The SunPost 2008 Best
Of South Florida
ADVERTORIAL
BEST FUN DINING EXPERIENCE
Barton G. the
Restaurant
1427 West Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-672-8881
www.bartong.com
It only makes sense
that event impresario Barton G. Weiss would craft a world-class
restaurant. Barton G. brings his signature sophisticated aesthetic flair
and culinary artistry to the historic site on West Avenue previously
occupied by such well-known establishments as Gatti’s and Starfish. The
ambience is comfy, relaxed and elegant. The dining room is gorgeous but
not stuffy. The menu features reconfigured classic American fare and
playful, clever and delicious new inventions. But it is perhaps the
whimsical presentation that puts Barton G. over the top — whatever one
orders will be beautiful.
BEST CULINARY IMPORT
Table 8
South
Beach
1458 Ocean Drive,
Miami Beach
305-695-4114
www.table8southbeach.com
Table 8 has achieved
the same success in its De Soleil location as it has in New York and L.A.
It’s a popular dining spot for celebrities of all stripes, with its
inviting dining room and décor. Although California influences abound, the
New American menu is stellar, featuring simple but perfect creations of
the finest meats and seafood. Upscale in taste and presentation, Table 8
offers great service, great cocktails, a hip crowd, great ambience, great
chefs, a fair owner and a perfect location. What more could the savvy
diner ask for?
BEST EURO-INSPIRED CAFÉ
UVA 69
6900 Biscayne Blvd.,
Miami
305-754-9022
www.uva-69.com
Offering something a
little different throughout the day, UVA 69 serves up a variety of
pastries, sandwiches and other yummy fare, and when the sun goes down, it
becomes a local nightlife hotspot. Part Barcelonan bistro, part urban wine
bar, UVA 69 offers everything from a light menu of salads, paninis and
tapas to fine cuisine and an international selection of premium wines —
all at reasonable prices.
BEST ROMANTIC DINING, MIAMI BEACH
Wish
801
Collins Ave.,
Miami
Beach
305-674-9474
Wish
has earned a ton of national and international praise for its stellar
cuisine, but in
Miami
Beach,
insiders know that 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. With a
classic American menu accented by contemporary Asian cuisine, there is
certainly something to appease your appetite. It’s a romantic experience
from beginning to end. Located at The Hotel, Wish presents some unusual
event spaces perfect for catering, from the rooftop pool deck to the
famous bar and lounge.
BEST RESTAURANT
AMBIENCE, CORAL GABLES
Two Sisters
Restaurant
50 Alhambra Plaza,
Coral Gables
786-374-1850
www.hyatt.com
Two Sisters
Restaurant within the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables gives you the Hyatt
Touch and elegance that we come to expect from a four-star hotel and
restaurant. Executive Chef Joseph Bidwell prepares delicious
French-influenced Mediterranean cuisine. This is a great place to bring
your loved one and enjoy the elegant surroundings of this critically
acclaimed restaurant. Executive lunch-on-the-run specials allow area execs
the luxury of having a great lunch meeting in one convenient location. The
gala Sunday brunch known for the delicacies created by exceptional chefs
keeps clients coming back.
BEST WAY TO EAT LIKE A KING ON A BUDGET
2008
Miami Spice
www.miamirestaurantmonth.com
Miami
Spice is a mouth-watering summer restaurant promotion showcasing the very
best of Miami cuisine. During August and September, Miami’s top
restaurants offer three-course meals (lunch $23, dinner $36) featuring
signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. Discover the tropical
fusion of ingredients that makes Miami dining so wonderfully out of the
ordinary. Visit the Web site for sites and details.
Best Place FOR the Perfect-Cut Steak
Shula’s Steak House
The
Alexander
Hotel,
5225
Collins Ave.,
Miami
Beach
305-341-6565
www.donshula.com
Juicy
slabs of certified Angus beef or succulent salmon paired with creamed
spinach or good ol’ mashed potatoes are Shula’s best. The terrific Shula
Cut sits on top of the beef quality
pyramid, taking only
the most desired custom center cuts of the
premium Black Angus
beef, making
The Shula Cut
the best beef money can buy. Less than 1 percent of steak cuts qualify for
The Shula Cut. The Steak House is comfortable, elegant, friendly and is
the perfect site for any occasion — romantic, family, celebrations or just
to have one heck of an great steak.
BEST SIGNATURE STEAKS
Morton’s The
Steakhouse
1200 Brickell Ave.,
Miami
305-400-9990
www.mortons.com
Renowned for its
signature menu and legendary hospitality, Morton’s The Steakhouse has set
the standard for excellence by which all steak houses should be measured.
Morton’s is the place for true beef connoisseurs. It serves only the
finest quality foods, featuring USDA prime-aged, Midwest grain-fed beef,
shipped directly from Chicago, along with fresh fish and seafood,
hand-picked produce and a selection of delicious appetizers and elegant
desserts.
BEST ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
DeVito South Beach
150 Ocean Drive,
Miami Beach
305-531-0911
www.devitosouthbeach.com
It’s only logical
that a celebrity as multifaceted and successful as Danny DeVito would know
good eats when he sees them. He brings that wisdom to his restaurant,
DeVito South Beach. Well-known South Florida restaurateur David Manero
joined together with Michael Brauser and DeVito to create a unique dining
experience where Old World Italian chophouse meets 1940s Hollywood glamour
and the magic of South Beach. The fresh seafood is terrific, but the
steaks are the jaw-droppers. The all-natural DSB beef is hand-selected and
aged for three weeks in the famous stockyards of Chicago. DSB is often
beyond USDA prime standards for marbeling, texture and flavor and is
antibiotic free. All beef is rubbed with sea salt, cracked black pepper
and DeVito Dust for a delicious and slightly charred crust. Yum!
