I used to live in Coconut Grove. For years, Le Bouchon du Grove was less of a restaurant choice and more of a given, especially for brunch, especially for the raspberry pancakes. I moved away eventually, and my visits slowed down. But I never stopped thinking of it as mine. I went back recently for lunch with my husband and in-laws, half expecting the place to have slipped a little, half knowing it wouldn’t.

Le Bouchon du Grove has been at 3430 Main Highway since 1994, a Lyonnaise bistro planted in one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods, helmed by Chef Christian Ville.The restaurant hasn’t changed much over the years, still serving traditional French bouchon food, made from scratch.

Is it still worth the hype? Yes. The dishes that made it worth going to in the first place are still the reason to go.

The Space: Small tables packed in close, and a dining room that hasn’t been redesigned since the ‘90s. There’s no A/C. There were ten fans running the afternoon we were there, and the staff stayed on top of water refills the entire meal. We all sweated through lunch, but still stayed for dessert.

What to Eat & Drink: Start with the escargots en persillade, they arrive sizzling, in garlic and parsley butter, with enough heat that you have to wait a beat before touching them. I’ve had a run of escargot lately with a metallic aftertaste that lingers in the wrong way. This had none of that. Just clean, buttery snails the table cleared fast.

The croque monsieur comes on a French baguette rather than toast, which keeps it heartier than the version you probably have in your head. We ordered eggs on top, got a side salad and salty fries alongside. The fries were just the right amount of salty.

One thing I had never noticed in all my years of going, their Gratinée Lyonnaise (aka French onion soup) uses Swiss cheese instead of Gruyère, which apparently is a traditional Lyon preparation making it a little cleaner and milder under the broth.

We shared the Piperade Omelette Basque across the table, split for four. Good, but if you go in hoping for a classic French omelet, silky and just barely set, this reads more like what you’d get at a solid American brunch spot. Just not quite what I had in my head.

The Salade d’Endives à la Fourme d’Ambert et aux Noix, Belgian endive with French blue cheese and walnuts, is a nicely composed salad. I’m not a blue cheese person, so it was an okay plate for me, but the components are there if that’s your thing. Les moules marinières pommes frites are the reason I keep coming back. Fresh mussels in white wine and shallots, fries alongside. They come out in a cast iron pot (Le Creuset like, but not the actual brand), and its garlicky goodness is still as good as its ever been.

For dessert: the raspberry pancakes ($13). They’re on the breakfast menu. I ordered them at lunch, as a dessert. I’m not sorry, and neither should you be. The wine by the glass list has a tasty Sancerre on it. Score.

Perfect For: Anyone who used to live in the Grove and needs an excuse to go back. In-law lunches. A long, slow Saturday. People who believe a restaurant doesn’t need to be trendy to be worth going to.

Pro Tip: Gratis mimosa on the weekends. Oh, and it’s hot there, especially in summer. Dress accordingly.

Expect to Pay: Around $50 to $70 per person at lunch with a glass of wine.

How’s the parking? The CocoWalk garage at 3015 Grand Ave is your best bet. Rates depend on length and time of stay.

@lebouchondugrove // 3430 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove

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It was, indeed, a sad day for Coconut Grove when we lost our beloved Cheesecake Factory on the second floor of CocoWalk. Like, last night at The Tavern-level sad. And while Planta Queen was a nice replacement, there was still a serious void in the high-quality, a-little-something-for-everyone department in the Grove.

Well, I’m happy to report that void has been successfully filled with the opening of Grand Public Kitchen and Bar, where you can roll in with a group of differing tastes and still see everyone leave satisfied. It comes to Miami from some Canadian hospitality vets. And as we’ve seen with spots like Earls, Moxy’s, and Cactus Club, our ever-polite neighbors to the north are eager to please, executing several different styles exquisitely.

So is this like Cheesecake Factory 2.0?

Not quite. Its menu doesn’t require an entire freshman year English course to finish, first of all. It’s also a far more elevated experience. They’ve taken much of Planta Queen’s chic décor, removed the palm fronds and tropical nods, and created an elegant, modern dining room. Where it does resemble your favorite post-prom dinner spot is that the menu is all over the board, so you can order hummus, sushi, and meatball rigatoni all on the same table.

The scene: Is a modern, American dining room looking out over the streets of Coconut Grove. It might boast the Grove’s best restaurant view that isn’t on a rooftop. The main bar area has four massive flat screen TVs, ideal for game watching, with some low-slung lounge tables to the side perfect for ignoring said game. The crowd skews super-local, with happy-houring corporate types at the bar and older Grove-and-Gables residents trying out their newest neighbor.

What to eat and drink: Grand Public Kitchen and Bar does what Canadian restaurants seem to do better than anyone – tackle multiple cuisines well. The Parker House rolls could give Sunny’s a run for their money, and the Mediterranean Dips and puffy laffa bread are dangerously good – so much so you may fill yourself up before dinner. The Miami Roll with coconut shrimp, cucumber, and mango is a crowd-pleasing interlude before the mains, the kind of sushi people who usually avoid Japanese food will still enjoy.

I opted for the meatball rigatoni, mostly because the meatballs don’t have pork in them which is a welcomed change. They nail the homestyle flavor here, and while it’s not the most memorable meatball you’ll ever have you’ll still leave satisfied. The French Dip was also nicely executed and probably the best move for lunch. The burger with aged cheddar on brioche came highly recommended but it was, ultimately, a over-buttered burger. There’s more interesting stuff on the menu so leave this for the kids – or people who eat like kids.

On the drinks side, the Peacock is the made-for-Instagram star, a Patron-and-matcha number served in a big peacock glass. If you order more for your tastebuds than your eyes, opt for the She’s Spicy with Cazadores Reposado, Patron Jalapeno-Citonage, Watermelon, agave, and lime.

Don’t miss: The dips and Laffa bread. Again, be careful not to let it spoil your dinner. Or do, the pasta was even better the next day.

Perfect for: Dinner out in the Grove with a group whose tastes range from Flannigan’s to Zuma.

Expect to pay: The Miami-standard $50-85 per person. $100 if you drink.

How’s the parking: Park in the CocoWalk garage.

@enjoygrandpublic // 3015 Grand Ave., Suite 201, Coconut Grove

With many bars in South Florida, a few weeks back my Co-founder Matt Meltzer insisted I try Right Hand’s martini for my feature on ....martini’s! So without pulling my teeth, we went to explore their martini program. Well, low and behold - holy shit, it was absolutely worth that $30 spend. I would also soon learn that they refer to it as ‘Martini Service’ for a reason. And that’s because they replace your frozen glass around three times per order. Also, I feel obsessed based on the fact that they offer you a side car so it truly hits all your spots. For this specific order - you can choose No. 3 Gin or Haku Japanese Vodka and then select how you like it prepared - and their team behind the bar who I refuse to refer to as bartenders (because they are mad scientists) create pure magic in a glass.

