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.

“Go to Upland,” writes Times food critic Pete Wells as he praises the 88-seat dining room where pizzas topped with pear, arugula, pecans and stracciatella cheese take pride of place beside some of the city’s best pasta dishes. Chef Smillie served as Executive Chef at Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria where he earned three stars from the Times using tricks of the trade gleaned from celebrity chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Mercer Kitchen), Tom Colicchio (Gramercy Tavern) and Jonathan Waxman at Washington Park. In fact, the Times credits Chef Waxman’s inspiration for a few of the bold flavors found on the popular Upland menu.

Smillie excels in vegetables that are slowly roasted, lightly smoked or quickly deep fried like the frizzle of leeks served atop a creamy burrata starter. Crispy duck wings in a citrus vinaigrette and perfectly tender seared octopus in brown butter speak to the chef’s desire for simple flavors and a rustic but elegant presentation. “It’s the way I want to eat,” says Smillie. “It’s not always what you add to a dish, but what you take away. I just want to respect the simplest pleasures.”

Upland also earns high praise for innovations in Chantelle Pabros’ wine cellar where food-friendly California wines are offered alongside affordable Bordeaux, heady Portuguese reds and even a few Canadian Chardonnays. The minimal interior design of the new South Beach restaurant basks in the glow of backlit wine bottles and preserved jars of citrus made magical with a few well-placed LEDS. An alfresco patio provides the perfect respite during Miami’s temperate December weather. Chef Smillie hopes to win new Florida fans with the rustic and seasonally influenced fare that made Manhattan crave his soulful California flavors.
Upland is located at 49 Collins Avenue on South Beach. The restaurant currently serves dinner, but will soon expand to lunch and weekend brunch service. For information, call 305.662.9998.

Chef Smillie’s new cookbook “Slow Fires: Mastering New Ways to Braise, Roast, and Grill” is in stores now.

Speaking of atmosphere, the DÔA dining area was designed by London’s Richard Saunders and encompasses over 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating including a central island bar, a DJ lounge, and a sushi station. The outdoor lounge space adjoining Collins Avenue is a natural draw for people watching as the hour grows late. Chef Caros Estarita prepares LatAsian cuisine, a combination of dishes from the Far East and the Americas which Waney defines as “not Japanese, not Chinese – we are strictly Nikkei and Chifa. The flavors are unique to the Asian-influenced cuisine born in Latin America.”

Featured on the DÔA menu are marinated ceviches, rolled makis, grilled skewers, steamed buns, dim sum dumplings and modernized hot pots. One item, the Arjun Scallop Tartar is named after the restaurant’s owner who directed that DÔA introduce some of his favorite (and best selling) dishes to this new audience. Chef Estarita, who worked with Waney at both Zuma and Coya, partnered on the new menu with Chef James Berckemeyer of Peru’s acclaimed COSME restaurant. To complement the hybridized fare, Beverage Director James Shearer crafts a LatAsian bar menu that embraces classics like the Pisco Sour and the Mojito and includes clever riffs on Asian spirits like Sake, Shochu, and Japanese Whiskey.

Competing for the affections of South Beach’s fickle late night crowd will be no easy feat for DÔA, so opening plans include a roster of top DJs, live entertainment and popular artists seven nights a week. Arman Naqi, Vice President & Director of Development says, “we want people to think of us as an approachable mainstay for dinner, weekend brunch and late-night dining. (Guests) will be able to eat at the restaurant several times a week.”

DÔA 2000 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach serves Monday through Friday 5pm-5am with weekend brunch service Saturday and Sunday starting at noon.

Let’s get started…

1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Versace Mod
An elegant oasis in the heart of the Ocean Drive scene, Gianni’s at The Villa, Casa Casuarina offers a unique glimpse at the design legacy of Gianni Versace who purchased and renovated every inch of this landmark property during his happiest days on Miami Beach. Under the watchful eye of Chef Thomas Stewart, the restaurant remains an icon of opulent style with millions of tiny, hand-set mosaics adorning the walls and reflecting pools. Enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars at this magic Miami mansion.

