoFi District’s best kept secret is the refreshing cocktail menu at Lolo’s Surf Cantina where the featured Bebidas include Hibiscus Sangria, Margaritas de la Casa and citrusy Micheladas (fruit and spice infused beer). Stop in for happy hour at the bar Sundays through Thursdays from 4pm – 7pm when draft beer, house margaritas & palomas, Mexican Mules and wine by the glass start at $4. Pair your punch with discounted tacos and other spicy snacks.

18001 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Vibe: Beachfront Oasis
Surf’s Up! Gili’s Beach Club offers guests a rare opportunity to sample fruit infused, house signature cocktails just steps from the Sunny Isles shoreline. Enjoy a fresh white peach sangria on the 60 seat patio or try the Hibiscus Key Lime Agua Fresca with tequila, fresh oregano and a dash of jalapeño for an added kick. The Caipirinha bar includes fresh fruit Cachaça cocktails blended with raspberies, grapes and a splash of lime. Open daily until 6pm.

2007 SW Eighth Steet, Little Havana, Miami, FL
Vibe: Pirate’s Booty
Check out Little Havana’s cool new cocktail lounge crafted with nautical touches and welcoming landlubbers and salty dogs from 5pm, seven nights a week. Bar Nancy showcases a specialty cocktail program inspired by the spice trade that includes house made blends of herbs, spices and fresh fruit. From the rum and whiskey menu, sample “Gunners Daughter,” (infused with tea and black cherry) and the aptly named “Smile You SOB” (tequila, plum, passion fruit and lime).

1784 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Tokyo Tech
Fans of the Sunset Harbour District favor the weeknight happy hour at Sushi Garage, a casual eatery (run by the team behind Juvia) where the craft cocktail program has a refreshing Asian inspiration. Happy hour prices are offered from 5pm-7pm and again from 11pm until closing. Priced at just $7 are the Cooler Cucumber (cukes, gin and soda), the Sake Fusion (sake, aloe and soda), Wine Tea (Pinot Grigio, green tea and lemongrass) and In the Mood (pear, vanilla and prosecco).

422 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL
Vibe: Miami Vice
Enjoy the thoughtfully curated cocktail menu at Seaspice where the drinks are pretty enough to compete with panoramic views of the Miami River (and a great looking crowd). Find an alfresco table or a seat at the patio bar to sample a Blackberry Ice (Grey Goose, fresh berries, lemon juice and St. Germain), a Melonade (Maestro Dobel tequila, watermalon and basil) or a Seaspice Mojito (Bacardi coconut rum, raspberries, pineapple, mint and lime).

2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Tropical Hideaway
The Setai Hotel’s newly renovated Ocean Grill is an open-air eatery just steps from the Atlantic surf where happy hour priced tropical cocktails are served daily from 4pm – 6pm. Try the brand new Coco Setai Cocktails served inside a fresh coconut for $16. Choose from four signature pours including the Coco Walker (whiskey, Coco Lopez and coconut water), the Coco Vanilla (vanilla vodka and pineapple), Coco Tequila and Coco Melon (rum and watermelon juice).

4041 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Chef Richard Hales makes magic happen at his Midtown Asian eateries Sakaya Kitchen and Blackbrick Chinese. Now that he’s established a beachhead at The Confidante Miami Beach Hotel, he’s free to explore the supremely American flavors of southern fried chicken, perfectly juicy burgers and a spectacular tomahawk pork chop served with tart onion chow chow and buttery whipped potatoes. Find a table on the open-air terrace at Bird & Bone and savor the flavors of summer.

1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Offering unparalleled views of South Beach, Juvia tops the upper reaches of the Herzog & de Meuron parking structure on Lincoln Road Mall. Enjoy craft cocktails at the indoor bar or find your spot on the outdoor terrace where the chef’s selection of beef and seafood seared on a Japanese-style Binchotan charcoal grill offer the perfect hint of smoke. Choose a 32 ounce bone-in ribeye, Korean spiced short ribs, Scottish salmon or seared prawns with a yuzu vinaigrette.

404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
South Florida’s popular new seafood chain – Lobster Bar Sea Grille – has locations in both Fort Lauderdale and South Beach. For a limited time, guests can enjoy a $39, 3-course opening celebration menu to introduce some of Chef Arturo Paz’s best dishes including lobster bisque, fried calamari, lobster stuffed lobster and wood grilled whole European fish. The summer menu is served Sunday through Thursday nights starting at 5:30pm.

309 23 Street, Miami Beach, FL
Chef Erwin Mallet works his magic at Villa Azur supperclub where the food, drinks and late night dancing offer guests a truly memorable experience. Start your evening with selections from the raw bar, house made pastas and simply grilled seafood including whole roast snapper, jumbo prawns or chorizo crusted scallops. One of the highlights of the menu this season is the deftly seared Colorado lamb chop served with a tart apricot glaze, caramelized carrots and minted pea puree.

3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Chef Francis Mallmann is considered the Lord of Fire throughout the culinary world, so ranking his massive 48 ounce tomahawk steak one of Miami’s best is a no-brainer. Employing ancient South American cooking techniques in an open-fire kitchen, the chef treats fresh local ingredients to traditional rustic recipes. Stop in Sundays from noon to 4pm when the restaurant hosts a family-friendly “Asado” barbeque; a meat-lovers brunch with plenty of firepower.

2000 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Check out South Beach’s new Lat-Asian hotspot, DÔA Miami Beach, where chef driven flavors born in the Far East and forged in Latin America delight Miami diners.  Graze on small bites like dim sum and sushi, but be sure to save room for the most exciting elements from the Robata Grill including the 34 ounce Wagyu Tomahawk bathed in Huacatay Ponzu Butter. Chef Carlos Estarita’s spicy skewers and juicy grilled meats are truly breathtaking.

422 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL
Dining alfresco along the edge of the Miami River is the best way to connect to the magic of South Florida. That’s what makes Seaspice the perfect date night destination where you and a friend can enjoy Chef Angel Leon’s wood-fired bone-in ribeye presented at the table atop a sizzling hot stone. The kitchen grills lobsters and veal shanks, lamb racks and even tender asparagus napped in garlic and lemon oil, a bright addition to any meal.

