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Miami

MIAMI

lived there for 4 years

discovering MIAMI

I lived in Miami for four years, and I can't stress enough how much the city has grown and developed from that time on. That is part of what makes Miami exciting; it's full of investment and therefore it keeps getting renewed and new things are always opening in town. It is a city for everyone: for families, the beach lovers, party animals, food fanatics, shopaholics... everyone can find something to satisfy their current mood. 

keep in mind

> Even though the weather in Miami is most likely to be hot, always carry around a sweater as the air conditioners are freezing.

> Download the app: PAY BY PHONE to conveniently park around Miami city and Coral Gables & PAY TO PARK for Miami Beach parking. Note: Parking in Miami beach can be a struggle during weekends, look for closed parkings (there is one in front of Forever XXI in Lincoln Road Mall) and avoid the beautifully designed 1111 Lincoln  parking, since it's always much more expensive than the rest. 

> The best way to get around Miami is to either rent a car or use Uber. Do not rely on taxis or public transportation. Some neighborhoods have streets to walk around, but mostly you will be using a car to get to places.

> The easiest way to make restaurant reservations are through an app called Open Table. Some restaurants require reservations in advance.

> There is usually traffic in Miami, so plan to leave home around 30/35 minutes before going somewhere (that's the average time it takes to getting to each neighborhood).

where to stay

Miami Beach

if you will mostly be going to the beach.

  • One Hotel: a new trendy, modern, earthy feeling beach front 5 star hotel. Has a rooftop adult pool, a main pool and a spa.

  • Edition: 5 star hotel, modern, beach front. Has a pool, spa,  night club with an iceskating rink and a bowling range. 

  • The Standard: 4 star hotel, hipster, charming, trendy. Great outdoor space with swimming pool, view to the ocean but no beach front access.

Brickell

if you will want something in between everything.

  • Mandarin: 5 star luxurious hotel, located at the beautiful island of Brickell Key. Offers amazing views of the bay, a swimming pool, a man made beach (no ocean), and the most comfortable bed. 

Coral Gables

if you will be mostly shopping.

  • Biltmore Hotel:  classic luxurious 5 star hotel from 1926, offers a beautiful golf course, a swimming pool, and a spa. It's the closest locations to the most Miami famous shoppings as: Dadeland, Merrick Park, the Falls.

Where to Stay

WHERE TO EAT

Fancy & Trendy

when looking for great food, exciting places and price is not an issue

chinese, japanese and fusion

  • Zuma: My favorite asian fusion in Miami. It's located right after brickell and beginning of downtown. Must make reservation, and be ready to wait 10-15 minutes to be seated. The food is definitely worth it, must order: salmon and tuna tartar and the black cod.  Sunday brunch is also great there, I recommend sitting outside for a nice view of the bay. Valet available, but be ready to wait for your car, as most times it takes long.

  • Makoto: Located in Bal Harbor Shops, it is one of the best sushi restaurants in Miami. Definitely worth giving it a try, specially if you are shopping in the mall. 

  • Mr Chow: Chinese restaurant in Miami beach.  Must reserve. Chic environment and delicious food. Must try: pecking duck, noodles and chicken satay. Valet available and parking lot in front. 

  • Bazaar Mar: If great taste is what you are looking for, this restaurant by amazing chef José Andres will not disappoint you; the food is amazing. It's specialty is seafood, but I added to list since it's very innovative and resembles a fusion restaurant. Menu highlights: Lobster Croquetas, Neptune's Pillow and Key Lime Pie. Located in Brickell, valet available. 

  • Juvia: Rooftop restaurant, featuring French, Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. It is very worth it for the ambience, specially around sunset time, as you get an amazing top view of Miami Beach. 

  • Komodo: Pan Asian restaurant, with a cool atmosphere both inside and outside (with huge bird nests). Menu highlights: lobster dynamite, arroz con pato and salmon tacos. Located at Brickell, valet available. 

  • Marion: Modern cuisine with asian fusion restaurant, with a cool vibe and atmosphere. It also has good music. Located at Brickell, valet available. 

italian

  • Cipriani Downtown: If you like Italian food, thats definitely one of the best ones. It is located in Brickell and it requires reservation. Surrounded by tall glass windows, it offers a nice view of the bay. My plate recommendation is the Baked White Tagliolini with Praga Ham. Valet available. 