112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: See and Be Seen
Home to such decadent delights as the infamous Kobe Beef Hot Dog (recently featured on Real Housewives of New York), Prime 112 steakhouse has hosted some significant A-Listers in politics, sports and cinema. Popular for lunch and dinner, the action centers on the main floor dining room where guests angle their chairs to keep one eye on the front door at all times. Expect loud, lavish parties, plenty of pricey prime beef and delicious sides served with prompt professionalism.

1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Casual Sophistication
A hidden gem tucked inside the stately Betsy Hotel, LT Steak & Seafood offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner to lucky travelers and savvy locals who enjoy Chef Laurent Tourondel’s clasic French techniques and straightforward American ingredients. While the hotel and dining room are tastefully appointed and perfect for a quiet conversation or a family gathering, the tables along the busy sidewalk are a prime spot for Ocean Drive people watching. Open 7 days.

1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Laid Back for Bicycle Riders
Providing the perfect morning escape for visitors and locals (who frequently arrive on wheels), Cafe Nikki serves up straightforward brunchy bites like fresh juice, strong coffee, still-warm pastries and a delicious quiche. Unlike the adjacent nightclub which has a dressier atmosphere and a fully laden brunch buffet on weekends, the alfresco cafe is perfect for a chat with friends, a romantic rendezvous or a grab-and-go snack. Serving Monday through Saturday 9am-4pm.

1458 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Busy Bistro
The one spot on the strip where you’ll likely encounter locals, Front Porch Cafe is an upscale diner with a semi-healthy menu, ample all-day dining options and a fairly-priced happy hour from 4pm – 7pm. Located within the Z Ocean Hotel at the northernmost point of Ocean Drive, the restaurant has satisfied hungry South Beachers for more than 25 years. We like the breakfast tacos, the granola pancakes (particularly when hungover), and the Porch Burger served with a choice of tasty craft beers.

1052 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Drag Queen Scene
Bawdy and bouncy, bold and bodacious! The Palace Food Bar is part of South Beach legend because it hosts the naughtiest drag show in town. Miami’s most daring performers may wander into traffic, straddle a taxi or dance on the hood of a parked car because a great song is blasting from the speakers. This alfresco terrace overlooks Lummus Park and a stretch of sand popular with muscular men in tiny swimsuits. We like the #SundayFunday tea dance party that elevates our mood most weekends.

400 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Breezy Beach House
Looking for a hidden gem? An easy breezy cafe in the mellow SoFi District (South of Fifth Street), The Local House provides a perfect escape for brunch, dinner, coffee or cocktails. Located just inside the Sense Hotel, this petite beach club feels like a trip to the Hamptons (without all the drama of actually navigating that NY attitude). Enjoy mimosas by the pitcher, crab cake eggs benedict or a selection of appetizers and a few cocktails as the sun sets. You’re welcome!

800 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Classic South Beach
One of the original hangouts on Ocean Drive, the News Cafe (circa 1988) remains an icon of all things South Beach because it never closes! Whether you’re entertaining out of town guests, wide awake from jet lag or simply seeking a prime sidewalk location to watch the world stroll by, “the News” is the place to take your friends for a strong cup of coffee, a juicy burger or a satisfying brunch. You’ll find us there at happy hour when drinks are 2 for 1 weeknights from 4pm – 7pm.

1144 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Candy-licious
A newly popular destination within the Art Deco elegance that is the Hotel Victor, Sugar Factory American Brasserie stimulates our obsession with all things sweet and shiny, decadent and delicious! Check out the colorful collection of candy, the over-sized shakes topped with everything from cheesecake to bacon and the chillaxing choice of sundaes and snowcones perfect for a South Beach summertime escape. Grown-ups can enjoy massive tropical cocktails while the kids feast on sweets.

900 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Latin, Loud & Proud
While not technically a restaurant, this popular Latin nightclub serves food and cocktails to a giddy crowd who stand transfixed by the thundering soundtrack, the live bands and lithe dancers who mingle on the dancefloor and gyrate atop the bars. We include Mango’s Tropical Cafe in our Ocean Drive line-up because it represents that “only in Miami” experience many people seek out during their brief visits to the Art Deco District. Open 7 days a week until the wee hours. Don’t miss it!

