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Best New York-Style Pizza in Miami |
Best Gelato Store
Gelateria Parmalat
Here, talented craftspersons make gelato in multiple
flavors with aplomb, fresh, everyday, with only 100
percent natural ingredients. It shows in a clean, crisp,
refreshing taste that also happens to be fairly low in
fat. Although not as decadent, their sorbet is fat-free
and delicious. Location: 670 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.
Phone: 786-276-9475.
Best Pasta Shop
Mr. Pasta
Watch the pasta roll out of the vintage machine at Mr.
Pasta while you wait for your order. Spaghetti, ravioli
and gnocchis are a few of the choices. And if they sound
a bit rushed when you call, it’s because they’re so busy
making their yummy pasta. Location: 7311 Collins Ave.,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-866-8020.
Best Gourmet Market
Epicure Market
Founded by the Thal brothers in the 1940s and purchased
by Isaac “Ike” Starkman in the ‘90s, Epicure Market has
shaped the popular gourmet food shopping experience in
Miami for over six decades. Featuring an array of more
than 300 freshly made and frozen soups, dressings and
entrees, it seems Epicure has something for everyone to
sink their teeth into. Sample stone crab claw, shrimp,
Cornish game hens, two-handed corned beef sandwiches –
need we continue? Tease your stomach with gourmet
candies, produce, cheese, seasonings and wines. Come by
Epicure Market and you will become yet another delighted
regular customer. Location: 1656 Alton Road, Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-672-1861.
Best Gourmet European Restaurant and Market
The Food Gang
Created by Patrick Charpentier, The Food Gang is a
combination gourmet market, tapas bar and restaurant.
Here customers can sit down and dine on tapas, salads,
caviar or the gourmet prepared meals in stock. And for
those who prefer to eat at home, customers can scan the
shelves for the wide inventory of premium food items.
Location: 9472 Harding Ave., Surfside. Phone:
786-228-9292. Web site: www.thefoodgangcompany.com
Best Bacchanalia
2007 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival
The festival is an internationally successful,
star-studded, four-day weekend event showcasing the
talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits
producers, chefs and culinary personalities. Sponsored
by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida
International University, the festival in 2007 welcomed
the Food Network as the title sponsor — increasing
national awareness of the event. The festival has become
one of the largest and most well-known festivals of its
kind in the country and the world. Web site:
www.sobewineandfoodfest.com
Best Wine Sampling
Vine Wine Shop and Tasting Loft
Cary Quintana’s love of the fermented grape inspired her
to create the Vine Wine Shop & Tasting Loft, a venue
that features more than 150 wine products from this
Planet Earth. As Vine Wine Shop’s Web site explains,
“The shop is designed to demystify the wine-buying
experience—so that our clients can expand their
knowledge of wine varietals, regions, styles, and the
latest developments in wine-making.” And what better way
to demystify wine than by inviting people to take a few
swigs? Thus the Vine Wine Shop’s weekly Swirl & Sip
where wines of various forms are sampled in the wine
tasting loft. Location: 7657 Biscayne Blvd., Miami.
Phone: 305-759-8463. Web site: www.vinewineshop.com
Best International Wine Collection
El Carajo International Tapas & Wines
If you understand the value of finding the perfect wine
for that perfect occasion, El Carajo International Tapas
& Wines is the place for you. Perhaps all you know about
wines are the colors associated with them — red or
white. Don’t worry; El Carajo International Tapas &
Wines does not discriminate. As you wine and dine there,
El Carajo International offers you the expertise of a
wine connoisseur who lets you know which bottle of wine,
out of more than 3,000 bottles in their collection, best
goes with your choice of dinner. Location: 2465 SW 17th
Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-856-2424. Web site:
www.elcarajointernationaltapasandwines.com
Best Liquor Selection
Gulf Liquor
Offering a large selection of beers, wines and spirits,
Gulf Liquor’s staff is educated and trained about the
particulars of the various brands in stock. The prices
also are among the most affordable in the region.
Another added bonus: regular free tasting events
provided on the premises. Location: 1681 Alton Road,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-531-5551.
Best Italian Market
Laurenzo’s Italian Market
Since, 1951, Laurenzo’s has been the type of place that
people throw parties for — just as an excuse to pick up
a few of their favorite foods and wines. Laurenzo’s
extensive list of Italian items is unmatched anywhere,
whether it’s their line of balsamic vinegars and olive
oils, fresh seafood and meats, or their unrivaled
assortment of pasta (you have to see it to believe it).
They also have an excellent bakery and delicatessen. Of
course, Laurenzo’s is just as good when you have an
actual event to cater, and they will make sure you’re
completely satisfied. And if you just can’t wait until
you get home, you can eat many of their best dishes
right on the premises. Location: 16385 W. Dixie Highway,
North Miami Beach. Phone: 305-945-6381.
Best Romantic Dining Setting
Wish
Wish has earned a ton of national and international
praise for its stellar cuisine, but in Miami Beach,
insiders know its intimate, romantic environment matches
that cuisine. Enjoy alfresco seating in the magical
garden setting, perfect for a cozy anniversary,
Valentine’s Day or any special occasion dinner. With a
classic American menu accented by contemporary Asian
cuisine, there is certainly something to appease your
appetite. It’s the total romantic experience beginning
to end. Located at The Hotel, Wish presents some unusual
event spaces perfect for catering, from only the best on
a rooftop pool deck to the famous Spire Bar and Lounge,
where you can celebrate the occasion. Location: 801
Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-674-9474.
Best Fun Dining Experience
Barton G. the Restaurant
Whether you’re in the mood for steak, poultry or
seafood, Barton G satisfies all tastes in a whimsical
and laid-back, yet sophisticated, atmosphere. The
fun-driven interior design and food presentations have
customers coming back for more. Tables are set beside a
wall of roses and behind gauze curtains. There are
imaginative entrées such as the Chinese Duck Decoy
(orange-glazed duck, vegetable spaetzle and sweet potato
crisp), served on a wooden duck decoy. The creativity
doesn’t stop there: Dishes such as “Veg-G-licious” and
“Stop Skirting Around Steak” add to the restaurant’s
flavor and flair. Location: 1427 West Ave., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-672-8881.
Best Nuevo Latino Cuisine
Yuca
Headed by Chef Ramon Medrano, entrées include the
vegetarian Yuca Rellena, consisting of steamed yucca
filled with truffle-scented wild mushroom picadillo
served on sautéed fresh spinach; the Grilled Fillet of
Salmon Chino Latino, seared rare and served on a light
salad of watercress, yucca, black olives, avocado and
Peruvian-style yellow pepper dressing; Guava BBQ Baby
Back ribs on crisp yucca with mojo fries and chayote
coleslaw; Ajiaco de Mariscos, a stew consisting of
lobster, scallop, shrimp, clams and mussels; and what
the restaurant bills as “the original” of its kind: Chef
Andy’s Plantain-Coated Dolphin. But a good restaurant is
more than just the entrées. The restaurant takes a lot
of pride in the dessert creations of pastry chef Josefa
Balbin. Plus salsa dancing can be found upstairs every
Friday and Sunday. Location: 501 Lincoln Road, Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-532-9822. Web site: www.yuca.com
Best Italian Restaurant — Argentine Style
Café Prima Pasta
With the recent years’ influx of Argentines to North
Beach came a welcome resident restaurant where the
Linguini Putanesca (pasta with tomatoes, marinara sauce,
black olives, capers, anchovies, garlic and basil) is to
die for. Gerardo Cea and family opened Café Prima Pasta
in 1993; since then, the restaurant has gained an almost
cult following as a hotspot for good food, great
service, entertaining company and a laid-back
atmosphere.