  • Cecconi's: Very charming outdoors restaurant with Christmas lights all over. Perfect for romance and the food is of course, great. Menu highlights: truffle pizza and maine lobster spaguetti. Located in Miami Beach, valet available. 

  • Casa Tua: Feeling of eating delicious northern Italian food in a chic and cosy home.  Inside and outside seating are both nice. Menu highlight: Tagliolini with Creme Fraiche and Caviar. Located in Miami Beach, valet available. 

  • F'ilia: Located at Brickell it is an Italian restaurant with great food and nice ambiance. Valet available. 

steakhouse

  • Smith and Wollensky: Located at the beautiful south point park, overlooking the Miami Beach ocean. If good protein and great view is what you are looking for, this is a great option. Try to go during the day and get a seat on the terrace - note: outside seating is first come, first serve. Indoors can be reserved. Menu highlights: Filet Mignon and Truffle Mac and Cheese side.

  • Fogo de Chão: If you like Brazilian Steakhouse this one is great. It's an all you can eat buffet with servers bringing meat to your table. Located in Miami beach, valet available. 

  • Hillstone: Best ribs ever. Located in Coral gables, at the charming miracle mile. Doesn't accept reservations and the wait can be long depending on the day, but it's definitely worth it. Menu highlights: Spinach Artichoke dip and Campfire Barbecue Pork Ribs. Across the street, there is Bricktop's, a restaurant from the same owner, serving the exact same menu with no wait. I would definitely recommend going there if you encounter a long wait at Hillstone. Oh, and at bricktops, definitely order the hot cookie for desert, it's delicious!

greek and mediterranean 

  • Milos: serves the best seafood in town. You can choose your seafood from fish market display that changes daily; it's all fresh and delicious. Menu highlights besides fish market: lobster pasta and fried zucchini. Located in Miami beach, valet available.

  • Kiki on the River: amazing modern greek food, with an even better view to the water and location. The decor is very charming and modern. This one is not to be missed and it's one of the big hits now. Valet available. Outdoor seating. 

spanish tapas & latin american

  • The Bazaar: from the same chef as Bazaar Mar, José Andres, The Bazaar is a delicious Spanish tapas restaurant. Menu highlights: Not Your Everyday Caprese and Croquetas de Jamón. Located in Miami Beach, valet available. 

  • Amara at Paraiso: the bayside setting is what makes this Latin American restaurant special. Most of it's menu is composed of protein plates. Of course, the food is great as well, but it's that kind of place you should request outside seating to admire the view. Valet is available and it's located at midtown. Must try: Yuka Cheese Puffs. 

  • Quinto la Huella: From the same owner of Uruguay's Parador la Huella rooftop restaurant wins with the stunning miami view. It offers simple, but good food. Valet is available and it's located at brickell. 

french

  • La Petite Maison: the famous french London restaurant now opened in Miami, conveniently located at Brickell Bay. I recommend trying the Canard Á L'Orange. Valet is available. 

  • Seaspice: This brasserie offers one of the best waterfront dinning atmosphere in Miami. Food is absolutely delicious and the vibe is incredible. On Sunday nights it turns into a party, so either avoid it or go for it. Reservations are highly recommended. Menu highlights: Truffle Brie Tart, Lobster Risotto, Ravioli and Pata Negra Croquettes, Valet available. 

  • Villa Azur: when french cuisine is both delicious and fun. Enjoy the exciting ambiance with music as you eat great food. Located in Miami Beach. Valet is available, parking lot in front. 

Cool and Good

something in between; cool environment, average price

brazilian

  • Ofa: with it's name inspired by "farofa," a typical Brazilian food, it offers a nice ambiance with a charming outdoor patio in Miami Beach. The Brazilian cuisine menu is simply delicious and authentic. Absolutely love this place. There is no valet, and they do take reservations even though it's not required.

chinese, japanese and asian fusion

  • Pubelly: One of the most delicious Japanese restaurants in town, where you get great quality for a good price. Menu highlights: Salmon Tartar Taquito, Truffle Corn, Big Eye Tuna, Butter Crab Roll  and Yellowtail Roll. There are two locations: Brickell City Centre and Miami Beach. 

thai

  • Naiyara: Thai restaurant located at Miami Beach with a nice atmosphere and great food. Menu highlight: Crispy Rice. Located at Miami Beach. No valet available. 

italian

  • Casa Tua Brickell: A different concept of Casa Tua, but just as good. There are different stations as salad bar, meat and seafood, chacuterrie, pasta and pizza, and you go around and order what you want on each station and they bring your food to your table.  It's located on Brickell City Centre and it's charming. Very worth checking it out. 

organic

  • Malibu Farm: Most stunning view of Miami beach with healthy, organic and delicious food. Staff is super nice and it has a great atmosphere. Outdoor seating is the best option, make sure to request it. Valet available. 

seafood and mediterranean 

  • Joe's Stone Crab: Great crab and seafood in Miami Beach. You can eat on the restaurant or take away.

