Top Restaurants in Miami Beach, FL

These restaurants are not only uber hip and sumptuously decorated, the food is also outstanding.

Miami Beach is a town built for entertaining, so it’s no wonder that some of the best restaurants in the country are located here.

* Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink

Rated as one of the top new restaurants in the US by Esquire’s food critic, Michael’s is nestled in the heart of Miami’s Design District. Flanked on all sides by the chicest designs and the sleekest architecture, it’s no surprise this little haven draws the crowds. Chef and owner Michael Schwartz has created a lively buzz for this neighbourhood eatery whose mantra is “simple, fresh and pure”.

The menu features sophisticated comfort food with southern influences such as the incredibly addictive Crispy Hominy with Chile and Lime (US$5), Kumonoto Oysters on the ½ shell (US$2.75 ea), Crispy Duck confit with Cauliflower Mash ($US14), and the whole Wood-roasted “Poulet Rouge” (US$31). And while their extensive and tempting dessert menu changes regularly try to sample their exquisite Key Lime Cheesecake Flan or their effervescent Tangerine Pot de Crème (both US$9) if available.

130 N.E. 40th Street, Atlas Plaza, Miami Design District

305.573.5550

* Ola

When a break is needed from the incessant, throbbing music pouring out from most other eateries, seek refuge in Ola (Off Latin America), which offers relief to all senses, especially the palate. Chef Douglas Rodriguez (el jefe) brings together an exciting, eclectic and sumptuous fusion of exotic ingredients from across Latin and South America.

The menu includes an extensive variety of Mojitos (US$13), featuring a particularly refreshing watermelon version, a dozen options of delicately marinated Ceviche (US$10-13), appetisers such as the delectable Lobster Empanada, generously stuffed with tender chunks of lobster with a pastry dyed with natural squid ink (US$19) and entrés such as the Green Plaintain encrusted Mahi Tuna (US$29).

1745 James Avenue

305.695.9125

* Santo

At this beautiful restaurant/club, patrons tend to come late and stay late. This fashionable hot spot is a place to be seen as well as a place to have a fantastic meal before the dancing begins. The cocktail list is extensive here. Despite being on high-profile Lincoln Road, this is still a have for locals. “The tourists haven’t found us yet,” laughs Dee Amavi, PR Director for Santo. “We’re still mostly a place where the locals can come for a great night on the town.”

The charming and charismatic executive chef, Cory Smith, is on a constant hunt for new flavour combinations that will excite and surprise the palate, without being over the top. The menu is modern fusion with bold flavours, while remaining cohesive. The Maryland Style Crab Cakes (US$13) are a decadent and luscious appetiser, perfectly balanced by a zesty remoulade. If available, the Scallops (US$28) are a definite treat as an entrée, grilled to caramelised perfection and floating in a delectable carrot ginger broth. Desserts (all US$10) are abundant here and all almost equally tempting, but the Chocolate Soufflé should not be missed.

For those looking for lighter fare, Santo offers their “Model Menu” which features 300 calories or less per serving, including a truly deceiving low-fat crème brulée.

Janice Dickenson and her crew of models were recently filing in Miami and adored this menu.

430 Lincoln Road

305.532.2882

* O Grill

Tucked behind the street-front Noodle Shop, O Grill is a new addition to the classic hole-in-the-wall favourite. Executive chef, Todd Dae Kulper, has created a menu that fuses delicate asian flavours with North American robustness. This bi-level restaurant is stunningly decorated and lit and transforms into nightclub as the evening progresses.

Starters include Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps (US$ 14) and Kobe Beef Sliders (US$18). Mains include the King Crab Nanbanzuke (US$ 24), which is lightly friend with pickled vegetables and yuzu chilli ponzu, a truly delectable Hazelnut Encursted Chilean Seabass with truffled asparagus (US$32), and a Grilled Ribeye Tobanyaki, served on a hot plate with yuzu teriyaki sauce (US$28). They also have an extensive sushi and sake menu.

330 Lincoln Road

305.531.2811

* Sushi Samba

With four locations in the US (New York City, Dallas, Chicago and Miami), Sushi Samba has a devoted cult following, and its Miami location is no exception. Having great sushi here is a given. But Sushi Samba also prides itself in being culturally relevant, if not cutting-edge and this is the place to check out to discover what young, international, of-the-moment artists are up to. In December, the Miami Sushi Samba will be hosting an exhibition of Japanese and Brazilian graffiti artists, in collaboration with Ginzatropicalia.

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