BEST BARBECUE, MIAMI BEACH
Bar-B-Que
Beach
1551 Washington Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-538-7201
Some say Miami and
Miami Beach aren’t part of the South, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t
appetites for southern flavors. Barbecue is something coveted by many
diners, and it has not always been easy to find on Miami Beach. Then,
along came Bar-B-Que Beach, and now the succulent flavor and fragrances
draw in both aficionados and barbecue novices (yes, there is such a
thing). Bar-B-Que Beach makes real-deal, authentic real pit barbeque like
no one else in the city. Wash it down with your choice of drinks from the
full bar. Better yet — swing by for the daily 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. happy hour.
Best Seafood RESTAURANT, MIAMI
Catch
of the Day Restaurant
1050 N.W.
Le Jeune Road, Miami
305-962-4900
Website:
www.catchofthedayrestaurant.com
You
can hear the salsa music blaring as you exit 836 onto Le Jeune Road,
heading south. Catch of the Day Restaurant is the perfect place to visit,
unwind, have a great time and enjoy great seafood. A relaxed environment
permeates Catch of the Day, whether eating indoors or on the covered
patio. Service is friendly and perpetuates the fun-filled atmosphere. The
menu is largely but not exclusively seafood, and offers fresh, properly
prepared dishes such as the Flying Whole Snapper that looks right at you.
Catch’s mahi special is a popular selection, featuring succulent grilled
mahi-mahi topped with shrimp scampi on a skewer on a bed of fresh sautéed
spinach. A full liquor bar puts the cap on an overall delicious dining and
drink experience.
Best SEAFOOD ON THE BEACH
Atlantic Pavilion
725 71st St.,
Miami Beach
305-861-0204
There are plenty of
seafood restaurants in
South Florida
with fresh fish and seafood. But at Atlantic Pavilion, diners are served
fish fresh-grilled right from the boat. It tastes like it swam to your
table. Tthe Atlantic Pavilion staff really knows how to make every dish
perfect, preserving natural flavor with accents to buoy the taste, not
distract from it.
BEST CEVICHE, MIAMI
El Señorial
Restaurant
1750 S.W. Third Ave.,
Miami
305-856-2188
www.elsenorialmiami.com
This delicious
eatery is a delight for many, including those who enjoy Peruvian food and
tasty ceviche. There are many
kinds of Peruvian ceviches: fish ceviche (piece of fish marinade in lemon
and red chili), mixed ceviche, shrimp ceviche, and mixed black scallop
seafood ceviche.
Peru is famous throughout South America for its food. As a major fishing
nation, fish is abundant and prepared with imagination. Try the tastes at
El Señorial —
you won’t regret it.
BEST FRUTTI DI MARE
Bellini Italian
Bistro
510 Ocean Drive,
Miami Beach
305-531-2100
To some, Bellini is
a famous Italian composer. To others, it’s a refreshing Italian
aperitivo. But to South Beach, it’s a modern Italian bistro in the
lobby of one of the most charming hotels on Ocean Drive. Bellini Bistro
offers a straight forward menu complemented by an enticing wine list to
satisfy anybody’s palate. Run with a cordial atmosphere by Diego Ucciferri,
Bellini Bistro accommodates guest in a cozy, modern setting with a
gorgeous patio for a more intimate dinner. Co-owner and Chef Matteo
Migliorini uses only the freshest ingredients, and delights diners with a
various selection of pastas and seafood to bring you, with every bite, the
feeling of Italian Riviera. Whether you are looking for a light snack
after the beach or a nice candlelit dinner, this is the place to go.
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT, CORAL GABLES
House of
India
22 Merrick Way,
Coral Gables
305-978-5861
www.houseofindiamiami.com
Many worldly diners consider Indian food one of the best and most diverse
in the world. At House of India in
Coral Gables,
guests are welcomed warmly and are in for one terrific night of dining
without any of the attitude they might find in other fine restaurants. The
fragrances of authentic Indian cooking are exotic, enticing and wonderful
to indulge in.
Beef, chicken, lamb
and seafood mixed with herbs and spices, saffron rice and distinctive
curries are just the start of the culinary journey that is House of India.
For more than 30 years, this has been one of the most authentic and
delicious Indian restaurants anywhere, and loyal repeat diners can attest
to this. Whether a fan of Indian food or trying it for the first time, the
House of India will take good care of you.
Best German Restaurant, MIAMI
Royal Bavarian
Schnitzel Haus
1085 N.E. 79th St.,
Miami
Phone:
305-754-8002
We wish to give you
and your yearning taste buds a big willkommen to the Royal Bavarian
Schnitzel Haus. This quaint restaurant, decorated in Bavarian blue and
white, offers authentic German cuisine, fine imported drafts and a variety
of bottled beers. House favorites include honey garlic brie with crusty
bread and an appetizer of escargots with spinach. Getting down to the
German classics, the Haus serves traditional sauerbraten, schnitzels and
strudels. For you carb-watchers, there’s a special section offering lower-carb
selections that don’t sacrifice the authentic German spice. So, come on by
the Haus and take a trip to Germany without leaving Miami.
