The best food at Miami Dolphins games got a big boost this season, as some of the top chefs in Miami have opened up stands at Hard Rock Stadium. So if you’re looking for what to eat during a Miami Dolphins game at Hard Rock Stadium, here’s seven ideas that’ll give you a great taste of the city too.

Hot Sando

LCKY CHKN – Section 347

The folks from Phuc Yea venture into the world of sports stadiums with their new spot on the upper deck. The top menu item is the Hot Sando - a fried, gluten-free chicken breast topped with vegan slaw and dill pickles - though gluten-free-ers take note the bun is not gluten-free. There’s also a steamed-mile bao bun with those same dill pickles.

Vietnamese and Korean Corn Dogs

Mama Yata’s Asian Street Bites – Section 244

There are, quite possibly, the most beautiful corn dogs I’ve ever laid my eyes on. They’re stuffed with mozzarella and Panko fried, then topped with Blue Takis and hot flaming Cheetos and potatoes. Finally, the whole thing gets covered in signature sauce and kewpie mayo. Hot dogs l not your thing? The Davie-based restaurant’s Hard Rock debut also offers a Katsu burger with sweet milk Japanese bread.

Birria Tacos

Tacotomia – Sections 230 and 341

Chef Karla Houyos’ spot inside the stadium will be dishing out – what else – Hard Rock’s best tacos. The best among them is the birria, which can be a little awkward to dip at your seat but otherwise pack all the flavor you’d find at a hole-in-the-wall taqueria. If you’re still a little concerned about the guy next to you covering you in steak drippings, go for the chicken adobo tacos or the nachos.

Pizza Emapandas

La Placita – Section 103

Jose Mendin comes to Hard Rock with a big station of traditional Puerto Rican food. But since we’re dealing with football fans, pizza is in order, so he’s thrown all your favorite pizza toppings inside an empanada for Hard Rock’s take on Hot Pockets. Word to the wise: Eat slowly, the hot cheese can burn your mouth if you bite in too fast. For a quick snack, try the taquenos with guava sauce.

Veggie Burger

Wynwood Walkthrough - 122a, 150a, 347a, 327a and 322a

If you would rather spend your time watching football and not waiting in line for chicken tenders, Hard Rock is introducing the Wynwood Walkthrough. The Amazon-powered autonomous markets have you scan a credit card when you walk in, then pick out all sorts of hot foods like Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, beers, and several varieties of Goya products. Interestingly, the best thing here is the veggie burger, the stadium’s top protein option for non-meat eaters, served on King’s Hawaiian bread.

Thai Lemongrass Beef Short Rib

72 Club

Look, we know the vast majority of you don’t have the scratch to afford the swanky 72 Club – the top tier premium seats in the stadium. But maybe by December the team will be so bad people are selling their 72 Club seats dirt cheap, and you too can experience the culinary bounty of Hard Rock’s one percent. The best bet here is this lemongrass shortrib, that’s better than literally every short rib I’ve had in Miami aside from Kojin 2.0.

Another Hendrick’s Spritz

Premium Bars – Various sections

For a cocktail, I highly suggest you stop by one of the premium bars for ‘Another Hendrick’s Spritz’ which is made with Hendrix, Jan club soda, sparkling, rosé, fresh, lemon juice and agave, then topped off with a beautiful stem of rosemary. It beats the heat and gets you a buzz, with less urgent needs for the bathroom than beer.

I’ve found myself at the Hard Rock more than I should admit over the past few months, which is odd because I don’t gamble. Every visit this summer has included a stop at Council Oak. My husband and I like to eat at the bar when it’s just us, and after few dinners there, I know I can count on a cold martini, a good steak, and bartenders who know the menu.

Council Oak is the flagship steakhouse at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Its name comes from the oak tree on the Hollywood reservation where Seminole leaders met in the 1950s as they organized against the federal policy that threatened to dissolve the tribe.

Is it still worth the hype? Yes. I’ve been back a few times this summer, and the staff has been informed and attentive every time. The steaks have been solid, too.

The Space: This is one of the biggest steakhouse dining rooms I’ve seen in recent memory. The open kitchen, butcher shop, dry-aging room, and glass wine room give you plenty to look at, and the restaurant overlooks the Guitar Hotel’s pool and waterfalls. I still gravitate toward the bar. The bartenders know their stuff, and my husband and I have had good luck finding seats there.

What to Eat & Drink: Start with a martini. Mine have arrived strong and icy cold, exactly as I want them. Then get the Council Oak bacon for the table: thick, glazed slabs with cornbread that adds a little sweetness against all that salt.

The oysters Rockefeller are a good way to bring someone into the oyster fold. We talked a few friends who’d never tried oysters into ordering them, and they enjoyed them. The escargot, with herb butter and lemon, is another dish I’d share. Fair warning if you’re on a date: those herbs may end up in your teeth. There are fresh oysters and caviar on the menu if you’d rather start with the raw bar.

Right now, my favorite thing here might be the French onion soup. Council Oak uses Gruyère and provolone, which gives it that long, stretchy layer of cheese I want from the dish. The Caesar is a good choice, and the chopped salad has plenty going on, including bacon, blue cheese, cranberries, and candied walnuts.

I’ve tried several steaks across my visits, and each one has been cooked well. Council Oak has the full steakhouse lineup, from bone-in cuts and porterhouse to ribeye and Japanese A5 wagyu. Was any of it the best steak of my life? No. But every one I’ve had has been a good steak, served the way I ordered it. Hollandaise is my pick from the sauces. For sides, the potato au gratin is creamy and full of flavor, while the creamed spinach is rich enough that I’m happy to share it.

Perfect For: Dinner before a show. A steakhouse night with friends. A date at the bar.

Pro Tip: If you’re a party of two, check the bar before committing to a table. When we’ve put our names down on busy Friday and Saturday nights, our waits have been about 30 to 45 minutes. I’d plan more carefully for a show night, but I wouldn’t assume you’re out of luck without a reservation.

Expect to Pay: Plan on roughly $150 to $200 per person for dinner with a drink and shared starters and sides. Wagyu, caviar, and a more extensive trip through the wine list will take you higher.

How’s the parking? Self-parking is free in the resort’s garages, including Lucky Street. Valet is $30 at the daily rate, with show-night pricing subject to change.

@HardRockHolly // 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood

Diego Oka is a legend.

If you are from Miami, or have not been living under a rock for the past 12 years (when he relocated from San Francisco), you have heard of the man behind La Mar by Gastón Acurio.

Spicing up Miami’s culinary scene since taking the helm at La Mar in 2014, this born in Lima and of Peruvian-Japanese heritage chap, Oka has spent more than two decades cooking his way around the world…with stops in Bogotá, San Francisco and Mexico City along the way.