Anyhow, last night, I dragged EIC of Aventura Magazine Jacquelynn Powers for a tasting menu that Right Hand’s owner Diego Calvo whipped up. Since Jacquelynn only drinks Rose & Tequila, I took one for the team and forevermore will be grateful for the experience provided. They offered me a scotch libation that took five days to prepare - marinating in coconut milk with a mamey astronaut ice cream on top, a fresh flower Paradise Farm slushy with vodka, a tequila and passionfruit smokey situation and I wrapped it up with a lightly dirty vodka Martini with olives. FYI, every day they stuff their olives with a different cheese varietal. Yesterday, I was spoiled with Manchego alongside lion’s mane mushroom crisps.

The space: Think the ultimate 80s and 90s NO FRILLS bar. There is…a bar, and a few chairs running along the perimeter of the room. They have a DJ booth upstairs for….drum roll, please….insane beats. But sadly, last night there was a World Cup game so they were streaming it on a projector in the rear of the space. I guess I will have to go back to enjoy jams with…a martini or that scotch situation.

What to eat and drink: They have bites on the menu like hotdogs and tater tots, cheeses on a board like cheddar or brie… But, here is what I recommend. Beer lovers take a look at the menu. They source from local breweries. And, the Martini goes without saying. Lastly, please try Operation Space Monkey that is made with Monkey Shoulder Scotch and the concept is that it was built for an astronaut, served by an astronaut man in a helmet and poured in an Italian Ichendorf Milano Glass. Topped with Astronaut Ice Cream that is produced with Paradise Farms mamey, a Chai from Admari tea and a coconut milk wash, it leaves you speechless. It is poured over a XL round ice ball, too! OH - vodka lovers I encourage you to experience the square bites. You are welcome

Right Hand’s selection of wine is from Eastern Europe, France, Italy and Diego considers his hand-selected assortment to be “very old world!”

Don’t miss: If you don’t like hard liquor, please have a glass of DORGO. It’s a white ‘Tokaji Dry Furmint.’

Perfect for: After work happy hour (from 5-7 p.m.), to go with a friend to talk shit or even with your partner for a casual celebration. As I learned last night, you can also go to watch games!

Expect to pay: $8-25 per drink, so it depends how thirsty you are.

How’s the parking? There are lots in the vicinity however he’s working on a deal that we will share with you in the future. I took Uber and you should, too - but there IS parking on the street. And if you wear sneakers, try the lot near the Intercontinental.

@righthandmiami // 21 SE 2nd Ave, Miami

Almost every time I entertain friends and family visiting Miami, at some point during their stay, I’ll inevitably get asked where they can get a good mojito. Like clock work, every time.

In case you didn’t notice, the World Cup is also in town (shout out Tartan Army!), the city is packed, and we’re all going to be fielding this question constantly for the next two weeks. My answer hasn’t changed: don’t.

The mojito became a signature Miami drink as the Cuban community grew in South Florida, and it remains the most popular cocktail in Cuba today. That history is real. What almost always ends up in your glass is not.

The issue is execution. What arrives is wayyyyy too sweet, loaded with barely muddled mint, and made with whatever rum the bar is trying to get rid of that day. Properly muddling mint takes a gentle hand and a quiet bar. Most places have neither on a Friday night. And even when someone does it right, you still can’t drink the thing — the mint gets stuck in your straw and stays there, making every sip harder than the last until you give up. The drink wins.

Bartenders loathe making them for the same reason: labor-intensive and they back up everything else at the bar. When you order one at peak hours, either everyone around you waits longer or the bartender cuts corners. Usually both.

The easiest swap if you must have a rum minty beverage is a daiquiri. Cafe La Trova on Calle Ocho offers the Daiquiri Clásico from cocktail rockstar Julio Cabrera made with Bacardi Superior, fresh lime, and sugar. It’s the drink the mojito was always trying to be. Swizzle in Miami Beach (and now in Ft. Laud, too) also does it just as simply with their Classic Daiquiri.

If the mint craving is the only non-negotiable, two places are doing a unique spin on the drink The Mint & Lime at the Champagne Bar at the Surf Club in Surfside combines Mount Gay XO Rum, Rémy 1738, fino sherry, lime, mint, and champagne into something unique and effervescent in a way a mojito could never. While at Sweet Liberty in Miami Beach, the Florida Cocktail takes Bacardi Cuatro Añejo, fresh lime, pineapple, and crème de menthe.

So next time you’re tempted, just do yourself a favor and order a daiquiri. It’s a better drink, and unlike a mojito, you’ll actually be able to finish it.

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Le Specialita Café & Market by Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani

Nestled above Le Specialita Cafe & Market in the heart of the Grove sits a mini grocer. And in proper Cipriani style - it’s all and more that you could expect. Boasting products mostly from Italy, their assortment spans from fresh produce to sourced pastas that you make at home. Pair that most notable potato chip brands from Spain, mustards, salts, divine olives, rare truffle products and an insane meat and cheese selection that takes you to Rome and Paris sans the flight.

Pro Tip: It’s near the loo should you need it upon your visit to the beyond elegant restaurant/cafe which sits on the ground floor. It’s chic but the only thing we recommend ordering is the iced matcha.

@lespecialitamiami // 2653 S. Bayshore Dr., Coconut Grove

Plum Market

Opening just two years back in the heart of Aventura, Plum Market takes the cake for the best market for ALL your needs (according to yours truly). Pricey? Yes. But what isn’t these days? Let me start with the meat section. Their pre-blended burgers come from the best ranches like Niman or Snake River. And at around 11 USD per pound, bake, broil or grill ‘em & you’ll thank us later. With experts in every department, you really cannot go wrong. Their wines are sourced from around the world – from Greece to Israel and Italy. And then there is their prepared food section with their famous Orange Chicken that’s MSG free! Their soups are beyond – don’t miss the Clam Chowder or the Chicken Soup. It’s as good as your grandmothers.

Pro Tip: Download the app for some insane deals!

@plummarket// 17801 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura

The Golden Hog Market (opening soon in North Miami, too)!

Worth the shlep over the bridge and that toll fee, too, IYKYK that Golden Hog on Key Biscayne is the modern-day Epicure. From their JUMBO shrimp that measure a man’s hand, to their unreal coffee bar, the pastry case, the wine bar and cheese options within, we love their seasonal products, too. They also always have an abundance of Dolce&Gabbana Pantone cakes which are amazing as gifts.