BEST COLOMBIAN RESTAURANT, MIAMI BEACH
La Ventana
Restaurant
710 Washington Ave.,
CU-2, Miami
Beach
305-673-0912
www.laventanarestaurant.com
Although many
ethnicities and cultures are represented in Miami Beach restaurants,
Colombian food has not always been among those best shown off. La Ventana
has changed that by bringing to the city authentic Colombian flavors,
freshness and high quality, with warm and inviting service. And you don’t
have to be Colombian to enjoy it — La Ventana is a delight for all diners.
BEST TASTE OF CUBA, MIAMI BEACH
Sazon
Cuban Cuisine
7305 Collins Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-861-4727
There
are plenty of Cuban eateries in
South
Florida, ranging from cafés to take-out counters to elegant restaurants to
those offering experimental cuisine. Sazon offers authentic tastes of Cuba
in delicious, properly prepared dishes that offer something for anyone
with a hankering for real Cuban food. The atmosphere is friendly and
comfortable, but elegant enough for special occasions. Service is very
good, attracting a wide range of repeat and first-time diners. Sazon is
also affordably priced, which keeps those diners coming back again and
again.
BEST URUGUAYAN
RESTAURANT
El Rey del Chivito
(Chivito Inn)
6987 Collins Ave.,
Miami Beach
18120 Collins Ave.,
Sunny Isles Beach
305-864-5566
With the state of
education in the United States, many recent college graduates would
probably have a hard time locating Uruguay on a map. But plenty have found
their way to the two sites of El Rey del Chivito, the finest Uruguayan
restaurant in the city. Uruguayan transplants certainly appreciate the
specific tastes of home, but so do countless diners from other nations.
The chivito (a huge, delicious specialty sandwich not for the faint of
heart) is spectacular, but the menu also includes extensive parrillada
selections and other specialties. Everything is fresh and cooked to order,
and the owner has 29 years of experience. Judging from El Rey del Chivito,
Uruguayan might just be the next big thing.
BEST ARGENTINE RESTAURANT, SOUTH BEACH
Parrilla Liberty
609 Washington Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-532-7599
Argentine
restaurants remain strong draws in South Florida, though some feel the
trend toward them has slowed. Even if the latter is true, it certainly has
not hurt Parrilla Liberty. Prices are affordable for very high-quality,
perfectly prepared, Argentine-style steaks and other delectable flavors of
the culture. A friendly environment sets an ideal stage to enjoy real
quality with family, friends or that special someone — so long as he/she
enjoys eating well.
BEST FAJITAS & GUACAMOLE
Taco
Rico Tex-Mex Café
1608
Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305-673-0047
473
S. Dixie Highway, Coral Gables; 305-663-3200
It
used to be that only Coral Gables residents could enjoy the most
inexpensive and tastiest Southwestern food from Taco Rico. But now Miami
Beach locals get to indulge themselves too. Where else can you get a
delicious and filling fajita lunch for six bucks? Taco Rico offers
homemade chips with every meal, which you can dip into several different
freshly prepared salsas. And don’t miss out on Taco Rico’s guacamole. Its
popularity is second only to that of the specially grilled fajitas, which
are made with a very-hard-to-duplicate secret recipe.
BEST
MEDITERRANEAN FUSION RESTAURANT
La
Cofradia
160 Andalusia Ave.,
Coral Gables
305-914-1300
www.lacofradia.com
Living up to its
name, meaning warmth, friendship and belonging, La Cofradia embodies what
every restaurant should — exquisite cuisine, impeccable service and a
luxurious ambiance. Pampering guests since they opened in December 2005,
executive chef Jean Paul Desmaison imbues his menu with the harmonizing
flavors of the Mediterranean and techniques gleaned from his classical
training. Offered in a plush dining room by Miami’s most professional and
competent service team, signature dishes include eggplant carpaccio in a
lemon emulsion and slow-braised pork and grapes. A diverse wine list and
innovative cocktails deftly complement the stellar cuisine, while service
is friendly, attentive and refined, providing an experience that is
unparalleled, extraordinary and seamless.
BEST GRILL & KABOB RESTAURANT
Rice House of Kabob
1318 Alton Road, Miami Beach
305-531-0332
www.ricehouseofkabob.com
The Rice House is a
healthy alternative to fast food joints as it doesn’t have a fryer and all
dishes are made with natural products. The tasty perks of the Persian
empire withstood the test of time and the Rice House proves it. Just try
it once — you’ll be hooked.
BEST GREEK RESTAURANT, MIAMI BEACH
Ouzo’s Mediterranean
Bistro
1766 Bay Road, Miami
Beach
305-604-0008
www.ouzosmiamibeach.com
Authenticity reigns
at Ouzo’s Mediterranean Bistro, from the warm to the inviting interior to
the friendly staff to the stellar food. Ouzo’s specialties are
Mediterranean mezes (small plate) and fresh fish and seafood, but its meat
and vegetarian dishes are also popular. You can’t go wrong with Ouzo’s
hunger-inducing menu — the Greek salad is as succulent as the tender lamb.
Best Greek Restaurant, Surfside
The Greek Place
9489 Harding Ave.,
Surfside
305-866-9628
This is not some
“fast food” Greek dive. The Greek Place has been serving up homemade,
authentic Greek favorites for more than 13 years. Lunch is quick and easy
with gyros, spinach pie and fresh salads. However, you might want to slow
down for dinner. Flaming Saganaki and a glass of chilled Greek wine starts
off the evening, followed by fresh broiled snapper or tasty lamb chops and
any of the handmade desserts. Truly a traditional dining experience — Opa!