Inspired by his grandmother’s kitchen in his childhood home (she lived with the fam), he always learned that creativity doesn’t stop at the plate. A ceramicist who created AMANO by Oka, an intimate eight-course tasting experience served on ceramics he handcrafted himself, we learned would be an industrial designer if cooking weren’t in the cards.

When he’s not cooking, creating pottery or championing the next generation of Latin American chefs, you’ll find him representing Miami and Peru on the international culinary stage. And most recently, with Hispanic Heritage Month happening until October 15th, at JARANA in Aventura “I chose some of La Mar’s classics to create a seven-dish sharing menu for guests to enjoy together on Saturday nights and there are three more to go.”

Learn about Chef Diego Oka- AKA ‘Oka’ below. And scroll to the bottom of his quickie to book this incredible experience which runs through October 15th.

Name: Diego Oka

Nickname: They call me Oka!

Your role at La Mar: Executive Chef of La Mar. I go by that. At the moment, I am the only employee for La Mar in Miami while supporting La Mar locations in Chile, Madrid, Argentina and San Francisco.

Why Miami? I chose to come to Miami in 2014 because La Mar was inside the Mandarin Oriental, and it was the perfect place for me to learn about the corporate system and structure. Before that, I was in San Francisco, which was very different.

What is your favorite childhood leftover memory: Yes, every family has those! In my home, my grandma lived with us, and my dad was a foodie. His business was by the Mercado Central, where all the chefs bought their food, so it was the best combination. He would bring home fresh seafood and scallops, fish and my grandma would cook for us. Although we would never repeat a meal, and we had a menu for the week that would interchange, so one day of vegetables, one day of meat, it was always different which kept it interesting. But if I could have one memory that stuck it would be of a dish called Tacu Tacu. It is the best leftover, ever, and it is made ofbeans and rice, and the next day you mix them together, and it’s even better. You recook it almost like a Tortilla Española.

What is your favorite restaurant to take leftovers home from? Now my dining style has changed because we have three kids. I would love to eat out more, but Chinese food has the best leftovers—always. Kon Chau, near Tropical Park, is one of my favorites. The stir-fried noodles are unreal. I love the morning glory vegetables, turnip cake and eggplant with shrimp. I always order the same things and leave with whatever we can take home. The dim sum is excellent, and they have it every day!

What would your last meal be? Something from my mom’s kitchen, like her famous Minestrón, which is inspired by minestrone soup. It’s a basil soup with yuca and beef cooked for hours, with lime and rocoto.

If you were a guest in your own restaurant, what would you order? The Tiradito Lujoso. Tiradito has a Japanese influence, with thinly sliced fish. This dish has confit vegetables and leche de tigre with celery, onion and garlic. It’s emulsified with the leche de tigre and served with chips, smoked trout roe and avocado.

What music is playing in your kitchen at home? I cook every day. I make lunch for my family and then go to JARANA, where I work with Chef Martha. Every morning, I support the team and cook. It’s my everyday restaurant and part of the group’s comfort-food concept.

Cooking at home is hard because cooking is both my work and my passion. I do it every day, so it’s not always easy for a chef to come home and do it again. I don’t usually play music while I cook because the job moves too fast.

But back to music - if I’m chilling, I like Pandora. I like surprises, so no pre-set playlists. I choose a channel and go!

What do you wear when you cook at home? Whatever I have on!

What is your favorite thing about the Miami restaurant scene? For sure, the community. When I came here in 2014, I was the new guy and knew nobody. I chose Miami because La Mar was inside the Mandarin Oriental, and it was the perfect place to learn about the corporate system and structure. San Francisco had been very different.

Here, I connected with these wonderful people who I now consider my friends. Olee is one of them! I don’t see her often, but there was a group of local chefs who came before me who had created this culinary community, and they hugged me. It was so beautiful.

I remember helping Cesar Zapata paint the walls at Phuc Yea. We were all going to one another’s homes. Olee, Carla, Steve Santana, Eric Saltz, David Morales, Gio, William Crandall, Brad and Soraya….the list goes on.

Now, everyone is so successful. We’re all grown up, married and have kids. I don’t know another city that has that. In other places, there can be so much envy and competition. We went to the movies together. We partied together. It was so much more than just restaurants.

What is your least favorite thing about the Miami restaurant scene? We don’t have a Chinatown.

What do you drink after work—alcoholic or non-alcoholic? I love to go out, but I don’t really drink, so I stick with sparkling water! I love being surrounded by drunk people, though.

I think I have an allergy to alcohol, like a lot of Asians do. But if I sneak in a drink, it’s Mezcal de Pechuga, which is traditionally distilled with a turkey breast! Anything else makes my head explode.

What would people be most surprised to know about you? I have no mysteries! I’m kind of boring. People know now that I have other passions. I love art, ceramics, design and architecture. As people have gotten to know me more, they realize I’m more than a chef.

What are your go-to spots in Miami? Cotoa, Sunny’s, and now I choose more family-friendly places. I also love ViceVersa, Tam Tam and Recoveco. I think they are some of the best, and the people behind them are super talented.

What kitchen tool do you swear by? My green Nenox sashimi knives. I love their design.

What is the most overrated culinary trend? Everyone trying to make things Japanese to make them fancy, or because it sells.

What are your thoughts on MSG? About 20 years ago, I was invited to Ajinomoto in Japan. It’s a brand most people know. They explained the process to us, the poor reputation MSG had developed and the controversy surrounding it.

I don’t have a definitive opinion on it, but in Peru, many people use it. I will say that a leche de tigre or ceviche made with it tastes different than one made without it. But glutamates also occur naturally in many ingredients, like dashi and sun-dried tomatoes, so you can achieve that flavor naturally without using the powder.

We don’t use it at La Mar—not because we think it’s bad or wrong, but because when I moved to Miami, people were very against it, so I stayed away from it. It’s been 11 years since I’ve used MSG powder.

What is your favorite thing to cook at home? Peruvian classics and comfort food, so I would say that is usually soups. My kids love soups, and it’s amazing that they have the opportunity to eat so well. It’s a tradition I’m passing down to them: sitting together and eating properly with meat, potatoes, and rice.

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be doing? I would be an industrial designer.

What advice would you give aspiring chefs? Enjoy what you do, not only in the kitchen, but in general. I’m so lucky to enjoy what I do.

Being a chef is about so much more than cooking. It’s talking to journalists and wonderful customers. It’s motivating and guiding my team. It’s being creative. Being a chef means learning to enjoy every part of it.

What’s your #1 guest-order pet peeve? I don’t have one! All the customers are very nice to me. The ones who suffer are the servers.

What is your favorite city to visit for food? Tokyo, for sure.

Guests can book a table at JARANA or La Mar Miami. It’s not a traditional set seating and the experience is available from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. at $90 pp.