Pro Tip: Enjoy the wine-on-tap bar before, or after you shop.

@thegoldenhog // 91 Harbor Dr., Key Biscayne

Flow Grocer

Truth be told, Flow Grocer was brilliant when choosing to open its doors in Miami World Center. This health-focused market emphasizes sustainably sourced, seasonal, and non-GMO food products, with a strong focus on local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Aside from the grocery aspect and prepared food excellence, they have an assortment of pantry staples. When you think of Flow - think of blended EVOO’s with Za’atar, Fishwife Tinned Seafood Co., BjornQorn, Mexican dried mangos and local products from Homestead’s finest Paradise Farms. Customers can shop in-store at the Miami and ALSO Fort Lauderdale locations or order online for added convenience.

Pro Tip: Get their homemade pickles for sandwiches. They are heavenly, as are the soups.

@flowgrocermiami // 698 NE 1st Ave., Downtown Miami

Asian Mart

Asian-Mart is a family-owned Korean and Asian grocery market in a tiny stand-alone building in Edgewater. Founded by a Korean family - the market specializes in fresh, authentic, and healthy Korean and Asian foods, including homemade kimchi, snacks, noodles, frozen foods, and specialty grocery items. In addition to groceries, Asian-Mart has become known for its ramen bar and boba offerings. They even have a great beer selection including Kingfisher from India!

Pro Tip: It’s a MSG paradise but take note of the kimchi selection. It’s like none other!

@asianmarket305 // 2217 Biscayne Blvd., Edgewater (or) 744 SW 8th St., Miami

Meat N’Bone

Because people ask me for literally everything and anything, when my friends who have private chefs call to ask me where to source the best meat from, I always reply with Meat N’Bone. Because their premium quality meats are just that. Cured in Kansas, they stick to their expertise which is all-things grill! They also deliver within 24-hours if you give a tiny bit of advanced notice.

Pro Tip: You can build a box online and create a subscription should you wish.

@meatnbone // 2207 Coral Way, Coral Way

The Marketplace

For the past twenty years, I’ve been a client of The Marketplace in Hollywood, Florida (sorry guys, it’s in Broward). Not only do they sell the best lavosh crackers ever, but they have Peter Luger Meatballs that are prepared daily. Their Spa Tuna Salad is heavenly with chopped raisins and apples, and their Stone Crab Claws are always insanely meaty, fresh and the best priced in town.

Pro Tip: If you’re hosting a party, hire them to cater it. Their platters are insane, from the pastas to the steaks.

@themarketplacehollywood // 3325 Sheridan St., Hollywood

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In theory, it’s the height or outdoor grilling season. For most places. In South Florida, grilling outside often means cooking dinner in an outdoor sauna, and if you’d rather enjoy smoky flavors without the risk of heatstroke we’ve got great options from West Kendall to West Palm. Here’s our picks for the best barbecue in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

La Traila BBQ

The year’s best comeback story is pitmaster Mel Rodriguez’s new South Miami spot, where he’s reopened La Traila after a successful run in Miami Lakes. The Sunset Place-adjacent restaurant welcome guests with trailer-sized smokers outside, where you can watch Mel’s team do their thing and slice up your lunch. The menu gives big nods to Latin American cuisines with offerings like brisket and queso empanadas and smoked beef cheek tostadas. But the Austin native shines best with his traditional slow-smoked brisket.

Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the burger. The Miami Lakes hit is back, new and improved with smoked brisket and BBQ aioli.

@latrailabarbecue // 5840 SW 71^st. St. South Miami

Apocalypse BBQ

While in most cases I’d rather get my teeth pulled out with pliers than wait in line for food, Apocalypse BBQ at least makes the experience enjoyable. Handing our free beer and water to people camped under its outdoor tent goes a long way towards winning people over, and that’s why Apocalypse BBQ has become the most beloved BBQ spot in South Florida. The Cafecito-rubbed ribs and skull-shaped cornbread don’t hurt either. Nor do the smoked brisket sausage links, which make for top-tier leftovers.

Pro tip: Whatever the rotating chicken wing special is, get it. Imagine your favorite wing flavor, but smoked.

@apocalypsebbq // 8695 SW 124^th Ave., Kendall

B&D Trap

Broward County was once South Florida’s hub for great barbecue. And though some sad, sad closings have changed that B&D Trap keeps the Texas Hold ‘Em and Tom Jenkins tradition going in their mural-covered Sistrunk smokehouse. It now reigns supreme as BroCo’s best spot for brisket, though the smoked chicken wings have gained B&D a loyal following.

Pro tip: If you’re allergic to Ft. Lauderdale like so many Miamians, there’s a satellite location in the Julia and Henry’s food hall downtown.

@bdtrapbbq // 1551 NW 6^th St., Ft. Lauderdale

Drinking Pig BBQ

Coconut Grove has seen plenty of drinking pigs wandering its streets over the years. This Drinking Pig isn’t a reference to people who used to stumble out of The Tavern, though, and rather to the famous beer-chugging pigs on Chef Raheem Sealey’s native island of St. Croix. The man who cut his teeth at KYU opened this smokehouse popup during the pandemic, and it’s grown from his North Miami front yard to a sit-down spot in the Grove. The style melds Caribbean with traditional barbecue, adding stuff like jerk banh mi and Jamaican patties to a lengthy list of meats.

Pro tip: This is the only barbecue spot I’ve ever been to where I’ll order a mixed cocktail. The Pig Punch drives home the tropical vibes and pairs surprisingly well.

@drinkingpigbbq // 3444 Main Highway #6, Coconut Grove

Tropical Smokehouse

No barbecue in South Florida does more to give our region a specific style than Tropical Smokehouse. This West Palm spot goes beyond the traditional, smoking stuff like maji and wahoo in the style of old Florida indigenous tribes. There’s also intriguing stuff like smoked gator sausage and mojo pulled pork, as well as a prime brisket that at $19 an order almost offsets the cost of a drive to West Palm.

Pro tip: Grab a few bottles of the house-made sweet barbecue sauce on your way out. You’ll find yourself putting in on everything within a couple of weeks.

@tropical_smokehouse // 3815 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach

Slab Daddy

Miami’s barbecue style has evolved this decade into a delicious blend of Latin American and traditional Texas-style flavors. Nowhere encompasses this ethos better than Slab Daddy, and Allapattah food truck where an Argenitine chef from Sweetwater incorporated Nicargaguan cuisine in his creations. Try and follow along. Every order comes with a big- instagrammable square of queso frito, as well as plantain chips and, of course, beans and rice. But that makes Slab Daddy’s brisket, wings, and peach-glazed spare ribs no less authentic, especially when topped with its signature light BBQ sauce.