161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Celebrate summer by the sea at South Beach’s Baja-inspired eatery, Lolo’s Surf Cantina at the Marriott Stanton Hotel. Born in Mexico City, Chef Richard Ampudia crafts Carne Asada with the perfect notes of fire and smoke. Enjoy an 8 ounce prime New York strip steak served with grilled cebollita onions, charred peppers and house salsas. Pair your feast with grilled Elote corn topped with cotija cheese and a frozen Margarita flavored with mango, guava or blood orange.

788 Brickell Plaza, Miami, FL
The roar of an open flame sears meat, seafood and even vegetables at Quinto La Huella, bringing each dish to new heights under the watchful eye of Argentinean Chef Nano Crespo. Located on the fifth level of the EAST, Miami Hotel at Brickell City Center, the restaurant features an authentic parrilla oven fuelled by red and white oak. This first outpost of Uruguay’s award-winning Parador La Huella offers indoor and alfresco service in the heart of the busy Brickell District.

450 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL
A new Miami River oasis, Kiki on the River offers a casual alfresco atmosphere perfect for an afternoon escape. With a menu inspired by the Greek Islands, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily plus a lively weekend brunch. Stop in at Happy Hour Fridays starting at 5:30pm when a selection of oysters starts at $1.50 and the kitchen sends out small plates like tender grilled octopus served with red onion, greek oregano, parsley and flash fried capers.

130 NE 40 Street, Miami, FL
Vibe: Fashionably Delicious
Everything about Chef Michael Schwartz’s menu at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink makes us hungry, but we’re wild about his burgers served with a variety of farm-fresh toppings. In celebration of Burger Month, enjoy a new riff on an old flame each week including a Double Cheese with bacon (May 1), the Cypress Burger with onion marmalade (May 8), The Frita with chorizo (May 15) and a Greek-inspired Lamb Burger topped with feta and tomato (May 28).

1035 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL
Vibe: Downtown Destination
Chef Bryan Rojas makes his mark as one of Miami’s rising star chefs at Fooq’s, a cozy Downtown eatery where the mouth-watering Fooq’s Burger combines short rib, brisket, and skirt steak to dazzling effect. Topped with a melted crown of Jarlsberg cheese and served on a house made brioche bun, this lunchtime favorite will change the way you think about burgers from now on.

49 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: California Cool
Our favorite new SoFi dining destination is Chef Justin Smillie’s Upland, a temple of California Cool located due south of Fifth Street. Daytime diners thrill to his Upland Cheeseburger, a perfect patty of grass fed beef topped with American cheese, peppadews (sweet peppers) and sliced avocado that he serves with a batch of crispy fries for just 9.99. Bliss!

3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL
Vibe: Hip Hideaway
The Chug Burger at Coconut Grove’s Ariete is a wood-fired double patty stack napped in melted cheddar cheese, house-made pickles and Chef Michael Beltran’s secret sauce. Add bacon to make your meal magic. Pro Tip: The chef also makes a mean Frita as part of the happy hour bar menu served Tuesday through Friday from 4pm – 7pm.

1103 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL
Vibe: Bright & Breezy
Dine indoors or alfresco at the Perez Art Museum Miami where Chef Kaytlin Brakefield’s Verde offers an ideal cultural oasis in the heart of Downtown Miami. With lunch service starting at 11am, the menu showcases fresh local ingredients to rival some of the best views in the city. Don’t miss the cheddar burger with Norfolk sauce and applewood bacon – it’s a work of art!

422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami, FL
Vibe: Miami River Magic
With views to stir the senses, Seaspice on the Miami River offers well-heeled Downtown diners an oasis of cool at the edge of the busy business district. Find a table on the dock and order a mid-rare Wagyu Burger topped with cheddar cheese, truffle aioli, and crispy potatoes on a soft Kaiser bun. Real men get the fries, but you may also opt for a side salad.

2621 NW Second Avenue, Miami, FL
Vibe: Hipster Hangout
RUST Wynwood’s Executive Chef Diego Medina tops his Rust Burger with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, carmelized onions, slab bacon, a perfectly runny fried egg and mustard aioli to bring you the messiest, juiciest bite of the day! Pair it with crispy skin-on fries and a frosty local brew and you’ll never venture beyond Wynwood for your burger fix again.

4041 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Mid-Beach Oasis
Chef Richard Hales has taken his talents to the Confidante Hotel where Bird & Bone serves contemporary country cuisine to lucky guests and hungry locals. With a menu that reflects locally sourced, organic ingredients, we’re particularly drawn to the Bird & Bone Burger; a double Angus beef patty topped with bacon, onion and Florida cheddar on a ZTB brioche bun.

1110 South Miami Avenue, Brickell
Vibe: Brickellista!
Groove to this half off happy hour at Brickell City Centre’s Level One lounge where you’ll find great food, fun people and discount drink service Thursday through Saturday from 5pm – 8pm. After you get your shopping done, recharge your spirit with appetizers like Crab Au Gratin, Duck Croquettes or Spicy Thai Shrimp and artisanal cocktails including the Dirty Trini, Emojito Royal and Dutch Melons.

1545 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Mediterranean Marvel
South Beach’s favorite Mediterranean restaurant and lounge offers guests an “Unwind and Dine Happy Hour Menu” from 6pm to 7pm nightly with select cocktails priced at $8, beer and wine starting at $5 and small plate mezze appetizers priced from $6-$12. Sample Byblos exotic treats like organic labneh, tart tuna ceviche or warm pide flatbread with drinks like the Nightingale Sour or Ottoman Cartel. One of our favorite shared cocktails is the house signature spiked tea service which blends fragrant teas and liquor to great effect.

1220 16 Street, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Hip Hideaway
Hidden behind an Airstream taco truck, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is one of South Beach locals’ favorite drink spots where happy hour takes on an added dimension every day from 6pm – 8pm with $2 tacos, $3 chips and guacamole, $4 draft beers, mezcal and tequila shots plus $6 specialty cocktails. We’re not sure what you might call this meal deal, but we call it “dinner!” Check out the cool back room bar tonight!