There’s been a change in plans with the location, we will now be celebrating at Rosa Sky — also in the heart of Brickell — with complimentary cocktails and bites courtesy of our host venue. Come have a drink with us (Erin, Olee, and Matt), catch up with fellow readers, and tell us where we need to eat next.

We’ll also have discounted annual subscriptions available at the party if you’d like to buy us a birthday gift and support another year of The Leftovers. We’ll have QR codes on site to make signing up easy, and don’t worry, Erin will be making the rounds to make sure you’ve signed up. ;)

The event is complimentary, but RSVP is essential — so make sure to RSVP here! We’ll see you at Rosa Sky, 9115 SW 8th Street, 22nd Floor, on September 29. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

RSVP HERE

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Miami certainly has no shortage of brunch options on the weekend, but I’m usually looking for something simpler in the morning: a good bagel, a stack of pancakes, or eggs from a diner that has been serving them forever. These are seven of my favorite places to get breakfast around town.

Café Croissant

Café Croissant was my go-to breakfast spot when I lived within walking distance, and I probably went twice a month. It’s a little French diner run by twin chefs, usually with the Today Show on one television and a sporting event on the other. You can order a croque madame or La Parisienne, a savory crepe filled with ham or turkey, Swiss cheese, and a fried egg, then get a café con leche because this is still Miami. The food is simple and well-priced, and I miss having it so close.

Pro Tip: The guava-and-cheese croissant and café con leche make a very good pair.

1684 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145

Caracas Bakery

For a long time, I didn’t think I was hip enough to have breakfast at Caracas Bakery. It felt like one of those places where everyone else would somehow know what to order. Once I finally went, I got it. The sandwiches are great, the pastries are interesting, and the Venezuelan-French combination works. Two breakfast highlights include B.E.C. comes on a sweet potato bun with soft-scrambled eggs, bacon, and American cheese, while the Croix Sandwich puts eggs, avocado, tomato, and cheese on a croissant. There are three locations now, so clearly I wasn’t the only person won over.

Pro Tip: The full breakfast menu is only served at the MiMo location.

@caracas.bakery // 7884 NW 52nd St., Doral; 7283 Biscayne Blvd., MiMo; 72 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables

Chug’s Diner

I had breakfast at Chug’s Diner on the morning of my wedding and brought about 15 people with me. I asked to swap the bread on my sandwich, and the restaurant refused, even after I pointed out that I was the bride. I still chuckle about it to this day — I mean how serious do you need to take your breakfast sandwiches, but I digress — Chug’s remains one of my favorite breakfast spots in the Grove. I’ve been a fan since the original location had about three seats to its name, and with hearty portions, great breakfast sandwiches, and a cast-iron pancake cooked with clarified butter and maple syrup, I see why there is always a wait.

Pro Tip: The menu means it when it says no substitutions.

@chugsdiner // 3444 Main Hwy., Suite 21, Coconut Grove

El Bagel

El Bagel means “the bagel,” in case you never put that together. I give it a lot of credit for bringing a real bagel culture to Miami, and I’ve followed it since the food-truck days. The bagels are great, and there is still a constant line at both the MiMo and Coconut Grove locations. The BEC comes with maple bacon, fried eggs, and American cheese, while the Lox Supreme is loaded with locally smoked lox, cucumber, dill, pickled onion, tomato, capers, and cream cheese. The King Guava, made with guava marmalade, cream cheese, potato sticks, and a fried egg, is the very Miami-coded order to get.

Pro Tip: Get the BEC on a rosemary sea-salt bagel.

@elbagel // 6910 Biscayne Blvd., MiMo; 3015 Grand Ave., Suite 122, Coconut Grove

Stadium Diner

Miami has far fewer greasy-spoon diners than it did 10 or 15 years ago, and that is a shame. IMHO, diner food remains one of the best hangover treatments available. Stadium Diner is in Miami Gardens one of the last standing diners, and not especially close to much besides Hard Rock Stadium and, apparently, my house. The service is quick and friendly, the prices are fair, and the breakfast menu covers corned beef hash, Belgian waffles, and a short stack with two eggs and your choice of smoked sausage or ham. It feels old-school because it is actually is old-school — not some manufactured version of it.

Pro Tip: Stop in before a Dolphins or UM game to line your stomach before all that tailgating.

@stadium.diner // 19904 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Gardens

Tina in the Gables

Tina in the Gables has received a ton of attention since opening, and the lines outside suggest the hype hasn’t slowed down. The team behind Miami Slice and La Latina serves a small all-day brunch menu with brioche French toast covered in salted-butter maple syrup and orange zest, plus smashed Peruvian potatoes fried in tallow and served with romesco. The soft-shell crab sandwich comes on a brioche bun with mango pico de gallo and tartar sauce. There’s also maple-candied bacon and an iced Gables Café Crème if breakfast requires both sugar and caffeine.

Pro Tip: Get there before 10 a.m. Tina is walk-in only.

@tinainthegables // 4700 S. Le Jeune Rd., Coral Gables

Zak the Baker

Zak the Baker is a classic for a reason. The bread is obviously the main draw, but the breakfast menu has plenty going on too. The Eggs Florentine puts poached eggs, kale, and avocado hollandaise over a crispy yuca latka, while the challah French toast comes with orange-brown-butter syrup, mascarpone, and pecan crumble. Even 10+ years, the Wynwood café still fills up in the morning with neighborhood regulars and half of Miami’s creative class eating breakfast before work.

Pro Tip: Like a good proper kosher spot, Zak is closed on Saturdays.

@zakthebaker // 295 NW 26th St., Wynwood

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It is the season of balance. As we cross the equinox, the Sun enters Libra, shifting the collective energy from meticulous preparation to social grace. This transition marks the perfect moment to reflect on the season that was, while embracing the beauty of what is to come.

We pause first to honor Virgo, whose pursuit of the “perfect glass” was not in vain. Thank you for setting the stage with such impeccable detail—for ensuring the lighting was just so, the atmosphere curated, and that first, essential caipirinha was flawlessly balanced. We raise a final perfect glass to Virgo in sincere gratitude for creating a foundation of beautiful precision.

Now, as we embrace Libra, we embrace true aesthetic harmony. The initial hustle and perfectionist energy make way for effortless composition—the art of the shared meal. Libra season is a time of long, leisurely lunches, light, floral whites,and the easy company of friends old and new. It is about aesthetic perfection, yes, but also a deeper beauty that rises when everyone at the table feels valued, comfortable, and truly seen.

This is the season where art and life balance perfectly. Join us in finding your own sweet spot of symmetry and joy.

Finding Your Weekly Pairing Here

One of the great things about living in Miami is the abundance of Latin American steakhouses—places where you get big plates of fire-grilled meat for the price of a single steak at more traditional steakhouses. That means Miami is teeming with steakhouses that won’t break the bank, and if you’re looking for the best affordable steak restaurants in Miami, we rounded up the best seven.