Location:
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT, MIAMI
Perricone’s Marketplace & Café
15 S.E. 10th St.,
Miami
305-374-9449
A rustic touch of
Italy on the outskirts of downtown? Yes! Perricone’s Marketplace & Café is
a relaxing getaway just steps from the stress-filled offices in Brickell
and downtown Miami. While the atmosphere conveys a quiet New England farm,
the food leans heavily toward Italy. From the antipasto to the perfectly
prepared gnocchi to the deli sandwiches, the flavors of Italy are hard to
miss. Perricone’s bakery whips up a delicious assortment of custom-made
cakes and other desserts suitable for any occasion. And don’t forget its
extensive wine selection, which varies weekly, or its menu of specialty
drinks and after-dinner cordials.
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT, NORTH BEACH
George’s Italian
Restaurant and Lounge
300 72nd St., Miami
Beach
305-864-5586
Popular with local
diners and in-the-know visitors, George’s Italian Restaurant and Lounge
built its reputation by being a family-owned restaurant that offers
high-quality food at more reasonable prices than lesser Italian
establishments. The friendly environment and familiar dishes with flair
help to make George’s a local favorite — the kind of place families,
couples or solo diners can enjoy again and again.
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT, HOLLYWOOD
Mama Mia Italian
Ristorante
1818 S. Young
Circle, Hollywood
954-923-0555
www.miagrill.com
Service, consistency
and environment all contribute to Mama Mia’s long time success, but it’s
the cuisine that keeps diners returning time and again. The menu is
impressive in size, scope and depth, featuring a host of options under
such categories as fresh pasta, pasta al dente, entrées, butcher shop,
seafood specialties and chef’s specials, as well as soups, salads,
sandwiches, pizzas and appetizers. It is a treasure map to a culinary
experience not to be forgotten. While one can find traditional dishes such
as chicken Parmigiana, fettuccine Alfredo, veal marsala, skirt steak,
shrimp scampi and steak pizzaiola, the restaurant also offers such finds
as New York strip, rib-eye Provenzala, red snapper oreganato, pan-roasted
sea bass and provoni veal osso-bucco. Plus, regular specials keep even the
most frequent diners coming back to see what’s next.
BEST TUSCAN FOOD
Da Leo Trattoria
819 Lincoln Road,
Miami Beach
305-298-7069
The oldest
restaurant on Lincoln Road keeps going strong, and locals know why: It’s
simply one of South Beach’s best Italian restaurants, specializing in
authentic Tuscan cuisine. As a testament to its authenticity, the original
Da Leo in Lucca, Italy, has been around for 100 years. Try it out for
yourself — and you will keep coming back. Da Leo, at the heart of Lincoln
Road, is the kind of comfortable, friendly restaurant where it’s easy to
enjoy an entire evening of food, wine and conversation.
BEST NORTHERN ITALIAN
Grazie
Italian Cuisine
701
Washington Ave., Miami Beach
305-673-1312
www.graziesouthbeach.com
Every
evening at Grazie Restaurant, chefs prepare authentic, unique Italian
meals that remind the palate of what really good food tastes like. The
delightful culinary experience begins with Grazie’s pesto sauce to
accompany its warm Italian bread, followed by a wide selection of soups
and salads to prep your belly for ultimate satisfaction. The restaurant’s
signature bisque (homemade Maine lobster with lobster tail) is highly
regarded. Any item off the menu is delicious; however, the Fettucine Neri
Con Gamberi (black fettucine pasta with shrimp in a white saffron cream
sauce) is a classic representation of the restaurant’s upscale, yet
comfortable atmosphere and food selection.
BEST INEXPENSIVE ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Luna Café
4770 Biscayne Blvd.
(in the Wachovia Bank Building), Miami
305-573-5862
In the past few
years, Luna Café has become a Biscayne Corridor favorite and standard,
frequented by local business people and repeat diners from the nearby
residential enclaves. It’s a friendly neighborhood restaurant with a focus
on fresh, inexpensive Italian cuisine served in a comfortable environment.
Tasty and unpretentious, Luna Café is one of the true success stories of
the region, and it finds new ways to improve year after year.
BEST ITALIAN RED SAUCE
Presto Pizza
332 Lincoln Road,
Miami Beach
305-531-5454
Presto Pizza makes
everything from scratch daily, always using the freshest ingredients.
Whether it’s lasagna, meatballs, dough or sauce, the quality shows. In
just two years, it’s become one of the most popular pizzerias and
trattorias in South Beach.
BEST PIZZA BY THE SLICE
Gino’s Pizza
731 Washington Ave.,
Miami Beach
786-385-2355
This New York-style
pizza, with its humongous slices, is sure to cure anyone’s hunger. We’re
pretty sure no one can eat an entire XL pizza by himself. Remember, when
you eat a slice of Gino’s pizza, you’ll need both hands, ’cuz that’s how
they do it in New York.
Best $5 PIZZA Deal
Pizzazz Pizza
18660 Collins Ave.,
Sunny Isles Beach
305-935-6200
Pizzazz Pizza offers
authentic New York-style pizza and a selection of paninis, subs, salads
and classic Italian dishes. With a coupon, diners can receive $5 off any
purchase of $5 or more, excluding tax. The special can’t be combined with
any other special offerat this cash only and eat-in only pizza joint. It
offers café-style seating, take-out and delivery to Sunny Isles Beach,
Aventura, Eastern Shores and Golden Beach.