Osteria del Teatro occupied an unlikely position just beneath the marquee of one of South Beach’s most notorious nightclubs where prominent entertainers (from Bob Dylan to Puff Daddy) and the world’s top DJs performed to sold out crowds while well dressed diners enjoyed classic Italian fare right next door. Embraced by locals, tourists and celebrities, the restaurant offered a menu filled with traditional Italian dishes, but those in the know followed the suggestions of friendly waiters well-versed in the daily specials and dedicated to providing great service. Happily, all the regular dishes and plenty of seasonal delights followed Osteria to the elegant new location just around the corner.

“We look forward to continuing the legacy we’ve built upon for the last 29 years as we move Osteria del Teatro to the Marlin Hotel, ” says Gilbert Gonzalez, owner of Osteria del Teatro. Just inside the lobby of the recently refurbished Marlin Hotel, the new dining room offers a stylish setting for Chef Martin Perez to showcase his menu of handmade pastas and fresh Florida seafood. There are alfresco tables on the breezy porch and a full cocktail bar serving craft cocktails like the Sofia Loren with vodka, St. Germain, strawberries and prosecco; and the Mulo Russo, a play on the Moscow Mule with grappa in place of vodka.

Osteria del Teatro is located at 1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. 305.695.3000

Nightlife impresario Navin Chatani and partners Angel Febres and Conrad Gomez joined forces with Los Angeles design firm Studio Collective to line the restaurant’s vaulted interior space with dark wood paneling, warm lighting and enough rope to tether an armada. The knotted and twisted lines define spaces, add texture to walls, suspend massive beams and enrobe dangling lamps. To better focus the message, erotic images of bodies in bondage add a spicy reminder that Drunken Dragon is way more than meets the eye.

Evenings at the Dragon start with upscale boat drinks, elaborate tiki style cocktails imagined by Gui Jaroschy, one of the town’s top mixologists. Potent potions served in skull-shaped mugs include the Blushing Dragon, a citrusy mind erasing mixture of Grey Goose L’Orange, Curacao, yuzu, blood orange and cranberry juices. The Voodoo Lady tops Maestro Doebel Tequila with pineapple, grapefruit, lime and a hint of cinnamon. Groups may choose to tackle massive Scorpion Bowls, heady vessels filled with heat and sweet designed to get you “Ship-Faced.”

Sunday through Thursday nights from 6-8pm are “Dragon Hours,” the perfect opportunity to toast the sunset with beer, wine and signature cocktails priced at $4 to $8 and a roster of tasty bar bites topping out at $6. Choose from raw or baked oysters, Kurobuta Hot Dogs in fried bao buns and Twice Fried Chicken served with tart Asian slaw. A tangy Summer Roll filled with shrimp, crisp veggies, and mango gets an extra kick from Nuoc Cham dipping sauce and a traditional Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwich takes a Cuban twist when pressed on the plancha grill.

Taking the reins as Executive Chef at Drunken Dragon enables Xavier Torres to harness the inspirations of his years of travel and his work in Miami’s top kitchens including Nobu, Sushi Samba and Zuma; restaurants known for updating traditional recipes with style and grace. The Pan Asian format of the Dragon menu gives the chef ample room to follow his heart. Guests can sit at one of seven do-it-yourself barbeque tables where the grilling and chilling is a hands-on experience, or order from the menu and let the kitchen work its magic.

The menu breaks down to those tasty bar bite starters plus raw presentations of Beef Tartar, Hamachi Crudo and Tuna Tataki served pizza style on a crispy flour tortilla. Share spicy spare ribs, a tangy pork butt hot pot and Peking Bao buns of duck confit and crispy chicken skin napped in hoisin sauce. Torres offers a variety of BBQ options from land and sea including traditional marinated Korean tenderloin Bulgogi, Old Bay Shrimp and Berkshire sausages with a Japanese flavor. Choose sides of traditional Banchan or fries in curry salt and truffle aioli, jasmine scented fried rice or Kimchi Carbonara; egg noodles tossed with Mentaiko, Masago and Nori seaweed.

A new addition this season, Drunken Dragon now serves Sunday brunch for those who wish to keep the good vibrations of a Saturday night rolling just a few hours longer. Order the house signature cornmeal waffle topped with apples and walnuts or mapo-tofu fries served with ground beef, sour cream, cotija cheese and cilantro. Opt for a few Umami Biscuits with a kafir lime and honey glaze and one of those magic Mai Tais and the rest of the day won’t matter much at all.