Carnicero

For whatever reason, Carnicero still seems to fly under the radar when people talk about Miami’s best Latin American steakhouses. Both its Flagami and Kendall locations combine stripped-down elegance with top-tier steaks, where you can enjoy a $26 NY Strip or a $17 picanha in environs best described as Pottery-Barn-meets-ranch-house. The burger is also one of the best bargains in the city, a flame-broiled number with truffle mayo and cheddar for $15.

Pro tip: Grab some merch on the way out. Who doesn’t look better in a Carnicero camo hat?

@carnicerogroup // 3805 W. Flagler, Miami; 7390 SW 117^th Ave., Kendall

El Churrasco Grill

When people toss around affordable Latin steakhouses in Miami, the name that comes up more than any other is El Churrasco Grill. That’s probably because this Brazilian steak palace has five locations across South Florida, plus another half-dozen food trucks and two locations in Tampa. Don’t let the large number of locations fool you into thinking the steaks are anything less than stellar. You’ll get a hearty churrasco steak with two sides for about $32, and the mixed-grill parrillas all clock in at around $70–$80 and easily feed four.

Pro tip: Not that I’d ever suggest getting food delivered, but the steaks here hold up if you’re the type who doesn’t like to leave the house. They also make for great party food.

@elchurrasco // Multiple locations

El Toro Loco

El Toro Loco is the rare spot where you walk in, look at the menu, and say, “These prices can’t be right.” But in a good way. Call it reverse sticker shock, but this small chain of high-energy Latin steakhouses puts out a prime 8-oz. filet mignon for $29, ribeye for $32, and porterhouse for $28. There’s also a whole menu of wagyu dishes like tostones with pico de gallo and A5 wagyu tacos with avocado. It’s an ideal spot to bring your family for a meat-heavy feast; just know the air will be thick with music, joyful noise, and delicious meat smoke.

Pro tip: Check out the meats to go. Many of them are cheaper than those at your local butcher shop.

@eltorolocochurrascaria // Locations in Doral, Little Havana, The Hammocks, Westchester, and Kendall

Hereford Grill

This airport-adjacent legend got a fresh look this past fall, going from a staid old power-lunch spot to a modern, lively steakhouse. Though the crowd and the menu at Hereford Grill are still largely Latin American, the décor feels more like a light, traditional steakhouse, where you can get a full dinner for under $50. The rest of the menu is more intriguing than your usual steakhouse fare, featuring stuff like passion fruit tequeños, sweet potato with Creole sauce, and roasted carrots with garlic confit and mint gremolata.

Pro tip: Their Miami Spice menu is in the $50 tier and is one of the best deals of the season. It’s also running through October now, in case you missed it.

@herefordmiami // 783 NW 42nd Ave., Flagami

Mordisco

The neon sign above this steakhouse in a far-west Doral strip mall makes it look more like a kids’ fun zone than a restaurant. But step inside and you’ll find one of the more elegant strip-mall steakhouses I’ve ever seen, with a bar set around a cherry blossom tree and tables interspersed with light wood beams. The wood-fired grill gives Mordisco’s steaks a distinctly smoky aroma, with nearly all of its cuts coming in under $40, though the massive parrillas are mostly under $100 and give you more meat than anyone can reasonably handle.

Pro tip: While you might be tempted to dive straight into the steaks, the meat’s smoky flavor makes Mordisco’s other dishes especially complex. Try the picanha tostones or chicharrón divorciado before your meal.

@mordisco // 10355 NW 41^st St., Doral

Rio Grande Churrascaria

Paradise for meat lovers is Brazilian-style rodizio, where gauchos come by with epic skewers of glimmering meat and serve you until you call for mercy. Typically, those meat tours de force run about $50–$60 a person, but at Rio Grande, you get the experience for $30 at lunch and $40 at dinner. That also comes with salads, rice, beans, farofa, and all the other Brazilian fixin’s.

Pro tip: Go at lunch; it’s $10 cheaper, and you’ll be full for the rest of the day.

@riograndechurrascaria // Locations in Hialeah, Pinecrest, Southwest Ranches, and Hollywood

RO Steakhouse

When I first went into RO Steakhouse last fall, I legitimately thought the menu was misprinted. It’s the epitome of a chic, modern steakhouse with dim lights and artificial fire pits. Yet somehow, a prime filet mignon was a questionable $28. Now, that price has gone up to $36, but it’s still a bargain in a place that feels like it should be charging twice as much. The rest of the menu isn’t quite as jaw-droppingly affordable, but if you’re a filet fan, this is the best all-around deal in Miami.

Pro tip: The Old Fashioneds are exquisite. Start your meal with one, then maybe order another.

@rosteakhouse // 121 Alhambra Plaza Suite 110, Coral Gables

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Midorie on 79th St. is a lovely option for lunch and dinner. But most recently, its newest location has given Miamians another reason to stop in. And that’s for happy hour, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Also, take note that this is only at its 79th St. location.

The menu is unbeatable. It’s casual. It’s comfortable. And it’s the brainchild of Álvaro Perez Miranda, who is responsible for some of South Florida’s finest, including Hiyakawa and Ogawa.

If you are hungry for hand rolls, this is your spot. If you love sake, it’s also a dream. Their Japanese beer selection is also killer fab. So, bon appétit (a.k.a. kanpai)!

The scene: Have you ever been to Wabi Sabi? Well, if so, this is a fresh, modern, and updated version of that restaurant, which, for all intents and purposes, was the OG of hidden gems. Enter Midorie, the modern version of that. It’s a little restaurant where the simplicity of it all makes it that much chicer. In the mood to sit at the five-seat bar? That’s an option, as is a large high-top. They also have wooden booths for tables of two and four.

What to eat and drink: The hand rolls for the win! The scallop came with a homemade garlic-ish sriracha, and the tuna was no-frills and fresh.

Pro tip: Get the sake. For $6, it was a lovely pour, which is always something to commend.

Perfect for: They serve lunch and dinner, but the happy hour is the most economical option in town for Japanese food. Go on a date, have a casual dinner with a girlfriend, or take your child after work. Truth be told, anything goes.

Expect to pay: $30–$50 per person, depending on how hungry and thirsty you are. Their prices range from $5 to $15 per fish, while Japanese beers are $5 and a white or rosé will cost you $7.

How’s the parking? There is abundant street parking. They also have a lot in the back that accommodates three vehicles. You enter on the east side of the building, which says “Shorecrest BLDG” on the façade, and take a peek. Maybe it will be your lucky day.

@Midorie_79 // 851 NE 79th St, Miami

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Move over Faena. There’s a new jaw-dropping testament to South Beach glam on the island, and its name is Rivani. The new Lincoln Road office development is about as subtle as a gold-plated Maserati, complete with sandstone art, accented elevators, and a bar with ice imported from Japan. Over-the-top? Sure. But we’d expect nothing less from a building that invented its own class of office space.