With an Old World flavor marked by a distinct Argentine
flair, Prima Pasta is the ever-expanding place to be,
including for celebs (whose photos line the walls) and
even local politicos. Location: 414 71st St., Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-867-0761.
Best Pasta on Lincoln Road
Tiramesu
Most people would agree that the best pasta is the
freshest pasta. And it can’t get fresher than at
Tiramesu, where the pasta is made from scratch every
day. We’re talking mixing flour, eggs and salt the
old-fashioned way, just like your nonna used to make.
OK, even if you’re not Italian and you didn’t call your
grandma “nonna,” you’ll appreciate the authentic
homemade food, from the bread to the linguine to the
restaurant’s namesake dessert. And if you want to sample
some of Tiramesu’s dishes, make sure to stop by between
5:30 and 7:30 p.m., when the “Beat the Clock” special
lets you choose from three selected dishes and set the
price based on the time of order. Ask for eggplant
pipette at 5:45 p.m., for example, and pay $5.45. That
deal’s hard to beat, and the food’s even better.
Location: 721 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-532-4538.
Best Bohemian Place to Eat
Basil in the Grove
For old-time Grovites wondering where the spirit of
bohemia has gone, check out Basil. It’s edgy enough, as
its location between east and west Grove suggests;
groovy enough, as the monthly spoken word can attest;
and cultural enough, as its no-frills tribute to Brazil
proves. Basil’s menu is mostly an ode to the culinary
delights of the land of bossa nova and tudo bem — many
steak dishes, yucca sides and shrimp stews. But Basil
also serves organic produce and free-range poultry,
whenever possible, as well as lunch standards like
prosciutto and tomato sandwiches. Laid-back locals will
also love the affordable cost of dining at Basil’s:
Entrées run between $9 and $14. In between Mango struts,
Grove throwbacks will be happy to dine at Basil’s for a
taste of something familiar. Location: 3301 Grand Ave.,
Coconut Grove. Phone: 305-444-4848.
Best Home-Style Italian
Mamma Jennie’s
A longtime favorite in North Miami, this Italian
restaurant serves the crowd-pleasers from Mamma’s
kitchen in a warm and casual environment. Jennie’s
serves up homemade lasagnas, pastas and subs, and is
famous for its pizzas, especially the “everything but
the kitchen sink” variety. The desserts are also made on
premises, such as the cannoli and chocolate mousse cake,
and taste just like they would in Little Italy. Mamma’s
recently expanded to Broward, with a take-out and
delivery-only shop in Davie. This family favorite is
most loved for its “early bird” special, an affordable
(less than $10) meal with entrée, dessert and beverage,
served from 11:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Mamma mia!
Location: 11720 NE Second Ave., North Miami. Phone:
305-757-3627. Web site: www.mamajennies.com
Best Portuguese Dining
Old Lisbon
Get a foreign language lesson while lunching at this
Coral Gables restaurant. The menu lists the entrées in
Portuguese and describes the dish in detail in English.
Locals know you get a great deal on lunch specials
daily. For less than $13, the meal includes a hefty
portion, soup or salad and your choice of beverage (you
can even opt for a glass of wine).
Speaking of wine, Old Lisbon’s list is quite long,
featuring labels from Portugal, Brazil, California and
more. The wine even creeps up in the dessert menu with
treats like Peras com Vinho do Portop (pears in port
wine) or Pudim Português com Vinho do Porto (port
wine-flavored cream caramel). Reservations are
suggested, for lunch and dinner, because this place
tends to get packed. Location: 1698 Coral Way, Miami.
Phone: 305-854-0039. Web site: www.oldlisbon.com
Best French Onion Soup
Bal Harbour Bistro
Next to Saks Fifth Avenue in the Bal Harbour Shops is
Bal Harbour Bistro, a Mediterranean-style café. Want air
conditioning? Inside feels like outside with the
floor-to-ceiling windows and wicker chairs. Or sit
outdoors under the enormous umbrella and watch people
stroll by. Bal Harbour Bistro offers various seafood
dishes, as well as health-oriented and vegetarian
plates, but it’s the French onion soup that customers
claim is the best. If your dog is well-behaved, you can
bring him or her along to eat with you. Location: Bal
Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., Ste. 106, Bal Harbour.
Phone: 305-861-4544.
Best Romantic Lunch on the Beach
Café Avanti
Dress casually and enjoy Café Avanti’s plethora of
Northern Italian dishes in a large, elegantly decorated
dining room that is also intimate in the details. For
less than $30, you have salads, antipasti, risotto,
chicken and pastas to satisfy your palate. Early bird
specials are offered before 7 p.m. and every evening,
live jazz music fills the air to accompany diners as
they swim in culinary euphoria. Location: 732 Arthur
Godfrey Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-538-4400.
Best Key West-Style Casual Dining
Key West Grill
Within the International Inn on the Bay is a hidden
treasure, straight from the southernmost point of
Florida. The Key West Grill offers the perfect island
ambiance where boaters like to dock their vessels right
outside and enjoy a traditional Key Lime Pie, among
other dishes. Although it’s not Mallory Square in Key
West, the sunset over Biscayne Bay is still beautifully
breathtaking, and the hours of operation are perfect to
catch the “sun show” from 5 to 10 p.m. Location: 2301
Normandy Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-864-8383.
Best Deli
Jerry’s Famous Deli
A large selection of food, a comfortable atmosphere,
good service — such are the hallmarks of Jerry’s Famous
Deli. This operation essentially began in 1978, when
owner Isaac “Ike” Starkman opened his flagship deli in
Studio City, California. His giant menu of 600
traditional deli and dining favorites was a hit with the
locals, residents and tourists alike. So the huge,
all-purpose menu was transported to seven other Jerry’s
Deli California restaurants, as well as to his South
Beach location within the former Warsaw Ballroom. But
Jerry’s Deli here has something the California locations
don’t: a schedule spanning 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. Incidentally, they’ve also got really good pizza.
Location: 1450 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-532-8030. Web site: www.jerrysfamousdeli.com.
Best Mousse
Karlo’s Bakery
Sure, Karlo’s has daily lunch specials, fresh bread
baked daily, cakes, coffees, sandwiches, quiches,
tortillas, etc. But the owners of Karlo’s Bakery are
especially proud of their mousses — yummy, creamy,
delicious mousses. Mmmmm, mousses. And they have a
variety for you to choose from. Isn’t that moussey? So
go on over and have a sandwich, a quiche and, for
dessert, a mousse. Not just any mousse, either. They
have the usual chocolate, but also mango, orange and
passion fruit, to name a few. They even serve up
combinations of chocolate mousse with the aforementioned
flavors. Aw heck, have two desserts. Damn the diet.
Location: 1242 Coral Way, Miami. Phone: 305-858-1080.
