Miami food and drink: 6 local-approved restaraunts, bars and clubs for the ultimate authentic experience
The party ain’t hard to find in Miami, but beyond the tourist traps of Ocean Drive, there are plenty of gems to get your food and drink fix at that are not just locally approved, but locally raved-about. For a good time beyond the swanky lobby bars and Vegas-style megaclubs, hit up one of these 6 spots.
The Broken Shaker
2727 Indian Creek Drive, Miami Beach
305-531-2727
thefreehand.com
Located inside South Beach’s new trendy hostel—yes, hostel, The Broken Shaker is the city’s most buzzed about bar. A favourite for cocktail aficionados and hipsters alike, the spot is revered for its hand crafted, yet unpretentious drinks and its laid back atmosphere.
Makoto
9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour
305-864-8600
makato-restaurant.com
Located on the perimeter of Bal Harbour Shops (oh so conveniently near Marc Jacobs), Makoto is a modern twist on Asian classics. With plenty of small plates on the menu, the Iron Chef Makoto Okuwa-designed menu allows for try many of its delectable offerings. Must-orders include the Japanese risotto, which refreshes the Italian classic with brown rice, seasonal vegetables and truffle, and toro tartare, which tries its hand at the typically meaty appetizer with wasabi soy and osetra caviar.
The Corner
1305 North Miami Avenue, Miami
305-961-7887
thecornermiami.com
Since its opening last year, The Corner‘s made so many top 10 lists for its cocktails, that we’d be remiss to mention its ability to intoxicate, both literally and figuratively. Its creative list of $13 cocktails is pretty epic, and includes Southern-inspired mixes such as Plantation (Plymouth gin, basil, grapefruit and Cointreau) and Whitey on the Moon, which includes Death’s Door white whiskey, clove, milk and lemon zest. You had us at Death’s Door.
Cecconi’s
4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
786-507-7902
cecconismiamibeach.com
Located in the main floor courtyard of Miami’s Soho Beach House, Cecconi’s brings its critically acclaimed Italian (its outposts in London and Los Angeles have been celebrated since the ’70s) to the oceanfront of the Atlantic. Glimmering lights strewn on Silver Buttonwood trees and absinthe green tiles set the stage for the most elegant Italian we’ve ever eaten. And as for the food: we’d be remiss to not mention that you may be in danger of downing an entire pizza yourself. Shout outs to smoked provolone!
Bardot
3456 North Miami Avenue, Miami
305-576-5570
bardotmiami.com
It seems like everyone has a good time at Bardot, Miami’s off the beaten path live music venue in the Design District. While an awesome venue for performances by the ultra hip likes of Twin Shadow and Neon Indian, it’s a great place to hang out on a weeknight as well.
Mandolin
4312 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami
305-749-9140
mandolinmiami.com
Also part of Miami’s booming Design District, Mandolin has a handle on the city’s Mediterranean cuisine. With its long list of mezes small plates and salads, it’s the perfect lunch spot during a day of designer shopping, while dinner dishes like grilled whole fish, skirt steak and chicken kebab provide the perfect night-time flavours. Mandolin’s wine menu matches the Mediterranean vibe with highlights from Greece, Spain, Turkey and Lebanon.
, Makoto is a modern twist on Asian classics. With plenty of small plates on the menu, the Iron Chef Makoto Okuwa-designed menu allows for try many of its delectable offerings. Must-orders include the Japanese risotto, which refreshes the Italian classic with brown rice, seasonal vegetables and truffle, and toro tartare, which tries its hand at the typically meaty appetizer with wasabi soy and osetra caviar.
The Corner
1305 North Miami Avenue, Miami
305-961-7887
thecornermiami.com
Since its opening last year, The Corner's made so many top 10 lists for its cocktails, that we’d be remiss to mention its ability to intoxicate, both literally and figuratively. Its creative list of $13 cocktails is pretty epic, and includes Southern-inspired mixes such as Plantation (Plymouth gin, basil, grapefruit and Cointreau) and Whitey on the Moon, which includes Death’s Door white whiskey, clove, milk and lemon zest. You had us at Death’s Door.
Cecconi’s
4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
786-507-7902
cecconismiamibeach.com
Located in the main floor courtyard of Miami’s Soho Beach House, Cecconi’s brings its critically acclaimed Italian (its outposts in London and Los Angeles have been celebrated since the '70s) to the oceanfront of the Atlantic. Glimmering lights strewn on Silver Buttonwood trees and absinthe green tiles set the stage for the most elegant Italian we’ve ever eaten. And as for the food: we’d be remiss to not mention that you may be in danger of downing an entire pizza yourself. Shout outs to smoked provolone!
Bardot
3456 North Miami Avenue, Miami
305-576-5570
bardotmiami.com
It seems like everyone has a good time at Bardot, Miami’s off the beaten path live music venue in the Design District. While an awesome venue for performances by the ultra hip likes of Twin Shadow and Neon Indian, it’s a great place to hang out on a weeknight as well.
Mandolin
4312 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami
305-749-9140
mandolinmiami.com
Also part of Miami’s booming Design District, Mandolin has a handle on the city’s Mediterranean cuisine. With its long list of mezes small plates and salads, it’s the perfect lunch spot during a day of designer shopping, while dinner dishes like grilled whole fish, skirt steak and chicken kebab provide the perfect night-time flavours. Mandolin’s wine menu matches the Mediterranean vibe with highlights from Greece, Spain, Turkey and Lebanon.){kind=link}