Super 7: Best Restaurants in Sunny Isles
In 'Little Russia,' here's our short list of where to sup.
All You Need Cafe
A year back, I had a lovely meeting at this cafe in a RK shopping center. And like its name - it’s All You Need! I still dream of their Honduran coffee. Feeling very ‘Tel Aviv,’ its menu blends Mediterranean, European, and global influences, hence a menu that offers everything from naturally fermented sourdough to the Truffle & Mushroom Scramble layered with truffle tartufata, roasted shimeji mushrooms, cream cheese, and Japanese style scrambled eggs on (you guessed it) - toasted sourdough! While the AVO Toast combines avocado mousse with feta, caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and seeds for a vibrant start to the day, don’t miss the borscht (beet lovers take note) or the the Chicken Kyiv with garlic parsley butter, the rich Mushroom Gnocchi with porcini mushroom sauce and crispy shallots.
Pro Tip: Coffee lovers, go! I do not know why the Honduran coffee is best - but it is!
@allyouneed.cafe // 18090 Collins Ave. #T19
Avra Miami
The most fancy yet fantastic Greek resto in Miami just so happens to live in Acqualina. It was also my formerly favorite date spot when I was single because I always knew that if I didn’t like the man - that the food at Avra Estiatorio would be worth getting dressed for. With their fish literally fresh off the boat, their apps were always my go-to. Even their EVOO is splendid. From silky tzatziki to smoky melitzanosalata, don’t miss the crispy zucchini and eggplant chips, lightly fried calamari, shrimp in tomato sauce (OMG) and their Greek salad which is somehow better than anywhere else.
Pro Tip: Dress up, and wine lovers, check out their Greek whites!
@avraestiatorio // 17945 Collins Ave
Kabobji
For a divine Lebanese meal that’s simple in all the right ways yet SO good - enter this humble joint that was once half the size. Having opened their doors around 15-years back when I was actually living in between Beirut and Miami, we discovered this spot by chance and have since been returning. Kabobji’s fatoosh salads and shawarma are for the win. As are the wraps. To be clear, everything is actually excellent and it’s a fabulous spot for to-go!
Pro Tip: They have a pomegranate drink. Get it. And the bread is baked in-house.
@kabobjirestaurant // 3055 NE 163rd St.
Miami Juice
Miami Juice basically invented Sunny Isles. I am not kidding. The OG of juice bars, it’s been open for over 30-years and it’s generally outstanding as is the crowd. From their fresh pressed juices to their lentil and veggie soup, their assortment of fresh salads are beyond words. Speaking of salads, the tuna salad and the chicken salad are essentially famous, low-mayo and can be served in a sandwich, pita or as a platter. The BBQ chicken is also divine over the brown rice, the salmon with sesame seeds is delectable and juicy and their fruit salads are now overpriced but so worth it!
Pro Tip: They have a mini-market and it’s well curated with snacks and healthy treats.
18880 Collins Avenue
Portovino
A hidden gem in a strip center next to Dunkin, Portovino is simple - feeling very Florentine trattoria. Tasting like Tuscany, they have a location in Italy and together the small group brings generations of Italian culinary tradition to South Florida through recipes rooted in the family’s hometown of Pistoia. TIn the mood for homemade pastas, wood fired pizzas, fish (they have bottarga), meats, and classic antipasti prepared with exceptional ingredients, from San Miniato truffles and porcini mushrooms to imported olive oil - check out their extensive selection of Tuscan wines. Signature dishes such as squid ink spaghetti with octopus, handmade ravioli, branzino, langoustines, and perfectly grilled steaks embody the restaurant’s philosophy that great food is crafted with patience, simplicity, and amoreeeee.
Pro Tip: You can buy bottarga to-go if you are a fan and it’s legit authentic!
@ristoranteportovino // 3439 NE 163rd St.
Rose Cafe & Restaurant
Rose Cafe & Restaurant is located in an office building. But - it’s a hidden gem that’s so damn charming and delicious that it’s worth exploring. Owned by the Milton family, its menu is a celebration of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine that is built around fresh seafood, handcrafted pastas, seasonal salads, premium meats, artisanal sandwiches, house made pastries (YAS), and indulgent desserts. Everything was so good, and PS - they intentionally do not cook with refined oils or processed sugars. And they are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So take your pick. It’s perfect for a date or a biz meeting, too - and lord knows we love versatility.
Pro Tip: Try the Yellow Chicken Curry! And valet has an entrance on Collins Ave. to make your life easier.
@rosecafeandrestaurant // 16690 Collins Ave
Treesome Natural Cafe
Treesome Natural Food Cafe’s menu proves that healthy eating never has to be boring. And that is SO our style. Have you ever tried Palm Ceviche? It’s a must. Just like the Farmers Bowl made with arugula, beets, cucumber, carrot, sprouts, red cabbage, garbanzo beans, hummus, sesame seeds, fresh lemon, and extra virgin olive oil.
Pro Tip: Breakfast lovers, try the Toast Royale with smoked salmon and avocado, the Super Duper Waffle topped with organic berries
@treesomefood // 17608 Collins Ave #2825