Pro tip: Don’t go on Miami time. Slab Daddy regularly runs out of food, and if you’re running behind you might miss out.

@slabdaddybarbecue // 795 NW 20^th St., Allapattah

Smoke & Dough

Smoke & Dough is the creation of Harry’s Empanada proprietor Harry Coleman, who opened this little strip mall smokehouse in deep West Kendall a few years back. It skews more barbecue restaurant than barbecue joint, using Coleman’s slow smoked meats as the base for creative sandwiches and a special Sunday brunch menu.

Pro tip: Saturdays are for mofongo, and Smoke and Dough is the only place in South Florida you’re finding it with smoked duck.

@harryssmokeanddough // 4013 SW 152^nd Ave, West Kendall

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Miracle Mile has two constants: bridal shops and cafes. While I’m nowhere near marriage, I may have just discovered a new found love. If you’ve stepped foot in the Downtown Gables this past week, you’d be no stranger to the buttery yellow take-out bags floating around the streets. They’re coming from Stand, Miami’s newest take on a modern, yet authentic Japanese cafe and eatery.

Inspired by Japan’s iconic cafes and convenience stores, the menu highlights classics including egg salad sando, shio pan, thick cut fluffy toasts and soon to be bento boxes. The food is served in high quality boxes reflecting the grab and go concept of traditional Tokyo Kissaten. In other words, it’s like an upscale 7/11, and what’s not to love about that?

The concept was created by Chef Shingo Akikuni and partner Kenzie Motai. Sound familiar? They’re the same visionaries behind Shingo, the exclusive Michelin starred Omakase restaurant just up the street. While Shingo is damn near impossible to get into, the team wanted a place that everyone can enjoy, any day of the week, while also bringing a piece of their childhood home to Coral Gables.

Is it worth it or just Instagram worthy?

It’s worth your while. The pastries and drinks are extremely well crafted and the aesthetic is just a bonus touch. The line will most likely bend around the block, but it’s truly worth the wait.

The Scene: Stand embraces a traditional minimalist design. Japanese ceramics, greenery and an expansive L-shaped tachinomi bar for patrons to, well, stand. Transparency is the vibe. Your matcha or coffee will be made right in front of your eyes and a small viewing window looks into the kitchen where you’re able to watch the pastries come to life.

What to eat and drink: The BEC Toast was among my favorites and was reminiscent of a traditional French Croque monsieur. The Sweet Potato + Honey Toast was also excellent featuring a crispy and sweet brulee’d top layer. The Chicken Katsu Sando was a mouthful featuring a double stack of crispy chicken cutlets, but it was delicious. The Tonkatsu Sando was good as well, but a little fatty for my liking. If you claim to like matcha, but really just want a sugary drink, the Signature is the way to go. Stand sources the highest quality matcha straight from Japan and the strawberry puree with the mascarpone cloud on top is killer.

Don’t miss: Come for the Instagram pictures, stay for the BEC Toast, it’s that good.

Perfect for: A quick breakfast, coffee or matcha for that sake.

Expect to pay: About $20-30 per person.

How’s the parking: There’s limited street parking on Miracle Mile. Otherwise, the city garages on Andalusia Ave. are your best bet.

@stand.miami // 98 Miracle Mile Coral Gables.

Every time I leave my house, Miami finds a way to pull at least $200 from me before I’ve done seemingly anything. Add dinner into the mix and you can clear a few hundred per person without doing anything particularly ambitious.

So when my table of three walked out of Allegro Ma Non Troppo after ordering the entire menu and taking multiple rounds of drinks each, the bill was easily under $300, we were all pleasantly surprised.

Allegro Ma Non Troppo opened in April at 1000 South Miami Avenue in the space that used to be Mister O1. The concept is from The Passion Restaurant Group, the same team behind neighboring Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita. The name is a translation for the Italian saying of “fast but not too fast.” The restaurant is also a tribute to co-owner Carlos Galan’s mother, who recently passed at 102. After she passed, Carlos brought three suitcases of her belongings, and those objects now fill the room with plenty of heartwarming stories he’s happy to share with guests.

Is it worth the trip? Yes, and the $260 check for three people across the full menu and multiple rounds says it better than I can.

The Space: The room seats 38 and was designed to feel like someone’s home rather than a restaurant. A charming mint green moped greets you on the patio, while earthy tones, warm low lighting, lamps shaped like old tea jars, shelves of vintage objects, and pieces of clothing hanging from the ceiling. The menu comes on a clipboard with checkboxes, and there’s a line printed at the top: “Check without fear. Sharing is mandatory here.”

What to Eat & Drink: Four starters, three mains, two sides, one dessert. Ten items total, which, in a city where every menu reads like a small novel, is a relief. Our table of three ordered all of it and finished most of it.

The Caesar is made with Caesar Cardini’s original 1924 dressing recipe and arrives loaded, a soft cloud of fresh parmesan piled on top. It’s the kind of Caesar that makes you wonder why anyone complicated it. The Olivia Baguette with stracciatella is creamy with a salty edge from the olives, and everything here comes piping hot from the oven, which matters more than it sounds.

The Skinny Margherita Flatbread got a very specific compliment from one of my dining companions: it tastes like pizza from the skating rinks of the 90s. We obviously enjoyed it.

The Wagyu Bolognese Lazy Lasagna is lighter than the name implies, three layers with a slow-cooked wagyu ragu that’s meaty without being heavy. But the one to order is the Chicken Cotoletta alla Milanese. Perfectly seasoned, the right size, and when lunch opens, getting it on top of the Caesar is going to be the obvious move. The branzino is simply prepared with olive oil, lemon, and rosemary.

Order the dessert, that’s teased on the menu, “Oh, by the way... order the dessert, you will not regret it. You’re welcome.” It arrives on a small scale to prove its weight, chocolate Basque style cheesecake designed for two or three spoons.

The drinks list is short and mostly Italian: Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, a Chianti, and one Spanish Rioja the partners import directly from Spain. All four wines are $9.99 a glass. You read right. In Brickell. Aperol Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, and Peroni round it out.

Perfect For: A date night in Brickell where you want to hear each other talk. Girls’ night with people who can handle sharing. Anyone who’s spent the last year paying $30 for apps and staring at a forty-item menu for twenty minutes trying to decide.

Pro Tip: Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 7 pm with 50% off drinks.

Expect to Pay: Two people ordering a couple of starters, a main each, and a few rounds of $9.99 wine will walk out around $50 to $70 per person, but if you just want a salad and a chicken Milanese you can score that for under $21. Three of us ordered every single item on the menu and took multiple rounds of drinks each and paid $260 total. A steal in my book.