Bar Shishi, a sleek, stunning, Japanese-inspired cocktail lounge from ice-carving master Kevin Lee, opens today at Rivani. If you don’t know the name, know that he’s forged a reputation in LA chopping away at frozen spheres and hosting cocktail omakases with flights of fernet made from different strands of farm-fresh mint. But the bar is more than an ice carving show. It’s the kind of quiet, hidden place that will be a haven from the madness once season arrives. And it definitely shows you’re a local in the know when you meander upstairs.

I understand importing fish from Japan, but ice? Kinda seems like overkill.

And this is why Kevin Lee is the only ice-carving master outside Japan, and you, friend, are not. Lee explained that the water in America has about 300 mineral parts per million. Fine for drinking. Not so great for ice carving. The water he imports has around three parts per million after it’s filtered. This makes for a far more solid ice block and allows for more precise carving. It’s like working with granite versus clay for a sculptor.

The scene: An elegant adventure. After you’ve made it through Rivani’s ornate lobby, take the elevator to the third floor. Once there, stick your hand in the mouth of the lion head on the wall, wait for the green light, and enter through a metal door. A hallway of whisky lockers leads you into the main bar, dotted with only a dozen seats. Small velvet banquettes line the outside, ideal for behind-closed-doors business drinks, and snuggle time with that special someone else.

What to eat and drink: The cocktail menu comes in a fun pull-out accordion, which I encourage everyone to read thoroughly before ordering. Lee also gained fame for using lots of farm-fresh ingredients, and his drinks at Bar Shishi are no different. The Cosmic Funk uses fresh passionfruit juice, mixed with suntory haku yuzu vodka, okinawan rum, calpico, mandarin, and sfumato. The Acid Hues adds mango to Japanese strawberry gin, mezcal, lime, and Thai chili bitters.

If you’re spending other people’s money, there’s the $100 Hakushu 12-year Old Fashioned, served atop a hand-carved sphere with flaming aromatic bitters. It’s Lee’s latest effort to make the world’s best Old Fashioned, and if you’re into Japanese whisky this may be worth the C-note.

Food-wise, you’ll find a small selection of Japanese staples, just enough to get a bite if you don’t want cocktails on an empty stomach. Think hand rolls, maki rolls, chicken karaage and wagyu katsu sando. You could make dinner out of it, but this place is best experienced for drinks.

Don’t miss: The ice carving. Lee should be in town once a month. And if he is, watching him work is mesmerizing. It would also give your mother an anxiety attack.

Perfect for: Impressing. Business drinks. Drinks with people you shouldn’t be having drinks with.

Expect to pay: About $30 a cocktail. You ever try importing ice from Japan? It ain’t cheap.

How’s the parking: The valet is a show, but if you’re not up for dropping the price of a drink on parking, the 17th Street garage is a manageable seven-minute walk.

@barshishimiami // 1691 Michigan Ave., Suite 322, South Beach

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My husband and I had our first date at Ironside Pizza. Two and a half years later, he proposed to me in the same spot, and we still go back around our engagement anniversary each year. Recently, I returned recently for one of its Tuesday game nights, and the pizza was as good as I remembered and the space was just as charming.

Ironside Pizza opened in 2014 inside Miami Ironside, the indoor-outdoor design complex (that frankly, I’ve never fully understood) in the Upper Eastside. It was the first expansion from behind Toscana Divino (RIP), and it was serving Neapolitan pies here welllllll before Miami’s latest onslaught wave of Italian restaurants. It’s an OG that’s still as good as it was 12 years ago — and honestly, that’s saying something.

Is it still worth the hype? Sure. On my latest visit, the pizza came out with the same chewy, crisp, fluffy crust I’ve loved for years.

The Space: Ironside Pizza sits inside Miami Ironside complex, with an indoor dining room and tables spread through the leafy courtyard. The outdoor setup works especially well for families because kids have room to play while their parents eat a normal meal. On Tuesday nights, the bistro side turns into game-night headquarters and serves the same food.

What to Eat & Drink: The Involtini Salumi come as ricotta and parmacotto pizza rolls finished with truffle oil and Grana Padano, plus enough arugula to pretend you ordered a salad. They’re delicious, and the pile of arugula keeps them from feeling too heavy. If you want actual greens, order the Crunchy Cabbage with shredded cabbage, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and lemon tahini. It gives the table something crisp between all that cheese and dough.

The pizza is obviously the star here, and still all these years later, still slaps. The crust has enough chew and crunch, the center stays fluffy, and none of it overwhelms whatever sits on top. I’m a sucker for the pepperoni pizza version, because, I have never met a pepperoni pizza I didn’t like, but the Parmacotto & Ananas surprised me on my last visit. It’s Ironside’s version of Hawaiian pizza, made with ham and pineapple. I’m well aware that people have their ~feelings~ about Hawaiian pizza, but I don’t really care, because I like it.

The panini are massive, so split one unless you arrive hungry. The wood-fired mains impressed me too, and the prime ribeye costs $32. That is prim-o Matt Meltzer territory, if you ask me.

One thing I miss is the BYOB policy. They don’t offer it anymore, and I’m not going to pretend that wasn’t a big part of the original appeal for me. BUT, on Tuesdays, Aperol spritzes are $6 during game night, so I’ll take that as a consolation prize for now.

Perfect For: Families, low-key date nights, groups that want a lot of pizza, and anyone who’d rather play a board game over a spritz on a Tuesday.

Pro Tip: Bringing at least six people? The $29-per-person Giro Pizza includes two starters and unlimited rotating pizzas for two hours.

Expect to Pay: Plan for around $30 to $50 per person with drinks.

How’s the parking? There’s a lot attached to the campus just north of Ironside, but the front section doubles as a very popular Tesla charging station, so don’t count on those spaces. Right behind it, there’s ample metered parking that you pay for by phone, usually a couple of bucks an hour. You’ll also find paid street parking throughout the surrounding neighborhood.

@ironside_pizza // 7580 NE 4th Court, Upper Eastside

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Running a hit restaurant in Miami is a task right up there with winning the Super Bowl and opening a pistachio. Running two? You may as well plan on hitting the Powerball. But Raheem Sealey has struck gold twice now at Kyu and Drinking Pig, and the St. Croix native sat down with us to talk about his fondest memories of food in the islands, and his love of thoroughbred horse racing.

Name: Raheem Sealey

Position: Corporate Executive Chef at KYU and Chef/Owner of Drinking Pig

Nickname: Only a couple people call me by my middle name, Adowa.

Favorite childhood memory of leftovers: Always Thanksgiving. Turkey. In St. Croix we do this thing called potato stuffing, but it’s like mashed potatoes. You season it with sofrito and tomato paste. You mix it into the mashed potatoes and you bake it. It’s like my favorite side dish.