  • Lido Bayside Grill: Very charming mediterranean outdoors restaurant, with a great view to the ocean. Valet available. Located in Miami Beach.

french

  • Brasserie Azur: From the same owners of Villa Azur, this is a very charming and delicious french restaurant in midtown. It is easy to park around the area. 

mixed food

  • Sugarcane: Located in midtown, it's one of the great restaurants of the area. It's tapas style, so everything is for sharing. It is easy to park around the area. 

south african

  • Big Easy: Located in Brickell City Centre, it is a great and original south African restaurant. My favorite plate is the Angry Duck Curry.

Cheap and Good

great taste & great price, perfect for eating on a budget

italian

  • Hosteria Romana: Simple and very tasty Italian restaurant with a great and exciting atmosphere, with waiters often dancing to Italian music. It is located at the charming Miami Beach street Espagnola Way. Must try: Nutella Pie. Valet available. 

  • Villagio: A great option to eat at most malls. They have it in Dadeland, Merrick Park and Sawgrass (outlet).  

  • Bazille/Café Bistro: Another great option to eat at malls. Located inside Nordstrom, it has the most amazing lobster soup.

  • Mc Kitchen: Located in Midtown around the design district, its a very good Italian restaurant. 

fondue

  • Melting Pot: If you are a fondue lover like I am, you should check it out. It is a little far but there is parking right in front. It has a really good price and it's a very good fondue. You should definitely try the ying yang desert fondue, I ask them to replace the dark chocolate with milk chocolate. It's amazing. 

french

  • Brasserie Central: Great option to eat french food at Merrick Park, in Coral Gables. 

  • Lagniappe: Cheese and Wine bar for the night. It is a very chill place in midtown. 

chinese, japanese and fusion

  • Akashi/Hannya: Really tasty Japanese food for a very good price. They are both the same restaurant, except Akashi is in Coral Gables and Hannya is in Brickell. It is simple, but good. 

  • Tony Sushi Bar: Great Sushi in Miami Beach. It is better to make a reservation, and they only reserve by phone. It is small and very good. The crispy rice is amazing!

  • Benihanna: Fun and delicious restaurant. Not healthy, but good! The chef comes to your table to cook and does some art with it. Note that the tables are big and if you don't have enough people to fill it, they might put you with different people.

mediterranean and greek

  • Mandolin: One of the best greek restaurants in Miami and most charming ones. Everything is intended to share. I highly recommend making reservations if you don't want to wait as it is a quite popular location. Everything there is super good, I recommend trying the Kefte, the Cheese Saganaki and the mezze platter. There is valet but its also easy to park. 

  • Skorpios: A new charming mediterranean restaurant in midtown. Great food and very nice decor. Outside seating available.  

fast food

  • Shake Shack: Good quality fast food, in a nice environment and really tasty. Definitely worth the calories!

spanish tapas

  • Bulla Gastro Bar: Located in Coral Gables, its a Madrid inspired tapas restaurant with delicious food to share.

latin america

  • Novecento: Located in Brickell, it is an Uruguayan restaurant with a bit of everything. The empanadas are amazing! There is valet.

  • P.M: Located in Brickell, it is an Argentinian steak house. Try the caramel pancakes for desert, they are amazing. There is valet on location. 

Sweet Cravings & Snacks

best deserts and snacks around miami.

  • Salty Donut: Started out as a food truck, and now its  the most popular donut spot in Miami, located at Midtown.

  • BJS: An American restaurant located at the Falls mall. Go for the Pizookie, a hot cookie served with ice cream that will make your mouth melt.

  • Cielito Artisan Pops: Located at Wynwood, it serves high end frozen pops, to which you can add toppings. 

  • Morelia Gourmet Paletas: Located at Wynwood and Coral Gables, it serves gourmet  popsicles, with fillings and toppings. 