While so much of what makes South Beach famous is the gaudy and the obvious, the real flavor of the city lies in knowing that what you see is not always what you get. Drunken Dragon is not much to look at on the outside, but insiders discover an intoxicating combination of sensual Asian delights

Drunken Dragon Restaurant is just out of sight at 1420 Alton Road on South Beach. 305.397.8556

The restaurant’s owner, Nicola Siervo of KNR Hospitality Group notes, “After 10 years, business remains solid on Lincoln Road so we decided to renew the lease. We are excited to continue serving fine Italian cuisine on one of the most important streets in Miami to our loyal and cherished customers.” Quattro accommodates 160 guests, with seating for 80 inside a luxurious modern dining room and another 80 guests on an outside patio that overlooks Miami’s Lincoln Road Mall. Distinctly Italian accents of cognac leather and a glittering custom-designed mirrored bar with towering wine refrigerators were fashioned by Studio A Design.

Quattro General Manager Roberto Sanso draws a parallel between Chef Bellofiore’s hometown of Venice and Miami Beach; popular travel destinations surrounded by water and known for an abundance of fresh fish. The chef’s newest dishes include Polipo del Mediterraneo con Farro Legumi Pomodorini – grilled Mediterranean octopus with farro, cherry tomatoes and a lemon dressing; Insalate di Mare – a chilled shrimp, squid, bay scallops, and octopus salad; and the perfect-for-sharing Fritto Misto di Mare – a variety of fried fresh seafood. Many of the restaurant’s most popular menu items are still available in addition to the chef’s Gnocchi alla Sorrentina – handmade gnocchi with buffala mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce and basil and Paccheri con Polpo Pomodorini E Olive Taggiasca – paccheri pasta with Mediterranean octopus, taggiasca olives, and cherry tomatoes.

A hand-selected all-Italian wine list comes from owner/vintner Nicola Schon of Colle Manora Vineyard in the countryside of the Monferrato. The restaurant currently serves lunch and dinner including a popular $25 two-course lunch served weekdays.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana 1014 Lincoln Road, South Beach 305.531.4833
Open Sunday – Thursday noon – 11pm, Friday & Saturday until 11:45pm

“With its mouth-watering savory dishes and personal service, Gianni’s will provide the most memorable South Beach experience, providing a glimpse back into the lifestyle of the hotel when it was a private home,” says Chauncey Copeland, General Manager of Gianni’s at The Villa, Casa Casuarina. The mansion currently serves as a boutique hotel with just 10 opulent suites showcasing the fine craftsmanship Gianni Versace specified when he restored the three story villa over 20 years ago.

Gianni’s at The Villa, Casa Casuarina restaurant includes a number of lavishly appointed dining areas plus an expansive open-air courtyard. The 30 seat Medusa Dining Room was once Versace’s formal salon and The Moroccan Room features four massive Greek Gods accented with imported coral rock. The terrace overlooks an elegant mosaic decked garden where a 54 foot reflecting pool contains more than a million tiny glass tiles, thousands of which are clad in 24 karat gold.

While a romantic dinner for two is definitely a luxury, guests are encouraged to visit on “Wine Lovers Wednesdays” when a selection of bottles are half price including Louis Roederer Brut “Premier” Reims, white wines such as Jerman Pino Grigio and William Fevre Chablis, and red wines including “Versace” Nero D’avola and Stag’s Leap ‘Hands of Time’ Blend. Gianni Versace’s former kitchen now holds the Onyx Bar where guests can sample signature cocktails like a 24-karat Golden Margarita ($24), which is made with gold-infused tequila or the Coco Casuarina ($20) made with refreshing coconut milk.

Gianni’s at The Villa, Casa Casuarina 1116 Ocean Drive, South Beach 786.485.2200

Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays 7pm – 10:30pm

Choose from classic cocktails or an extensive selection of wines listed on an iPad and showcased in the glass tower that is the focal point of the dining room. The 500 plus bottles of world class wines can make every meal a special event. Select your steak (including Moyer Farms Angus, American or Australian Wagyu and Japanese Miyazaki) request your desired degree of doneness and be prepared for a delicious evening. Chef de Cuisine Derrick Roberts and Michael Mina craft a deeply satisfying dining experience.