What dish of yours makes the best leftovers?

I would say any of the barbecue stuff. The brisket, the short rib, the fried chicken. Like I take the fried chicken, chop it up and make a big fried chicken sandwich.

What’s your favorite restaurant to bring leftovers home from?

I would say Stage Palm Beach.

What would your last meal be?

Red pea soup with pig tails, pig feet, and dumplings. Me and my grandmother, we did that together all the time. And it’s my favorite thing to eat. It just brings back so much nostalgia, you know?

If you were a guest in your restaurant, what would you order?

At Kyu, I get the, the fried chicken, the rice, the burrata, cauliflower, of course the duck burnt ends.

What music is playing in your kitchen?

The same thing that’s playing in the dining room - old school hip hop. When I’m in the kitchen and I’m cooking, it’s Bob Marley. I like to stay calm. Let’s keep the vibes nice and chill, you know? I don’t need too much energy so early in the morning.

What do you wear when you’re cooking at home?

Whatever I wake up in, if I’m in my pajamas and cook in my pajamas.

What’s your go-to cooking tool?

A grill. Anything open fire - smoking, open fire, saute. I think it gives food so much flavor, and I tell people all the time, gas grilling is not grilling.

What’s your favorite thing about the Miami restaurant scene?

A lot of the locals are still winning. The Macchialinas and the Tam Tams and the guys that kind of like grew up here in the industry. The Michael Beltrans of the world, Mike Pirolo, the guys that grew up in the Miami culinary scene, being able to see them thrive is the best feeling.

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What’s your least favorite thing about the Miami restaurant scene?

When you have a lot of different influencers coming into your restaurant and they’re charging you all this money to be able to just post the story, to say that your restaurant’s good and they’re all saying the same thing. Because there’s so many people that actually make really good food and can’t afford to pay them the kind of money that they’re asking for and don’t get the visibility that they deserve.

What do you drink after work?

Lemonade.

What would people be most surprised to know about you?

I’m into horses and horse racing. People freak out because it’s like, “Do you have race horses?” And I’m like “Yeah. I got them tattooed on my arm.” I have multiple at Gulfstream, Del Mar, Tampa, we go different places. There’s not a better feeling than when your horse wins a race. I’m telling you. You jump up, you scream, you run, you’re excited. It’s, it’s the best. I’ve been into horse racing my whole life. My uncle was actually a jockey, he retired recently.

That. And old school Volkswagens. Yeah. I got, I got like six of them.

What’s your favorite thing to cook at home?

When it was me and my wife, I would get up and I would cook breakfast for us and lunch and dinner. But now the roles are reversed. But when I cook, it’s grilling. Always steak, sausages, making Johnny cakes, fried chicken.

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be doing?

Horse trainer. Absolutely.

What advice would you give to an aspiring restaurateur?

You gotta work here. You gotta do every job, figure it out, see how it’s done before you decide that you wanna open a restaurant. And you gotta love it. You love hospitality. Like, if you don’t wanna do any of those things, don’t own a restaurant.

What is your number one guest pet peeve?

Modifications. You go somewhere to eat, there’s a menu item. We take a lot of time to put it together for it to be that way. And then, you don’t want the sauce or you want the sauce on the side, and now you’re not really eating the dish that I created. So how are you experiencing what I had set for you to be able to enjoy? And then you’re gonna leave a review saying, oh, that was the worst experience. But you’re the one who deconstructed the dish, you (messed) it up and now you’re upset that it didn’t live up to your expectation. If you’re going to go and change the whole menu, go somewhere else where you’re going to be comfortable.

What’s your favorite city to visit for food?

Mexico City. I just love the culture. It reminded me of when I was in the islands. The guys is washing the greens right on the street and putting it in his store. Everything tastes different there. The limes are different. The cilantro, everything is just so fresh. And then you go to the market and the guys are looking to run you over with all these big bundles of sugar cane and the ladies are shaving the corn and the grapefruits. It’s the most eclectic cultured city that I’ve ever been to.

And the food is next level. Every taqueria is amazing. And then the restaurants that are actually on the 50 best list, they belong there. I could go and spend 500 bucks and have the whole entire menu. I can’t do that here. The love that they put into the food and just the freshness of the quality of the ingredients is like, it just blows me away every time.

A rather common question amongst friends, colleagues and family is “where can I get good Chinese food around here?” Well, in proper Leftovers style - we did the dirty work for you. Meandering from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, we sourced the BEST Chinese restaurants in Miami and the BEST Chinese restaurants in Fort Lauderdale just for you. We also highlighted the ISH - because according to the co-conspirator on this piece, Erin Michelle Newberg felt that China Grill deserved it.

China Grill

I love China Grill. I loved it during my childhood, and I truly enjoyed it on the two separate occasions I visited most recently at their brand-new Bal Harbour Shops location. Let me start off with the legendary Crispy Calamari Salad. It was just that - crispy, crunchy, fresh and perfectly dressed. Their Confucius Chicken Salad was also paradise on a plate. Light, refreshing and perfect - on my last visit a girlfriend and I split both and it was sufficient portion wise. But let me circle back to my first visit. I love a good soup dumpling. And the culinary team within made my dreams come true with their French Onion Soup Dumpling. Served in a classic bamboo steamer, they knocked my socks off. It was a mix of Paris and Dumpling King. But with no MSG. J’adore! -EMN

Pro tip: Make a reservation if you want to sit indoors. The bar is also a great, warm option for a solo meal.

@chinagrillbalharbour // 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour.

Dumpling King

Way before Dumpling King went viral on social media for their soup dumplings, I paid a visit to their North Miami location thanks to my late friend Gaby from the Philippines. And considering I’m an anti-MSG chick who has traveled to China and subsequently visited the world’s finest - this little hole-in-the-wall in a strip shopping center that’s suitable for a ‘Hidden Gem’ is the best spot in the USA for Xiao Long Bao. If you’ve never had their beloved homemade ball of soup - each one delicately hand-wrapped in dumpling skin and filled with flavor-enhanced broth, you can choose from Shanghai style or crab and pork. Either way, you can’t go wrong and the one tip we offer is to poke a tiny hole in the skin before you indulge to let the steam out before it hits your tongue. -EMN

Pro tip: When we first visited, it was 10 years back. They have since expanded, so if you’re in Boca, Pembroke Pines or Coral Springs, pop in!

@dumplingking08 //237 NE 167th St., North Miami Beach.