BEST GOURMET FRENCH PIZZA
La Boîte á Pizza
1679 Alton Road,
Miami Beach
305-531-1900
www.laboiteapizza.com
With more than 20 years of experience, La Boîte á Pizza offers a unique
blend of ingredients and a new way to experience pizza. With such specials
as Walnut Brie, Smoked Salmon, Truffle Salmon and Baby Scallops, Duck and
Porcini Mushrooms, and Honey and Goat Cheese pizzas — there is no pizza
like La Boîte á Pizza.
BEST NEW YORK-STYLE PIZZA
Jerry’s Famous Deli
1450 Collins Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-532-8030
www.jerrysfamousdeli.com
A lot of pizzerias
and restaurants claim to be purveyors of real, New York-style pizza, yet
most of them are either unaware of what it takes to craft the real thing
or don’t really care. Jerry’s Deli knows how to bake the authentic,
delectable, thin-crust delight that is the lifeblood of New Yorkers and
anyone else who has fallen in love with city’s classic fare. The landmark
deli cares about each and every slice of each and every pie and each and
every loyal diner.
BEST COMBINATION GOURMET PIZZA & ARGENTINE BBQ
Que Pizza
1701 W. Flagler St.,
Miami
305-751-7119
An unusual but
delicious combination of cuisine, Que Pizza cleverly offers diners gourmet
pizzas and authentic Argentine barbecue. The pizzas are handmade with
savory, crispy homemade crust and the very best mozzarella cheese. Que
Pizza’s BBQ uses the finest meats, delicately prepared with an authentic
Argentine barbecue grill and cooked to perfection, leaving the meat juicy
and tasteful.
BEST JAPANESE & THAI, AVENTURA
Fuji
Hana
18757
Biscayne Blvd., Aventura
305-932-8080
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 roll tempura or the
pad Thai, and you will go home happy. For a healthy and tasty choice, try
any of the 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.
BEST SUSHI, HOLLYWOOD
Sushi Room
1810 S. Young
Circle, Hollywood
954-9222-1103
www.sushiroom.com
Deliciously clever
in taste, preparation and presentation with truly unique flourishes, Sushi
Room is where sushi meets fine dining. It’s a regular destination in the
buzzing downtown Hollywood area and is supported by a host of regular
diners who come for the upscale elegance, well-trained sushi chefs and the
absolute freshest ingredients. It offers a wide variety of sakes and is
open late with live DJs on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.
BEST SUSHI ON A BUDGET
Hiro’s Sushi Express
1518 Washington
Ave., Miami Beach
305-531-6068
www.sushiexpress.com
Since Hiro’s opened
on South Beach, many aficionados have discovered the restaurant’s quality
and value. Today, many of those fans routinely rely on Hiro’s Sushi
Express for fresh, healthy and convenient meals. Customers can order
online, via phone or fax, and have quality lunch, dinner or party platters
delivered or picked up. The easily accessed online menu offers tremendous
variety and makes ordering easy, with photos and descriptions of
combination dishes and platters. And Hiro’s prices are terrific.
BEST HIBACHI RESTAURANT
Soo-Woo Japanese
Steakhouse
9753 N.W. 41st St.,
Doral
305-477-4477
www.thesoowoo.com
Serving only
certified Angus beef, Soo-Woo Japanese Steakhouse offers exceptional
steaks perfectly prepared. Terrific service and regular entertainment make
for an overall quality dining experience.
BEST NEW SUSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Abokado
900 S. Miami Ave.,
Miami
305-347-3700
www.abokadosushi.com
The menu at this new
restaurant, which opened in Mary Brickell Village in February,
incorporates and respects the distinctive character and essence of the
cuisines and cultures represented on its menu. Its Latin-Japanese fusion
includes a selection of cebiches, tiraditos and
estiraditos, salads, nigiri, sashimi and signature entrées. Rolls and
hand rolls evolve way beyond the norm, featuring the freshest gourmet
ingredients available. An outstanding wine list, specialty cocktails,
beers and extensive sake offerings complement the menu. The Vines and
Earth wine list features white and red selections, champagnes, sparkling
wines and dessert wines from Argentina, Canada, Chile, France, Italy,
Germany, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and the United States. Its premium
Rice and Plum sake list includes hot and cold options in 4-, 7-, 8-ounce
and 750-ml. bottles.
Abokado’s full bar
also features numerous specialty cocktails.
BEST CHINESE SUSHI RESTAURANT
Yummy Chinese &
Sushi Bar
1671 Alton Road,
Miami Beach
305-531-1880
A genuinely pleasant
atmosphere permeates Yummy Chinese & Sushi Bar, setting the stage for a
pleasant dining experience. But the combination of excellent Chinese food
and sushi made from the freshest of fish engenders loyal repeat diners and
consistently attracts new ones.
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT, SOUTH MIAMI
New
Chinatown
5958
S. Dixie Highway, South Miami
305-662-5650
In
Miami, Chinese restaurants are a dime a dozen, and some even offer mixed
ethnic influences on their menus, with fried plantains and other side
items. Others, like New Chinatown in South Miami, keep it real. Fresh,
natural ingredients are used in all the Chinese staples, such as won ton
soup, special fried rice and Peking duck. Even the fried stuff is not
greasy. New Chinatown, in business more than 20 years, offers an extensive
menu with items from China’s most popular cuisines — Mandarin, Cantonese
and Szechwan.