Name:	StripSteak by Michael Mina
Rating:	/ 4.3 stars based on 1,219 reviews across the Web
Address:	4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone:	(305) 674-4780
Cuisine:	Steakhouse
Price:	$$$$
Attire:	Casual Chic
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	Valet parking
Chef:	Thomas Connell
Website:
Hours:	Mo-We 6pm-12am, Th-Fr 6:00pm-1am, Sa-Su 6pm-12am

Open only for dinner, you must start your meal in the Nobu Lounge where innovations on the tropical infused martini set the stage for a wonderful evening. The omakase, or multi-course chef’s choice menu is the most popular way to dine.

For those less adventurous about raw fish, the black cod with miso and the rock shrimp tempura are the stuff of legend. Service is quick, friendly and helpful should you find yourself puzzled by anything on the menu.

While the dining room feels slightly like the bottom of a very chic swimming pool, have no fear – Nobu is the master of everything that can swim!

A selection of starters like a deftly prepared diver scallop, fresh tuna crudo or tenderloin carpaccio make a delightful tapas meal when paired with a bottle of wine and a sampling from the still-warm bread basket. A hearty seafood soup is a wonderful lunchtime treat with a crisp nicoise salad or a chicken or fish sandwich. What sets The Tides apart from the other upscale restaurants on Ocean Drive is the chef’s determination to provide just a few delicate preparations of fresh seafood from local waters or steaks and chops straight off the grill. Entrees are bold and creative such as Crispy Yellowtail Snapper pan seared and served with fragrant jasmine rice, Salmon napped in a blackberry butter, and Fig-Glazed Lamb Chops perched on warm grilled flat bread.

One of South Beach’s most scrumptious breakfast menus serves up Crunchy Challah French Toast, Crabcake Eggs Benedict and Cuban Style Ropa Vieja Hash & Eggs served on crispy fried plantain tostones. Start the morning with a bracing tropical cocktail, Bloody Mary or Champagne Bellini with a dazzling view to the sea.

Modern elegance sets the tone in The Tides main dining room. The inviting Front Terrace facing onto Ocean Drive and the beach features lush white linen sofas brightened with accent pillows and shaded by canvas canopies – an ideal respite for mingling with friends and people watching while enjoying an unforgettable meal.

“Returning to Miami to open another new concept reminds us of riding a roller coaster; we’re excited, scared, and happy all at the same time,” says McInnis. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Chef McInnis grew up farming and fishing in a small town in the Florida panhandle where he first worked as a line cook at The Marina Cafe. Traveling back and forth with his family between the Gulf Coast and their Alabama farm, the young chef grew to love the simple flavors of Southern cuisine, but traveled to San Francisco, Virginia, North Africa and Europe to expand his culinary profile. After gaining acclaim on the Bravo TV cooking competition “Top Chef,” McInnis returned to Miami to launch Gigi Restaurant in Midtown and Yardbird Southern Table & Bar on South Beach.

Chef Janine Booth enjoyed an active childhood in Australia where farm fresh produce and family BBQ gatherings inspired her to pursue a culinary career. She traveled around the world in 2006 to explore the cuisines of Europe and Asia before settling in to study at Miami’s Le Cordon Bleu. Starting her career with Chef McInnis at Gigi and then Yardbird, Chef Booth went on to serve as Sous Chef of Khong River House under the watchful eye of Chef Bee (Piyarat Potha Arreeratn), who helped to develop her knowledge of Vietnamese and Northern Thai cooking. Following in the footsteps of Chef McInnis, Janine also appeared on “Top Chef” during a season set in New Orleans before moving to New York to partner with him on the launch of Root & Bone.