161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Seaside Sensation
South Beach’s newly popular Baja-style restaurant Lolo’s Surf Cantina welcomes thirsty guests to a $6 happy hour at the Marriott Stanton Hotel Sunday through Thursday from 4pm – 7pm when house special cocktails and fiesta bites are discounted at the bar area. Enjoy draft beer for $4, house margaritas and wine for $5, plus Mexican-style Mules for $6. If you’re feeling munchie, house cut fries and savory treats like Chicken Quesadillas and Carnitas Tacos are also $4-$6. Lolo’s is bound to become your beachside favorite.

1222 16 Street, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Carny Casual
Ricky’s South Beach enjoys a loyal local following for its carnival-inspired menu, live band karaoke and country or reggae showcases. We like to swing by after work to sample the happy hour cocktail specials served from 6pm – 8pm including $5 sliders and nachos plus $4 drafts and shots. Challenge friends to an arcade game death match or sit back and watch the world go by from the comfort of your favorite barstool.

1424 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Asian Persuasion
South Beach sizzles at sunset when Drunken Dragon celebrates their notorious Dragon Hour, a daily ritual from 6pm – 8pm that includes discount drinks and a full roster of amazing Asian treats starting at just $3. Stop into our favorite hidden hideaway (under the red MARKET logo) where you’ll enjoy Lychee Martinis, Hemingway Daiquiris and fruit infused Margaritas for just $6. Pair your potent potion with a Cuban-style Bahn Mi, Salmon Tacos or Twice Fried Chicken.

2007 SW 8 Street, Little Havana, Miami, FL
Vibe: Rowdy Retreat
We’re just wild about Nancy, the hot new hideaway in Miami’s Little Havana where a team of bar industry veterans (The Stage, Purdy Lounge, Will Call) built a nautically-inspired tavern that feels like a lost weekend in Key West. Check it out at happy hour from 5pm – 8pm with half-priced cocktails, wine and beer. As the evening unfolds, expect great live music, cool craft cocktails and tropical punch bowls from the tiki bar out back.

1103 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL
Vibe: Intellectual Curiosity
Let’s be honest – meeting great people in Miami can be a challenge if you stick to the regular bar scene. That’s why we’re raising the level of our after work prowl at Verde at the Perez Art Museum Miami where the Thursday night happy hour includes free admission, live music and awesome drink specials ($5 beer, $6 wine and $7 cocktails) served on the terrace overlooking Miami’s Biscayne Bay from 5pm – 7pm.

These days the young chef can be found on the tenth floor of the elegant Ritz-Carlton South Beach where he shares his expertise with a select number of guests at the exclusive Elevation Lounge. Twice a week, he and Pastry Chef John Martinez host live cooking demonstrations so guests can learn what it takes to craft a particular dish and then taste the culinary and confectionary offerings the chefs create. This is all part of his current role as Chef de Cuisine for the resort; a job he has trained for since his days at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. Working under Chefs Jeffrey Vigila and Jordi Valles on the island, Chef Quant perfected his cooking techniques and established the foundations for his menus today.

As a child, the budding chef spent many happy hours cooking alongside his father, who taught him the wonders of Asian flavors and Caribbean spices. Spending time together fishing along Nicaragua’s western shore gave Chef Quant his first taste of the slow-cooked octopus local fishermen prepared out on the beach. The flavors of the chargrilled delicacy now translate to one of his favorite preparations at Bistro One LR where octopus is charred and dressed in cilantro and plenty of fresh lime juice.

South Beach Magazine met with the busy chef at an event recently and asked him about his current role at one of the city’s most highly regarded resort properties. Preparing his signature ceviche, Chef Quant fairly beamed with pride as he spoke about new menu options available this season.

Please share your impressions living and working as a chef in Miami. What is your favorite thing about being a chef in Miami right now?

I love the “hype” of being a chef in Miami. I love the fusion of cultures, the melting pot that makes Miami a unique dining destination.

If you hadn’t decided to become a chef, what would you be doing?

I enjoy urban farming and I love fishing. I believe if I were not a chef, I’d be doing Aquaculture somewhere in the Caribbean – on the beautiful coast of Nicaragua!

What do you think the Miami food scene needs most and what would you like to see go away?

Miami needs more passionate cooks. There is no place for mediocrity in the kitchen.

When you’re not at work, where do you like to dine in South Florida.

One of my favorite places to enjoy great food and drinks is Barceloneta. Chef Juliana Gonzalez is amazing — her food is just an expression of passion and her flavors are immaculate!

When you are cooking at home (for yourself or friends and family), what is your go-to dish?

When I’m with my family and friends, I enjoy grilling fresh fish that we caught that same morning.

What are the dishes you remember most from childhood and how do those flavors influence your menu today?

I have several fond memories from my grandparent’s farm – from gathering cow’s milk and making fresh cheese to sitting with my grandfather peeling corn to make tortillas. However, most of all, I remember the passion and love we put into each moment when cooking for our family. This is the influence we carry through our menu and onto our team at Bistro One LR.

How has cooking in Florida changed or inspired you as a chef? Do you find your menu is influenced by the produce available in Florida?

As Miami has become my hometown, I’ve had the opportunity to cook with the most amazing fruits and produce. Taking a drive through the Redlands for fresh greens, going north to Kissimmee for some beautiful mushrooms or just driving to Homestead for the smell of mango fields – this all has inspired the way I cook at Bistro One LR. For many of our dishes we use local citrus, like in our ceviche which is made with farmed cobia and citrus leche de tigre, as well as our spicy mixed green salad with mango and oranges.

What is the one thing you want diners to know about the menu at your restaurant – perhaps your favorite dish or the inspiration behind one of the dishes you include on your current menu?

My favorite dish on the menu is the grilled octopus. It reminds me when my dad used to take us fishing on the west coast of Nicaragua, where octopus is abundant. I learned to slowly cook them with the local fishermen in the middle of the beach and afterwards marinate them in lime and cilantro and then chargrill them whole… Wow!

Many chefs comment that the South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a great opportunity to meet chefs who mean a great deal to them. Who are you looking forward to meeting this year?

I always enjoy meeting all the Food Network Chefs, but most of all I enjoy catching up with local chefs and friends.

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach is located at 1 Lincoln Road. Bistro One LR and The DiLido Beach Club are open to the public seven days a week.