How’s the parking? Not going to sugarcoat it: parking in Brickell suckssssss. The lot right across the restaurant at Mary Brickell Village runs $6–$40 depending on your stay, but it fills up fast. Your best options: channel your inner transit influencer and take the Metromover, or just Uber — especially with World Cup chaos making the neighborhood even more of a mess than usual. Plan accordingly.

@allegromanontroppomiami // 1000 South Miami Avenue, Brickell

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Monterrey Bar is the kind of place where you plan on having one drink, then somehow find yourself ordering caviar service and losing count of the dirty martinis. Located in the lobby of the iconic The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, a massive sliding door transports you to the intimate vinyl listening lounge where Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us” sets the tone and leaves the outside world behind.

Not sure what to order? Let the stars decide. The lounge features a zodiac-inspired cocktail menu organized by fire, earth, water and air signs, each reflecting the ingredients and flavors of your very own astrological birth chart. Aries, Leo or Sagittarius, expect bold flavors and dramatic presentations. Taurus, Virgo and Capricorns, mixed drinks favoring substance over spectacle. Custom cocktails curated for Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, inspired by the zodiac’s most imaginative and social signs. Finally, the most sophisticated blends meant…

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You ever been traveling and meet someone who tells you they’re from Miami? Then you get all excited like you just ran into your first-grade best friend and say, “Me too! What part?” And then they hit you with something like “Parkland?”

Ok, pal, Either you really hate geography. Or you’ve never driven from Coral Springs to Coral Gables during rush hour and realized it might be faster to fly to Andalusia. Either way, lumping them together as one city is a little misleading.

I go on this county-line rant because I was recently wandering Broward County strip malls and found a spot called Miami Kabab. Checking my phone, I was 50 road miles from Downtown Miami, which in parts of Europe would involve crossing through four countries. But after trying their kababs, I realized they could call themselves Grand Forks, North Dakota Kabab for all I care because these grilled meat skewers were that friggin’ good. And if you’re anywhere near Northwest Broward, you need to stop in.

But why do they call themselves Miami Kabab?

The original location taken over by this Afghan immigrant family was in Miramar. Yes, that’s also in Broward, but since the Miami Dolphins play like three miles away you could get away with it. Anyway, the family moved the shop to Coral Springs a few years back, kept the name, and made the rest is geographically-confusing history.

The scene: It’s not so much a scene as a takeout counter with a couple of metal tables for people who just refuse to get take-out. Family members work the flaming grill, the counter, and the deliveries. Their English isn’t great, which is the first sign that the place is a real hidden gem.

What to eat and drink: When I say these kababs are as good as you’ll find at Mandolin, Doya, Georgios, or any ballyhooed Miami Mediterranean restaurant, I’m not exaggerating. Even in the somewhat-sweltering confines of Miami Kabab’s dining area, these things hit with a mix of citrus, spice, and light oils that created absolute magic in my mouth. We ordered a $60 platter that said it would feed 3-4. I can only assume they meant 3-4 defensive lineman.

The filet mignon kabab was the standout, teeming with a mix of citrus and light char that tastes like the perfect summer barbecue. The chicken kabab was also great, and the ground beef kabab is a lighter, milder take on the beef/lamb kefta you might be used to. There’s a menu of sandwiches and wraps, but the meat is the star here and your stomach space is better spent there. However….

Don’t miss: The crinkle-cut fries. They’re crispy in the way you remember from old-school drive-ins, and make the perfect side.

Perfect for: Catering a big party for not a lot of money. Tailgates. Lunch to-go with leftovers for dinner.

Expect to pay: $10-15 per person.

How’s the parking? If you can’t find a space in a Broward County strip mall, you probably shouldn’t be driving.

@miamikabab.coralsprings // 10422 W. Atlantic Blvd., Coral Springs

Eyal Shani doesn’t count his restaurants (”It’s like counting 65 children — how do I do that?”), can’t name a favorite city for food (”There is no one city”), and won’t even tell you which of his skewers to order (”I’m not treating you as a customer”). And he conducted his interview with an untouched baguette sitting in front of him.

So we probably should have seen it coming when we asked the Jerusalem-born chef, one of the people most responsible for putting Israeli cuisine on the global map, now on his third Miami concept with the just-opened Naked Tomato, why he chose Miami for a third time. He had a lot of feelings about that — and everything else.

Name: Eyal Shani

Nickname: It’s just my name, but pronounced the Jerusalem way. People from Tel Aviv and people from Jerusalem say it differently. It’s a small difference.

Title: Chef/Owner

Best childhood leftover memory: My refrigerator is completely naked, empty, to prevent leftovers. Jewish food, Israeli food, it’s all based on leftovers. You make something, and then you make another thing from it, and you can reach the tenth generation of the same dish. But me? I’m all about freshness, something done now. I have no memories of leftovers. I’m sorry to say.

My last meal would be: A good pita with falafel — one of the most genius dishes in the history of the culinary world. Or a good plate of hummus, the best bread, the best olive oil. Simple. Not complicated.

Why Miami? There’s a big move here. It’s the new “west” of the United States. People are looking for freedom in their personal lives, to get rid of cold places, to be optimistic and happy. And there is the culinary virginity of this place. It’s the beginning of the beginning. If you are working in New York, it’s all done there. It’s not under construction. Here, it’s the beginning of the construction. That is important for me.

What’s with the baguette? Someone put a baguette on the table and I stopped the meeting. I told my chef Victor: that is your enemy. Recognize your enemy. They call it a baguette, but it’s an elephant. You are here trying to make elegant food, and that is the shape of your enemy.

If you came in as a guest, what would you order? Our skewers. It’s made out of layers, thin layers, one above the other, and in between each layer, you can create different worlds. You can season it with this and with that. Each layer laying above another is a meeting point, and in this meeting point, you can create an entire world. We serve a fixed five. I’m not giving you an opportunity to choose.

What music is playing in your kitchen? Bach with Glenn Gould. That’s what I’ve been listening to for the last five years.

What do you wear at home in the kitchen? Naked! Or the best clothes I have, knowing it’ll be the last time they are clean. I have not one shirt without olive oil. Everything — splashes of tomatoes.

Go-to kitchen tool: A tablespoon. In the kitchen you have your cutting board, you have fire, and you have a knife, those are the three essential elements, all you need. But the tablespoon: with the knife you are changing shape, and with the tablespoon you are collecting it and removing it.

Favorite thing about the Miami restaurant scene: There was a Cuban restaurant, very simple, not trying to pretend, not putting a face in front of tourists. Serving something that really belongs to the local lives. When food is becoming authentic, it’s catching me. It doesn’t matter which kind of food. There’s no high and there’s no low. It’s authentic or not authentic. That is the essential thing I’m asking for.