  • Cheesecake Factory: famous American restaurant which is known for it's specialty desert: the cheesecake! 

  • ColdStone: out of this world ice-cream. You can make your own, any flavor you choose, with any filling you want and any topping you desire. 

Where to Eat

THINGS TO DO

If being outdoors is your thing

Beaches

sometimes there is algae on the water, but you can be lucky to get caribean like water. 

  • Miami Beach: My favorite spot in Miami Beach is right in front of the Edition hotel. It is more calm there, it is less crowded and  you can rent chairs (note: they cost $20 each for the day and they no longer provide towels and access to the bar, so if that is important for you, you might want to go in front of 1 hotel). i find it the most beautiful part of the beach as well. You can park on the valet or around. 

  • Key Biscayne: Key Biscayne is an island right near Brickell. There are a few beaches there which are really nice. Note that it is harder to buy things to eat or drink on the beach, so it is a good idea to bring a cooler with whatever you want. The public of the area are mostly families. I recommend going to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, where you can see an old lighthouse from 1825. It is specially nice during sunset. The other very nice one is Crandon Park. You can also go kayaking and paddeling in Key Biscayne, you'll see those for rent. 

  • Matheson Hammock Park Beach: The easiest way to get to that beach in near Coral Gables, is to put Red Fish Grill on the g.p.s (its the restaurant at the beach). I'll be honest, the water isn't great, but at the same time its one of the most beautiful hidden places in Miami and you can go there for tanning and spending the day. Of course if you want you can go to the water. It isn't deep, and a lot of people go, I just personally don't like swimming there. Still love it.

Parks,Gardens & Others

  • Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden:  A beautiful place to walk around and see plants from different parts of the world. It has a beautiful lake in the middle of it and a train that takes you on a tour if you don't feel like walking. If you like butterflies there is also a nice conservatory in which you can go inside and see many of their species. It's close to Matheson Hammock Park, so it might be a good idea to go on the same day.

  •  Venetian Pool:  A public swimming pool which is actually really nice. The decor is entirely venetian and therefore it gives it a cool atmosphere. You pay a fee to enter. 

If you are into arts

Street Art

  • Wynwood:  The most artsy Miami neighborhood, where art is present in every corner. It is a place you must visit. Go take pictures on the famous Wynwood Walls, but don't stop there. Walk around and you'll see a lot more art works all around, including some by the great Brazilian artist Cobra. Sit down for a café and enjoy the vibe around you. There are also some very original shops in the area. Every second Saturday of each month, they hold an art walk, which is really cool to check out. 

Modern Art 

  • PAMM Art Museum:  This is a new modern museum that you should go even if you are not into arts. Why? Because of the stunning architecture and view to the sea. The exhibitions vary, so you can check online on their website to see what is going on. There is a parking lot there and a restaurant as well. 

Attend a Broadway Musical

  • Adrienne Arsht Center: This new center for performing arts is a great addition to the Miami cultural scene. Located in the heart of downtown, it is beautifully designed and offers many Broadways shows, as Lion King and Les Miserables. There are other artistic performances there, so check their website for what is available. 

If you are all about shopping

Fancy & Mostly Expensive

  • Bal Harbour:  This is one of the most beautiful and most expensive shopping malls in Miami. Located at North Miami Beach, you can find all stores with the big names. There also some good restaurants there, as Le Zoo (French) and Makoto (Japanese).

  • Merrick Park:  Less fancy than Bal Harbour. It is more limited on the fancy shops but it has other stores as well, like Anthropologie and Victoria Secret. There is a nice movie theater on the top floor and good restaurants where you can seat outdoors and enjoy the nice view of the mall park. Close to Coral Gables. 

  • Design District:  Prefer to shop outdoors while walking around a nice neighborhood? Design District, in midtown, is the place for you. In fact, it's worth checking it out even if you don't feel like shopping. Many of the upper scale brands already have their stores there, like Givenchy, Miu Miu, Prada and others. There are nice restaurants around, like Mandolin (my favorite) and MC Kitchen. Valet all around for $5. 

General, a bit of everything

  • Dadeland Mall:  This mall is around the Dadeland area (not far from Coral Gables), and it is one of the best in terms of location and stores. You can find most mainstream shops as Free People, Abercrombie, Apple, Urban Outfitters, Adidas, Macys, Saks, Zara... the list keeps going. There are restaurants for you to eat there, like Villagio, the Cheesecake Factory, Earl of Sandwich and Aoki, which is similar to Benihanna.