Returning to Miami Beach this season, the chefs have developed a unique menu of small and large plates driven by the freshest seasonal ingredients with recipes that reflect their East-Meets-West sensibilities. Service begins with the arrival of wheeled metal carts bearing a selection of small plates like Carrot & Beet Tartare with house made root chips, tender Short Rib Dumplings and Pork Belly Steamed Bao Buns. Guests can choose a few gourmet dim sum dishes while entrees are prepared. Taking a cue from their past successful ventures, the chefs offer crispy Green Curry Fried Chicken, Braised Duck Pappardelle and Short Rib Meatloaf as large plate options plus Sweet Corn Grits, Shrimp & Bacon Stuffed Chicken Wings and a Butter Lettuce Ribbon Salad as medium-sized sides.

Dinner service concludes with the arrival of dim sum carts laden with sweet desserts of Pastry Chef Gail Goetsch’s design including Citrus Blackberry Pavlova, Banana Cream Cake with torched meringue topping and the house signature Sarsaparilla Float bubbling with toffee ice cream and muddled dark cherries. A selection of freshly baked treats served hot from the kitchen includes a Ginger Almond Apple Pie napped in sweet cream and tender Ricotta Fritters filled with pastry cream and served with a bourbon salted caramel dipping sauce.

The Sarsaparilla Club is located poolside at the Shelborne Wyndham Grand Hotel,  1 18 Street, Miami Beach, FL. 305.341.1329. Serving Monday through Thursday 5pm -11pm, Friday & Saturday until midnight and Sunday 11:30 am until 10pm. All day Sunday Brunch service begins May 1 and Dim Sum Happy Hour is also available weeknights from 5pm – 7:30 pm.

Chef Trilk started cooking alongside his grandfather in the Alsace region; an area known for fine wines and a Germanic influence on its regional cuisine. Growing up on the verdant land of his family’s winery, the young chef began his training at the family hotel where he learned about the Spätburgunder and Gewürztraminer wines produced on their land. He went on to attain his Master Chef Degree in 1995 and then set out to explore the world to experience a broad range of foods and cooking techniques. His travels led to an eight year stint as head chef at Grand Old House in the Cayman Islands before he seized the opportunity to launch French 27 alongside Chef Yann Rio.

Chef Rio trained under some of France’s top chefs at Paris’ Hotel Crillon ( 2 Michelin stars), Precatelan (2 Michelin stars), Bernard Loiseau Saulieu, (3 Michelin stars), and Apicius (2 Michelin stars). He went on to launch his own restaurants Le Sequoia, Naturella, and O Flore in Montpellier. Relocating to Miami, he first opened Nothing But the Best before moving on to consult at Greenstreet Restaurant in Coconut Grove. He served as a judge for the BTS of Cuisine, participates actively in the Association of Chefs of France and maintains the title Maitre-Restaurateur of France, an honorific bestowed upon the best French chefs.

The menu at French 27 celebrates seafood with starters of Soy Cured Salmon, Lump Crab Cakes and Maine Lobster Risotto. In classic French style, tiered platters of chilled shellfish include Alaskan King Crab Legs, Florida Stone Crabs and a variety of oysters and clams. Guests can opt for entrees from land and sea including Chilean Seabass, Mediterranean Turbot, Duck Confit and Braised Short Ribs with truffled mashed potatoes. The restaurant features dry-aged Angus beef in small and larger portions starting with an 8 ounce Filet Mignon up to a 20 ounce Bone-in Rib Eye.

French 27 is located at 850 Commerce Street in South Beach. (305) 764-3948. Serving Sunday through Thursday 5:30pm – 11pm and Friday & Saturday until Midnight.

The latest updates to the Collins Avenue restaurant and lounge space include a sleek stone bar with dramatic, tusk-shaped light fixtures, long leather banquette-style bench seating to facilitate people-watching, and the return of the two-tier catwalk where area scenesters readily strut their stuff. The loft like dining area is dimly lit like a Vegas supperclub and attracts a well-dressed crowd who enjoy lively music crafted by the resident DJ. As the hour grows late, the volume increases. Executive Chef Aaron Taylor heads the busy kitchen where steaks are served in smaller and larger portions to suit the diets of health-conscious Floridians and hearty expense account types as well.