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Best Romantic Restaurant in Coral Gables
Two Sisters Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables
The operators of Two Sisters Restaurant want you to know
that nothing says “I love you” like a dinner in the
elegant surroundings of this critically acclaimed
restaurant. Executive Chef Sebastien Layen prepares
delicious French-influenced Mediterranean cuisine
consisting of steak tenderloin, cracked lobster,
pistachio fish, halibut and other dishes that will
surely have the object of your affection swooning. Not
in the mood for romance? Hey, that’s fine. Two Sisters
Restaurant is renowned for its power breakfasts and
productive business lunches. And don’t miss the Sunday
champagne brunch with made-to-order omelets, stir-fry
pasta, carving stations, etc. Location: 50 Alhambra
Plaza, Coral Gables. Phone: 305-447-6101. Web site:
www.coralgables.hyatt.com
Best Taste of Paris
Charcuterie
For the last five years or so, Miami’s Design District
has been the neighborhood for the up-and-coming,
tragically hip and artistically exclusive. But like
everything made cool in America, the French were doing
it first, and are still doing it right at Charcuterie.
The romantic French bistro has been cozily tucked into
the Design District for more than 15 years, before it
was trendy to chew on its superior Salad Niçoise or
spread its country pâté on crispy sliced baguettes. The
two-story restaurant is open for lunch during the week
until 3p.m., and for dinner Thursday through Saturday
from 6:30-10:30 p.m.. And thanks to anti-smoking laws, a
visit to Charcuterie doesn’t come with the usual side of
cigarette ash found on most Parisian plates. Location:
3612 NE Second Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-576-7877.
Best Hotel Casual
Dining
Chef Vincent
Located within the stylish Colony Hotel, Chef Vincent
has an extensive breakfast menu with plenty of eggs,
omelets, croissants, pancakes and bagels. Want some
steak? Hey: They’ve got steak and eggs. For late risers,
Chef Vincent offers plenty of yummy comfort dishes for
lunch and dinner, from Caprese salad to salmon burgers
to good old-fashioned grilled New York strip steak.
Location: 735 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-535-8283.
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Best Quick and Healthy Bite on South Beach
La Sandwicherie
Since 1998, this tiny counter-only sandwich shop has
served the hungry South Beach masses at nearly all hours
of the day or night. The menu is standard deli sandwich
fare: cold cuts, cheeses and regular fixings. What makes
this place stand out are fresh ingredients and speedy
service. Plus, it’s just chic to have a turkey club on a
croissant delivered to you by moped. Co-owner Xavier
credits the simplicity of the menu as the main draw,
what has attracted actors, sports figures and
party-goers, young, old and in between throughout the
years. All are bienvenue to grab a seat along the
counter. Location: 229 14th St., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-532-8934. Web site: www.lasandwicherie.com
Best Casual Argentine Restaurant
La Parrilla Liberty
Though the fare may be typical Argentine cuisine (meat,
meat, meat), the ambiance is anything but ordinary. The
casual festive atmosphere draws nightly crowds for
birthday celebrations, graduation parties or simply a
toast to life. Owner Nestor brought his fun-loving
attitude to the defunct restaurant space on Liberty
Avenue and revived a deadened corner of South Beach. The
small space attracts locals and tourists and, of course,
displaced Argentines. There’s plenty of “che!” to be
heard, and come early when the Copa Sudamericana begins.
The Argentine wine list is extensive, and the service is
friendly and fast. Location: 1925 Liberty Ave., Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-695-0099. Web site:
www.laparrillaliberty.com
Best Surprise Lunch Specials
Eclipse Latin Restaurant and Lounge
Where can you get reasonably priced meals and great
specials in a classy, hip environment in Coconut Grove?
The easy answer is Eclipse. This Latin charmer on Mary
Street has an inviting modern atmosphere and offers fun
entertainment. DJs and karaoke are the main draws on the
weekend. Ladies night specials such as a free apple
martinis are the ticket on Wednesday and Thursday
nights. But it’s the surprise lunch specials that bring
in the smart consumers. One recent lunch special
included a delicious steak for only $12.95. Try beating
that at the supermarket. Breakfast starts at a very
reasonable $4.95, and they deliver. Location: 3310 Mary
St., Coconut Grove Phone: 786-344-4228.
Best Downtown Lunch
Mike’s at Venetia
Located on the ninth floor of the Venetia building,
across from the Miami Herald, Mike’s restaurant and
Irish pub is terrific place for a relaxed lunch, and an
even better place to wind down for dinner or after-work
cocktails. The food ranges from half-pound burgers to
broiled salmon to roast turkey and stuffing. Mike’s also
offers happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 7
p.m., with great drink specials and half-price
appetizers. You can also catch a sports game on the 20
high-definition TVs, play the $1 billiard tables or get
in on the Wednesday night poker challenge. Mike’s is
open every day for lunch, dinner and late night until 3
a.m. Location: 555 NE 15th St., 9th floor, Miami. Phone:
305-374-5731. Web Site: www.mikesvenetia.com
Best Place to Build Your Own Salad
Pizza Rustica
Leave it to the guys at Pizza Rustica — already experts
at innovative pizzas — to come up with an ingenious way
to do salads. Think of it as a self-service without all
the work. One of our writers recently went through the
process: You get a menu listing all possible
ingredients, and you simply pick which ones you
want. Choose as many vegetables as you’d like, from
artichoke hearts to roasted peppers and plum tomatoes,
as well as one type of meat, cheese and dressing. Then
sit back and watch the Rustica gang toss it all together
into one meal-sized salad wonder for less than $7.
Location: 667 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-535-8882.
Best New York-Style Deli
Katz Deli
This neighborhood favorite serves fresh bagels,
oversized sandwiches and full gourmet meals at great
prices. Not to be confused with Katz’s Deli in New York
City, this South Florida version of an NYC deli offers
up all the delicious treats and tastes of its big-city
counterpart — more than 682 menu items in all! Best
thing is that Katz Deli is owner-operated hands-on. Avi
Katz himself comes into work early to make sure
everything’s done right. What could be more New
York-style than that? Location: 20301 Biscayne Blvd.,
Aventura. Phone: 305-931-7200.
Best South Florida Deli
Mo’s Bagels & Deli
More than just a run-of-the-mill sandwich shop, Mo’s
Bagels & Deli is a full-size restaurant serving salads,
soups, deli meats and cheeses, kosher-style meals and
hot dogs, as well as delicious pastries and desserts.
People from all over Aventura and Miami come to Mo’s for
the quality, freshness and presentation of the food, in
addition to the lively atmosphere. However, Mo’s claim
to fame is its bagels, baked fresh daily. They’re
perfectly sized, fluffy and offered in 14 different
styles and flavors to satisfy practically any bagel
connoisseur. Location: 2780 NE 187th St., Aventura.
Phone: 305-936-8555.
Best Indonesian Restaurant
Indomania
Diners with a taste for something exotic can head over
to Indomania, the cozy new restaurant that specializes
in Dutch-Indonesian cuisine. Sample the rijstaffel or
rice table: steamed rice surrounded by chicken in a
tasty coconut sauce, stewed beef in kecap sauce, grilled
chicken on skewer, egg in curry sauce, crispy spicy
green beans, sweet and sour cucumber, and shrimp
crackers. If there’s room left after all that, try the
Pisang Goreng, fried banana with coconut ice cream.