South Beach Magazine recently spoke with Chef Luis Quant while he was at Bulla Gastrobar, a rustic tapas bar with a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Learning to cook alongside his father gave him an opportunity to experiment with Asian flavors and Caribbean spices which still influence his “alta cocina” menu at Bulla. Starting out under chef Jeffrey Vigila at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, chef Quant went on to perfect his technique under Chefs Jordi Valles and Marc Vidal who he credits with establishing the foundation of his own unique cooking style.

Please share your impressions living and working as a chef in Miami.
When you’re not at work, where do you like to dine in South Florida? I don’t go out much, but when I go to eat somewhere else I prefer my mom’s house (Nicaraguan food), my aunt’s house (Chinese food) and the Pubbelly crew, The Federal, Yakko San, Matsuri, Madrono (Nicaraguan food).

When you are cooking at home (for yourself or your friends & family), what’s your go-to dish?
With the great weather in Miami anything on the grill, fresh seafood (fish that I caught the same morning), picanha, sweetbreads.

What are the dishes you remember most from your childhood (or your experiences as a young chef) and how do those flavors influence your menu at the restaurant?
As a young chef I remember some tender veal cheeks with langoustines and Le Puy lentils, a dish chef Jordi Valles use to make at the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne. As a child I remember the fresh cheeses made at my grandmother’s farm and those are reflected in our restaurant menu.

How has cooking in Florida changed or inspired you as a chef?
With the great weather, the diversity in nationalities and fresh produce year round I cook for our guests like I cook for my family–eclectic, casual, with simple ingredients from our South Florida surroundings being omnipresent.

Do you find your menu is influenced by the great produce available in Florida?
Citrus is not exactly produce but I use it in all its forms…nothing would be more Floridian.

What’s one thing you want diners to know about the menu at your restaurant – perhaps your favorite dish, an unexpected entree or the inspiration behind one of the dishes you decided to include on the menu?
The HUEVOS BULLA! It’s a must! A concoction made for the soul… (fresh eggs, potato chips, Serrano ham, potato foam & truffle oil).

Many chefs have commented that the South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a great opportunity to hang out with friends or meet a chef who means a great deal to them. Who are you looking forward to meeting at the festival?
Definitely Wylie Dufresne, Gaston Acurio & Daniel Boulud. These are chefs that I would like to meet to thank them for their influence as a chef and restaurateur. I also would like to see local colleagues and friends.

Bulla Gastrobar
2500 Ponce De Leon Blvd
Coral Gables, FL
(305) 441-0107

More about Bulla Gastrobar

2531 NW Second Avenue, Miami, FL
Vibe: Urban Picnic
The hipster vibe is strong at Wynwood’s Wood Tavern; a great spot to meet before the art crawl or to find solace after too much debauchery elsewhere. Hidden out back on the breezy patio is Pancho Taco, a modified food truck slinging badass basics filled with chicken, carnitas, steak or mushrooms Tuesday through Saturday starting around 6pm. Don’t forget – Taco Tuesdays means FREE food & $5 margaritas from 6-9pm!

1506 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Party on the Patio
This tiny roadside taco spot uses gourmet ingredients and handmade, freshly ground, blue corn tortillas to craft awesome tacos (filled with al pastor, carnitas, chorizo, asada and more). The beauty of the final product more than makes up for the brevity of the menu. Don’t miss the highly-addictive “totopos;” puffed masa chips that are perfect for dipping. We love the spicy “elote” too – charred and cheesy corn cobs brightened with jalapeno and cilantro. Open every day from 8am to midnight just off the South Beach strip.

920 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: We Heart L.A.
An exciting addition to the Lincoln Road Mall culinary scene, this modern organic Mexican eatery specializes in healthy renditions of popular dishes using sustainable resources in every bowl, salad, wrap and taco. While we rarely stray from lard-laced classics, healthy eaters will laud the butter lettuce taco wraps, the tangy vegan chili, and the option to include proteins like skirt steak, turkey, spicy chicken, sea bass, or chipotle-dusted tofu (in lieu of meat). Open late seven days!

1884 Bay Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Sunset Harbour Oasis
A fun, industrial cantina space on the trendy west side of town offers affordable lunch specials, weeknight drink discounts, more than 200 tequila brands at an after-hours happy hour (Friday and Saturday at 10pm), plus $3 Taco Tuesdays! While many South Beach eateries elevate prices to cover the rent, Tequiztlan attracts a loyal local following with bold flavors and a casual, friendly vibe. Locals remember this restaurant when it was called “Rancho Grande” on Lincoln Road Mall.

1220 16th Street, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Cozy Cantina & Live Music Jam
A very exciting addition to the South Beach scene, Bodega is a wildly popular taco spot with a tiny sizzling kitchen built into a modified Airstream trailer parked inside an industrial garage space on 16th Street west of Alton Road. Stop in for authentic tacos, tortas and guacamole and then stick around to discover the late night speakeasy hidden behind a secret doorway just next to the grill. Locals visit Bodega during Happy Hour (daily 6-8pm) when tacos are just two bucks and shots and cocktails top out at $6. There is no happier meal than this sunset supper on South Beach. Live bands jam Wednesdays around 9pm.

1211 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Sidewalk Sensation
A fun grab-and-go taco spot on busy Lincoln Mall, Huahua’s is the brainchild of Chef Todd Erickson who built his fast casual menu with a handful of popular classics filled with chicken, pork and fish and then added a special selection of updated flavors including the crunchy fried chicken taco, the cheesy breakfast taco with eggs, hash browns and carnitas and the vegetarian delight that is a fried avocado taco with spicy tofu crema. If you’re feeling the heat, the house made popsicles are not to be missed.

1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Ready Refuge
A perfect spot for happy hour, Sunday brunch or after a rough day of shopping, Lincoln Road’s Rosa Mexicano offers an ideal respite from the South Beach heat with both gluten-free and vegetarian menus for health-conscious diners. Regulars love the made-to-order guacamole prepared tableside on custom rolling carts and served with plenty of still-warm chips. We plan our movie dates around the $5 cervezas and discounted snacks from tacos to queso fundido all priced under ten bucks weeknights from 4-6pm at the busy bar area.