  • The Falls:  This mall is located past the Dadeland area. It is a little far, but its worth a trip to get to know it. It has beautiful tiny water falls and lakes all through the center. It has mostly mainstream shops but it is more limited than Dadeland. There you find stores like Build a Bear, Abercrombie, Gap, Apple, Bloomingdales and others. There is an American restaurant there called Bjs, which has the best cookie for desert, called Pizzokie!

  • Aventura Mall:  The biggest, most complete one in terms of store, but also the furthest. If you really want to spend the day shopping, it might be worth going there. They have all kinds of stores including Forever XXI, Gucci, Channel, Herve Lerge, Apple, All Saints, BcBg etc. 

Department Stores

  • Dadeland Station:  Basically the place to shop at Target, Best Buy, Dicks Sporting Goods (old Sports Authority) Michaels and Bed Bath & Beyond. It's not a place to walk around, you basically go from one store to the next. I usually pass by it right after or right before Dadeland Mall since they are very close to each other. There is a big parking lot, so don't worry about where to leave the car. 

Outlets

  • Sawgrass:  Its far, but it is also very worth it. You will find amazing deals on this huge outlet that make your trip there worth while. On the outside terrace, they have all the fancy shops, including Burbery, Moncleur, Prada, DVF, Michael Kors etc. Inside they have everything else: Victoria Secret, 7 Jeans, Lucky Brand, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein and others. There is valet and plenty of parking. There are restaurants like Villagio and Rain Forest Café, which is a great option to go with kids. 

  • Dolphin Mall: It is closer but also more limited than Sawgrass. There are still plenty of good stores like Adidas, BCBG, Carter's, Calvin Klein etc, so you can get a lot done there. There is valet, parking and dinning options, including Texas do Brazil Steakhouse and Cheesecake Factory.

If you are traveling with kids

  • Miami Zoo: If you like zoos, this one is nicely designed and interactive. The animals are not on cages, and they are separated from the public by a hole. Kids can ride camels, touch rhinos and feed the giraffes. It's quite big, so if you decide to go there, make sure to give it enough time. 

  • Jungle Island: If you are into the interactive experience with animals, this is a place that offers that. It is on the way to Miami beach. They are reopening with more attractions. 

  • Frost Science Museum: Just recently opened in downtown Miami, right near PAMM art museum, it includes a planetarium and an aquarium. 

  • Splitsville: A very nice bowling located in Sunset Mall. At night it turns into a bar, so kids are no longer welcomed. You can order food to your table. 

If you want to watch a movie

  • CMX: This new and high end movie theater is located at Brickell City Center. You can order food through the app and they will deliver right to your seat. 

  • The Landmark: This fancy movie theater is located at Merrick Park and it is owned by Mark Cuban. It has very comfortable seats and good cinema food. 

If you are all about nightlife

Party Hard

  • Miami Beach Clubs:  As you might have heard, the big clubs are all in Miami Beach. If you are into partying hard, those are the ones you should be going. For most of them you can buy ticket online and you must dress well or they won't let you in. The best ones are: LIV (most famous), Story, Mynt, Wall, Rockwell and Basement. 

  • Miami Beach Restaurant/Clubs:  If you are in the mood for something a little less than the big clubs but still as exciting, go to Baoli or Bagatelle. 

Party, but a bit less intense

  • Seaspice or Kiki on the River on a Sunday Night:  A dinner that turns into a party every Sunday night, right by the water, in one of the best Miami locations. You must reserve a table though for the full experience. 

  • Bodega:  Right behind a taco food truck in Miami Beach, you find Bodega, a cool bar/club.

  • Marion Thursdays:  The restaurants turn into a party.

  • Villa Azur Tuesdays:  The restaurant turns into a party.

Go out, In Between

  • Sugar: Located on the rooftop of East Hotel in Brickell, this is a cool rooftop bar overlooking Miami. 

  • Cafeina: Located in Wynwood, its a nice lounge and tapas-style restaurant. 

Go out and Chill

  • Lagniappe: How about a cheese and wine type of night, in a terrace with your friends? Lagniappe is that special spot, that Miami people love, located in Midtown. There is live music inside as well. 

  • Bunburry: Located at midtown, its a cool spot for both food and drinks.

  • The Warf: Located at downtown by the river, its a waterfront lounge where you can hangout, eat and play. 

Things to Do
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