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
East Ocean Chinese
Restaurant (formerly Yeung’s Chinese Restaurant)
325 71st St., Miami
Beach
305-865-8000
There is nothing
wrong with eating in at this very good Chinese restaurant. Its extensive
and varied menu offers traditional and specialty selections, and the
service is friendly and helpful. But take-out is terrific at East Ocean —
speedy and prepared fresh — with particularly good soups, too.
BEST NEW ASIAN RESTAURANT
Kung Fu Sushi
Catalina Hotel &
Beach Club, 1732 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
305-534-7905
www.catalinahotel.com/spylounge.htm
In a modern,
handsome dining room with touches of elegance and signature Asian designs,
diners at Kung Fu Sushi discover an eclectic mix of sushi and of Asian
foods. The menu offers everything from sea bass to Japanese red snapper
rolls and numerous selections in between to please virtually any palate.
Signature sake cocktails, such as the Tokyo Rose or Japanese Jade, work
with the excellent food and scenic dining room to craft an overall
pleasant dining experience.
BEST GOURMET TAKE-OUT
The Boutique
Kitchen
6815 Biscayne
Blvd., Miami
305-756-0089
People who live near
and commute on this stretch of Biscayne Boulevard love this little touch
of the gourmet. Fresh food prepared by a top Miami chef makes for
considerably better and more creative take-out than many might think
available. Terrific food buoyed by a good variety and the ultimate in
freshness makes for a delicious and convenient stop whenever you’re in the
area.
BEST EARLY BIRD DINNER
Mama Jennie’s
Italian Restaurant
11720 N.E. Second
Ave., Miami
305-757-3627
www.mamajennies.com
This neighborhood
Italian restaurant is a North Miami-Dade landmark. Generations of local
residents have grown up enjoying the affordable, home-style cooking either
in the friendly and well-serviced dining room, as take-out, as delivery or
at countless catered events. The prevalence of chain restaurants has only
buoyed appreciation for Mama Jennie’s. Fresh, well-prepared Italian
staples and specialties abound. Mama Jennie’s early bird is particularly
appreciated, with a tremendous variety of options that all include
dessert.
BEST FAMILY DINING
Scorch
Grill House & Wine Bar
13750
Biscayne Blvd., North Miami
305-949-5588
Scorch’s menu offers great variety, making it amenable to everyone,
particularly to groups with disparate tastes and families. It serves
home-style dishes made from scratch using the freshest, highest quality
ingredients. It’s got lots of steaks, chops and specials to choose from,
including a 10-ounce burger cooked to order, poultry, fish, pastas, salads
and a wide variety of sides and salads. Scorch also offers a kids’ menu
sure to have the little ones licking their chops — and giving their
parents a break to enjoy very good food.
Best New Paella Special
El Carajo
International Tapas and Wines
2465
S.W. 17th Ave., Miami
Phone:
305-856-2424
Website:
www.elcarajointernationaltapasandwines.com
Don’t be fooled by
its location in the back of a working gas station. El Carajo International
Tapas and Wines is delicious, and it’s favored by many for its authentic
tapas and wines and irresistible take-out special. El Carajo now offers an
$8 paella take-out — an incomparable price for the flavors of Spain in one
world-class dish. For aficionados, it’s a must-try; for the uninitiated,
it’s a great new experience.
BEST BREAKFAST
Jerry’s Famous Deli
1450 Collins Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-532-8030
www.jerrysfamousdeli.com
Sure, sometimes a
piece of fruit qualifies as breakfast. Sometimes we can even convince
ourselves that a cup of coffee qualifies. But, seriously, sometimes you
want a real, fresh, made-to-order breakfast with more options than you’d
find at any other local diner. That’s why Jerry’s Deli is the place
for breakfast in Miami Beach. It’s always buzzing and always friendly at
this world-class deli. Breakfasts range from delicious deli delights to
diner classics, and from super healthy to terrifically decadent. Baked
goods are out of this world, portions are outstanding, prices are totally
reasonable and it is always a fun environment.
Best Breakfast BAGELS
Mo’s
Bagels & Deli
2780
N.E. 187th St., Aventura
19575 Biscayne
Blvd., Aventura
Northeast Miami-Dade residents know that Mo’s Bagel & Deli is the place
for breakfast in Aventura. The area’s best bagels are only the starting
point for a vast and diverse menu that includes virtually anything a
hungry diner could want. Portions are huge, everything is freshly made,
prices are extremely reasonable and a friendly, family environment makes
for a fun dining experience. Mo’s recently opened Mimi-Mo’s at Aventura
Mall with the same great food. Plus, it also offers New York-style
catering with no attitude and plenty of options.
BEST DELI
Jerry’s Famous Deli
1450 Collins Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-532-8030
www.jerrysfamousdeli.com
It isn’t as easy to
find real, authentic deli dining as it used to be, so thank goodness for
the arrival a few years ago of Jerry’s Deli. This cavernous, comfortable,
honest-to-goodness 24-hour deli is a home away from home for deli
aficionados and those who just plain enjoy good eats, great portions and
good prices in a friendly environment. The menu is extensive, with
everything one would find in the best delis in New York. It also happens
to be one of the most popular eateries in town.