Location: 131 26th St., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-535-6332.
Best Family Dining
Scorch Grill House & Wine Bar
Everyone will find something they love at Scorch, a
restaurant that strives to provide diners with homestyle
dishes made from scratch using the highest quality and
freshest ingredients. If you’re a meat lover, they’ve
got lots of steaks, chops and specials to choose from,
including a 10-ounce burger done however you like. If
you’re not into meat, you can have poultry, fish,
pastas, salads and a wide variety of sides and salads.
Scorch is kid-friendly and offers a kids’ menu sure to
have the little ones licking their chops. Location:
13750 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami. Phone: 305-949-5588.
Best Family Restaurant
Swensen’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant
They’ve got lots of ice cream here—as in over 40 ice
cream flavors. But Swensen’s is more than just an ice
cream parlor. As it says in its official motto: “Ice
Cream, Burgers, Pizzas, Salads, and More…” Not to
mention fries, grilled chicken sandwiches, salads and
plenty of kid’s meals. Pretty much Swensen’s serves as a
nice place to have your kid’s birthday party, especially
since the adults can also retreat and have their own
food items while the munchkins get hit by brain freeze.
Location: 1586 S. Dixie Highway, Coral Gables. Phone:
305-661-7658. Web site: www.swensensrestaurant.com
Best Breakfast Spot
Uva 69
Grab a cup of café au lait and a fresh-baked pastry.
Head for a seat outdoors at Uva 69 and watch the
neighborhood come alive. This Euro-inspired café offers
a variety of pastries for breakfast, sandwiches for the
lunch crowd and turns into a local hotspot in the
evenings for the after-work crowd. Also on the menu, a
wine bar, and on weekends, check out your favorite DJs
spinning the latest tunes. Location: 6900 Biscayne
Blvd., Miami. Phone: 305-754-9022.
Best Italian Ice
Rocky’s Italian Ice
Those hot days at the beach wouldn’t be the same without
Rocky’s Italian Ice, the perfect pit stop for
refreshment after a day full of sun. Food Network star
Rachael Ray has called it “the best Italian ice ever,”
and understandably so: The 12-16 flavors are made hourly
and always with fresh fruit. Perennial favorites Monkey
Berry (banana, raspberry and strawberry) and Tropical
Paradise (mango, passion fruit, banana and orange)
usually sell out in less than an hour. Rocky’s also
offers gelato, sandwiches, frozen bananas dipped in
chocolate or caramel, and more. Location: 1200 Ocean
Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-531-3301 Web site:
www.rockysitalianice.com
Best Place for Turkish Food and Belly Dancing
Hakan Turkish Grill
OK, the healthy Turkish cuisine that uses all-natural
ingredients is nice, but the belly dancing on the
weekends makes it all sizzle with Mediterranean flair.
And if belly dancer extraordinaire Xiomara doesn’t do it
for you, kick back and relax with a brew and some sports
on the big-screen television. Combined with great food,
it’s a win-win either way. And if you don’t feel like
going out, Hakan Turkish Grill offers free delivery to
South Beach residents. Location: 1040 Alton Road, Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-534-9557. Web site:
www.hakanturkishgrill.com
Best Inexpensive Healthy Cuisine
Chick-N-Grill
Healthy? Check. Fresh, not frozen? Yes. Fried?
Absolutely not. All entrées at Chick-N-Grill are grilled
or baked, yet sizable enough to fill you up. The Family
Combo will feed everyone in the house, but if you’re
just in the mood for a quick snack, a selection of
salads, soups, wraps and pitas are also available at
locations all over Miami. To find one near you, go to
the Web site: www.chick-n-grill.com
Best Creative Gourmet Boutique Restaurant
Macchiato Boutique Restaurant
If you’re looking for a palate-tempting play on Italian
and Old World favorites, Macchiato’s head chef Alberto
Fuentes serves up adventurous productions using only
top-quality, fresh ingredients. Why settle for an
ordinary bruschetta, when you can enjoy one chock-full
of blue cheese, pine nuts and topped off with mint? Or
how about a portobella pizzeta with balsamic vinaigrette
reduction? Even classic pasta dishes benefit from a
change of pace with the addition of such novelty
ingredients as conch, poppy seed sauce and lamb ragú.
And, there are several risottos to choose from. But save
some room for your entrée, or you’ll miss out on treats
such as tilapia over green couscous with turmeric and
curry emulsion, and roasted pork loin with papelón
mustard. (Their loyal customers rave over them.) Breads
and desserts are homemade. Location: 8434 S. Dixie
Highway, Miami. Phone: 305-666-4477.
Best New York-Style Pizza in Miami
Eastside Pizza
What once was Flora’s now is EastSide Pizza, which
claims to serve the best New York-style pizza in Miami.
And they’re right on the money. Made with fresh
ingredients, and topped with fast and friendly service,
these pizzas are special. We’re sure you’ll enjoy
devouring the vast number of “cheesy” named pizzas, such
as “Totally a California Delight,” which consists of
goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, or “The Great White
Hope,” which is made without tomato sauce. Location: 731
NE 79th St., Miami. Phone: 305-783-5351.
Best Sandwiches and Salads in Surfside
Bianca’s Gourmet Shop
Surfside still has that old Miami charm that has slipped
away from most of the beachside communities, and one of
the best examples of it is Bianca’s Gourmet Shop. From
the early morning breakfast specials to the outstanding
milkshakes to the delicious salads, you will enjoy
classic food presented with exceptional service. But
don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll get stale BLTs on
Holsum bread. Bianca’s specializes in updated versions
of old favorites while offering new-fashioned paninis
and wraps. They also offer daily specials, and feel free
to ask them about catering your get-togethers and
special events. Location: 9517 Harding Ave., Surfside.
Phone: 305-861-6886.
Best Catering Company
CuisineWorks
If it’s a chic affair you desire, look no further than
CuisineWorks Catering. Founded in 2005 by Executive Chef
Simon Stantic, CuisineWorks has quickly become the
company to call for an event filled with style and
taste. CuisineWorks offers innovative hors d’oeuvres
featured on steaming trays, lit acrylic or mini
TV-screens. These mouthful bites strike you with their
look and taste, leaving a long-lasting, multisensory
impression. CuisineWorks has sleek and stylish acrylic
bars and furniture available for rental. “It’s all about
taste,” says Stantic. “Whether we’re talking about food
or décor, we always strive to leave our clients in awe
of what we’re capable of.” Location: 9424 Abbott Ave.,
Surfside. Phone: 305-794-8860.
Best Pan-Latin Cuisine
Cielo Garden & Supperclub
Cielo Garden & Supperclub has been meticulously designed
and decorated, boasting a seductive outdoor garden, wine
and cigar lockers, a chef’s table with special wine
pairings, an entertainment stage, made-to-order bar,
custom-created bone-hued leather seating areas, brushed
metal and honey-colored wood finishes and 50-inch plasma
TVs. Dedicated patrons appreciate the entertainment and
architecture while dining on terrific spiced-up
traditional Latin dishes with unique fusions and
influences from various Latin American countries.
Location: 3390 Mary St., Coconut Grove. Phone:
305-446-9060.