Good Chef

Wander into this unassuming strip mall spot way out west on 107^th Ave., and you’ll wonder why it hasn’t popped up in your Instagram feed. It’s done up in hanging lanterns and cherry blossom trees, and despite its suburban locale plates are meticulously crafted for photography. But unlike some places that are all aesthetics, Good Chef’s food is really the main draw. Don’t let the “Asian Fusion” label fool you – yeah, there’s some Pad Thai and curry on the menu too – but the Mongolian beef, potstickers, and chow mein are where Good Chef really shines. -MM

Pro tip: There’s two locations, so if you’re further south try the one at Bird Road and the Turnpike.

@goodchefrestaurant // 113 SW 107^th Ave., Sweetwater.

Rainbow Palace

Straight out of the Arnold Schwarzenegger film True Lies cir. ‘94, this restaurant resembles the wild scene from the shooting. And just like that explosion, their food is the bomb. Worth the shlep to Oakland Blvd to enjoy their steamed Lobster Dumplings, the off-menu Sweet & Sour Chicken (massive chunks of clean chicken breast), the mixed-Fried Rice - let it be known that Rainbow Palace it’s more on the elevated side, they have lazy Susan situations on certain tables, it’s worth the price point and not easy to get a reservation at. But try, and thank us later. Oh, their wine list is also incredible and the private dining room is chic AF. -EMN

Pro Tip: If there are no reservations online, just call as they are rather accommodating. They also have a bar where you can sup and sip with big-screen televisions for sports fans.

2787 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park.

South Garden

You know how the bars where all the service industry people go after shift are always the best bars? That goes double for Chinese restaurants, and if you want to eat where the staff of other Chinese restaurants eat, make your way out to South Garden. While at first glance the menu’s nothing revolutionary, dig a little deeper and you’ll find the kind of authentic, we-don’t-make-this-in-America Chinese food that adventurous eaters seek out. So if you’re looking for chicken feet or squid with black bean sauce, look no further. -MM

Pro tip: If you’re into dim sum, this place has it every afternoon, and it’s where you’ll find servers fueling up for evening shifts.

10855 SW 72^nd St., Kendall.

Tropical Chinese

Serving dim-sum every day of the week, Tropical Chinese gained its recognition from being simply excellent meal after meal, and year after year. Perhaps that’s because under the helm of Mei Yu not much can go wrong! The entire menu is superb, and that’s the benefit of Tropical; it’s not a destination for just ‘one’ dish. From the tofu in black bean sauce to their Emperor’s Shrimp Prawns - a dish that’s glazed with sweet creamy Grand Mariner and topped with ground peanuts served on bed of broccoli, its healthy yet satisfying. -EMN

Pro Tip: If a few people at the table like Peking duck, we say don’t miss it!

@tropicalchinesemiami // 7991 Bird Road, Miami

King Palace Chinese Barbecue

Aside from depending on your fabulous editors at The Leftovers, another excellent source of restaurant recommendations are chefs. So if you asked, say, Michelle Bernstein where to find the best Chinese food in Miami, she’d likely steer you to King Palace. Or at least, that’s where she steered us. The barbecue duck comes highly recommended (as you’d expect from a place with ducks hanging in the window) but the big menu at this little neighborhood joint is packed with hits. Even after over 20 years, prices are still reasonable, and you can be out the door for under $20 per person. -MM

Pro tip: The chef gets a little more inventive than at most neighborhood Chinese restaurants, so definitely try something from his “special” menu.

@kingpalacemiami // 330 NE 167^th St., North Miami.

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Welcome to the third week of Hungry for Horoscopes!

Every moon cycle, our astrologer Lori Bell reads all twelve signs and we handle the pairing: a horoscope, a place to go, and something to drink for each one, plus four dishes a week, one per element, all from restaurants The Leftovers has already reviewed. Every sign belongs to one of four elements, and each element eats and drinks a little differently. Fire eats hot and spicy, Earth eats rich and hearty, Air eats light and sweet, and Water eats cool and fresh.

Virgos, your table this cycle is at Gigi Rigolatto in Miami Beach, and what to order is below.Libras, you’re up next. Where to go and what to drink is already written in your stars, head here to read more.

Find Your Pairing HERE

Bar Bucce

The Macchialina team turned Bar Bucce into the casual group spot Little River needed, with a large outdoor patio, plenty of room for kids, and food you would happily order without either. The pizzas are excellent, the sandwiches hit, and the on-site bottle shop has an interesting — and well priced — wine selection to drink there or take home. The restaurant also keeps things interesting with constant specials and their Pizza with Friends program aka their guest-chef collaboration series.

Pro Tip: Check Instagram before going to see who is taking over Pizza with Friends that week.

@barbuccemiami // 7220 N. Miami Ave., Miami

Fooq’s

Fooq’s returned to Miami in a Little River location that bears little resemblance to the tiny downtown original — and that’s totally fine. The massive new space has a patio, a proper dining room, a front bar for grabbing a cocktail while you wait, and the upstairs Lion’s Den, which pulls a younger late-night crowd. With chef Roel Alcudia involved, the Persian-inspired food is as solid as ever.

Pro Tip: Start with a drink at the front bar before heading into the dining room.

@fooqsmiami // 150 NW 73rd St., Miami

Gaucho Ranch Grill & Wines

I first ate at Gaucho Ranch Grill & Wines last spring and immediately understood why people keep this place in their back pocket. Grass-fed steaks come off the wood-fired grill at prices that are actually fair, and the small setting works as well for catching up with friends as it does for a date. It’s that kind of spot people are always asking me to find for them.

Pro Tip: Order one of the wood-fired steaks and settle in with a bottle of wine.

@gauchoranch.grillandwines // 8303 NE 2nd Ave., Miami

Ironside Pizza

Ironside Pizza has been tucked inside Miami Ironside for more than a decade, making consistently great Neapolitan pizza while somehow getting left out of the conversation. I’ve gone back a few times recently, and the pizza still comes out exactly as it should while the prices remain reasonable. It also holds a special place in my heart: my first date with my husband happened here, and years later, so did our engagement. I’ll always miss the BYOB days, though. The OGs know.

Pro Tip: Go Tuesday for board games, pizza, and a $6 Aperol spritz.

@ironside_pizza // 7580 NE 4th Ct., Miami

Magie Wine Bar

Magie Wine Bar quickly became one of Miami’s favorite wine bars for good reason: the bottles are well-priced, the place is fun without trying too hard, and most of the space is indoors with air conditioning — a very important detail here in Miami. Chef and co-owner Ivan Barros makes the famous caviar-topped dino nuggets, while coworking days, pop-ups, and other activations give you plenty of reasons to return.

Pro Tip: Grab a cheese plate and check the counter for some lactaid in case you forgot yours.

@magiewinebar // 8281 NE 2nd Ave., Miami

Sunny’s Steakhouse

Almost two years after opening, Sunny’s Steakhouse remains one of Miami’s toughest reservations, and the hype is warranted. The steaks, appetizers, cocktails, and sauces all land, making the full balls-to-the-wall dinner worth planning ahead for. My newer move is the walk-in terrace bar, which serves an abbreviated menu and the restaurant’s dry-aged burger, available only out there. It’s still one of my favorite restaurants in the city.