161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Vide: Vamos a la Playa!
A brand new hotspot at the Marriott Stanton Hotel (South of Fifth Street on Ocean Drive), Lolo’s Surf Cantina offers Chef Richard Ampudia’s Baja style Mexican street food like tangy grilled corn napped in cotija cheese and gourmet tacos filled with rib eye steak, pork confit, or tender grilled mahi-mahi. Share a few selections from the raw bar, a silky Mayan pumpkin seed dip and the house signature Michelada; citrus-infused beer served with a tangy rim of salt or chili powder.

A 375 room luxury resort with indoor and alfresco dining options, the property’s main dining room, Bistro One LR offers all day dining plus a decadent Sunday brunch overlooking the pool deck and the Atlantic coast. The DiLido Beach Club adjoins South Beach’s paved beachside promenade and affords guests an opportunity to dine or enjoy drinks under swaying palms, soothed by the sounds of nearby surf. A new addition to the mix, a scenic club level lounge on the hotel’s 10th floor provides select guests an opportunity to snack, drink and socialize under the watchful eye of the Ritz-Carlton’s dedicated culinary team.

Crediting his mother and grandmother for inspiring him to become a chef, Le Pape is currently preparing to serve at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival’s “Wine Spectator Best of the Best” at the Fontainebleau Resort. Next month he will support the efforts of Cochon 555, a culinary fundraiser hosted at the Ritz that centers on all things pork. SOUTH BEACH MAGAZINE caught up with the busy chef at an event hosted by the Ritz-Carlton and learned more about his ideas and inspirations.

Please share your impressions living and working as a chef in Miami.

Miami is a great city where you see a mix of different cuisines and tastes. You can always find new inspirations for creating dishes. With a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables, there is so much opportunity for creativity.

What is your favorite thing about being a chef in Miami right now?

Working in Miami allows me the opportunity to experience new local vendors and farmers. Through these interactions, I am inspired to create different dishes for our guests to enjoy.

If you hadn’t decided to become a chef, what would you be doing?

It’s hard to imagine what else I would have become. Being a chef has always been my passion. Most recently I started a new hobby of woodworking; perhaps it has to do with the love of creating things with my hands.

What do you think the Miami food scene needs most and what would you like to see go away?

The only thing I might like to see go away is fast food chains. I think there’s a better way to eat than that by promoting more home cooking.

When you’re not at work, where do you like to dine in South Florida.

I love Thai food so I usually explore all restaurants around my area. I also like gastropubs.

When you are cooking at home (for yourself or friends and family), what is your go-to dish?

I love exploring new dishes or recipes with my family. I also like cooking French classics like onion soup, stews, fresh made breads and my own country style pâté, cheeses, etc…

What are the dishes you remember most from childhood (or your experiences as a younger chef) and how do those flavors influence your menu today?

I loved watching my mum and grandma cook. They were my source of inspiration. Traveling around the globe also extended my cooking knowledge and as a result, I learned different approaches and cooking techniques. I also always like to teach others what I learned when I started my career – like showing how to “turn a mushroom” – new cooks barely know this skill.

How has cooking in Florida changed or inspired you as a chef? Do you find your menu is influenced by the produce available in Florida?

I worked in the Caribbean for 10 years before coming to Miami so the guest profile is very similar. Our menus and featured dishes are very much inspired by the local produce as well as the diverse Latin American and Caribbean cultures here in Miami.

What is the one thing you want diners to know about the menu at your restaurant – perhaps your favorite dish or the inspiration behind one of the dishes you include on your current menu?

At Bistro One LR we have a great Grilled Branzino dish served with grilled vegetables topped with a sprinkle of Arbequina olive oil on top.

Many chefs comment that the South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a great opportunity to meet chefs who mean a great deal to them. Who are you looking forward to meeting this year?

I am very interested in seeing almost all of the Food Network chefs, but if I had a top favorite, it would be Michael Symon.

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach is located at 1 Lincoln Road. Bistro One LR and The DiLido Beach Club are open to the public seven days a week.

Forte dei Marmi occupies the ground floor of a 1938 Mediterranean Revival villa at the southern tip of Ocean Drive where architect Chad Oppenheim and his team have painstakingly renovated every touchpoint utilizing hand-crafted Italian materials to evoke the Tuscan seaside. Surrounded by fragrant gardens designed by Enzo Enea, the landmark property features a second story Arts Club and lounge where guests can enjoy musical performances, organic cocktails, and a thoughtfully-curated program of art and design talks. Brazilian born composer and electronic artist Ricardo Romaneiro is crafting a contemporary and experimental music program as part of his role as the property’s artist-in-residence.

Emphasizing the simplicity and sophistication of fine Italian cuisine, chefs Antonio and Raffaele prepare starters of creamy Burrata with Sicilian tomatoes and arugula, tangy Tuna Tartare with avocado and capers and heavenly Calamari Tagliatelle brightened with organic caviar, mint and Hawaiian black sea salt. House-made pastas include tender ravioli stuffed with smoked mozzarella, tomato and basil and pillowy gnocchi with red prawns, arugula and cherry tomatoes. Utilizing the freshest Florida seafood, main plates like Red Snapper and Zucchini Flowers are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Forte dei Marmi 150 Ocean Drive serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Lunch service 11:30am – 4pm; Dinner Tuesday & Wednesday 6pm – 11pm, Thursday through Saturday until 11:30pm and Sunday until 10pm. The Forte dei Marmi Arts Club offers locals and visitors diverse cultural programming on the second level of the villa.

Food image Ilona Oppenheim, all others Karen Fuchs.

465 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL
Vibe: Waterfront Wonder
Set on the south side of the busy Miami River in the heart of the Financial District, this elegant executive dining room is all energy by day and subtly sophisticated after dark. Flanked with a wall of glass to flood the crisp white linens with sunlight, Cipriani Downtown Miami serves healthy salads and seafood, soulful pastas and risotti plus a variety of grilled meats and seafood dishes with a deliberate Italian flair.