Best Rack of Lamb
Prezzo Restaurant and Martini Bar
Prezzo, located in the Shoppes at Loehmann’s Plaza,
offers more than 100 types of wine, daily specials and a
Grand Piano Bar with live entertainment nightly; there’s
no better way to enjoy your dinner. After feasting of a
plentifully portioned and succulent rack of lamb infused
with flavorful mint pesto, top off your meal with an
order of crème brûlée. This perfect marriage of tastes
is created with the finest ingredients and served in a
pecan twill shell. Location: 18831 Biscayne Blvd.,
Aventura. Phone: 305-931-5775.
Best Upper Eastside Neighborhood Restaurant
Soyka Café & Bar
Built in the old 55th Street train station, Soyka Café &
Bar offers brunch, lunch and dinner. Enjoy your meal
among Miami’s professional and artsy-type crowds while
sipping a fine American wine, a caiparinha or any other
cocktail. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Soyka’s got
it: Caesar salads, fried calamari, steaks, pastas,
pizzas and much more. Bringing the kids? No problem; the
kids’ menu offers just as many options to keep their
tummies satisfied. Location: 5582 NE Fourth Court,
Miami. Phone: 305-759-3117.
Best French Bistro in Coral Gables
Le Boudoir
Right on eclectic Miracle Mile sits a down-to-earth
bistro preparing delicious French delicacies like Croque
Monsieur. Le Boudoir serves up fresh salads and tartines,
open-faced sandwiches with various kinds of spreads. Try
the roast beef and mayonnaise or the smoked salmon and
cream cheese. You can also create your own sandwich with
many ingredients to choose from — baguettes, Swiss
cheese, cheddar, turkey and bacon, egg and bacon. You
name it, they’ll create it. Le Boudoir is a fine place
for a quick bite during your lunch hour. Location: 169
Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Phone: 305-442-0801. Web
site: www.leboudoir.us
Best Sushi Delivery
Planet Sushi
Let’s say you live on the beach and you’re in the mood
for sushi but don’t want to leave the plush comfort of
your microfiber couch. There’s an easy solution: one
phone call to Planet Sushi. The food features all
the Japanese staples you crave and is delivered to your
doorstep. Go online (the Web site’s color scheme is a
very apropos Miami Vice pink) and browse Planet Sushi’s
menu of more than 100 items. Location: 860 Washington
Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 786-276-7676. Web site:
www.planetsushi.com
Best Place for Steak and Wine
Rincon Argentino
Twenty years ago, an Argentine with good business sense
cashed in on a slow market for steaks and wine in Miami,
although he personally hated dining out due to poor
service. “He decided to do it right in his restaurant,”
says his wife, Eliana. Rincon’s popularity has relied on
its excellent staff and fine quality cooking. The steaks
are cooked one of three ways: traditional barbecue, wood
barbecue and open spit barbecue. Rincon also makes its
own pastas and desserts, true to its Italo-Argentine
roots. The staff and owner hail primarily from the land
of Evita, and the wines are mostly reds from Spain and
South America, because gauchos wouldn’t have it any
other way. Location: 2345 SW 37th Ave., Miami and 7744
Kendall Drive, Kendall. Phone: 305-444-2494 and
305-274-8850 Web site: www.rinconargentino.com
Best New Conch Republic-Style Restaurant
Key West by the Gables
Run by brother and sister Lina and Mario, two native Key
Westers, this establishment is a fresh fish market,
full-service restaurant and seafood processing plant in
one. Only two months old, the restaurant has already
attracted many local customers hungry for some island
flavor. Popular restaurant dishes include the
“Floribbean Snapper,” made with bananas and yellowtail
snapper, fresh from the Conch Republic. Unlike most
Miami seafood joints, theirs is special, Mario explains,
because the fish is not imported from faraway Brazil or
Venezuela, but neighboring Key West. Not only that, but
the owners make sure to keep the ambiance authentic …
just like driving the seven-mile bridge, minus the
motion sickness. Location: 2238 SW 57th Ave., Miami.
Phone: 305-262-0205.
Best Non-Traditional Italian Restaurant
Hola Lola
What better way to enjoy your morning coffee or evening
wine than among the palm trees surrounding Hola Lola’s
outdoor seating? This far-from-traditional Italian
restaurant offers a plethora of dishes ranging from
appetizers, salads and desserts to pastas, meat and
fish. You name it, they’ve got it. While some dishes may
sound Italian, they’re actually cooked up to have
Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors. Location: 3500
Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-532-5822.
Best French-style hotel bar
Casablanca Restaurant & Bar
Here, the signature drinks — Miami Cooler, Bermuda
Triangle, Bahama Mama and the Cuba Libre — all scream
Miami. Seafood, steak and pasta galore (with a French
twist) fill the menu for both lunch and dinner. Live,
smooth guitar music floats through the air on most
nights. So if a romantic dinner is what you’re seeking,
look no further than this 1939 Art Deco building with
sandy-colored walls and French doors. Location: 650
Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-534-9463.
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Best Fondue Restaurant
The Melting Pot
Who knew the first Melting Pot that opened in Maitland,
Fla., in 1975 would turn out to be the success it is
today? What started as a three-item menu has turned into
several choices of cheese to dip your bread, fruit and
vegetables into; different oils to cook your seafood,
steak and vegetables; and different mixes of chocolate
in which to submerge your fruits, brownies and
cheesecake. This is certainly a different kind of dining
experience. Location: 15700 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-947-2228.
Best Coffee Shop in Aventura
Café Café
Just feet from the Intracoastal Waterway, this small
coffeehouse is loaded with a variety of coffees, snacks
and juices. It’s an ideal place to sit with friends and
family and chat for hours. The tables inside offer a
refreshing escape from the summer’s heat, but lounging
outside beside the Waterways fountain and among the
people passing by can be just as pleasant. If sitting
while sipping a cup of Joe isn’t your style, stroll to
the lighthouse and watch the humongous yachts enter and
leave the marina. Location: 3585 NE 207th St., Suite
C-7B, Aventura. Phone: 305-778-9569.
Best Ambiance to Enjoy Fine Argentine Cuisine
Chocolate
With art-adorned walls, Chocolate dishes up elegantly
served cuisine in the elegantly named City Beautiful,
where it is located. Don’t be fooled by its moniker —
this restaurant may look and sound sweet, but it serves
Argentina’s traditional barbecued meats (parrilladas)
and more. In the mood to try something new? Come in on a
weekend and order some of the more unusual meat
selections: kangaroo, ostrich or elk. Of course,
Chocolate has to serve its namesake ingredient as well:
Try the risotto with chocolate and prosciutto or the
bitter greens salad with strawberries, chocolate and
lemon dressing. Location: 2091 Coral Way, Coral Gables.
Phone: 305-858-9088.
Best Hot Dog Variety
Dogma Grill
Creativity is everywhere at Dogma Grill in Miami Beach.
What used to be just a beef frank lying in a hot dog bun
covered with ketchup and mustard has now become an
Athens. An Athens is your choice of a beef frank, a
turkey dog or a veggie dog topped with a mix of diced
cucumbers and tomatoes, chopped onions, Kalamata olives,
extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, fresh oregano and feta
cheese. If a hot dog doesn’t hit the spot, Dogma Grill
also offers “tasty alternatives” like a grilled chicken
wrap or a salad. Location: 1500 Washington Ave., Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-695-8259.