Pro Tip: Get to the terrace bar early if you want the burger; they make only about 20 each night.

@sunnysmia // 7357 NW Miami Ct., Miami

The Citadel

The Citadel opened in 2019, right at the height of Miami’s food hall craze, and remains one of the few that feels useful instead of relic of the time. The mix runs from Stanzione to USBS, but Bar Kaiju upstairs is the reason I keep going back. The cocktails are creative, very good, and served in one of the few bars in Miami I still get excited to visit.

Pro Tip: Head upstairs to Bar Kaiju and order whatever monster-themed cocktail catches your attention.

@thecitadelmia // 8300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami

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Brickell does a great many things well. Live streamers. Alo Yoga outfits. Road rage. But “casual” and “relaxing” are not words anyone would associate with Miami’s financial district. One of the rare exceptions is Tokyo Tuna, a little neighborhood sushi spot tucked near the Latin Café on Brickell Plaza. It’s the kind of place you wander in, drawn by the faux cherry blossom trees outside, saying to no one in particular, “This looks interesting.”

Then you sit down. And plate after plate of top-quality sushi comes out, with nobody flashing a ring light in your face or staring every course with “Hey, Guys!” It’s a calming, low-key restaurant where you can enjoy good sushi and hear the person you’re eating with. And while it’s not grabbing any headlines with tuna cutting ceremonies or $200-a-person omakases, it’s the kind of place that’s an oasis of tranquility in Brickell.

There is So. Much. Sushi. In Brickell. Why go here?

Because it’s the most un-Brickell sushi restaurant imaginable. It’s rarely crowded. The service is quick and friendly. You generally won’t hear the roaring rented sports cars once you’re inside. And the prices, while not cheap, are reasonable for what you’re getting.

The scene: Is like a neighborhood sushi counter, if it suddenly got a grant to improve the décor. The small space has a smattering of tables and a sushi bar, nothing especially fancy that makes you wonder how they could afford the build out. But the outdoor section is adorned in mocked up cherry blossom trees, and there’s a rising sun mural on one interior wall. So Tokyo Tuna gets immersive without getting expensive.

What to eat and drink: On the sushi side, Tokyo Tuna is a great spot to play the classics. The standards like the Hamachi jalapeno roll and smoky dragon roll (the tuna is torched) satisfy the basic sushi craving. The sour apple roll, which adds green apple to salmon, avocado, and citrus juice, was an intriguing blend of flavors. If you’re into rich flavors, the Tokyo Tuna Roll with otoro, uni, and ikura is a fatty, salty blast.

If you’re looking to split something across the table, the Tuna Triple Play does well, with six pieces of Bluefin tuna split among otoro, chu-toro, and akami sushi or nigiri. Beyond the sushi, the hotstone wagyu beef is the best bet, where wagyu strips cook on a stone at your table, and you dip them in ponzu sauces when it’s done.

Pro tip: There’s also a South Miami location with sushi boats that float around the restaurant. So if you’re up for a Metrorail ride that can be a fun adventure.

Don’t miss: The affordable power lunch.Most of the stuff on the daytime menu under $20.

Expect to pay: Sushi can be all over the board depending on how hungry you are. Budget about $50 each and you should be good.

How’s the parking: Literally nonexistent. But it’s right under the Metromover.

@tokyotuna // 1063 Brickell Plaza, Brickell

If you went to Tavern in the Grove at any point in the 2000s, chances are you know my buddy Nate. Nate was the big, bearded bouncer who stood outside the door looking like a cross between Hagrid and the lead singer from Drowning Pool, examining the New Jersey IDs of Miami high school students for over a decade. Could he spot a fake? Sure. Was he going to stop you? Only if you weren’t tipping. And if you were a cute girl, you could probably get away with that too.

I mention this because from time to time, me and Nate like to relive the glory days while we roam the streets of Coral Gables looking for dinner. This past Tuesday, we happened upon a little taqueria called Fonda Dona Leonor, and I swear sprang out of nowhere. Both of us had walked this stretch of Miracle Mile dozens of times. Never had either of us noticed a Mexican restaurant there. It seemed as if it had sprung up from another dimension as soon as the urge for Mexican food hit.

Inside, w…

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This year, we’re celebrating at Balan’s in the heart of Brickell, with complimentary cocktails and bites courtesy of our hosts. Come have a drink with us (Erin, Olee, and Matt), catch up with fellow readers, and tell us where we need to eat next. If you’d like to stay for dinner after the party, make sure to reserve a table with Balan’s.

We’ll also have discounted annual subscriptions available at the party if you’d like to buy us a birthday gift and support another year of The Leftovers. We’ll have QR codes on site to make signing up easy, and don’t worry, Erin will be making the rounds to make sure you’ve signed up. ;)

The event…

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Aside from cheap Major League Baseball and speeding through school zones, summer isn’t prime time for anything in Miami. Still, a plucky crop of new Miami restaurants sprung up over the past few months, so-called slowdown be damned. Here’s a look at the best new restaurants in Miami, and why all seven are a good reason to break out of your restaurant rut.

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Alex Kuk is cool as hell. Young and driven, his personality shines, similarly to the Szechuan beef he loves so dearly.

Kuk started working in restaurants as a teenager, his experience ranging from the Loews Hotel on Miami Beach, to the legendary Houston’s, and Sushi Maki. Pair that with his degree from the prestigious Chaplin School of Hospitality where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees - well, that’s the perfect recipe for success.

Still teaching while sitting on the Boards of the Alumni Association and the Chaplin School, he’s invested and has been fully focused on Wan’s.

They say the third time’s a charm. For us, in this case, its the fourth - as he’s the fourth generation running the show. It’s divine, and delicious. It’s centrally located between Miami and Palm Beach and it’s worth the shlep for his family’s recipes.

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Welcome to the second week of Hungry for Horoscopes!

The Moon acts as our internal and external time clock, and trying to navigate its cycles without guidance is like dining with a blindfold on. Hungry for Horoscopes is your culinary celestial weather report, designed to unlock the opportunities within these lunar phases. Instead of just trusting your gut—which can be like going to the grocery store hungry—let the stars guide you to the venues and dishes that genuinely feed the soul by aligning you with your cosmic flow. Use this table reset to align your week and discover exactly what flavors and opportunities belong on your plate.

VIRGO: Your annual New Moon has arrived, handing you the ultimate cosmic reset button. It’s time to curate your life, refine your habits, and step into your highest standards with zero apology. With your ruler Mercury opposing Neptune, external noise or self-doubt might cloud your vision, pause and … head here to read more.

<<<<<ALSO DON’T MISS YOU WEEKLY CEL…

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