820 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Rustic Trattoria
Chef Michael Pirolo and his partner Jennifer Chaefsky launched their rustic, 70-seat Italian restaurant Macchialina on the quiet, west side of Miami Beach to inspire locals and savvy tourists with the authentic flavors and seasonal ingredients that inform every dish. A native of Queens New York, Chef Pirolo attended culinary school in Italy to perfect his skills before serving as Chef de Cuisine at Scott Conant’s Scarpetta on the way to opening this remarkable eatery.

1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Miami Beach Classic
Truly a Miami Beach landmark, Osteria del Teatro started building a fan base of hungry locals way back in 1987 when the restaurant shared marquee space with one of South Beach’s most notorious nightclubs. Times have changed, but Chef Martin’s menu still brims with delicious Northern Italian classics now showcased at the Art Deco Marlin Hotel at the corner of 12th Street and Collins Avenue. Expect personal service, housemade breads and pastas and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

335 South Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL
Vibe: Million Dollar View
While many diners at il Gabbiano have expense accounts to cover the tab, the restaurant does attract a faithful following of Downtown regulars who appreciate the the swift, knowledgeable service and delicious Italian cuisine. The busy dining room rings with deals getting done while classic dishes perfected at New York’s il Mulino fill the white linen tables. Outside on the terrace, the mood is more serene as guests appreciate the sweeping views of Miami’s Biscayne Bay.

1690 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Warm and Inviting
Shortly after opening, BRAVO-TV awarded Dolce Italian “Best New Restaurant,” which might have been daunting for a small hotel eatery in the heart of South Beach. Tucked within the Gale Hotel, Chef Paolo Dorigato’s wood-fired pizzas, house made pastas and friendly and professional waitstaff still make every meal memorable. Buzzing at happy hour (4-8pm) when food and drink specials bring a lively crowd to the bar and cafe, the more formal dining room also teems with happy travelers enjoying “la dolce vita.”

1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: West Side Wonderful
Offering regional Italian cuisine that celebrates authentic Sardinian flavors, this cozy trattoria uses a wood burning oven to great effect with crisp flatbreads, freshly roasted vegetables and classic, salt-crusted branzino. Popular with area residents who drop in for happy hour, Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante enjoys a loyal following of food and wine enthusiasts who appreciate the thoughtfully curated regional wine list with pours by the glass, bottle or quartino.

1700 James Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Exclusive & Elite
Truly a special occasion destination, Casa Tua is tucked within a posh, 1920’s era Mediterranean style villa in the heart of South Beach. Attracting a wealthy clientele who appreciate the clubby atmosphere, this unique Northern Italian oasis is the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous or celebratory feast. Service is prompt and professional and the atmosphere on the patio during cooler months is simply dazzling. On warmer nights, the lively library is the way to go.

4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Beachside Chic
Lively at lunchtime and romantic by night, this seaside enclave fairly sparkles with Tivoli lights and the tinkle of glassware swept up and away by the capable waitstaff. Cecconi’s at the tony Soho Beach House is open to the public, but still feels clubby and exclusive for brunch, dinner or at the afternoon cicchetti happy hour (4-7pm) when food and drink prices are just $4 to $7 at the bar. Vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free diners will savor some healthy new menu items.

1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Sidewalk Sensation
Lincoln Road Mall offers busy shoppers a variety of dining options including this charming trattoria where sidewalk tables and a cozy 80-seat dining room provide the perfect backdrop for Chef Luciano Sautto’s authentic Italian cuisine. A Native of Naples, Italy, the chef is introducing a new seasonal menu including lighter seafood and vegetarian dishes. Casual by day and romantic after dark, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana is a South Beach classic.

4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Elegant Resort Destination
Tucked within the Vegas style reaches of Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau Resort, Scott Conant’s nautically-inspired Scarpetta serves all of the dishes he made famous at his New York restaurant where pasta reaches perfection. Named for the torn crusts of bread Italians use to sop up every last bite of sauce, this glamorous oceanfront destination has views to inspire every appetite. Service is prompt and effective and indoor and poolview tables feel like the deck of an elegant cruise ship.

1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL
Vibe: Retro Gables Classic
One of Miami’s longest running French restaurants, Palme D’Or French Restaurant at the landmark Biltmore Hotel provides the perfect backdrop for Miami families celebrating special events. Warm and woody with a Mediterranean flair, the cozy dining room showcases Chef Gregory Pugin’s thoughtfully-composed tasting menus. Working within the traditions of French cuisine, Pugin reinterprets classic dishes from tarts to terrines treating fresh seasonal ingredients with a modern sensibility.

309 23rd Street, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: South of France After Dark
One of South Beach’s most popular supperclubs, Villa Azur encompasses French Chef Erwin Mallet’s romantic restaurant, an in-house wine cellar called “La Cave d’Azur,” and a dazzling nighttime party scene that carries on until sunrise. Plan the perfect romantic rendezvous or join in the fun Thursdays when the weekly Thursday Night Dinner Party attracts a lively group of South Florida’s most discerning foodies. Haute Tip – Don’t miss Sébastien Feneyrol’s remarkable pastries.

1330 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Positively Presidential
Serving as private chef to French President Jacques Chirac certainly qualifies one to open a French restaurant in South Beach, which is exactly what Semilla’s Executive Chef Frederic Joulin has done. You can enjoy a seasonally driven menu which includes lobster with a mango remoulade, grilled branzino and seared ahi tuna in a ginger miso broth, in the dining room where 50 terra cotta pots filled with fresh herbs line a vertical garden wall. A carefully curated selection from the glass wine cellar is served with dinner and also available during happy hour seven nights a week from 6-8pm.

516 Espanola Way, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Cozy Sidewalk Seductress
Quiet in the morning and growing more vibrant throughout the day, A La Folie Cafe offers an authentic taste of France in the heart of South Beach. The hidden gem on lovely Espanola Way prepares a variety of crepes both sweet and savory plus traditional favorites like hearty onion soup or house made foie gras. Start the day with a sweet treat and some strong coffee while the chubby house cat snoozes on an adjacent chair. A La Folie is an oasis of calm locals would love to keep secret.

9700 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, FL
Vibe: Buzzy Brasserie
Few restaurateurs have captivated the consciousness of South Florida diners quite like Stephen Starr, the Philadelphia-based wunderkind behind some of the country’s most successful eateries. When faced with the daunting task of opening the right sort of restaurant in the tony Bal Harbour Shops, he created Le Zoo, a 200-seat Parisian bistro with a breezy atmosphere and remarkable food. Chef Craig Wallen’s menu combines classic dishes and modern flourishes to great effect.