Best Affordable Chinese Food
Yeung’s Mandarin Garden
Good food that doesn’t bankrupt you: what a concept. No
wonder Yeung’s has operated for more than two decades.
Find out why critics and locals alike flock to Yeung’s
Mandarin Garden. Visit the elegant dining room, order
some take-out or hire Yeung’s staff to cater. And while
you’re at it, check out Yeung’s lunch specials and try
the Peking Duck. Location: 954 41st St., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-672-1144.
Best Pizza & Pasta Selection
Pizza Fiore
Only the freshest ingredients are used here, whether
olive oil, fresh basil, fresh garlic or fresh tomato. An
ingredient that’s forbidden at Pizza Fiore is sugar —
none of the white, nutritionally suspect substance is
used here. Pizza Fiore also has an assortment of lunch,
dinner and pizza specials for thrifty customers to
choose from. Location: 2905 NE Second Ave., Miami; 703
71st St., Miami Beach; 1653 Washington Ave., Miami
Beach. Phones: (Miami) 305-573-0090; (71st St.)
305-865-7500; (Washington Avenue) 305-672-2400. Web
site: www.pizzafiore.us
Best Boulevard Restaurant
Michy’s
Among local chefs, Michele Bernstein’s name stands out.
She was the force that satisfied many mouths at such
South Florida institutions as Azul in the Mandarin
Oriental and Social at the Sagamore. Now she’s cooking
for herself at Michy’s, but don’t expect quite the
chichi setting you may have enjoyed elsewhere. Michy’s
is about having fun — from the whimsical atmosphere to
the bold, Mediterranean/Caribbean-influenced dishes.
Located in an up-and-coming neighborhood, Michy’s has
already attracted a number of followers who enjoy
favorites such as duck leg confit, crispy sweetbreads,
tuna carpaccio and the orrechiette pasta with duck
sausage. Location: 6927 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Phone:
305-759-2001.
Best Downtown Italian Restaurant
Perricone’s Marketplace & Cafe
A rustic touch of Italy on the outskirts of downtown?
Yes! Perricone’s Marketplace & Cafe is a relaxing
getaway just steps from the stress-filled offices in
downtown Miami, and it’s available for just the price of
a delicious lunch or dinner. While the atmosphere
conveys a quiet New England farm, the food leans heavily
toward Italy. From the antipasto to the gnocchi to the
deli sandwiches, the flavors of Italy are hard to miss
... unless you’d really prefer to. Then there’s the
delicious New York steak, ahi tuna or a number of other
dishes waiting for you. Perricone’s bakery whips up a
delicious assortment of custom-made cakes and other
desserts suitable for any occasion. And don’t forget
their extensive wine selection, which varies weekly, or
their menu of specialty drinks and after-dinner
cordials. Location: 15 SE 10th St., Miami. Phone:
305-374-9449.
Best Italian Restaurant in Hollywood
Mama Mia’s Italian Ristorante
Why fly to Italy for Old World favorites when you can
drive up U.S. 1 to Young’s Circle and enjoy Mama Mia’s
Italian Ristorante? The family-run business, with
origins in New York City, serves smartly priced and
generously portioned Italian classics, old and new. The
standards are all present: beef carpaccio, fried
calamari, pasta fagioli, veal marsala and fettuccine
alfredo, among others. They also present some more
interesting fare: lobster ravioli Caprese, penne alla
vodka, banana nut-crusted mahi and a number of specialty
pizzas. Pastas can be made to order, combining any
noodles with the sauce of your choice, and calzone
lovers will not be disappointed either. Mama Mia’s also
serves tasty sandwiches and wraps, as well as a nice
assortment of beers and wines. Location: 1818 S. Young
Circle, Hollywood. Phone: 954-923-0555.
Best Restaurant for Lounging
510 Ocean
For those who want to sit and eat, sit and lounge or
both, there is 510 Ocean. Located inside the Bentley
Hotel, 510 Ocean has a laid-back atmosphere. Chef Cory
“Big Tex” Smith prepares such dishes as Panko-Crusted
Goat Cheese and Flash-Fried Calamari Towers for
starters, and entrees like Grilled Australian T-Bones
and Lava Grilled Wild Atlantic Salmon. 510 Ocean even
has its own version of the apple martini: the 510 Ocean
Water, named for its aqua hue. Oh, and feel free to use
your Blackberry to your heart’s content while you await
your order. Or network or flirt. 510 Ocean is a lounge,
after all. Location: 510 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-531-1788.
Best Ceviche in Coconut Grove
Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill
Ceviche is almost like the Peruvian version of sushi, so
it was only natural for Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and
Latam Grill to have a ceviche bar, complete with stools
and counter where you can savor all nine flavors.
Serving the dish in large ceramic spoons, gourmet style,
gives this Coconut Grove eatery the competitive edge
against other restaurants that feature the popular
Peruvian appetizer. Jaguar serves dishes from all over
Latin America including Mexico and Argentina. For
dessert, try the Key Lime Tequila Brulee, a crème brûlée
base with a “key lime infusion and a splash of tequila.”
Yum. Location: 3067 Grand Ave., Miami. Phone:
305-444-0216.
Best Sandwich Shop Concept
Frankie’s Big City Grill
Frankie is one smart guy. He took the most famous
sandwiches from 13 American cities and put them on his
menu. From a Miami medianoche, Philly’s Cheesesteak
(which is pretty damn good) and New Orleans’ muffaletta,
you can savor the flavor of each city in every bite. And
to capture the essence of the United States: the
hamburger, of course. Grilled to perfection, this
all-American treat is popular with the North Miami
locals. Great place for lunch. Location: 8601 Biscayne
Blvd, Miami. Phone: 305-762-5333.
Best Japanese and Thai in Aventura
Fuji Hana
When you’ve tired of turkey club sandwiches and crave
something full of flavor, you can trust Fuji Hana to hit
the spot. Order the JB Rolls Tempura or the pad thai,
and you will go home happy. For a healthy and tasty
choice, try any of the variety of curries — served with
vegetables and your choice of meat. For dessert, gooey
Thai donuts, served with condensed milk, are an absolute
must. Fuji Hana’s décor contributes to peaceful dining,
great to enjoy with friends or family. Surprisingly,
this chic eatery is kid-friendly. Location: 18757
Biscayne Blvd., Aventura. Phone: 305-932-8080.
Best Inexpensive Greek Dining
Mykonos Greek Restaurant
Since 1973, Mykonos Greek Restaurant has been delivering
cheap Greek meals to hungry Miamians. The building
itself should almost be considered a landmark — many
locals remember it from their childhood. After all these
years, the “little Greek place on the corner” still has
its charm. And success hasn’t gone to its head — the
food is still good and still pretty cheap. Let’s hope it
stays that way. Location: 1201 Coral Way, Miami. Phone:
305-856-3140.