BEST 24-HOUR RESTAURANT
Jerry’s Famous Deli
1450 Collins Ave.,
Miami Beach
305-532-8030
www.jerrysfamousdeli.com
There are
restaurants that are good for one particular meal or at particular time of
day. Then there are those that offer scores of delicious options 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. In Miami Beach, that place is Jerry’s Deli, and
it has a huge and loyal following to prove it. From regular breakfast
eaters to lunch, dinner and late-night diners looking for fresh,
made-to-order meals, they all come to Jerry’s for its vast array of menu
selections, great portions and good prices day and night. Miami Beach is
just a little brighter — and tasteful — thanks to Jerry’s.
Best Quick and Healthy BiteS
La Sandwicherie
229 14th St., Miami
Beach
Phone:
305-532-8934
Website:
www.lasandwicherie.com
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. The
ownership credits the simplicity of the menu as the main draw, what has
attracted actors, sports figures and party-goers of all ages throughout
the years. All are bienvenue to grab a seat along the counter.
Location:
BEST NEW CHICKEN-ON-THE-GRILL CONCEPT
PIRI PIRI Gourmet
Grill
9517 Harding Ave.,
Surfside
305-861-6886
This is the hottest
Chicken rave in town. Incorporating the Piri Piri Pepper from South Africa
into its original and unique dishes makes for a terrific taste. It offers
whole and half Piri Piri chickens, racks of ribs and the signature Bakkie
— an on-the-go meal served in a cup stacked with wild rice and topped with
Piri Piri chicken, steak, salmon, harvest veggie burger or shrimp. It also
has its own specialty sauces for dipping. To top it all off, the staff is
as fun and accommodating as the restaurant itself. Oh, it also offers a
down-home breakfast menu, wraps, burgers and catering.
Best Chicken Chain
Pollo Tropical
Various locations
Website:
www.pollotropical.com
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 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.
Everything is made from scratch, and served quickly at great prices.
BEST SALAD, MIAMI
Saladworks
255 S.W. 8th St., Miami
305-856-9445
www.saladworks.com
A
fusion of healthy menu items and passionate, unmatched customer service
define the experience every guest will have at the Brickell Saladworks in
Miami’s Village Portico Shopping Center.
It features a variety of signature salads, soups and panini’s. Signature
salads include the Bently, with iceberg and romaine lettuce, chopped eggs,
tomatoes, ham, provolone cheese and roasted turkey; Fire Roasted Fiesta,
with fire-roasted corn, black beans, chicken breast, tomatoes, cheddar
cheese and tortilla strips; Mandarin Chicken, with a spring mix, chicken
breast, mandarin oranges, cucumbers, carrots, craisins and chow mein
noodles; and Niçoise, with iceberg and romaine lettuce, pasta, tuna,
tomatoes, chopped eggs and black olives.
BEST HEALTHY CUISINE
Pasha’s
3801 N. Miami
Avenue, Miami
305-572-1150
www.pashas.com
Healthy, yummy and
in your tummy! Pasha’s serves some of the best Mediterranean dishes with
absolutely no preservatives, no additives, no transfats and definitely no
MSG. The kebabs rock, the hummus is truly delectable and the freshly
squeezed juices always refresh. Foods are portion-controlled to be most
optimal to your health and they use the best and freshest ingredients. And
the menu is endorsed by various medical facilities, nutritionists, health
facilities and nutritionists who direct their clients to Pasha’s quality
food. There are seven locations throughout South Florida. Do your heart a
favor and check it out!
BEST
VALUE GOURMET MEAL
Pizza
Rustica
667
Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
305-535-8882
The
cost of food may have gone up, but those fun and food-loving folks at
Pizza Rustica have found a way to continue serving the highest quality
ingredients on their pizzas. The Rustica gang has been reinventing the art
of pizza-making on South Beach for more than 11 years. With atypical
toppings such as bleu cheese, arugula and porcini mushrooms, the oversized
Roman-style pizzas aren’t just uniquely delicious — they’re an entire
gourmet meal. At less than five bucks a slice, this is one of the best
satisfying meal deals on Lincoln Road. If you’re in the mood for salad,
just grab a menu and check off the ingredients you want from the
fabulously extensive list of options. You can choose as many vegetables as
you’d like, one kind of meat, cheese and a dressing. Minutes later, the
good folks at Rustica will have your meal-sized salad ready to eat — all
for less than seven bucks.
BEST FALAFEL
Lemon
Fizz
16310 W. Dixie
Highway, North Miami Beach
305-949-6599
www.lemon-fizz.com
A good falafel is a work
of art, which is exactly the approach taken by the folks at Lemon Fizz in
North Miami Beach.
They make
their falafels fresh every day using seven different spices, and ground
with cilantro, parsley, onions and garlic. Then they flash fry the
falafels upon order, so they come out hot and fresh every time. Die-hard
fans will be delighted, and falafel newcomers will be hooked for life.
BEST FOCACCIA
Mattarello Bakery
Café
1450 Washington Ave., Miami Beach
305-532-9010
www.mattarellobakery.com
Loyal guests say
Mattarello Bakery Café makes the best focaccia in town. They do a variety
of flavors from rosemary and sea salt, zucchini, potato and onion, tomato
and basil to their homemade Italian doughnuts. Don’t miss Mattarello’s
best sandwich, the parma cotto and fontina panini.
BEST BAGELS
Big Al’s Bagels
830 Fifth St., Miami
Beach
305-673-4811
Big Al’s bagels are
made fresh, every morning, starting at 4 am. With so many flavors and
spices, your senses will go crazy trying to choose the one you want. So
try them all! Sandwiches always taste better on one of Big Al’s bagels.