Starters include classic steakhouse salads plus seasonal favorites like citrusy lump crab, tuna tartare and grilled octopus with Peruvian purple potatoes. The house signature “Lil’ Brgs” (wagyu beef sliders) that have put STK on the map are available with toppings of freshly shaved truffles or rich foie gras. Steak lovers can choose from small, medium and large cuts encompassing a 6 ounce filet up to a hefty 34 ounce cowboy ribeye that’s ideal for two to share. Guests can top their beef with a variety of eight different sauces spiked with blue cheese, garlic, chimichurri and horseradish. Menu options also include Maine lobster with a sweet citrus butter, chili rubbed rack of lamb and market-fresh seafood.

STK Miami @ 1 Hotel & Homes
2311 Collins Avenue, South Beach (305) 604-6988
Serving Monday and Thursday 6pm to midnight, Tuesday and Wednesday until 11pm, Friday and Saturday until 1am and Sundays until 10pm.

The enchanting new eatery feels like a slice of St. Tropez chic with tiny Tivoli lights, cozy seating and hanging wicker swings perfect for a lazy morning respite. Find a friend or browse the cafe bookshelves Monday through Saturday from 9am until 4pm. Sundays remain one of the most popular times to hang out at Nikki Beach Club so Cafe Nikki will remain closed while the brunch crowds meet and mingle inside.

Cafe Nikki is located at 1 Ocean Drive, South Beach (305) 538-1111

photos: Gianfraco Bianchi

Matador Room is the perfect outlet for the chef’s passionate embrace of Latin cuisine interpreted with a modern sensibility. Market is an all-hours coffee shop inspired by the marketplaces of Old Spain and Tropicale is a breezy oasis serving lighter menu selections by the sea.

MATADOR ROOM & BAR
Offering guests both indoor and alfresco service throughout the day, the dynamic Matador Room has a small and large plate seasonal menu that highlights Florida’s freshest produce. A central rotunda showcases the restaurant’s sprawling chandelier and creates a cozy backdrop for the snacks, starters and entrees redolent of the flavors of Latin America.

Overlooking the pool deck, the adjacent Matador Bar crafts specialty cocktails served on banquettes of jewel-toned velvet.

MARKET
Already a popular haunt for local foodies, the Market at EDITION is a creative reimagining of a 21st Century Spanish Bazaar – part bakeshop and charcuterie – offering a healthy variety of take-out treats and a great selection of pizzas, seafood, pastries and sandwiches served round the clock. Open 20 hours a day, the Market is a perfect spot to start the morning or round out the night.

TROPICALE
Inspired by Havana’s historic Tropicana Nightclub, Tropicale’s laid back, al fresco dining is the perfect beachside oasis. Serving a fresh, lighter menu in the lushly landscaped garden adjoining the EDITION pools, guests can enjoy Chef Jean-Georges’ savory and sweet dishes with panoramic ocean views and salty sea breezes.

Set in the historic heart of Miami Beach, the EDITION offers guests a dynamic escape under one roof. While the temptations of South Beach are merely steps away, the Michelin-starred restaurants, ocean view bars and Basement entertainment complex provide a welcome South Florida retreat.
The Miami Beach EDITION, 2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 786.257.4500

With an enchanting atmosphere crafted by Celano Design, Bagatelle Miami follows successful locations in party capitals like New York, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, St. Barths and St. Tropez with elegant beige and white furnishings and sparkling accents. Catering to visiting internationals and Miamians with a sense of style, the restaurant will curate a selection of pop artworks, fresh flowers and blended musical genres to create a dynamic guest experience. The New York location recently garnered headlines with the addition of a thousand dollar sundae to the dessert menu that includes chocolate truffles, macarons, brownies festooned with edible gold leaf and a limited edition Mauboussin ring presented in a tiny beribboned box.

With no mention of such sweet extravagances planned for the Miami menu, Chef Godard will focus upon contemporary French cuisine with an ahi tuna tartar, gnocchi in a truffled parmesan sauce and jumbo prawns sauteed with Ricard Pernod taking pride of place in his kitchen. Offering a homey touch, the chef will prepare a whole roast chicken with country style potatoes and cipolini mushrooms that can be shared by two. In the coming months, expect to hear more about the restaurant’s signature champagne brunch parties which often get diners so excited, they shake up their bottles and spray crowds with showers of French bubbly!

Bagatelle Miami is located at 2000 Collins Avenue at the Villa Bagatelle boutique hotel, (305) 704-3900. Open Sunday through Wednesday 6pm-midnight, Thursday through Saturday 6pm-1am.