Best Sushi in Style
Sushi Room
Nothing says “stylish” like eating sushi in a dimly lit
restaurant. And if that restaurant just happens to be
accessorized with Louis Vuitton slipcovers and a live DJ
in the house, even better. While the menu likes to keep
things fashionably vague, it does recommend which sake
will best complement your meal. Some house specialties
include the Kobe Beef Tataki ($12 per ounce for this
prime-grade meat). Plus, if you’re watching your figure,
you can substitute brown rice on any of your sushi rolls
for an extra $1. Properly dubbed “A Sake Lounge,” the
Sushi Room invites you to relax after dinner with one of
its 15 sake drinks till the wee hours on Fridays and
Saturdays. Location: 1810 S. Young Circle, Hollywood.
Phone: 954-922-1103.
Best Chinese Food in South
Miami
New Chinatown
In Miami, Chinese restaurants are a dime a dozen, and
some have even “Cubanized” their menu by adding fried
plantains to their side items. Others, like New
Chinatown in South Miami, keep it real. Fresh, natural
ingredients are used in all the Chinese staples like won
ton soup, special fried rice and Peking duck. Even the
fried stuff is amazingly nongreasy. New Chinatown, in
business more than 20 years, offers an extensive menu
with items from China’s most popular cuisines —
Mandarin, Cantonese and Szechwan. Location: 5958 S.
Dixie Highway, South Miami. Phone: 305-662-5650.
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Best Family-friendly Buffet
Emerald Coast Restaurant
This landmark Chinese Restaurant has an international
menu that appeals to all ages —and that’s especially
true of its buffet: sushi, chicken Teriyaki, Szechwan
tofu, Kung Pao chicken, snow crabs with garlic sauce,
BBQ pork, Shanghai noodles, salmon steaks, etc., etc.
But what is an all-ages buffet without dessert? Emerald
has ice cream, cakes, sherbet and even chocolate fondue.
Location: 16850 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach. Phone:
305-787-1530. Web site: www.emeraldcoastbuffet.com
Best New Asian Restaurant
Aizia at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa
Chef Craig Berkower’s menu has dishes that can be found
throughout the continent of Asia. Plates are prepared
and delivered to encourage the sharing of dishes. A
family styled restaurant, Aizia also doesn’t forget the
adults, serving up tasty cocktails along with the
dishes, such as the saki-infused martini. Location: 3555
S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood. Phone: 954-602-8389. Web
site: aiziahollywood.com
Best Family-Owned Pizza Joint
Presto Pizza Trattoria and Grill
Owned by the Gimelstein family, Presto Pizza Trattoria &
Grill is a place for a quick bite or a sit-down meal.
Don’t have time for that? Well, Presto, Presto Pizza
Trattoria and Grill does delivery. New York-style pizza,
plus pastas, subs, lasagna, salads and other dishes are
fresh and homemade at reasonable prices. Location: 332
Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-531-5454.
Best Neighborhood Italian Restaurant
George’s Italian Restaurant and Lounge
This family-owned and operated community Italian
restaurant and lounge has some tasty Italian dishes at
pretty nice prices. The menu includes chicken piccata
pomodoro, lobster ravioli and Chicken George’s Snapper
with Orange. Customers also have a choice of dining
inside the air-conditioned interior or in the outside
“alfresco” patio. Location: 300 72nd St., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-864-5586.
Best Authentic Thai Food
Tamarind Thai
Chef Vatcharin Bhumichitr wrote a cookbook on Thai food
titled The Taste of Thailand. So we’re definitely
dealing with a cook who insists on delivering his
customers an authentic Thai cuisine experience. The
restaurant’s menu consists of various Thai salads,
soups, rice dishes and noodles, all varying with
different meats and homemade sauces that include
tamarind sauce, curry sauce, among others. Location: 946
Normandy Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-861-6222.
Best south Beach Chinese takeout
Kim’s Chinese
Located on Lincoln Road, Kim’s Chinese delivers its
Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechwan style dishes from First
Street to 65th Street on Miami Beach. But, heck, if you
are on the Lincoln Road area, why not partake in the
food that has enabled Kim’s to exist for 40 years on the
Beach within Kim’s airy and open dining area. Best part
about Kim’s: the prices are quite affordable. Location:
1245 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-672-8822.
Best Parisian Brasserie
La Goulue Christian Delouvrier
Yes, we are talking Christian Delouvrier, the renowned
French by way of New York chef, formerly of Alain
Decosse at NYC’s Essex House. Now instead of having to
go to New York to enjoy a Delouvrier Parisian meal,
diners only have to journey to the Bal Harbour Shops.
House specialties include grilled calamari with basil
pesto, lemon and extra virgin olive oil; pan seared
hanger steak with caramelized shallots and béarnaise
sauce, lobster cheese and warm toasted bread and, of
course, escargot. Location: 9700 Collins Ave., Suite
135, Bal Harbour. Phone: 305-865-2181 ext. 2.
Best Early Bird Dinner
Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House Restaurant
Time is limited for Wolfie Cohen’s. So it might not be a
bad time to sample some of the deli fare that has kept
customers coming to Wolfie’s for the last few decades.
Hey, why not try the early bird special? From 3:30 to 6
p.m. you can get a soup, an entrée, a drink and a
dessert for only $12.95. Entrees include stuffed
cabbage, spaghetti and meatballs, beef stew, chicken
breast or tuna platter. Location: 17190 Collins Ave.,
Sunny Isles Beach. Phone: 305-947-4581.
Best Stone Crabs in Hollywood
Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant
When South Florida natives want fresh stone crabs, they
go to Billy’s. In his fourth decade in business, Bill
Hershey has been the king of the crabs, serving up the
finest and freshest stone crabs without the muss and
fuss of his South Beach counterpart…you know who we
mean. Whether you want just a taste or an “all you can
eat” stone crab extravaganza, Billy’s has what you are
looking for. Situated right above the seafood market,
diners can enjoy spectacular views, eating indoors or
out, while watching the procession of yachts that cruise
Hollywood’s Intracoastal Waterway. Billy’s also does
take-out, by the dinner and by the pound. And if you
think you can manage to cook stone crabs at home, the
seafood market sells those and other seafaring delights
at market price — fresh off one of the many trucks that
arrive daily from the Keys. There’s more to Billy’s than
just its crabs: Fresh-caught Florida fish, lobster,
shrimp, steak, chicken and pasta are all on the menu.
Best of all, this year Billy’s has summer hours.
Location: 400 North Ocean Drive, Hollywood. Phone:
954-923-2300.
Best Late-Night Burgers
Cheeseburger Baby
Culinary and dietary trends are to change as fast as the
weather on Miami Beach. Ten years ago, they told us to
stay away from even gourmet hamburgers and hot dogs.
Five years ago or so, it was the bread that was the
boogeyman. Oh, hell, who can keep track? You don’t have
to be Jimmy Buffett to appreciate a properly grilled,
delectable burger made to your specifications – nor to
enjoy one right smack-dab in a little paradise called
South Beach. Buck any trend –– to heck with any damn
regulations on the appreciation of the quintessential
American food –– and enjoy some of the best burgers to
be found anywhere at Cheeseburger Baby. Clearly the
best, particularly late at night when a tofu wrap just
won’t cut it. Location: 1505 Washington Ave., Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-531-7300.
Best Meat Lover’s Restaurant
Porcao Churrascaria
Mmmm, meat! The best in meat — that’s exactly what you
are going to find at this spectacular beef bacchanalia.