What would people be most surprised to know about you? When I want to relax, I open Instagram and look at turtles. I look at their faces and get relaxed and feel so good. That is my meditation, turtles. I also have 15 of them at home.

Most overrated culinary trend? Fermentation. And making Japanese cuisine without truly understanding it. For Japanese people, to make an act with food is the reason for their being. Doing Japanese cuisine without becoming one with your blade and your fish — it’s not being Japanese.

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be? An architect. Or a violin player.

What advice would you give aspiring chefs? Be one with the thing that you’re doing. Don’t think what people would like, they’ll confuse you. Food is not a democracy. It’s a dictator scene. You are the only one deciding what is going to be. Cut all the outer noises.

Favorite city to visit for food? I cannot find one city that collects all my passions. There are a few things in Paris, a few things in Spain, some more in Italy. But maybe one place — the old city of Jerusalem, inside the walls. Two acres that, because of the unending war, weren’t changed. The best falafel, the best kebabs, the best seasonings ever. Maybe that is the only place where all my wishes are recognized.

Why is it called Naked Tomato? Two reasons. In Sicily, if someone important comes to visit you, the first act is to go to the garden, pick a tomato, and peel it for them. That is a sign that you are very important to me. The second reason: being naked means transparency. Most food is not naked, it’s made of layers masking other layers. I’m showing you what you got. There’s no secret behind it. Everything is exposed. And to make exposed food puts my kitchen in the most dangerous position — we cannot hide failures. Everything is exposed. That is the invitation.

Reserve at Naked Tomato here // 921 Washington Ave, Miami Beach (inside Moxy South Beach)

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Aside from like four days in January, in Miami it’s pretty much always ice-cold beer weather. And finding the best breweries in Miami can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look. Once upon a time, Miami’s best breweries were all in Wynwood, but now the best spots are tucked in suburban warehouses and farms far south. Here’s where to find the best breweries in Miami.

Tripping Animals

The award for best label art in the Miami beer world easily goes to Tripping Animals, whose cans are adorned with cartoonish images of critters who clearly got into the wrong (right?) kind of mushrooms. They’re big on fruit sours, and if that’s your jam this is going to be your favorite brewery in the city. The best part? If you live in Broward you don’t have to cross the terrifying county line to experience TA, since they recently opened a new location in Oakland Park.

Pro tip: Pop into the Doral taproom for the Ma, He Did it IPA or Limonada Rosada lemon-respberry sour, and take home a six-pack to entertain future house guests. @trippinganimals // 2685 NW 105th Ave., Doral

Cervecería La Tropical

Cuba’s oldest brewery set up shop in Wynwood, where the large space and expansive food menu make it more than just a place to stop in for beers. Cerveceria La Tropical’s modern takes are actually an improvement, as you’ll discover when you try the Nativo Key Tropical IPA, which tastes exactly like you’d expect a Miami-based IPA to taste.

Pro tip: Make a meal out of the experience, since much of the food on the menu was developed by renowned chef Cindy Hutson. @latropicalbeer // 42 NW 25th St., Wynwood

Pinto’s Brewhouse

Few things make for a better Sunday thank kicking back on the farm with a cold beer. “Sure,” you say, “If you happen to live in North Dakota.” But that experience is Miami-accessible at Pinto’s Brewhouse, set on the edge of Pinto’s Farm in South Dade. The higher-ABV beers are still crisp and cold, whether you’re trying the summerrific GOAT Lager or the Witty Fox Belgian Wit.

Pro tip: Post up in the brewhouse while you’re kids run wild on the farm. This is the only brewery you’re finding with a petting zoo and go-kart track. @pintosbrewhouse // 14890 SW 216th St., Homestead

Lincoln’s Beard

The Bird Road Arts District is anchored by this quirky brewery that’s big on IPAs and hoppier creations. Belly up to the penny-covered bar and try the German-style Old News Pilsner, or the P. Swayze American IPA, one of the top hoppy brews in Miami. If you’re into pairing beers and pizza, head to Lincoln’s Beard’s Palmetto Bay pizza shop, Maxwell Brothers Clothing Store.

Pro tip: Parking at The Beard is tricky, and if you guess wrong your night will end with a trip to the tow yard. Consult their handy map before you go so you know where you’re clear. @lincolnsbeardbrewing // Westchester

Miami Brewing Company

Only in Miami can you taste coconut beer and avocado wine without having to leave the building. Welcome to Shnebly Redland’s Winery and Brewery, where when you wander past the tropical courtyard you’ll find yourself at the Miami Brewing Company, whose signature Big Rod Ale tastes like a tropical vacation in a can. The big warehouse-y space lends itself perfectly to big parties, and long afternoons in the Redlands.

Pro tip: Go for Country Nights on Friday and Saturday, where you can get up some liquid courage then learn to line dance. @miamibrewingco // 30205 SW 217th Ave., Homestead

Magic 13 Brewing Co.

If you’re sitting around your Miami condo on a sunny day and thinking, “Boy, I wish I had a backyard so I could sit out back with a beer like a Floridian Hank Hill,” Magic 13 is your spot. This Little River brewery has a long, tree-filled backyard, perfect for enjoying our perfect weather with a beer in hand.

Pro tip: Check Magic 13’s website for the schedule of live bands. The music makes it the closest thing Miami has to breweries up north that double as concert venues in the summer. @magic13brewing // 340 NE 61st St., Mimo

Lost City Brewing

Remember Abraxas? The South Beach craft beer bar that was a craft beer bar before that was even a thing? Well, the guy behind it is also behind Lost City Brewing, hidden in a warehouse district in North Miami. Inside you’ll find 15 taps of curated craft beer, as well as a full kitchen with stuff like burgers and pizza on hand.

Pro tip: If you’ve ever dreamed of being a DJ, show up on the last Saturday of every month where you can play your own 20-minute vinyl set. @lostcitybrewing // 12207 NE 13th Ct., North Miami

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Editor’s Note: Welcome to our first official The Leftovers Miami Collaboration piece that’s brought to you by a set of brilliant cousins who just so happen to be Miami natives. Erin Michelle Newberg - Co-founder of The Leftovers and Danielle Payton - Founder of Old Miami realized their collective videos were developing traction courtesy of their humor, style and unfiltered grace, so they decided to merge minds and get down and dirty to bring you OG Old Miami content with a F&B twist.

Welcome to Flanigan’s in Coconut Grove. “It has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” explains Payton.

“When my grandparents made the move from snowbirds to full-time Miami residents in the ‘70s, my grandfather found his spot,” she recalls, “and every Wednesday night, like clockwork, it was Flanigan’s. No debating where to go. No reservations. No trends. Just Wednesday at Flanny’s.”