538 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Casual Cafe Chic
Opening a romantic bistro in the heart of Clubland might seem counterintuitive, but Otentic Fresh Food restaurant provides welcome relief from the clamor of Washington Avenue buzzing just outside the 40-seat dining room. Locals have embraced this comfortable eatery where weekend brunch service and weeknight happy hours add a little extra charm to the reasonably priced menu. Experience the chef’s daily specials, rustic duck terrine or garlicky escargots, but be sure to save room for dessert.

2200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Twenty-Four-Seven Heaven
South Beach recently welcomed Paris 6, a 24-hour Vintage Bistro located in trendy Collins Park. Originally launched in Brazil by owner Isaac Azar, the round the clock restaurant chain takes inspiration from Paris staples like Brasserie Lipp where chic nightowls gather to enjoy the city’s best dishes. The new SoBe location is the first US outpost of the successful venture where Chef Atilio Padra crafts breakfast favorites, grand salads, juicy burgers and pastas as well.

2611 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL
Vibe: An Evening in Paris
One of Miami’s favorite French restaurants for nearly two decades, Pascal’s showcases Chef Pascal Oudin and his fearless kitchen brigade; a team that honors classic techniques and the freshest local ingredients. The intimate 55-seat dining room and the chef’s more casual Brasserie Central (at Merrick Park) bring Oudin’s exacting standards to a wide and appreciative audience who savor house made terrines, airy souffles, pristine fresh seafood and decadent desserts.

255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL
Vibe: Smart and Successful
An oasis of calm in a world of culinary chaos, celebrity Chef Daniel Boulud’s Boulud Sud makes contemporary French cuisine look and feel effortless. Under the watchful stewardship of Executive Chef Clark Bowen, the glamorous Downtown destination provides a chic and sophisticated backdrop for well-dressed professionals who gather for Executive Lunches and Nightly Happy Hours in the lofty lounge. The dining room’s late night glow attracts stylish diners reveling in a convivial atmosphere.

248 SE First Avenue, Miami, FL
Vibe: Cozy Cafe
Chef Irides Garcia brings authentic French fare to busy Downtown Miami at this quaint cafe where harried professionals enjoy hearty homemade soups, rustic pates and tasty salads. Popular for their feathery light crepes, Cafe Bastille also offers steak frites and juicy burgers for heartier appetites. On weekends, the atmosphere is far more relaxed when locals and clever travelers take over the sidewalk tables for a leisurely brunch service of omelettes, waffles and eggs benedict.

1701 James Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Haute Couture Cuisine
Tucked away in the lobby of the Cadet Hotel lies a very special 30-seat dining destination where Michelin star rated chefs craft remarkable dishes under the watchful eye of restaurateurs who strive to create an authentic – nearly Parisian – fine dining experience. Expect nothing less than impeccable service, innovative cuisine and a thoughtfully curated wine list presented in an intimate setting where Pied à Terre guests feel like they are participating in an important culinary event.

Best Restaurants in Miami Beach …

1440 Ocean Drive, South Beach, 305-673-0044
The stampede of pricey steakhouses on South Beach leaves most diners wondering which restaurant merits the hefty price tag for pounds of porterhouse and gobs of lobster topped mac and cheese.

Chef Laurent Tourondel’s LT Steak & Seafood may not be the scene-iest (that’s Prime 112), and it may not be the loudest (STK by a mile), but it is by far the tastiest combination of quality beef and seafood, delectable sides, professional service and civilized atmosphere in town. While most of Ocean Drive seems tawdry and commercial, interiors at the Georgian Revival Betsy Hotel are conservative and cool. Waiters drop off complimentary crostini with a liver mousse and then steaming hot popovers to enjoy while perusing the menu and sipping cocktails. By the time the appetizers are gone, one message is clear; LT Steak & Seafood is no mere chop house – it’s a culinary destination.

1600 Lenox Avenue, South Beach, 305-538-5220
Taking over the kitchens at Yardbird this season, Chef Clay Miller plans to uphold the restaurant’s reputation for down home favorites like crisp fried chicken, tender shrimp and grits and addictive fried green tomatoes that keep patrons lining up seven nights a week. Weekend brunches bring in fans from nearby Lincoln Road Mall who dine indoors or out at the busy sidewalk tables where small dogs and toddlers don’t seem to faze the friendly waitstaff.

Smart travelers know that table reservations help mitigate a long wait at the bar, but if you do find yourself with some time before dinner, check out the curated list of bourbons and the crazy good cocktails, wines and craft brews on hand to help ease your pain. Weekends call for the all-day brunch menu which includes chocolate chip & banana Elvis Pancakes, cheddar waffles and a delightfully tender smoked beef brisket sandwich served until 4pm. By the time Supper rolls around, the kitchen hits its stride, sending out platters of golden chicken, smoky ribs and biscuits so flaky, you’ll start to wonder whose grandma is out back cutting them out with a ball jar.

11 Washington Avenue, South Beach, 305-673-0365
Stone crab season runs from October through May and this classic Miami Beach dining room serves the best crabs in town to a crowd more than willing to wait in line for a taste of the ocean’s bounty. Much like celebrity Chef Anthony Bourdain, Joe’s has No Reservations. While insiders debate about the loaded handshake that might transport savvy diners to the front of the line, we find it’s best to visit at lunch or early evening to sample the coveted claws, crisp fried chicken, onion-filled Lyonnaise potatoes, steamy clam chowder and chilled Key Lime Pie that have made Joe’s Stone Crab a South Beach landmark since 1913.

1700 James Avenue, South Beach, 305-673-1010
Secluded behind a dense hedgerow that surrounds a 1925-era palazzo in the heart of South Beach, Casa Tua feels like a posh private club on the Italian Riviera. The price of all this exclusivity makes this a special occasion destination, especially the private, second-level lounge that’s so popular with celebrities and socialites. Escape the everyday at this upscale Italian restaurant with a wildly romantic garden terrace just steps from the South Beach scene.