Serving a contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine, the kitchen specializes in seafood and a tasty variety of “bocadito” small plates meant to be sampled and shared. Highlights on the menu include grilled octopus, goat cheese croquettes, locally-sourced burrata cheese with heirloom tomatoes and plenty of tangy marinated olives. In addition to nightly blackboard specials, a 26-foot cold bar features fresh hamachi crudo (a marinated yellowtail dish), plus a variety of seasonal salads. Guests are encouraged to order 2 or 3 tasting plates per person to enjoy a distinctive selection of tapas or one of the larger entrees like a whole salt-crusted fish or perfectly-seasoned lamb chops.

The 50-room hotel has a popular lobby bar, a scenic rooftop terrace, a waterfront dining patio and an entirely romantic vibe. Wednesday nights are all about the “Sunset Chill,” an evening of food, drinks and music with a local DJ creating a festive mood. Sunday brunches are a specialty of Chef Keith Suarino who crafts a rustic Mediterranean feast that includes bottomless sangrias and mimosas. The buffet service features a chilled soup, plenty of salads, a fresh seafood raw bar, grilled lamb, pork and beef tenderloin and a savory seafood paella. Guest can also customize omelettes made to order or sample the heavenly nutella banana stuffed French toast. Showcasing bold graphics, the work of local artists and a kitschy selection of old Floridiana, Vintro’s “vintage + retro” styling creates the perfect oasis for a unique South Beach escape.

Vintro Hotel & Kitchen is located at 2216 Park Avenue on South Beach. 305.704.3680. Breakfast 7am-11am, Lunch 11am-7pm, Dinner Sunday – Wednesday 7pm-11pm & Thursday – Saturday 7pm until midnight.

Taking advantage of the Shelborne’s impressive space, elaborate crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the grandest of sushi bars which the chef wanted to be the focal point of the restaurant. “I wanted it to be a stage,” said Morimoto, “so you can watch (the sushi chefs’) skills.” While the beautifully presented food dazzles, it is difficult to tear your eyes away from the pool and beachfront just beyond the bar as the design team maximizes the Shelborne’s amazing ocean view. Morimoto South Beach is the realization of a dream for the popular TV personality; an elegant eatery with a fun South Beach vibe.

Showcasing dishes unique to the area, the menu at Morimoto features locally grown fruit and vegetables and a variety of fresh Florida seafood to augment the prime cuts of sushi-grade fish imported from around the world. Known for his Tuna Pizza and Toro Tartare, the kitchen executes Hamachi Tacos and Miami-inspired Ceviches with equal aplomb. Partnering with innovative Executive Pastry Chef Manabu Inoue, the restaurant serves a Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart and Coconut Mango Pudding that are deliciously decadent.

Guests can sit in comfortable banquettes or opt for central tables placed indoors or out on the terrace. A private VIP Table can be reserved for special occasions when Morimoto is in town. He plans to divide his time between New York City and Miami to oversee the execution of the restaurant as well as all the food and beverage at the hotel. For the moment, perhaps the best seats in the house are front and center at the sushi bar where the chefs wield razor sharp knives to dazzling effect.

Morimoto South Beach at the Shelborne Wyndham Grand, 1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Open Sunday through Thursday 6pm to midnight and Friday & Saturday until 1am.

Once fortified at the bar, the kitchen’s special roast chicken in Cuban gravy and the slow roasted pork leg marinated in Cuban mojo are deeply satisfying. Served with rich black beans and sweet plantains, most entrees capture the hearty traditions of old school Cuban cooking. While a full meal is infinitely filling, be sure to leave room for the chef’s tres leches cake, a sweet treat that comprises rum soaked yellow cake topped with cinnamon, vanilla and mixed cream. Havana 1957 brings the best of Cuba to the heart of South Beach.

Name:	Havana 1957
Rating:	/ 4.0 stars based on 363 reviews across the Web
Address:	405 Espanola Way & 819 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone:	(305) 503-3828
Cuisine:	Latin
Price:	$$
Attire:	Casual
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	Yes
Parking:	On-street parking
Chef:	N/A
Website:	www.havana1957.com