As in all shapes, sizes and cuts. Oh, but the quality
does not waiver much, ranging from the very good to the
stupendous. How can one tell, even a vegetarian? Well,
the biggest clue is the host of happy and healthy
looking folks who return time and time again to the
friendly, occasionally boisterous, Porcao. While non-meaties
might find themselves behind enemy lines, they don’t
have to worry about going hungry. There’s a huge salad
bar too. Just don’t be surprised to get a few strange
looks while picking through lettuce leaves. Location:
801 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami. Phone: 305-373-2777.
Best Chocolate Indulgence
Ghirardelli Chocolate
First, the quality: Ghirardelli Chocolate has been
catering to people’s cravings for 150 years. Along the
way, they seem to have pretty much perfected the art.
The absolute best in chocolate is just the start at this
absolute wonderland of cacao sensation! The store is a
classic chocolate and ice cream emporium, offering
everything from sundaes and floats to coffees and ice
creams (their world-renowned hot fudge sundae, made with
homemade hot fudge sauce, is the Ghirardelli standard).
Ice cream varieties such as strawberry cheesecake and
blueberry cheesecake augment more traditional, equally
luscious flavors. From the best in chocolate bars to ice
cream to cool drinks, and whether for on-site or to take
home, Ghirardelli Chocolate is delicious decadence.
Location: 801 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-532-3451.
Best Wine and Coffee Shop
Cafetto Coffee and Cocoa
What? You say wine and coffee make strange bedfellows?
Au contraire, mon ami — they’re practically related.
Both drinks are sniffed for freshness, have different
aromas and tastes, as well as legions of followers. How
smart of the folks at Cafetto to bring these two
timeless drinks together in one of the most unique, cozy
yet sophisticated atmospheres on South Beach. You can
enjoy the freshest coffee while surfing the Internet
using the free Wi-Fi connection, or relax with an
after-work glass of premium French wine. And in case you
get hungry, they also serve homemade pastries and
sandwiches. Location: 1520 Washington Ave., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-531-2375. Web site: www.cafetto.biz
Best After-Party Pizza
Med Pizza
“Dude, I’m, like, so hungry.” It’s the mantra of the
nightlife zombies. Food always sounds like such a good
idea after going on a bender at a trendy club. And what
better way to satisfy that idea than with a pizza? SoBe
partiers have been gravitating to Med Pizza for years
for a good slice after going overboard on drinks. It’s
open late, the service is quick and the pizzas are
wickedly delicious — even if you haven’t had a drop of
alcohol. Prices vary, but the taste is always divine.
Location: 1260 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-531-1919.
Best Place for a Business Lunch
Acqua at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami
“When the enemy is at ease, be able to weary him; when
well fed, to starve him; when at rest, to make him
move,” said Sun Tzu, the great-granddaddy of war and
corporate strategy. And Acqua’s sophisticated
atmosphere, Latin/Asian-influenced global cuisine,
award-winning wine list and personalized service creates
a refined ambiance that both relaxes and impresses
business associates, making it the ideal location to
close those high-powered deals or entertain clients.
Location: 1435 Brickell Ave., Miami. Phone:
305-381-3190.
Best Seafood Market and Restaurant
Captain Jim’s Seafood Market and Restaurant
You know you’re in a good seafood joint when the owner
commands his own fishing boats. That’s because there
really is a Captain Jim, and while a lot of his catch is
sold to high-end restaurants, he saves part of it for
his own down-to-earth place in North Miami. Only the
freshest catch directly from the boats is served here.
Your taste buds will go ga-ga over the perfectly cooked
fish and shellfish platters. Best of all, you can walk
over to the market part of the restaurant and purchase
the fish to take home with you. Location: 12950 W. Dixie
Highway, North Miami. Phone: 305-892-8212.
Best Comfort Food
Taste Bakery
We love Taste Bakery. And we’re not just saying that.
Really.
Cozily situated at the corner of Ninth and Alton, you
can actually find street parking, order a warm muffin,
snag a table outside under the storefront’s wide awnings
and wait out a storm. It’s comfort food at a comfortable
joint. Ask for a cup of homemade soup to warm your
hands, or a fresh steaming cup-a-Joe will do quite
nicely.
Our favorite tasty foods just begin with The Philly:
roast beef, pepper jack and cheddar cheese, red onions,
green peppers, wrapped in a whole-wheat tortilla and
served with spicy ranch sauce. Also try: PB and J Roll
(peanut butter and strawberry preserves rolled in a
tortilla). It’s food as cozy as an afternoon nap. But
it’s also Power Breakfast sandwiches, paninis, salads,
breakfast wraps, you name it. Better yet – Taste is
indie, as in independently owned. So when you tire of
the corporate coffee machine, Taste Bakery will be there
(weekdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
and Sundays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), like an old friend when
times are stormy, and will even forgive any
infidelities. Location: 900 Alton Road, Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-695-9930.
Best Beach Ice Cream Parlor
The Frieze
Ice cream is communal, we’ve decided. So what…you’re
building your community out of the freezer case of a
corporate supermarket? We don’t think so.
You’re gonna grab a beautiful stranger on Lincoln Road
(well not literally grab, or the only ice concoction
you’ll encounter will be soothing your black eye in the
back of an ambulance) and offer to buy him or her a cone
of something created daily with real, fresh ingredients
by people who give a good gosh-darn about quality and
creamy craftsmanship. Maybe you’ll offer a Macadamia
Caramel. Or Papaya Sorbet. Or Minty Chocolate Chip. Or
something velvety sweet and amorous (but watch out for
that right hook). Or all of the above — in the name of
community building, of course. Beautiful people on
Lincoln Road tend to be too damn skinny anyway.
And Frieze’s celebrates its 20th anniversary July 4. The
Fourth of July! How could you ask for a better birthday
for your ice cream community? Location: 1626 Michigan
Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-538-0207.
Best Chicken Chain
Pollo Tropical
Fast food may have come under fire these last few years,
but the truth is that many of us eat at these joints
more often than we’re willing to admit. Sometimes quick
and economical is just exactly what we need— but it
doesn’t necessarily have to be bad for you. Pollo
Tropical serves a marinated chicken that’s cooked over
an open grill. No oil or breading is added, so the fat
just flies off the bird, leaving behind a healthy, tasty
treat. Caribbean influences color the equally healthy
side dishes and soups, but if you’re in the mood for a
little bit of naughty, you can help yourself to french
fries or flan too. Everything is made from scratch, and
served quickly at great prices. Location: Various
locations. Web site: www.pollotropical.com
Best 24-Hour Restaurant
Jerry’s Famous Deli
If you’re up in the middle of the night and famished on
South Beach, it’s highly likely that you’re craving
something special. (No, nothing like that.) What you’re
looking for is great homemade food in a happening
atmosphere ... and Jerry’s Famous Deli is the place to
get it. It’s not your bubbe’s deli though. They feature
over 700 items on their extensive menu, so whether
you’re looking for old-fashioned deli favorites, lite
California cuisine or maybe a pizza, you’re going to
find it here. Even after the sun rises and the club kids
go home, Jerry’s is a popular hangout where both locals
and tourists converge...maybe even to nosh on a little
matzo ball soup. Location: 1450 Collins Ave., Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-532-8030.
Best Jazz Supper Club
Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club