As a kid, those dinners became part of her very own Miami story. Looking back, she remembers “the green cups and the familiar booths…it was a feeling that no matter how much the city changed outside, some places never needed to!”

And that’s what she loves most about it. Danielle explains, “it’s low-key and it’s unpretentious.” It’s also the kind of place where you’ll see a family celebrating a birthday, a group of friends watching the game, and someone still wearing flip-flops from the beach.

She has even brought dates there, “and if someone’s turned off by Flanigan’s - well, that’s usually my sign we’re probably not a match.”

Because Flanigan’s isn’t trying to impress anyone, The Leftovers and Old Miami want you to understand that it doesn’t have to. It’s one of those rare places that has earned its place in Miami culture simply by being exactly what it is.

To us, it’s as local as local gets.

XO-

Danielle and Erin

Abbale TLV

This dessert at Abbale can transport you to Tel Aviv without the flight. Sweet tooth fans take note of this sesame seed infused Tahini Soft Serve. I mean, they even have halva sprinkled on top for texture and taste. Inspired by the Middle East, Chef Sam Gorenstein created this masterpiece by incorporating vegan date honey, halvah, olive oil and Maldon Salt.

Pro Tip: It’s available in both locations that include Aventura and South Beach. @abbaletlv // 2956 NE 199th St. (or) 864 Commerce St.

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Gaia

Brand new to the F&B scene in SoFla’s SoFi neighborhood, aside from being obsessed with everything about this restaurant, from the service to the oh-so-instagram-able Sea Bream Carpaccio, the quote ‘saving the best for last’ applies here. Gaia’s menu boasts a slew of seductive desserts. But the yogurt gets an OMFG award. Referred to as Pagoto Giaourti, it’s a steep $42 dollar Frozen Yogurt with honey, caramelized walnuts & loukoumades ... And let it be known that it’s so good, it makes me want to change my name to Athena.

Pro Tip: It’s worth the splurge. It also comes with a decadent side of donuts…so, just do it. Perhaps with Sauternes, your life would be furthermore complete! @gaia__miami // 801 S. Point Dr.

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Gigi Rigolatto

From France to the newly opened hot-spot and hotel, the Delano - Gigi opened its doors last month. And aside from the really chic vibes within, their 1 ft. tall (I swear) Pistachio Gelato is served with perfectly crunchy pistachios that are caramelized and EVOO! WHAAAA?! It’s a dream on your tongue!

Pro Tip: It’s massive so make sure you eat it as quickly as possible. And it is most-certainly intended to be shared! @gigi_rigolatto_miami // 1685 Collins Ave.

Forte dei Marmi

Forte dei Marmi was the OG inventor of Pistachio Gelato in Miami. A destination that’s frequented by well-healed epicurean lovers, they use the best ingredients in town. Even in their desserts. The Gelato - it’s enormous and perfect to share. Topped with Honey Onyx, just do it!

Pro Tip: Like a proper Italian, take it down with their Grappa di Tinganello. Yes, it’s part of the Marchesa Antinori group! @fdmmiami // 150 Ocean Drive.

Cipriani

Similarly to its name ‘Vanilla Ice Cream à la Minute,’ it’s whipped for you the moment you order this Vanilla creamy paradise at Cipriani Downtown Miami. Take your pick - drizzle it with chocolate syrup and if you’re a fan of nuts, they provide a side of caramelized hazelnuts and almonds.

Pro Tip: Be decadent and try their Vanilla Meringue Cake which originated at Harry’s Bar in Venice! @cipriani // 465 Brickell Ave.

Cote

Proof that something so simple can be so good, Cote’s milky Soft Serve in a paper cup (yep, you heard me) makes you want to holler for more. If you wonder what differentiates this from - let’s say, Carvel. Well, first of all it’s Michelin. And secondly, it’s prepared with soy sauce caramel. Yep, you heard us.

Pro Tip: It’s complimentary when you order the ‘Butcher’s Fest.’ @cotemiami // 3900 NE 2nd Ave.

Sushi Bichi

With the most vast assortment of Mochi on any menu in Miami, Sushi Bichi imports specific Mochi flavors weekly from California. In case you’ve been sleeping under a rock for the past 20 years, it’s not a soft serve or a gelato, but rather a traditional Japanese rice cake made from pounded glutinous rice filled with fresh ice cream.

Pro tip: If they offer the Black Sesame, get two orders. And the Ube (Purple yam) which is a hard find these days. I encourage you to ask for them to be extra frozen. @sushibichi // 7330 Ocean Terr.

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Ever since Buccan opened its doors in 2011 in Palm Beach, I must say that I have been a loyal customer. I had known of Chef Clay Conley from his tenure at Azul at the Mandarin Oriental when I was working at rbbCommunications in 2005. I probably got axed from that job courtesy of late nights at that hotel and supping and sipping in that excellent restaurant. But fast forward to when Clay departed and moved to Palm Beach to open up Buccan - well, I followed. As did many locals in Miami. And before our very eyes, he became the real star right off of Worth Avenue where on any given night - somebody whose anybody was dining within their perfectly dimmed light establishment.

What was once legit worth the drive for an hour ++ to arrive for the warm, yet vibrant vibe and the hot dog appetizer which captured my heart is no longer a necessity. And that’s because just two weeks ago, Buccan opened up their doors on the oh-so-newly-trending Miracle Mile.

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At what point did we all decide $30 was a perfectly normal amount to pay for a pizza? I’m not sure when it happened. I remember sitting down at Lucali for the first time 13 years ago and doing a triple take when I saw a pizza was $24. Now, you’re lucky to get a 12-inch cheese for that price. Let’s not even get into the preposterous world of “gourmet slices,” where you wait in a long line for the right to pay $11 a slice.

This is why I was giddy when I found Golden Lizzard, hidden, as most great pizza places are, in a strip mall near a college. The FIU-adjacent spot serves up crispy crust, high-quality pizza for literally half what much-ballyhooed places in Downtown and Wynwood charge. And if you’re looking for the best pizza deal in the city, this may well be it.

Ok, what kind of deals are we talking?

Two slices and a soda for under $10, like god intended. And these aren’t the standard, window-aged slices you get for a few bucks in South Beach. These are high-qual…

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Last weekend I made it into CHO Funky Asian Bistro, opened to solve Miami’s overwhelming problem of Un-funky Asian Bistros. The funk in question here isn’t the usual nostril-assaulting odor of fish sauce that many Asian restaurants suffer from, but rather refers to the kitschy décor, lively ambience, and we-don’t-take-ourselves-too-seriously menu that make meals at CHO a happy time.