1200 Collins Avenue, South Beach, 305.695.3000
Servers who know the ins-and-outs of running a dining room set the stage at this classic 25-year-old Miami Beach Temple of Italian cuisine perched on the edge of one of the most thumping dance clubs in the city. This ironic pairing of the old and the new captures what is best about South Beach and what makes Osteria work. While the menu is a comprehensive collection of traditional pastas, seafood and meats, the daily specials posted on the blackboard make it difficult to bother reading any further.

112 Ocean Drive, South Beach, 305-532-8112
This South Beach hot-spot enjoys a loyal local and international celebrity following and consistently dazzles with huge steaks, giant lobsters and decadent truffled macaroni and cheese served in a noisy see-and-be-scene dining room that crackles with excitement until midnight. From Presidents to Pro Athletes, from Supermodels to Rap Stars, if it’s happening in Miami it’s happening at Prime One Twelve.

1801 Purdy Avenue, South Beach, 305-531-2228
Miami Beach fairly groans with the weight of dozens of Italian restaurants, but regional Italian cuisine is a fairly new concept on these shores. Sardinia showcases the best of the tiny island’s cookery with a menu that works seamlessly with Miami’s own peculiar gastronomy and geography. House made flat breads and imported salumi and formaggi (cured meats and artisanal cheeses) pair deliciously with big-bodied wines. From salt-roasted branzino to succulent rosemary-scented roast baby pig, the chef’s mastery of the wood-burning oven lends a rustic flair to each dish.

432 Arthur Godfrey Road (41st Street), Miami Beach, 305-538-8533
While most Miami Beach restaurants have been around for very few years and strive toward whatever is new and trendy, the Forge offers a long-standing, traditional fine-dining experience at every touch point.

Valet parkers whisk away your car, dressy hosts escort your party, and formal captains oversee your table service. A futuristic enigmatic wine bar and a newly renovated interior set the stage for Chef Christopher Lee’s clever culinary riffs on classic, continental cuisine including lobster PBJs, prime steaks, and decadent desserts. Locals celebrate birthdays and anniversaries here and have since the 1930s.

Downtown Miami …

270 Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami, 305-577-0277
The Epic Hotel trumps the odds-makers scoring two top rated restaurants under a single roof as Zuma joins Chef Michael Reidt’s Area 31 serving pristine fresh seafood to an adoring crowd.

With raw granite walls, pale wooden tables and a modern Japanese teahouse design, the interior soothes even as the sushi, sashimi and grilled items dazzle with artful presentations and bold flavors. Executive Chef Bjoern Weissgerber may indeed be German (with a side of Swiss), but he definitely understands the complexity and precision required to craft stunning Japanese plates with unique flavor combinations that make Zuma one of Miami’s brand new heavy hitters!

335 S. Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, 305-373-0063
Downtown Miami takes back the night at this pricey temple of classic Italian cuisine served overlooking the Bay by an old school, highly attentive wait staff. Offering gratis chunks of fragrant Reggiano Parmesano and just-made Fritti to temp your palate and ruin your diet, hosts Gino and Fernando Masci bring more than 25 years of service at New York’s Il Mulino to this heavenly high-rise culinary destination. By the time you’ve sipped the last of your limoncello digestivo, you’ll be fortified enough to face the dinner check.

661 Brickell Key Drive, Downtown Miami, 305-947-6263
Fans of this storefront 17-seat Japanese restaurant where Chef Kevin Cory crafts perfect bento boxes for reservations-only diners who pay rapt attention to the mastery of an artist doing what he does best will thrill to learn he is now moving to new digs on tony Brickell Key. Cory ventures to nearby marinas to secure the day’s fresh catch and airlifts the rest straight from Japan to fill out his daily menus. Every night’s meal is determined by the chef and served in an atmosphere of Zen-like simplicity at three sittings. After the last bento box is served, the chef slices perfect duets of sushi and sashimi for each guest until everyone is ready to go home and dream in fluent Japanese.

278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 305-446-7710
Cindy Hutson’s “Cuisine of the Sun” is as bright and warm as a mythical Caribbean marketplace. Serving Bahamian black grouper in an orange liqueur or jerk-seasoned pork in a rum-guava glaze, the kitchen meets it’s match in the deliciously colorful dining room and terraced outdoor garden. Take your taste buds on an island holiday without leaving the cozy confines of Coral Gables.

Midtown Miami …

130 NE 40th Street, Miami, 305-573-5550
Transforming the Design District from stuffy decorator showrooms to a dynamic nighttime destination, Michael Schwartz deserves the key to the city. If opening a successful restaurant with trendy small, medium and large-sized plates designed for pairing and sharing weren’t enough, the innovative chef managed to capture the imagination of New York Times restaurant critic Frank Bruni and every vacationing celebrity and super star chef passing through town as well. If you can get a reservation, run, don’t walk to MGFD.

Create your own menu of beautifully prepared, locally sourced entrees and dazzling small plates at this hip MidTown bistro. Save room for dessert because pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith got the nod from James Beard this year too. While it might be awkward to order more than one of her sweet treats after dinner, her coffee cake, hand made poptarts and doughnuts are the best part of Sunday brunch.

North …

3881 NE 163rd Street, North Miami Beach, 305-947-0064
When the chefs around town finally call it a night, they head to this decidedly off-the-radar Japanese kitchen known for just-caught fish and small plates of exotic tapas crafted from the fresh offerings of the marketplace that change each day. Chef Hiro and his team enjoy cult status in a town of jaded foodies who appreciate their culinary skills and unstuffy presentations served until the wee hours to an in-the-know crowd. You may need a GPS to find the IntraCoastal Mall, but once you’ve tried Hiro’s, you’ll be back!

19999 W Country Club Drive, Aventura, 786-279-6600
Our northernmost destination is worthy of a foodie’s pilgrimage if only to sample the crispy fries cooked in duck fat and served with a trio of house made sauces. The chef makes his own onion ketchup and barbeque dipping sauces that truly offer the taste of success. Mina is famous for his luxurious spins on modern American comfort food and diners can indeed take comfort in the chef’s remarkable ability to create upscale lobster pot pies and truffle-speckled macaroni and cheese. All this goodness comes with a hefty price tag, but this 21st Century steakhouse really dazzles.