You might want to try their fresh salads and soups as well.
BEST BLACK ANGUS
STEAK SUB
Quiznos Subs
1330 Alton Road,
Miami Beach
305-535-6292
www.quiznos.com
Top-quality Black
Angus beef highlights one of the most popular subs in the entire city.
It’s so good, you’ll forever forget about lesser sandwiches or dreaded
fast food. Quiznos has a wide variety of other options too, but many who
try this specialty sub won’t settle for anything less.
BEST BIG SUB
The
Blimpie Best
Blimpie, 1523
Alton Road, Miami Beach
305-673-1667
www.blimpie.com
The Blimpie Best is
a classic, made with fresh sliced meats — including 96 percent fat-free
ham, deli-fresh hard salami, red-peppered cappacola ham and black-peppered
prosciuttini ham — and delicious provolone cheese in bigger portions than
the competition served on your choice of fresh-baked bread (Italian, whole
wheat grain, zesty parmesan, honey oat wheat, jalapeno and cheddar, poppy
seed, sesame seed or cheese). It is then grilled and dressed with
tomatoes, lettuce, onions, green peppers, sweet peppers, a few jalapeños,
vinegar, oil, oregano and chipotle mayonnaise. But remember, it’s more
than a mouthful.
BEST AFTERNOON BREAK
The Pineapple
Blossom Tea Room
8214
Biscayne Blvd., Miami
305-754 8328
On the go all the
time with little time to think outside the horrid cardboard box for lunch?
Then consider The Pineapple Blossom Tea Room. Take a break and enjoy
classic afternoon tea service in a cozy and charming atmosphere, with
fresh, healthy, made-to-order lunch wraps and terrific salads. The Tea
Room has a strong commitment to staying seasonal, incorporating the
flavors of Latin America and the Caribbean. Its desserts are also highly
prized.
BEST CUPCAKES AND CAKES
Heavenly Cupcakes
700 90 St., Surfside
305-864-9822,
786-488-9851
www.iloveheavenlycupcakes.com
Miami-based Heavenly Cupcakes creates special, fabulous designs that
shoppers can peruse on the company’s Web site if they don’t feel driving
there. The folks at this bakery hand-decorate every single cupcake and
specialize in creating gorgeous treats using the owner’s mother’s secret
recipe, which they have used to create multiple variations, including the
crowd-pleasing dulce de leche. Its motto is “from simple elegance to
over-the-top whimsical, you dream it, we create it.” Once you see images
of
their creations, you’ll understand what they mean.
BEST MOUSSE
Karlo’s Bakery
1242
Coral Way, Miami
305-858-1080
Sure,
Karlo’s has daily lunch specials, fresh bread baked daily, cakes, coffees,
sandwiches, quiches, tortillas, empanadas and croquettes. But its owners
are especially proud of their yummy, creamy, delicious mousses. And
there’s a huge variety to choose from. 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, and orange and passion fruit, to
name a few. They even serve up combinations of chocolate mousse with the
aforementioned flavors. When your sweet tooth starts acting up, get up and
go.
BEST GELATO STORE
La
Gelateria
670 Lincoln Road,
Miami Beach
786-276-9475
These talented
gelato geniuses make gelato in multiple flavors, 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,
the sorbet is fat-free and delicious.
BEST FROZEN YOGURT
Blissberry Yogurt
Bar
1650 Alton Road,
Miami Beach
786-623-5664
www.blissberryyogurtbar.com
Blissberry has taken
the Beach by storm with its delicious, refreshing, tart, fat-free yogurt.
The taste is so amazing, it’s been called addictive. You know they’re
doing something right when celebrities like Magic Johnson are hanging out
there and calling it the number one frozen yogurt in South Beach. Not only
can you enjoy a frozen yogurt with the freshest fruits, an all-natural
smoothie or a moist cupcake in a great atmosphere, there’s also free Wi-Fi.
BEST SMOOTHIE
Smoothie King
1525 Alton Road,
Miami Beach
305-672-6595
www.smoothieking.com
It takes real
experts committed to the craft to create delicious, healthy, virtual meals
on the go. Smoothie King has a large menu of smoothies that are the most
delicious, functional and convenient around. Taste the difference!
BEST ENTRÉE AND DESSERT CRÊPES
CrepeMaker
76 Miracle Mile,
Coral Gables
305-648-3291
www.crepemaker.com
All of CrepeMaker’s
crepes are light and delicious, spun fresh to order. The raspberry chicken
entrée crêpe begins with a slightly crispy, golden crêpe, filled with
tasty marinated chicken breast, melted cheddar and jack cheeses,
vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh baby leaf spinach, topped with raspberry
preserves and walnut pieces. The sophisticated “to die for” dessert crêpe
is filled with a slice of New York cheesecake and topped with freshly
sliced bananas, sweet strawberries, a drizzle of Nutella and real whipped
cream. The crepes are healthy alternatives to fast food — they’re made
with fresh produce, have zero trans fat and can be customized to fit any
dietary request. CrepeMaker also serves specialty drinks and coffees,
delicious soups and fresh salads. Yummy.
BEST SWEETS SHOP
Stella’s Sweet
Shoppe
305-479-9098
www.stellassweetshoppe.com
Stella’s Sweet
Shoppe offers the best-tasting custom-ordered cupcakes and other treats.
One bite will out a smile on your face and sweeten your day. Who couldn’t
use that?
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