It’s the latest offering from Mo Alkassar, part of the partnership that brought us Ghee, Erba, Paya, and other four-letter restaurants. This time around, he’s gone to meticulous lengths to craft a menu that brings flavors from all over Asia, with strong influences of garlic, chili, sesame, and other spicy stuff. They also put fun little drawings on the menu to let diners know when a dish contains shellfish, meat, or any other allergen. Other Asian restaurants should definitely get down with that funk.

What do they mean by “funky?” Is George Clinton hanging out at the b…

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Right Hand Miami

Small batch shoppers, take note of Right Hand. And this 'Martini Service.' At first I was flabbergasted as to why a bar located in Downtown Miami could and would charge $25 for their martini. However, after cozying up to the owner because that's just my way of operating, I would soon learn that service means service. With a frozen glass interchanged every ten minutes, paired with the ingredient sourcing, it was worth every cent. When you see the menu and scroll martini service, you select a Haku Vodka or N. 3 Gin (both outstanding options). And then you decide how you want it. Dirty or dry? Well, if you select dirty, it's served with a stuffed mushroom (the cheese interchanges daily) and dried Paradise Farms Oyster Mushrooms to nibble on. The dirty was divine. However, for those who opt for dry, you can experience a lemon twist and local starfruit! After one, I was done. It hit the spot, and for that I am forever grateful.

Pro Tip: Follow the rules and don’t put the mushroom in the cocktail. It serves as a delicious snack on the side // 121 SE 2nd Ave, Miami

Felice

Taking a spin on a Dirty Martini, Felice just launched the Dirty Martini Spritz — that's exactly what it sounds like. Adding a bubble to your buzz, it's effervescent and you can BYOM! Choose your spirit, be it tequila, vodka, or gin… they add dry vermouth, Italicus, a hit of olive brine, and top it with Prosecco and soda. Garnished with a lemon twist and skewered olives (yep, you heard us) and served over ice in a Burgundy wine glass, this is the drink that says summer, but make it aperitivo.

Pro Tip: Sit at the bar or stay for dinner. It’s stupendous and chic - immediately transporting you to a summer in the Amalfi @felice.restaurants // 1450 Brickell Ave. Miami

Rao’s Miami Beach

Perfectly cold and strong, their Dirty vodka martini with their blue-cheese olives won our hearts over. Believe it or not - it’s not easy to find a good stuffed olive at bars these days. However, with Rao’s team of talented well-suited bartenders' power to add a splash of dry vermouth and their balanced olive brine juice, it's inexplicably delicious.

Pro Tip: Ask for Chopin as there's something about that vodka that is light and smooth. @raosmiamibeach // 1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

Amara

Who doesn’t love a Martini and a view on Biscayne Bay? Well, well… this ‘tini is called the Lupe Martini and its screaming floral and refreshing courtesy of El Bosque Gin, vermouth blanco, Italian lemon liqueur and l’aperitivo nonin.

Pro Tip: Every Monday evening from 4-10 p.m. guests can also enjoy the Lupe or just $10! @amaraatparaiso // 3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami

Smith and Wollensky

For those looking for a strong - a really strong gin martini after a long day at the office, with a trillion-dollar view of the ocean and Fisher Island, look no further than Smith and Wollensky. Anything you dream up - they will create in-front of your eyes and your problems just may disappear.

Pro Tip: Don’t drive, they provide extra-heavy pours within each ‘serving size.’ @smithwollensky // 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

Joe's Stone Crab

Anything goes at Joe’s. Kick off your stone-crab feast with their Tito’s martini. The lightly-dirty is divine. As is the lemon with a twist.

Pro Tip: You can now book online for Joe’s so don’t hesitate and look up the dress code before you go to ensure you are allowed in. If not, the Joe’s Take Away is just as good and next door! @joesstonecrab // 11 Washington Avenue

Bouchon Bistro

Last year, Chef Thomas Keller emulated his Cali-style casual Bouchon concept in a historical property off Alhambra. At the bar, they whip up their dirty martini thanks to the ‘Filthy’ brand (chic alert) as the brined olive juice. Choose your vodka, but if you couldn’t tell - we stick with Chopin. And, if you’re lucky, you can score their hand-stuffed blue cheese olives, too.

Pro Tip: Sit at the bar for their Happy Hour because although this cocktail isn’t on the menu, the oysters are for just $2 each and it’s the ideal pairing. @bouchon_bistro // 2101 Galiano St, Coral Gables

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Aviv

If you're looking for somewhere to dine with a group that won't break the bank but still feels genuinely impressive, Aviv is it. Inside the 1 Hotel, this Israeli concept from the Zahav team serves up its signature creamy hummus, Yemenite saluf, and smoky grilled mains. The Tayim tasting menu ($95 per person) is built for sharing and includes mezze, salatim, rice pilaf, dessert, and more.

Pro Tip: Go all-in on Tayim, then wrap up the meal it off with a cocktail on the rooftop facing the ocean. The hotel’s elevator takes you straight up.@aviv.miami // 2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach

Joe’s Stone Crab

As a native Miamian, I’ll never not be a Joe’s stan. And after more than 100 years in and still no notes. Joe’s is Miami’s answer to the question, “What if a tourist trap actually earned it?” Everyone talks stone crab (as they should), but the $9 fried chicken and hash browns are the real insiders’ play. Come stone crab season, it gets wild—so skip the white-tablecloths and hit the Take Away restaurant next door.

Pro Tip: No shame in skipping the claws entirely. Chicken, sides, and key lime pie are a perfect lunch combo.// 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach @joesstonecrab

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Bourbon Steak

At this Michael Mina-led Aventura staple, duck-fat fries show up before you’ve even opened the wine list, and the ribeye lands with a sear that makes the knife glide like butter. The crowd at Bourbon Steak is a mix of corporate cards, out-of-town guests, and serious steak eaters, filling a room built for polished deals and celebratory meals. Not a steak person? Regulars still rave about the lobster pot pie, flambéed tableside with brandied cream. Pro Tip: It’s the best high-end, pre-game meal before heading to a show or game at nearby Hard Rock Stadium. @bourbonsteakmia // 19999 W Country Club Dr., Aventura

Christy’s Miami

Since 1978, this Coral Gables icon has leaned on red booths, dim lights, and servers who’ve seen it all. Steaks are timelessly solid, but it’s the rituals that make Christy’s feel special: quite possibly the best Caesar salad whipped up tableside, martinis poured ice-cold, and a baked Alaska finale that arrives in a blaze. The vibe is equal parts Miami throwback and comfort blanket. Pro Tip: Always, always order the Caesar for the table. @christysmiami // 3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables

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